Vantora HDMI Splitter, and DVI + S/PDIF to HDMI Converter Switch Reviews - SS 0202

Pros: I just setup this device in my home theater and it works as advertised. I take one HDMI source (my HTPC) and split it to my two receivers via HDMI (Denon AVR-2807). I have not experienced any video or audio drop outs with either one or both of the receivers on.

Cons: None yet.

Pros: When it works properly, it does exactly what it's supposed to do without any real noticeable degredation of signal.

Cons: Tricky to set up. Apparently not Dolby compatible. After I finally got it working, the signal kept dropping out until I swapped in a shorter DVI cable. The equipment goes through some extensive handshaking with the satellite receiver (and also the TV?) each time you power up. After that, the signal can start dropping out after a few minutes (screen goes black for a second, comes on for two seconds, goes black for a second, etc.). When this happens, you have to shut everything down and start again. Sometimes it takes a number of attempts before getting success. This happens pretty well every other time you power up. Occasionally the audio will suddenly go dead some time after power up, but the picture remains unaffected. Changing to another channel and back fixes that.

Other Comments: Flakey performance, but the price was right. "Really good" equipment costs much more at this point in time. I hope to put up with this equipment until something as affordable (around $100) but more stable is available. One output uses the Accell Ultra Run HDMI 25m Cable with Built-in Booster. This works very well. I had wondered whether I would need to amplify the signal to send it 80', but no - the cable with built in booster works fine.