Hello again, Deshi.
I'm pleased to inform you that I am very comfortable with IC's. I looked into the RaspPi as a possible solution and found myself optimistic and frustrated at the same time. Considering they have a library for HDMI output and an HDMI jack, you'd think perhaps they would design it as an input as well. I looked everywhere and it doesn't look like anyone has done it yet. I'm not experienced enough of a programmer to figure that out for myself yet, as I have no background in the Python IDE. I'm thinking if I can prototype a shield for the RaspPi in Eagle, perhaps you could start on a code? The shield concept is to have an HDMI IN (utilizing one of these "splitter chips") to X2 HDMI OUT. Check this puppy out:
http://www.ineltek.com/de/files/Explore/DVIHDCPTXRX/EP9122_UG_V04.pdf
This chip is perfect for the job. I could make the shield so the pins were set from one series of output pins of that IC to the RaspPi it's self. My only question is, would the RaspPi need the signal to be encoded or decoded? I've glazed over the datasheet for this particular IC and I think I saw there was a way to get either one of them, but I'm going to have to dive further into that anyway. Another problem is availability with this IC. I'm going to have to do a lot of looking around to see if I can get my hands on a couple of these without buying 1000+.
So, lets pretend for a second that I have the IC all figured out and mounted to RaspPi. I'm assuming I'd really only have to give you the pin information from the splitter IC to the RaspPi for you to start on a code (in the event that my board in eagle isn't complete). Let's talk LEDs.
I'm thinking if we are going to do this thing, I want to do it the right way. A lot of what you see out there is 3-4 led strips illuminating 3-4 different colors corresponding with the average pixel color on the designated edge and location of the screen. Also, it's not common practice (don't know why) to have leds on the bottom edge of the screen. I don't know about you, but my flat screen in mounted to the wall and I think I could benefit from have some leds on the bottom there. Also, I'd like to have just a little more variety in color. I understand we can't go all out because of limitations in the hardware, but I was thinking 8; 2 per edge. I'd do this by assigning 3 shift registers their own color (green, red, and blue). If I remember correctly, the RaspPi has an oscillator on board, so the leds shouldn't be an issue.
I want to collaborate on this project closer with you. Considering the project is taking a RaspberryPi turn, it would be best if we didn't continue this conversation here. My AIM s/n is Cursedonthe31st
I'm almost always logged into it. A way of corresponding with other computer nerds like myself. Hope to see you on. Thanks again.