HDMI output - better than VGA/DVI?

[alienskies101]

I'm trying to figure out which is the best way to output from Resolume.

My plan is to use the HDMI output from a laptop (Currently using Mac Mini), then route that to an active HDMI splitter, one signal for my monitor, another for the screen (through converters to DVI or VGA as necessary). I'll use the laptop screen for the Resolume interface.

My first question is about latency. Will this output method be fast? I've been using miniport to VGA through a Matrox Triplehead - seems fast but wondering if I really need complex a setup.

Also will Resolume remember the extended desktop settings if I have a crash. Will Resolume detect the splitter as an output, or one of the either the monitor or screen? Currently doesn't work with VGA. Haven't tried DVI.

Thanks!

[Tecno`]

Generally HDMI will be identical to the DVI signal with the addition of carrying the audio.

I would still say that VGA* cable is the best option for long runs from computer to projector. Even with Cat5 extenders there is a lot more issues with cable lengths on HDMI. Analogue is much more forgiving than digital...
Another problem with HDMI is HDCP (copy protection) which can make signal distribution / mixing etc a real pain in some situations.
Also with HDMI and DVI, EDID can be a pain. This is where it needs the monitor to tell the computer what resolution to use before it will output anything. There is some toys you can buy to get over this but it complicates things.

I tend to use HDMI for short distances (under 5M) but prefer VGA for long distance stuff either via long VGA, RGBHV or Cat5 extenders.

Tim

*VGA is officially a resolution rather than a cable type but it seems like the best way to describe the cable...

[alienskies101]

Great response! Thank you!