HDMI splitters are the best way to use one device on two or more different displays. However, there are some splitters that work great and some of them are unreliable and don’t even function most of the time.
It is important that you stay away from any type of HDMI splitter cable because they almost never work. This is because they lack the power to split the HDMI signal to multiple displays. A good HDMI splitter will be a electronic device that will boost the HDMI signal so it will be strong enough to work on many displays at once. Of course they are more expensive than HDMI splitter cables, but they are much more reliable and unlike splitter cables, not a complete waste of money.
Once you choose a powered HDMI splitter, you must be sure to use an HDMI cable that will deliver a strong signal. It is recommended to use at least 24 gauge HDMI cables with these splitters. For longer distance runs, use 22 gauge. These cables are much thicker than the typical HDMI cable and will prevent you the task of troubleshooting different devices and cables to rule out whether the unit is defective or not.
Theoretically an HDMI splitter should work with any device. However, the only way to be sure a splitter will work is to try it with your devices. Splitters are dependent on all device being use and one particular splitter won’t agree with a certain device, but a different splitter may work fine. Again, usually the powered splitters are very reliable, but they are known to have problems that can only be blamed on incompatibility with all devices at once. There is no answer to “will this splitter work with this HDMI device” other than to test it out.
You can find splitters that will split to 2 monitors, 4 monitors, or 8 monitors. Usually these will have names such as 1×2 HDMI splitter, 1×4, 1×8 and so on. The second number is the indicator of how many displays it can run a single device to.
A splitter cable has no extra power to produce a reliable split and the maximum number of displays advertised to accomplish a split is only 2 monitors. It is best to rule them out all together as even the customer reviews all state – they are junk and you are better off spending extra for something that actually works.
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Some of the splitters come with a power adapter and some use the HDMI cables themselves to power the splitter. Regardless of this, powered splitters are designed to boost the HDMI signal as it is split to multiple displays. This makes them much more reliable and you will not be disappointed.
I hope you found this short HDMI splitter review helpful and now you have a good understanding on what to look for and what to avoid.
