Skreens are Configurable Picture-in-Picture HDMI Splitters (Crowdfunding)

Some HDMI splitters support picture-in-picture (PiP) to display of the video input full screen, and the others in small windows, and the ones I checked just cost under $30 on Amazon here, there, and over there. People who only use them as splitters are satisfied, but the ones who tried the PiP function are disappointed, as the other inputs, usually 3, are only shown in small windows on one of the corner of the TV, and not that useful. If you want more customizable PiP, Skreens could be what you are looking for, as the HDMI inputs can be resized and positioned via a mobile app.

There are basically two models named by their number of inputs: NexusTwo, and  NexusFour, with Pro versions bringing the total to 4 models.

Skreens NexusTwo specifications:

• Chip(s) – Xilinx Kintex-7 Field Programmable Gate array with Dual ARM Cortex-A9 @ >1 GHz with NEON (Over 1M ASIC Gates)
• Wireless connectivity – 802.1 b/g/n WiFi, and BlueTooth
• USB – Dual USB 2.0 (for Skreens approved peripherals)
• Video inputs – Dual independent HDMI 1.4 up to 1080p/60
• Video Output – Single HDMI 1.4 up to 1080p/60
• Dimensions – 12.06 x 7.62 x 2.54 cm

Skreens NexusFour specifications:

• Chip(s) – Xilinx Kintex-7 Field Programmable Gate array with Dual ARM Cortex-A9 @ >1 GHz with NEON (Over 4M ASIC Gates)
• Wireless connectivity – 802.1 b/g/n WiFi, and BlueTooth
• USB – Dual USB 2.0 (for Skreens approved peripherals)
• Video inputs – Four independent HDMI 1.4 ports up to 1080p/60
• Video Output – Single HDMI 1.4 up to 1080p/60
• Dimensions – 12.06 x 7.62 x 2.54 cm

Both devices run Skreens OS, and support Skreens Controller App for iOS and Android.

The pro versions, NexusTwoPro and NexusFourPro, add universal remote control capabilities via the Skreens Controller App, streaming audio over WiFi/BT, Developer API, plug-in to OBS, as well as video scaling, priority, cropping, chroma-key, and transparency support. If 4 HDMI input is not quite enough for you, you can also daisy chain two NexusFourPro to get 7 inputs.

Skreens are also small computers thanks to their ARM cortex A9 cores, and you can also browse the web without starting your computer, for example to follow twitter or chat program while watching a sporting event. Audio support appears to be pretty good too:

Skreens supports audio on all inputs. The user can select the primary audio channel to transmit out the HDMI and optical S/PDIF outputs to your home audio system – all other audio outputs are available as streaming output via WiFi. You can stream audio channels to your iPhone or tablet to listen on your individual earbuds or headphones.

The device could also very useful for gamers as you’ll see from the promo video.

The project launched on Kickstarter yesterday, with a $25,000 funding target, and it has been hugely popular as the company has raised close to $200,000 so far. Rewards start at $179 for a NexusTwo (early bird) and up $450 for a NexusFourPro, and more for rewards combining multiple Skreens. Shipping is $15 to $30, and delivery is scheduled for March 2016.

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