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DanteB's avatar
DanteB
New Contributor

HDMI-In Port on Contour. What would I use it for?

as stated in title.

Thanks in advanced.

11 Replies

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  • Tecknowhelp's avatar
    Tecknowhelp
    Valued Contributor II

    I don't think it has one. What model cable box do you have? AFAIK no Cox cable box has any input except coaxial.

  • DanteB's avatar
    DanteB
    New Contributor

    I just joined the cox family with the 89.99 combo deal and they gave me unit model GX-cx801ck

  • StephanieA's avatar
    StephanieA
    Former Moderator
    You have a newer Samsung model receiver that does have an HDMI IN port. This port is not active at this time. Samsung makes the receivers for multiple buyers and it's possible that another provider requested it.

  • Bruce's avatar
    Bruce
    Honored Contributor III

    Cox uses the term "newer" loosely.  It was designed as an HDMI switch for TV sets with only 1 HDMI port.  Since the cable box would connect to the one HDMI port on the TV, you could connect another device...such as a Blu-ray player...to the TV via the cable box.  You'd then use the remote for the cable box to switch from TV to Blu-ray.

    It would be convenient in some set-ups, but Cox probably disabled it to avoid troubleshooting boxes set on the wrong input.

  • DanteB's avatar
    DanteB
    New Contributor

    This is exactly what i was hoping to hear. My goal is to add my mac mini as a media player and surf the web via tv, but like u said, cox might have disabled it. But i will try tomorrow. Thanks

  • ChrisL's avatar
    ChrisL
    Former Moderator
    @DanteB

    You could still accomplish this by connecting the Mac mini directly to the TV and switching the inputs there.

  • Bruce's avatar
    Bruce
    Honored Contributor III

    What other connectors are available on your TV?  What's the make and model?

  • DanteB's avatar
    DanteB
    New Contributor

    Yeah, I know I can go that route, but the way my apartment complex has the tv area setup, i want to accomplish a clean setup look.  My apartment complex has  "one" built in hdmi out and in on the wall, so wires aren't a mess.  With only 1 hdmi in & out, it is utilized by the Contour.  

    With this built-in hdmi-in port on the Contour, my mac mini can be placed next to the Contour without wires being ran above my fireplace mantel.

  • Bruce's avatar
    Bruce
    Honored Contributor III

    I understand the clean setup.  When I purchase a new component, it seems 80 percent of my time is spent concealing cables.

    If you're limited to one HDMI connection to your TV, you should use a multi-port device, such as an A/V receiver or HDMI switcher box.

    Good review for switcher boxes at https://www.lifewire.com/best-hdmi-switchers-1846200

    When purchasing a switcher, consider a powered or non-powered device...4K compatibility...number of input sources...another remote control on your coffee table...etc.

    If you've ever considered an A/V receiver, now is a good time to buy with the 2017 models coming soon.

  • DanteB's avatar
    DanteB
    New Contributor

    This is an awesome suggestion.  Totally forgot switch boxes are an option for me.  I'll definitely look into this. Thank you thank you!