HDMI Switcher and HDCP bypass?

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Logan Jones
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HDMI Switcher and HDCP bypass?

Post by Logan Jones »

I have a PS3, Xbox 360, and a PS4 all wired up to output HDMI, but I desire to have them all hooked up to a single gaming monitor. I found out that my PS4 has HDCP, which blocks me from duplicating or transforming the signal (if I'm not mistaken).

I simply desire to hook up multiple game consoles to one monitor. I've heard of powered HDMI switchers that strip the HDCP, but what does the power have to do with it?

Is there a reliable HDMI switcher plus HDCP stripper setup you guys have?
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DirkSwizzler
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Re: HDMI Switcher and HDCP bypass?

Post by DirkSwizzler »

Logan Jones wrote:Is there a reliable HDMI...
Nothing about HDMI is reliable. It's freaking voodoo.

That being said. I don't think HDCP prevents using a switch. Just a splitter.

Power isn't directly tied to HDCP stripping. But the circuitry to do the stripping is going to require some amount of power. And the forwarded signal is also supposed to have power as well. So in general, it's safer for active circuitry to require power to avoid strain on the original source's power supply. Because who knows how many devices are in the chain.
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Steamflogger Boss
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Re: HDMI Switcher and HDCP bypass?

Post by Steamflogger Boss »

You are completely fine to use a switch.
Logan Jones
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Re: HDMI Switcher and HDCP bypass?

Post by Logan Jones »

Steamflogger Boss wrote:You are completely fine to use a switch.
Does that mean I can hook up my PS4 and other systems to a monitor through virtually any switcher?
nmalinoski
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Re: HDMI Switcher and HDCP bypass?

Post by nmalinoski »

HDCP is not going to interfere with using an HDMI switch; really it's whether or not your display can handle it. That said, if you wanted to simultaneously capture footage, you could put a cheap splitter between the switch and your monitor, which, depending on which splitter you get (it's not an advertised feature), will strip out HDCP.
Logan Jones
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Re: HDMI Switcher and HDCP bypass?

Post by Logan Jones »

nmalinoski wrote:HDCP is not going to interfere with using an HDMI switch; really it's whether or not your display can handle it. That said, if you wanted to simultaneously capture footage, you could put a cheap splitter between the switch and your monitor, which, depending on which splitter you get (it's not an advertised feature), will strip out HDCP.
Interesting! Thanks!
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Steamflogger Boss
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Re: HDMI Switcher and HDCP bypass?

Post by Steamflogger Boss »

Logan Jones wrote:
Steamflogger Boss wrote:You are completely fine to use a switch.
Does that mean I can hook up my PS4 and other systems to a monitor through virtually any switcher?
I know that what I use with my PS4 and other HDMI consoles is not stripping HDCP but it's not like I've used a bunch of switches.
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Austin
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Re: HDMI Switcher and HDCP bypass?

Post by Austin »

Something else to keep in mind is that if you are lazy and don't want to buy another box, you can disable HDCP in the PS4's system settings. This is useful for anyone capturing gameplay footage from it. You'll need to turn it back on for streaming video services and things like that.
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Shelcoof
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Re: HDMI Switcher and HDCP bypass?

Post by Shelcoof »

I'm able to use a splitter and a switch with my PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Wii U

Here is what I use to switch my connection

13.50$ CAD
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B06XGB ... UTF8&psc=1

Note: Must be connected to an HDMI Monitor to work. You can not use it to connect to a VGA monitor via an HDMI to VGA converter. The switcher needs to draw power from the HDMI input.

and here is what I use to split my connection

20$ CAD
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00LM4 ... UTF8&psc=1

at the time of purchase 14$ CAD
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B073J2 ... UTF8&psc=1

You can also combine the two as well. I connect the switcher to the splitter allowing me to game on my HDTV and my Gaming Monitor.
Ikaruga11
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Re: HDMI Switcher and HDCP bypass?

Post by Ikaruga11 »

The PS4's HDCP has been optional for quite a while now. You can turn it off for games, but for streaming apps it's required to be on to use.
The PS3 still has HDCP on everything which can't be disabled unless you jailbreak the system and force it off.
The Wii U doesn't have HDCP.
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Shelcoof
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Re: HDMI Switcher and HDCP bypass?

Post by Shelcoof »

Or you can use an HDMI splitter to strip HDCP

Gets annoying to turn it on and off again
Also a better solution for the ps3
Ikaruga11
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Re: HDMI Switcher and HDCP bypass?

Post by Ikaruga11 »

Shelcoof wrote:Or you can use an HDMI splitter to strip HDCP

Gets annoying to turn it on and off again
Also a better solution for the ps3
No. If you disable the HDCP on the PS3 and PS4 through HomeBrew, then you don't even need a splitter.
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Shelcoof
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Re: HDMI Switcher and HDCP bypass?

Post by Shelcoof »

GeneraLight wrote:
Shelcoof wrote:Or you can use an HDMI splitter to strip HDCP

Gets annoying to turn it on and off again
Also a better solution for the ps3
No. If you disable the HDCP on the PS3 and PS4 through HomeBrew, then you don't even need a splitter.
Not everyone has custom firmware on their PS3 or PS4.

Especially the PS3 needing specific models to install CFW.
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DirkSwizzler
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Re: HDMI Switcher and HDCP bypass?

Post by DirkSwizzler »

He has a point though that if you can remove the splitter you're better off.

I've got a graveyard of HDMI switchers, splitters, audio extractors, & repeaters because the compatibility matrix is completely opaque and nonsensical.
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