HDMI Splitter Guide 2022

HDMI Splitter Guide 2022

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What is an HDMI Splitter?

An  HDMI splitter “splits” an HDMI signal into multiple HDMI outputs. One HDMI signal cord comes into the splitter box, and the multiple HDMI signal cords come out of the HDMI splitter box to connect several display devices. An HDMI splitter can be connected with any device that is compatible with HDMI signals. However, any single “output” device sending video and audio signals can be connected with a splitter. HDMI splitters split the received signal and passes the split signals to several HDMI devices.

Differences between an HDMI Splitter and an HDMI Switcher:

Most often, HDMI splitters and HDMI switchers are taken transferable by the people not knowing the difference between the two. An HDMI splitter receives the signal from a single source and sends the split HDMI signal to connected devices. For example, you need an HDMI splitter to view the same movie on two screens at various locations. A 1×2 HDMI splitter is a basic type of HDMI splitter that can display the received content over two or more TVs or monitors. 

An HDMI switch receives the HDMI signal from several sources and sends the selected signals to one screen or projector. Here, you select the source device to view the content on the screen by switching the devices. For example, you can connect a Blu-ray player, and gaming console to the HDMI switch, and you can select Blu-ray player or gaming console content to be displayed at the TV.

When you need to buy an HDMI Splitter:

HDMI splitters dynamically handle the HDCP signal and the EDID handshaking that the display units and HDMI sources need to function. HDMI splitter is a great space saver. Instead of connecting each TV with a separate cable or satellite box, you can use an HDMI splitter in a small space and let the video content stream over all the screens. It not only saves space but also saves costs.

  • It is an affordable device to expand the viewing facility at home or office
  • It provides entertainment on two or more screens
  • It supports a range of resolutions like 4K@60Hz, 4K@30Hz, 1080p@120Hz, and 3D-1080p@60Hz.
  • It supports many audio formats like Dolby TrueHD, DTS, Dolby AC3, DSD, DTS-HD, 7.1-channel LPCM, etc.

How to select the right HDMI Splitter:

Splitters are available with different configurations and the cost varies accordingly. When deciding what type of HDMI splitter to buy, it is important to determine the number of screens over which you want to view the content. If you wish to view the content only on two screens, then a 1×2 HDMI splitter will serve the purpose. If you want to view the content on multiple screens, then you will need an HDMI splitter with several outputs. 

While navigating the available choices, also consider the resolution quality that the HDMI splitter supports. Any splitter may work for you, but the graphical and audio fidelity varies up to a great extent; therefore, optimizing the configuration of the HDMI splitter is a crucial step in HDMI splitter purchase. The key points that you need to consider when buying an HDMI splitter are:

  • The Number of Outputs: HDTV Supply has splitters up to 256 outputs.
  • HDMI Version Support: Each HDMI splitter supports a different HDMI version like HDMI 1.0, HDMI 1.1, HDMI 1.2, HDMI 1.3, HDMI 1.4, and HDMI 2.0 etc.
  • Audio Formats: Each splitter supports a specific audio format, like Dolby Digital or Dolby Atmos
  • EDID Handshaking and HDCP: Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) is the introduction of communication between the two devices. EDID command defines which audio and video formats each device supports. High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) is digital copy protection to restrict digital audio copying.
  • 4K/1080p Support: It is necessary for the HDMI splitters to support the correct resolution with the right cables.
  • Powered or Passive: The powered splitters need a plugin, while passive splitters don’t need a separate plugin. The passive splitters tend to introduce latency.

What are good choices when buying an HDMI Splitter:

The availability of a wide range of HDMI splitters makes the selection of the best a little complicated; however, the leading supplier of HDMI splitters, like 22-year-old HDTV Supply, helps with this decision. The top-selling HDMI splitter models are:

Pro-Tip: Over the years, the WolfPack family has become a trustworthy brand offering tailored to need solutions for low-cost audio and video transmission through a range of HDMI splitters. HDTV Supply, a WolfPack company in Los Angeles, has over 60,000 customers, and has a nationwide supply chain for quick deliveries. To select the right HDMI splitter for a particular requirement, buyers can call 833-WOLFPACK or 833-965-3722 or email support@hdtvsupply.com.