Can Android TV boxes Record Themselves?

[bobbo123]

I just bought a Zidoo S9X with an hdmi port to record, usually from another android box plugged in. I don't want to short circuit anything, as I have done all too often, but my gut tells me this should be safe? What happens if I am watching anything on the internet and I split the hdmi signal out sending the picture to the tv but the other signal back to the "HDMI In" port? Seems to me, it should record without the need for a second box? Most likely bad outcome "should be" some kind of interference or feedback simply giving bad picture or sound???

……….but it might work flawlessly?....hdcp not relevant to this issue.

Thanks.

bobbo

 

[jsmithepa]

As long as you follow rule: no shorting two outputs together. Use an HDMI splitter.

 

[americanaudiophile]

You will need an active HDMI distribution amp not a passive splitter. If the HDMI output is HDCP compliant you probably won't be able to record it. I suspect that the HDMI input is to integrate an external source with the GUI of the android box and for PIP even though a record function is mentioned in the description.

 

[bobbo123]

jsmithepa: Thanks. Like me are you giving your best "idea" or have you actually done or seen this or have other basis to suppose?

Audio Guru: Thanks. I do have an active splitter. I'm curious though....when is an active splitter required over a passive one? You are right that the hdmi port on the few android Tv boxes that have them do allow for pic in pic functionality but they claim to record "any" hdmi source....hdcp not included of course. I bought the Zidoo for this function for the same price as a good hdmi capture box...so I'm thinking I got streaming video for free...………….. we'll see.

 

[americanaudiophile]

An active splitter is always required. Never had a passive one work. Even with an active one you can have issues if the TVs have different resolutions (it defaults to the lower one) or if one output is a TV and the other an HTS (you get stereo not surround sound).

 

[bobbo123]

AAP: Thanks. that makes sense. I look forward to the real world "smoke test." I assume it will work....but will post back if it doesn't.