HDMI

Jim wants to run both DirecTV and Time Warner Cable off the same TV. Leo says he can do it via the HDMI ports on the back of the TV. Then he can just switch from one source to the other. But he'll need a separate cable for it. Can he do it wirelessly? Leo says that wireless HDTV is a difficult thing. It's always best to go wired through HDMI.

Derek runs fiber optic cable from his receiver to his TV, and he's wondering if that's better than HDMI? Leo says they're identical in terms of quality over a short throw. Receivers have a delay capability for audio which can sync with the video. He just has to look in the settings of his receiver.

Bob is replacing a PC laptop and docking station with a 13" Mac Pro with Retina. He needs docking stations on both ends with external monitors and network connections. Leo says that Apple doesn't do docking stations anymore. Thunderbolt monitors will handle the external part with connectors for keyboards and monitors. All he'll need to do is plug it in. He won't even have to open the MacBook Pro.

Bob is retired and bought a Vizio TV, but he's a bit confused by all the ports in the back. Leo says that there's an Internet port for accessing the smart functionality, but he can also connect via Wi-Fi. The HDMI port is the port he'll want to use to connect the TV to his cable box. That's really all he needs!

Matt just bought a new Samsung Plasma 3D TV with surround sound. The TV isn't working with the surround sound, though. Leo says Matt has to have the ARC Audio return channel. It'll be designated on the side of the TV, and it may not be on HDMI input 1. It probably is input 2. He doesn't really need a special cable, he just needs to enable it. He should look for ARC on the TV itself. Another way is to connect the speakers with optical cables.

John wants to show video on two separate screens using an HDMI splitter, but it won't work. Leo says HDMI splitters are frustrating. Leo says that they often don't work and when they do, they likely only work with one screen, rendering it pointless. Leo suspects his problem is due to copy protection called HDCP, and if it's not HDCP compliant, it won't work.

Gary has a 3rd Generation Apple TV, but he doesn't have an HDTV with an HDMI connection. Leo says that Gary can get an HDMI to component adapter. Leo advises checking MonoPrice.com.

There's a converter from Gefen, and the KanexPro. It's not cheap, and he will lose some quality. That's why Leo says it might be time to get a new HDTV. A Vizio TV would be affordable and has HDMI.

Mike is using an HDFlow wireless HDMI connection. Leo says that is pretty bleeding edge and wireless is pretty tough with HDMI. Hardwire is much better for carrying that much digital data.