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That said, there is also a category of HDMI adapters that can plug into a laptop via USB Type-A, USB-C, or Mini DisplayPort, and output to two monitors. It’s HDMI end-to-end, and all they can do is mirror the screen. Like we said, a lot of people, including manufacturers and retailers, play it fast and loose with A/V terms like “HDMI splitters.” Technically, HDMI splitters turn one HDMI signal into many identical HDMI signals.
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It certainly doesn’t help that HDMI switchers often come up in search results for HDMI splitters, and vice versa.Ĭonsidering how complicated it gets just talking about whether or not you need an HDMI splitter, we’re going to walk through some basic information we think everyone should know before buying one.
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We totally understand if you got mixed up: Terms like splitter, switch, or adapter are sometimes used interchangeably, but they refer to completely different things. There’s also a wide range of HDMI adapters that convert signals to different kinds of ports. If you are looking for a device that allows you to plug multiple devices into a single HDMI port, you’re actually looking for an HDMI switcher, rather than a splitter. If you don’t have a device, like a game console, cable box, or PC, that you want to show on multiple monitors simultaneously, you should hold off on buying this until such a need arises. This is a specific little accessory that does a very specific thing. What to consider before buying an HDMI splitterīefore you buy an HDMI splitter for dual monitors, you should have a plan. In addition to my own testing, I turned to user impressions from comment sections and feedback in enthusiast forums so I could learn more about the quirks of each individual product. Luckily, I’ve covered A/V gear for publications like Engadget, Popular Mechanics, and Reviewed, so I can step in and make some recommendations based on personal experience and hands-on time using them.
4k hdmi audio splitter professional#
Unlike 4K TVs or gaming monitors, there isn’t a library of in-depth professional reviews on HDMI splitters for dual monitors that you can quickly turn to for trusted recommendations. How we selected the best HDMI splitters for dual monitors
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They can offer a wide range of different capabilities depending on your needs. Of course, HDMI splitters can cost as little as a few dollars or run into the hundreds. For example, if you want to send a single video source to multiple TVs or monitors, you’ll need to use an HDMI splitter, which duplicates or “mirrors” from a single HDMI “in” connection, and provides multiple HDMI “out” ports so you can plug in many displays.
4k hdmi audio splitter Pc#
Unifying video and audio connections in a single HDMI cable may have simplified home theater setups for the majority of people, but some of us home theater masters and PC power users still find ways to complicate things.
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