A Beginner's Guide to 4K HDMI Splitters: What You Need to Know

Introduction

4K HDMI splitters are becoming increasingly popular among home theater enthusiasts. These devices allow you to display your 4K content on multiple screens simultaneously, making them ideal for large living rooms or home theaters. In this beginner's guide, we'll explain what 4K HDMI splitters are, how they work, what to look for when buying one, and how to set it up.

 

What is a 4K HDMI splitter?

A 4K HDMI splitter is a device that allows you to split one HDMI signal into multiple outputs. This means you can connect one HDMI source, such as a Blu-ray player or gaming console, to multiple displays, such as TVs or projectors, at the same time. The splitter takes the signal from the source and duplicates it, sending the same signal to each output.

 

How do 4K HDMI splitters work?

When you connect a source device to a 4K HDMI splitter, the splitter reads the EDID information from the connected displays. EDID stands for "extended display identification data," and it contains information about the displays, such as their resolutions and capabilities. The splitter then selects the best possible resolution and refresh rate that all connected displays can support and sends that information back to the source device. The source device then sends the signal to the splitter, which duplicates it and sends it to each output. Please note that the EDID setting methods of various brands of HDMI splitters on the market may be different.

 

What should you look for when buying a 4K HDMI splitter?

When shopping for a 4K HDMI splitter, there are a few things to keep in mind:

 

1. 4K resolution support: Make sure the splitter supports 4K resolution. This is the highest resolution currently available, and you want to ensure your splitter can handle it. However, there are currently some suppliers that have released the latest 8K HDMI splitters.  In addition, you also need to confirm the supported refresh rate, such as 4K@30Hz, 4K@60Hz, or even 4K@120Hz.

 

2. Output ports: Look for a splitter with enough output ports for your needs. Some splitters only have 2 output ports, while others have 4 output or more. Consider how many displays you want to connect and make sure the splitter has enough output ports.

 

3. Transmission distance: Consider the distance the signal needs to travel between the splitter and the displays. Look for a splitter with the appropriate transmission distance. Due to the transmission loss of HDMI cables, generally speaking, the higher the resolution of the HDMI signal, the shorter the transmission distance. There are some special HDMI splitters with extender function on the market, which can extend the HDMI signal transmission distance to 50m or even 150m through Cat5/6 cables.

 

4. Additional features: Some splitters come with additional features, such as built-in amplifiers or audio extractors. Consider if these features are important to you when making a purchase.

 

How do you set up a 4K HDMI splitter?

Setting up a 4K HDMI splitter is relatively easy. Here are the steps:

 

1. Connect your HDMI source to the input port on the splitter.
2. Connect your HDMI cables from the output ports on the splitter to your displays.
3. Power on the splitter and all connected devices.

 

Some splitters may require additional steps, such as adjusting the resolution or configuring EDID and audio settings. Check the user manual for your specific splitter for more information.

 

Conclusion

A 4K HDMI splitter is a convenient device that allows you to display your 4K content on multiple screens at once. When buying a splitter, look for one that supports 4K resolution and has enough output ports for your needs. Consider the distance the signal needs to travel and any additional features that may be important to you. Setting up a splitter is easy, and can greatly enhance your viewing experience. We hope this beginner's guide has provided you with the information you need to get started with a 4K HDMI splitter.