For anyone with displays that support a different max resolution and refresh rate, you’ll want to find an HDMI splitter that supports downscaling. This feature allows your 4K@60Hz display to stay at that max resolution while the signal is downgraded for your 1080p@60Hz display.

In summary, when choosing an HDMI splitter, base your decision on build quality, features, and price. EDID handshaking/HDCP: An HDMI splitter with EDID handshaking and HDCP compliance allows faster and more seamless operation. Ensure all devices in your setup, including the splitter, are HDCP compliant if you use copy-protected video content. A splitter with an EDID switch tells the screen which formats it supports, avoiding issues when playing specific video signals. The device pictured above has all the input and output ports on the same side of the unit. However, having the input on one side and the outputs on another is more common.The model pictured here has one input and four outputs. Therefore, it’s a 1×4 (pronounced one by four): 1-In/4-Out HDMI Splitter In April 2020, she started writing for Android Authority, covering listicles, helpful how-to's for Android devices, and content on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Power the splitter (if applicable): If your HDMI splitter is powered, connect it to a power source and turn it on. If you have features on your TV or computer monitor that you want to utilize, make sure the HDMI splitter you choose also supports those features. A few popular features to look out for are HDR compatibility and surround sound support like Dolby Atmos. Sarah has an Associate of Arts from Collin College and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Creative Writing concentration from Nicholls State University. The terms splitter and switch appear as if they are interchangeable, even though they do different things. Remember this: The Techole model is both a switch and a splitter. And the best thing about it is that all three of its ports can be used as both input and outputs. Well, not like three outputs or three inputs, obviously. We mean that gadget works in two directions. It has two ports on one side and one on the other and you can use them to either connect two TV sets to a single multimedia source or set the system with two sources (a laptop and a PS4, for example) transmitting to a single TV. It is a highly convenient option.Many of us have more than one TV screen in our house these days. It could be one TV in the living room and another one in the bedroom, or maybe you have a small one in the kitchen, or a 4K projector somewhere along with a regular TV… you get the point. That being said, the model doesn't support the 2-way transmission from two TVs simultaneously, that's not what it is made for. What it is made for is easy switching between the devices (either TV sets or sources) without you having to untangle the wires and reconnect. You will only have to push the button on the splitter, and it will switch to another of the two connected devices. The currently operational port is indicated by a tiny LED light that will turn itself off in case any issues with the connection occur. HDMI switch: On the other hand, an HDMI switch receives the output of several source devices and displays them on one TV or projector. You can then use the switch to select which source you want to send to your television. You can use this if you have run out of HDMI inputs on your TV, projector or AV receiver.

A typical HDMI splitter has one input and multiple outputs, such as 1×2, 1×3, etc. Connect the HDMI cable from your source device (like a gaming console, Blu-ray player, or streaming device) to the splitter’s input. Then, connect the HDMI cables from the output ports of the splitter to your display devices (like TVs, monitors, or projectors). HDMI Version Support: Different HDMI versions support various features (e.g., HDMI 1.4 offers Audio Return Channel, and HDMI 2.0 enables 4K Ultra HD video resolutions). Make sure the splitter supports the HDMI version that meets your requirements. Planning where the wires will go before buying some hardware helps make the installation process much more manageable. Although it’s something I forget all too often!For starters, splitter-type transmitters grab a signal and duplicate it. After that, the twin signals from the splitter go to several displaying devices simultaneously. HDMI switches, on the contrary, can transfer the signal from one or more devices to only one screen. OREI is one of the most reliable brands for HDMI splitters, and this 8K 1x2 splitter will future-proof your setup for quite a few years. It’s a pricey investment, but it’ll allow you to send a 4K@120Hz signal from one input device to two different devices via HDMI 2.1 ports, as long as all of your devices support that resolution and refresh rate. Compatible with various audio formats, such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, 7.1-channel LPCM, DTS, Dolby AC3, and DSD Select the correct input on your display devices: Choose the HDMI input on both devices to receive the signal from the splitter. If supported by the hardware, your display devices may automatically switch to the HDMI input when they detect a signal.

Though she is still writing for Android Authority, she went on to start writing for MakeUseOf, KOINO IT Solutions, and, of course, Review Geek. Installing an HDMI splitter is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up your splitter easily: When selecting an HDMI splitter, it’s essential to consider specific factors to ensure it meets your needs. Here are some key aspects to take into account: Connect your source device: Run an HDMI cable between the HDMI output of your source device (e.g., laptop) and the HDMI input of the splitter. If your device doesn’t have an HDMI output, you may need to use an adapter to convert the connection to HDMI.

Products at a Glance

Keep in mind splitters and switches are different. While an HDMI splitter distributes a single source to multiple devices, an HDMI switch allows you to connect various sources to a single display device and switch between them. Secondly, it’s a fast and stable transmission of data - even with all three ports occupied, this little aluminium box will deliver up to 10.2 Gbps bandwidth, which is simply amazing. What's not as amazing though is that if all three ports are used simultaneously, the appliance might get noticeably hot. Regardless, it doesn't affect its performance. Alternatively, this OREI HDMI splitter is also capable of sending an 8K@60Hz signal, but it doesn’t support downscaling. This means all of your output displays need to support 8K@60Hz if you want to utilize this high resolution and refresh rate combo. If one of your output displays (or your input device) only supports 4K@60Hz, the signal sent to both displays will be the lower 4K@60Hz option. There are a number of factors that you want to think about, the first being splitter or switch. If you’re going from one source to multiple displays, you want a splitter. If you are connecting multiple content sources to one display, you need a switch. Once you have that nailed down, you’ll want to consider the following. Inputs and outputs Powered or passive: Passive splitters don’t require a power source, while powered ones need a separate connection. Although passive splitters may seem attractive, they may perform less well than powered models and could introduce latency.