What HDMI Splitter Do I Need For Dual Monitors?
What HDMI Splitter Do I Need For Dual Monitors?
Are you still wondering which is the best HDMI splitter for dual monitors? Of course, you don’t want your awesome dual monitor setup wasted just because of an HDMI Splitter! But did you know there are many things to consider when buying one?
We made this list to help you better understand what you should know and consider before getting an HDMI Splitter, and which one may be the best for you so you can avoid easy-to-make mistakes. In this article, we'll describe what an HDMI Splitter is and how it works, as well as what factors you should consider before buying one.
What is an HDMI Splitter?
An HDMI Splitter allows you to mirror your primary display on another monitor. Take note that HDMI Splitters can only duplicate video outputs, not extend your display. HDMI Splitters are commonly used for simultaneous streaming, such as in church, in class, or in conferences where you have multiple monitors set up so that a larger audience can view your presentation.
So, will an HDMI Splitter work for dual monitors?
The short answer is yes, but it depends on your purpose of getting HDMI Splitters. If you want to get more creative with your home or office displays, getting an HDMI Splitter may serve a great purpose. However, if you’re planning to use your second monitor as an extended display where you want to see different content from your primary monitor, it’s not the right device for you. For that you will need a SPLITEXTEND Adapter.
How does an HDMI Splitter work?
In common terms, HDMI Splitters receive, duplicate, and transfer digital signals. Although HDMI Splitters may seem really simple, they play a very important role in ensuring that the quality you receive from your primary source is the same as what you receive on your display output.
Even if you have a great HDMI Splitter, your HDMI cables also need to perform well in order for your displays to stream effortlessly.
How To Use An HDMI Splitter For Dual Monitors?
If your monitors support HDMI connections, you’re already halfway there. HDMI Splitters work by connecting an input device like your primary monitor, Blu-ray players, or video game consoles, to an output device which is your second monitor. HDMI Splitters can split digital signals up to 16 different display outputs, and sometimes even more.
Simply connect your input device to the designated slot in your HDMI Splitter, and connect your output displays in their slots. The HDMI Splitter does the rest.
Before you set up your display outputs, it’s also important to remember that a cable is going to have to connect each of those so you have to make sure that there’s an area where you can safely run your wires.
Types of HDMI Splitter
There are 2 common types of HDMI Splitters: Passive and Active. The type of HDMI Splitter you should get will depend on your setup. Be sure to check both types thoroughly so you can properly decide which one to get or look for.
Passive HDMI Splitters
Passive HDMI Splitters only work best when you’re setting up multiple displays in a small room where there is only a short distance between your monitors. Passive splitters have their own source of energy which they use to push digital signals. Once this energy runs out while the signal is traveling from the input to the output device, the signal will not be able to pass through.
Active HDMI Splitters also known as HDMI Extenders
While Passive HDMI Splitters are self-powered, Active HDMI Splitters use an external power source to send a digital signal. Having this extra generated push means signals can travel much farther. Active splitters are best used for dual monitors that are much further apart.
Factors To Consider Before Buying HDMI Splitters
Monitor Resolution
If you’re going for a high-quality setup, then you’re definitely going to need an HDMI splitter that can support your required resolution. For 4K or 1080p resolutions, getting an HDMI splitter that’s not fit for the job will only be able to transfer the display at a lower resolution.
It’s also important to remember that when extending your primary 4K-capable monitor to a second monitor that can only support 1080p, the HDMI splitter automatically adjusts both monitors to the one with a lower resolution.
Another thing, getting 1080p-capable HDMI Splitters for your dual 4k monitor setup will only result in getting 1080p quality for both monitors.
Distance Between Your Monitors
When getting an HDMI splitter for your monitor, always consider the distance that your digital signal will have to travel. Most HDMI Splitters can only maintain the same quality for about 20 to 30 feet. Any further distance between your monitors will cause quality to degrade and latency to rise.
However, as discussed earlier, you should also know that there are HDMI Splitters that can support distances farther than the usual 20 feet without losing quality. Use Passive HDMI Splitters for distances up to 20 feet, and Active HDMI Splitters/HDMI Extenders for longer distances.
HDMI Splitter Supported Quality
You probably already know this by now, but all HDMI Splitters aren’t built the same. The first thing you should check is the supported resolution of all your devices, and yes, we mean all. It’s important to do this before getting your HDMI Splitter as this will dictate the specific type you need. Get HDMI Splitters that support 4k only if all your monitors can support 4k, otherwise, it’s just going to be a waste.
HDMI Splitters are compact, but they definitely pack a punch. When buying your next HDMI Splitter, make sure you read the device specifications so you know it meets your requirements. Don’t just go ahead and buy gold-plated, flashy, HDMI Splitters with some cool packaging. You may also not want to go and just search for the best HDMI splitter for dual monitors with an extended display so you can buy the first product you see. Remember, always check the label.
Start your search today with one of the best and most reliable HDMI Splitters on the market. Choose from a wide variety of HDMI Splitters that can meet any, if not all, of your requirements. We also made sure that it’s easy and convenient for you to shop and compare products in our shop by adding sample applications for each product and the option to place each product side-by-side for comparison. We are providing our customers with the best support and ensure all their experiences with us will be exceptional. Browse popular HDMI splitters including 1x2, 1x4, 2x2, and more.
Check out other great reads in our blog that you can use for all your HDMI needs!
