What is HDMI 2.1 Splitter? Does it support 4K @120hz?

Hooking up multiple displays to enjoy your favorite movies, TV series, games, or sports events is always a fun idea. However, if you have a HDMI Splitter that is HDMI 2.1 compliant or supports 8K resolution,even though you have a TV that’s perfectly capable, it gets less fun. Thankfully, there’s a nifty solution that can make your multimedia experience seamless and more enjoyable: HDMI 2.1 splitters!

HDMI 2.1 splitters are little devices that are here to save the day and are always ready to take your entertainment setup to a whole new level. In this article, we’ll be discussing the magic behind the HDMI 2.1 splitter. 

Before we proceed, let’s take a step back before discussing HDMI 2.1 splitters so you can understand it better once we’re there.

Let’s start with HDMI 2.1. What is it? 

HDMI 2.1 is the latest version of the HDMI standard, which is used to connect audio/video devices to TVs, projectors, and other displays. HDMI 2.1 offers a number of significant improvements over its predecessors, including:

1. Support for higher resolutions and refresh rates: HDMI 2.1 can support resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz. This means that you can get the best possible picture quality from your devices.
   
   
2. Support for dynamic HDR: HDMI 2.1 supports dynamic HDR, which allows the brightness and contrast of the image to be adjusted on a scene-by-scene basis. This results in a more realistic and immersive viewing experience.
   
   
3. Support for eARC: eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) is a new feature that allows for lossless audio transmission directly from TV/Projector to AV receivers or Soundbars. This means that you can get the best possible sound quality from your devices.
   
   
4. There should also be a 4th point talking about VRR, ALLM and FVA

But, do you really need HDMI 2.1?

Well, whether or not you need HDMI 2.1 depends on your current setup and your future plans. If you have an 8K TV and you want to get the best possible picture quality, then you will need HDMI 2.1. However, if you have a 1080p TV or you are not interested in high refresh rates, then you may not need HDMI 2.1.

Now that we’ve settled that, let’s move on to HDMI splitters and HDMI 2.1 splitters. 

An HDMI 2.1 splitter, similar to a traditional HDMI splitter, is a device that allows you to connect one or more HDMI sources to two or more HDMI displays. This can be useful if you want to watch the same content on multiple displays, or if you want to be able to switch from one HDMI source to another seamlessly and have it stream over all your displays. 

HDMI 2.1 splitters support all of the features of HDMI 2.1, including support for resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz, dynamic HDR, and VRR, ALLM and FVA. This means that you can get the best possible audio visual experience when you use an HDMI 2.1 splitter.

HDMI 2.1 splitters are available in a variety of sizes and configurations. There are 4K 2x2 HDMI splitters, there are 8K 1x2 HDMI splitters, and others are even able to support more devices. There are also HDMI splitters that have features like EDID management which greatly helps with managing your audio.

Here are some other benefits that you can get from using HDMI 2.1 Splitters.

 

1. Cleaner setup
   
   If you have multiple TVs you want to play games on or watch your media content, you can use a splitter to achieve a cleaner setup. It saves you the hassle of disconnecting cables every time you wish to watch the content on a different TV.
   
   
2. Effortless content sharing
   
   For home entertainment setups, an HDMI splitter simplifies the sharing of content – making it perfect for watch parties, home celebrations, or gaming nights. Connect your Blu-ray player, media streaming devices, and your gaming consoles and stream them on both your 8K TV and your projector at the same time so everyone in the house can enjoy it all at once.
   
   
3. Crystal clear signages for advertising
   
   Businesses and retails stores can also benefit from this device by creating captivating digital signages and advertising displays. With just a single HDMI splitter, you can easily distribute 8K quality promotional content to multiple screens all throughout your store.
   
   
4. Enhanced presentations
   
   For professionals and educators, this type of splitter is perfect for the best presentations. Allowing you to connect your laptop or tablet to multiple projectors or screens, and letting your audience or students clearly see your slides, data visualizations, and videos. With an HDMI 2.1 splitter, you can certainly capture your audience’s attention and deliver impactful presentations with ease.

Check out OREI's range of 8K HDMI Splitters

Take note, these are only a fraction of the benefits that you can get from opting to use an HDMI 2.1 splitter for your setup. For now, let’s move on to discussing how easy it is to set up this device.

How to set up your HDMI 2.1 splitter

Before we dive into the steps, you can start by organizing the media devices that you’ll be using. However, be reminded that the number of media devices that you can connect to your TV depends on how many input ports your splitter has. For instance, if you have a 2x2 splitter, then you can only connect two HDMI devices. 

Once you’re done setting up your devices, you may now proceed to the following steps.

1. Start by connecting your input devices to your splitter’s input ports. Your input devices could be your Blu-ray player, Xbox, Playstation, etc. 
2. Connect your output devices to your splitter’s output ports. Your output devices could be your 8K TV, monitor, projector, etc.
3. Connect your splitter to a power supply. Typically, all splitters come with their own power adapter. Make sure you use the one that came with your device.
4. Power up all your devices.

And you’re done! Now for the last part of this discussion, let’s introduce a device that you can use for your setup: the OREI BK-22.

  

The OREI BK-22 is a 2x2 8K HDMI Splitter that allows you to share any of your HDMI media content with 2 high-resolution monitors simultaneously. It fully supports all modern video standards, including 8K and 4K content at both 60 and 120Hz respectively. It supports a wide range of media sources including:

1. Streaming Devices
2. Home Surveillance Systems
3. Security Cameras
4. DVD Players
5. Gaming Consoles

The product also supports a lot of media standards including:

1. Up to 8K resolution at 60Hz
2. HDMI 2.1 Support
3. HDCP 2.3 Compliance
4. HDR, HDR 10, HDR10+
5. LPCM, Dolby-AC3, DTS 7.1, Dolby TrueHD
6. VRR(Variable Refresh Rate)
7. ALLM(Auto Low Latency Mode)
8. FVA (Fast VActive)

To learn more about the product, you may visit our shop! In there, you’ll find a video tutorial of this product, a comprehensive list of technical specifications, its key features, and customer reviews. All OREI products come with a 30-day return policy, 1 year warranty, and free shipping within the US. You also get lifetime tech support so you’re confident that you can overcome any issues that may arise from using the product over long periods of time.

Click here to buy the OREI BK-22 and start building your dream setup!

Do you want to learn more about HDMI splitters? Go through more easy reads like this in our blog!