I need to attach another HDMI to my Samsung TV?

MikeMoss

SatelliteGuys Family
Jul 15, 2009
90
22
Ada, MI
Hi

I just got this streaming box from Comcast, which now comes free with my internet connection.

The problem is that my Samsung Smart TV only has two HDMI ports on the back.

One is used by Dish, and the other is used by Comcast for my connection from my TV to my internet.
Can I use an HDMI Splitter, or should I use an HDMI to USB adapter to one of several USB connectors on the TV, to add the streaming box?

My old TV had 4 or 5 HDMI inputs, but this one only has two.

That's my question.

Mike
 

4d3fect

SatelliteGuys Guru
Sep 1, 2011
130
42
central Cali
Can you ask Comcast for a splitter? That's something you think they'd anticipate if they're supplying the box?

-Also, thanks for reminding me--I'm shopping for a new TV and will need one with 3 or 4 inputs for sure.
 
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MikeMoss

SatelliteGuys Family
Jul 15, 2009
90
22
Ada, MI
I don't mind buying the splitter, can I just spit it off from the USB that already has Comcast and not affect the performance of the two signals connected to it?
I can select HDMI 2 /DVI on the TV, the internet connection seems to just work without having to select that input.

Yeah, I wasn't even thinking about how many inputs it has, my old TV had all kinds of inputs on the back. I just assumed this one would too.
 
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llokey

SatelliteGuys Pro
Pub Member / Supporter
Oct 11, 2005
227
290
Hi

I just got this streaming box from Comcast, which now comes free with my internet connection.

The problem is that my Samsung Smart TV only has two HDMI ports on the back.

One is used by Dish, and the other is used by Comcast for my connection from my TV to my internet.
Can I use an HDMI Splitter, or should I use an HDMI to USB adapter to one of several USB connectors on the TV, to add the streaming box?

My old TV had 4 or 5 HDMI inputs, but this one only has two.

That's my question.

Mike
I don't see how a splitter would work. A splitter splits the output signal to multiple inputs. Seems like you need an HDMI switch unless Comcast has a solution.
 

TheKrell

A mighty and noble race originating on Altair IV.
Pub Member / Supporter
Jan 4, 2007
39,087
47,113
Fairfax, VA

primestar31

SatelliteGuys Master
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Lifetime Supporter
Mar 15, 2005
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Hi

I just got this streaming box from Comcast, which now comes free with my internet connection.

The problem is that my Samsung Smart TV only has two HDMI ports on the back.

One is used by Dish, and the other is used by Comcast for my connection from my TV to my internet.
Can I use an HDMI Splitter, or should I use an HDMI to USB adapter to one of several USB connectors on the TV, to add the streaming box?

My old TV had 4 or 5 HDMI inputs, but this one only has two.

That's my question.

Mike
This switch works perfectly, and IF you use certified 4k cables, will go to 4k60 with no issues.
Amazon product ASIN B0837K31GX
View: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0837K31GX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
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MikeMoss

SatelliteGuys Family
Jul 15, 2009
90
22
Ada, MI
I think you may have found the solution.

I unplugged the cable that is marked as coming from Comcast, but I think maybe it's from my computer.
Everything still worked, including my internet connection with it unplugged. I don't use my monitor with my computer anymore, so I can just get rid of it and plug the streaming device in there.

I just figured out that a splitter sends one signal to two TVs, but not two different signals to one TV.

At least, I'll give it a try.

I'll let you know if that works.

That was it, the Comcast cable isn't needed, it was able to unplug in and plug the streaming box into that connector. It's on right now. The only problem is that the picture is bigger than my screen and I can't find any way to access the setting to get into it.

When it said that it had configured it to fit my screen when it wasn't showing anything and I said OK, not I need to get back to that point.

Well, I'll have to figure that out, buy at least it's working. Maybe I can configure that through the TV.
 

TheKrell

A mighty and noble race originating on Altair IV.
Pub Member / Supporter
Jan 4, 2007
39,087
47,113
Fairfax, VA
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Yespage

SatelliteGuys Master
Pub Member / Supporter
Feb 27, 2010
18,012
18,509
Ohio
Well, I thought it cost me less than $10, but I see the price has gone up. Either that or my memory is failing.

Amazon product ASIN B0049SCB2Y
View: https://www.amazon.com/Kinivo-501BN-5-Port-Wireless-Adapter/dp/B0049SCB2Y
This is an automated switch.
 
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arlo

SatelliteGuys Pro
Dec 4, 2016
1,436
976
North Eastern
Hey. If it's getting more sources into the TV then the auto-switch works well.
But look out if you don't put the other sources, in the case of a the monoprice switch, to sleep first.
I would say first though. Skim right over the HDMI to USB adapter ploy. Unless perhaps they are USB-C or display ports. What model of TV? Always important to know these things?

I find that with the 2 different branded ones I have here. That pressing the selector button switches to the intended input. Then switches to another source by itself. A "dominant" source??
I don't know. TV, a good quality recent pc monitor. Same thing. Want to watch input 3, it will then switches to 1 or 2 all by itself. Of course when the other 2 sources. Lets say Fire TV, Roku (which don't have actual sleep or off functions) and sat receiver being the intended source is selected.
It's a crap shoot who actually gets put on the display. At least for me.

Quaint as it may be. A manual HDMI switch may actually work better.
If it's needing more Ethernet ports. Clarify that one. That's kinda' easy.
With 2023 coming you might want to leave the front door unlocked because Santa can't cram a new, modern TV with more than 2 inputs down the chimney or pellet stove vents.
 
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TheKrell

A mighty and noble race originating on Altair IV.
Pub Member / Supporter
Jan 4, 2007
39,087
47,113
Fairfax, VA
Quaint as it may be. A manual HDMI switch may actually work better.
Well, my 3-input 1-output automatic switch works quite well except for 2 devices that are on all the time: a Joey and a FireTV Stick. So I just devoted one of them to my 2nd HDMI input. Problem solved.
 

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