HDMI cables, or high-definition multimedia interface cables, allow you to transfer both audio and visual signals simultaneously from their source to another device, such as a television or a computer.
If you’re trying to send these signals to multiple other devices at the same time, that’s where an HDMI splitter becomes relevant. Which begs the question, what devices can you use on an HDMI splitter?
You can use an HDMI splitter on a TV. Since an HDMI cable permits you to transfer signal feeds from one place to another, an HDMI splitter allows you to do this with multiple screens at once. An HDMI splitter splits into more than one output plug to be inserted into different display devices.
The following article will outline and explain in depth the various types of devices that you can use an HDMI splitter cable with, including if you can use an HDMI splitter on a TV.
How HDMI splitters work, how to use HDMI cables with specific external devices, and additional information about wires will be discussed. For more information about HDMI splitters, continue reading below.
Also read: Does An HDMI Splitter Reduce Quality?
How HDMI Splitters Work
There is an HDMI port in almost every modern device with a screen. An HDMI connection is just waiting to be made from your phone to your computer, Xbox, DVD player, or even different types of speakers.
They can be incredibly helpful if you’re attempting to transfer something from one device and display it on another.
Let’s say you’re trying to play a home video located on your laptop on your big screen TV for all your family members to see.
An HDMI cable connection is what you need. Now let’s say you were trying to display this home video on multiple television screens. Now you need an HDMI splitter.
An HDMI splitter works by duplicating the original signal generated by the device you are transferring the stream from, otherwise known as the source.
Once this flow of audio and visual feed is copied, it is pushed through the cable and sent to the devices you are trying to transfer the display to, also called the receiver. The other components you have hooked up to the splitter will show the same screen as the source.
Keep in mind that an HDMI splitter should not be confused with an HDMI switch. A switch will pull signals from multiple sources that you can choose or toggle between, meaning it takes from many units and feeds into one unit.
On the other hand, a splitter works in the opposite direction, pulling from one unit and feeding it into many.
However, some HDMI splitters may double as an HDMI switch. No matter the case, be sure to consider what it is you are trying to accomplish with your HDMI cable and purchase the one that will best suit your needs (either a splitter or a switch, or maybe both!)
How to Use an HDMI Splitter on a TV
Before using an HDMI splitter on any device, it’s essential to make sure the cable can support the size of the signal being transmitted to the output devices. In the case of a television, you’ll need to double-check that the HDMI splitter is compatible with your devices in terms of color depth and resolution.
For example, if your television is 1080p resolution, but your cable only supports 720p, the device and the line are not meant to be used together.
If the wires are not suitable for your devices, this can result in a poor display image, slow running feed, or loss of the entire connection overall. You’ll need to purchase a splitter with enough extensions to support the number of devices you want to stream the output to.
When using an HDMI splitter on a TV, you’ll need to begin by powering all devices off. This includes the original source device and the other monitors you intend to connect.
Plug the HDMI splitter into the HDMI port located on your television. The port can usually be found on the side or back of the TV screen.
After you’ve located the port and the splitter is securely plugged in, you’re ready to connect the other end of the HDMI cable directly into the different devices or a splitter box. Whether you make the direct connection or plug it into the box depends on how many devices you want to transfer the display to.
A standard splitter cable will support one or two other devices. On the other hand, a splitter box can sustain multiple outputs.
After connecting the HDMI splitter from your television to the box, other HDMI cables will need to be plugged into the box in order to complete the connection and carry the signal from the box to the other monitors you are trying to display the audio and visual feed on.
Now that the cables and circuitry are finished, you’re ready to power on your devices. Begin with turning on your television that is acting as the original source.
Following this, you will need to use the remote to change the input on the TV until you have found the HDMI input. Usually, this will be labeled “HDMI 1” or “HDMI 2”. The numbers correspond to the ports located on the television.
You should begin playing whatever video or audio you are trying to display on the other devices on your original TV.
After this, you’ll need to turn on whatever output devices you are using, and switch the input on those devices to the HDMI input. Now all of your televisions, monitors, or computers should be displaying the exact same feed at the same time.
Conclusion
An HDMI splitter is a type of high-definition multimedia interface cable that allows you to transfer HDMI signals containing audio or video from one device to another. This can be used for connections made between phones, tablets, computers, and other monitors.
HDMI splitters can be used on a TV to shift the signal from its original source and play it onto different output machines.
Jason is a home theater expert with over 10 years of experience in setting up home cinema rooms and systems. What started out as a hobby soon transformed him into an authority in the audio-visual field. He is passionate about providing readers with accurate and up-to-date information on the latest audiovisual technologies and their applications for home theaters. Read more about Jason.