Will the ATV output HDMI and component/optical audio at the same time?

[mrgreen4242]

I have 2 TVs in my house; a "little" 30" CRT HTDV in the living room and a "big" 96" projector system upstairs.

The theatre room is directly above the living room, so rather than drop another $200 on a second ATV I'd rather just connect both devices to the one I have now. We very seldom watch the PJ and CRT at the same time, and the CRT is connected to the cable, etc anyways so it's not a huge deal.

My PJ has component inputs and the surround system upstairs has optical audio, and the CRT has an HDMI port, and I've already got an iPod touch that can be used as a wifi remote while upstairs, so all SHOULD be well - I can get audio and video to both devices with the connectors available on the ATV, ASSUMING the ATV will output the signal over both connections at the same time.

Anyone know if it does? I can't really think of a way to test it without buying all the cabling I'm going to need to set this up, which while much cheaper than another ATV is still somewhat expensive and I'd rather not waste the money if it won't work.

Thanks!

 

[Cave Man]

I've not tried component, but it will definitely output audio by HDMI and optical concurrently.

 

[mrgreen4242]

I've not tried component, but it will definitely output audio by HDMI and optical concurrently.

Thanks, that's a good start... I could actually partially test the HDMI and component on the same TV, although I suppose there's a chance that the ATV would detect the HDMI port not being active when I switch channels since it's bidirectional. There was no way for me to test the audio without moving EVERYTHING from the equipment shelves upstairs, etc etc.

 

[ceiph]

my computer monitor has component inputs and is close enough to my hdtv to check, with that said... no this does not work, itll only output to hdmi or component, i didnt try to see if i change input from hdmi if it would output to component.

 

[mrgreen4242]

my computer monitor has component inputs and is close enough to my hdtv to check, with that said... no this does not work, itll only output to hdmi or component, i didnt try to see if i change input from hdmi if it would output to component.

Humbug. Thanks for trying. I'll have to come up with something else...

Thanks again!

 

[Chris Rogers]

Wait, wouldn't it put out to HDMI or Component? Just not simultaneously. I'd suggest a re-try.

Theoretically it should work, if no one else tries, I'll give it a try tonight.

I have it connected to my TV via HDMI so all I need to do is use component cables connected to something else?

 

[glynn]

tried something similar

I have a very similar setup to you. I could not get the ATV to output video via component when the HDMI was also connected. Audio can be outputted optically (toslink) and via the phono leads simultaneously.

The only way around I could find was to purchase a component switch unit (4 inputs and 2 outputs) this worked a treat. I am very happy with the quality. I couldn't see any difference between HDMI and component image on my setup. My PJ is native 720p so the HD content looks very good IMO.

Hope you find the information useful, but if you get a different result I'd be keen to know.