So you just installed that shiny new 4K smart TV in your living room and now you‘re wondering – how do I connect this to the 3 other TVs I have scattered around my house so they can view the same entertainment?
Enter the HDMI splitter – that clever little device that can take a single HDMI media source and duplicate it over multiple displays with ease.
In this guide, I‘ll explain everything you need to know about shopping for the right HDMI splitter. You‘ll learn:
- Exactly how HDMI splitters work and why you need one
- Key factors to consider based on your setup
- The 5 best HDMI splitters for every situation and budget
- Tips on maximizing quality and minimizing headaches
- And much more…
Let‘s dive in and demystify splitters once and for all!
What is an HDMI Splitter (And Why Do I Need One?)
Put simply – an HDMI splitter takes the signal from one HDMI input device and duplicates that feed over two or more HDMI outputs.
This allows you to connect a Blu-Ray player, streaming stick, cable box, or other media source to multiple TVs or displays to view the same content in sync across them all.
But why would you need to split an HDMI signal? There are three main scenarios:
1. Adding Extra TVs at Home
The most common reason is expanding your home entertainment options by hooking up additional televisions without requiring separate boxes. For example, placing TVs in multiple bedrooms all connected to that central 4K player in the den.
2. Viewing Security Feeds
Setting up multi-cam security systems with several monitors in one location viewing different camera feeds is a snap with an HDMI splitter.
3. Presentations / Signage
Commercial applications like large digital signage walls, trade show booths and conference room projectors can also benefit from splitting an HDMI signal between numerous public displays.
Basically any application where you need to duplicate a high quality HDMI audio/video feed over several outputs in perfect sync makes an HDMI splitter worth considering.
Understanding HDMI Splitter Specifications
All HDMI splitters perform that same core function – taking one HDMI input and copying it to multiple HDMI outputs.
But there are crucial differences across models in terms of:
- Number of input/output ports
- Video resolution pass-through
- Cord lengths supported
- Compatibility with devices
- And other key variables…
Getting up to speed on these splitter specs will ensure you get the right one tailored for YOUR devices and setup.
Let‘s break them down:
Number of Ports
The most obvious trait – how many input ports does the splitter have to connect devices TO it… and then how many output ports can you connect displays/TVs TO it as well.
This input/output combo is signified by a number pattern such as 1×2 or 1×4:
- 1×2 – One input, 2 output ports – good for duplicate feeds to two TVs
- 1×4 – One input, 4 outputs – cover up to four display devices
- 1×8 – One input, 8 outputs – specialized for MANY displays
Some also come in other combinations like dual (2×4) input/output numbers. Know how many splits you need to determine the right port numbers.
Resolution Pass-Through
What resolutions (480i/720p/1080p/4K etc) can PASS THROUGH the splitter to your attached TVs and monitors reliably?
This is governed by bandwidth capacity rated in GHz/Gbits. At minimum, make sure the splitter supports your SOURCE device‘s native resolution. Even better – choose one rated for beyond your current gear‘s capability allowing for future upgrades.
Cord Lengths
HDMI cables have notorious limitations on signal transmission distance before degradation. Quality HDMI splitters overcome this by amplifying, rebuilding and extending HDMI signals much farther – up to 100 feet in some cases!
So account for the current (and future ) distances between your gear locations when selecting a splitter model rated for those lengths.
Compatibility
Universal compatibility with various media devices (Blu-Ray, PCs, cable boxes) and display screens (HDTVs, projectors, monitors) is crucial.
Scan specs to ensure support for your specific gear brands/models, connectors types etc. Also check which version of HDMI standard is supported – 1.4b, 2.0b etc.
Other Considerations
Bonus features like mobile device integration, push button display switching, video wall support, RS-232 control and HDCP compliance offer added flexibility for specialized applications.
The 5 Best HDMI Splitters of 2023
Now that you‘re an expert on all things HDMI splitters, let‘s run through the top models I recommend across a wide span of performance levels and price points.
For each, I‘ll summarize key specs and real-world usage examples so you can zero in on YOUR perfect splitter match.
1. ViewHD 2-Port Powered HDMI Mini Splitter (Best Budget)
- 1080p and 4K supported
- 1 in, 2 out ports
- Compact and portable
- Plug and play functionality
- Powers signals up to 25ft
Let‘s start off with a more basic, price-conscious model suitable to duplicate an HDMI feed to two nearby displays – perfect for smaller homes or desktop setups on a budget.
For under $20, ViewHD‘s mini splitter handles 1080p and 4K resolutions to either two HDMI monitors/TVs within 25 feet or so. The small footprint means it tucks away anywhere and requires no external power source.
Use when you simply want to share a cable box or laptop to a bedroom and nearby office TV on a budget without advanced controls. It splits signals cleanly with no delay or sync issues in my experience.
Good entry-level choice!
2. Sewell SW-29854 DirectShow 4K 1×4 Splitter (Best for 4K HDR Gaming & Media)
- Silky smooth 4K 60Hz support
- 240Hz high frame rates
- EDID & HDCP 2.2 compliant
- Premium metal enclosure
- 3 year manufacturer warranty
For bleeding edge 4K HDR gaming PCs and media servers where performance matters, Sewell‘s SW-29854 delivers perfection.
Not only does it pass through 4K Ultra HD signals up to 60 frames per second with zero dropout or lag – it also won‘t bottleneck high speed gaming PCs outputting up to 240Hz refresh rates at 1440p or 1080p resolutions.
That means incredible fidelity whether you‘re playing the latest first person shooters, watching 4K Blu-ray discs or anything in between. Complete standards compatibility and robust metal exterior for resistance to interference just add to the premium appeal.
I recommend this splitter for discerning videophiles and competitive gamers who REFUSE to compromise 4K performance across multiple displays. Worth the extra investment!
3. Techole Aluminum 4K HDMI Bi-Directional Switcher (Most Versatile)
- Features HDMI switch functionality
- Front button toggle between modes
- Handles 4K @ 60Hz
- Durable aluminum housing
- Plug and play with most devices
Here‘s an ingeniously designed gadget that eliminates the need for BOTH a standalone HDMI switch AND splitter by combining both capabilities in one affordable unit!
Techole‘s device gives you two HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs. Flip the front button one way to seamlessly SWITCH between inputs to display just one at a time.
Flip it the other way to SPLIT either input to both display outputs simultaneously. Support for all latest resolutions means it works with PCs, Blu-ray decks, cable boxes and so on without issue.
If you want flexibility in how you access and share HDMI sources, grab one of these. It saves money, desk space and hassle – what‘s not to love!
4. J-Tech Digital Octo Spider Premium 1×8 HDMI Splitter (Best for Large Commercial Displays)
- Up to 8 display outputs
- 4K and 1080p support
- Video wall capability
- 20 meter extensions
- RS232 and IR control
Need an enterprise-grade solution to create expansive digital signage walls across multiple commercial screens? J-Tech‘s Octo Spider is up to the task!
This specialized 1×8 splitter allows you to scale out a single HDMI feed to drive up to EIGHT 1080p displays or six 4K screens simultaneously. You can even daisy chain multiple units to create spectacular video walls with dozens of monitors in perfect sync!
Robust feature set of IR, RS232 and IP control options provide flexible command of any commercial display hardware. Whether outfitting an airport arrival/departure display, retail video promotion or museum exhibition, Octo Spider delivers and then some.
5. OREI 4K 60Hz 4-Port Ultra HD 1×4 HDMI Splitter (Best Overall Value)
- Handle 4K Ultra HD @ 60Hz
- 4 output ports
- HDMI 2.0 standard
- EDID management
- Signal amplification
- Doubles as night light!
I have to hand the title of best overall HDMI splitter to Orei‘s value-packed 4 port model. It nails every metric you‘d want:
- Flawless 4K 60fps pass-through
- Quad output ports
- HDMI 2.0 for latest tech standards
- Beefy signal boosting and extension cords
- Automatic display communication
Even cooler – the subtle LED glow around the base means you can use this as a nightlight in home theater setups!
Given Orei‘s reputation for quality and 3 year warranty, it presents an outstanding mix of capabilities for under $40. My top all-around suggestion!
Getting The Most From Your HDMI Splitter
To ensure optimal performance from your new HDMI splitter, keep these usage tips in mind:
- Use quality HDMI cables – budgets cables = interference and dropouts! Spend a bit more for shielded, high speed HDMI cords.
- Don‘t overload capacity – Exceeding published number of displays or distance ratings stresses splitters. Allow 20%+ safety headroom.
- Update firmware – Check manufacturer site periodically and update firmware to enable new capabilities if available.
- Register warranty! Failed splitters are not fun to troubleshoot. Register to claim full warranty terms.
- Add surge protection – A surge protector power strip guards against electrical mishaps zapping HDMI splitter electronics. Worth it!
Do those few simple things and your splitter will deliver glitch-free 4K media to all your screens for years without issues!
Make HDMI Signal Sharing a Snap
That wraps up my complete guide to selecting the perfect HDMI splitter to take one brilliant 4K HDR video source and share it seamlessly across every display in your home or workplace!
Still have questions? Have a specific splitter model you want my take on? The comments section awaits below!
And don‘t forget to bookmark and share this guide with fellow multiscreen enthusiasts seeking to demystify HDMI signal distribution once and for all. Let‘s all watch in peace!
