The reason you would like to split an HDMI connection is to get the same video on two different TVs or devices. If you add a projector or soundbar to your home theater room setup you may want to display that video on various devices at the same time.
In my case, I needed to be able to watch Blu-ray movies and play games from my Xbox One. But I wanted to be able to watch them either on the Samsung 65-inch Q80T or from my Epson Home Cinema 5050 4K PRO. The TV is good during the day but the projector is perfect on the 100inch screen at night.
So the hunt was on to find the best HDMI splitter for projectors and soundbars.
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Powered HDMI Splitter for TVs and Projector review
Don’t bother with the cheap Y splitters for HDMI that are not powered. They just don’t work well, especially if you have a long run. Only one TV or projector can be turned on at once otherwise they just don’t work.
Save your money and buy a quality powered 1 in 2 out HDMI splitter. You just need to work out how many HDMI output ports you need. They have integrated circuits that match the resolution to the device.
Wiring Up a HDMI projector splitter.
Let’s make the DVD player the source video signal for our task. Normally we would just run an HDMI cable from the DVD player to the TV. If we wanted to run it to 2 different TVs or a projector you would need the 1 in 2 out HDMI splitter.
All you need to do is run an HDMI cable to each TV, Projector, or Soundbar and then plug them into the powered HDMI switch.
Run a cable from the DVD player to the input side of the splitter and power it up. No, you will be able to have the same image on both TVs or projectors.
I like HDMI splitters that use a USB cable to power them up. This way they will only turn on when your device turns on. Saves power and no need to look for or install a wall outlet.
Why do you need an HDMI Splitter for Soundbars?
Yes, but only if you don’t have a spare optical output from the TV or there is no HDMI out port on the soundbar. Soundbars need to be able to connect to the video device player somehow.
Mostly this is done via an optical input or an HDMI input. The problem is that some soundbars only have one HDMI input slot and no HDMI output to the TV.
The only way to fix this problem is to use an HDMI splitter for soundbars. Some TVs will have an optical output that you can plug into an amp receiver or the soundbar.
At the end of the day, there are a few options to get the signal to your soundbar but each application is different. If you find you are already using the optical output then you will need to use the HDMI splitter.
It would be better if all soundbars had an HDMI input and output port as it would make life so much simpler without having to buy extra hardware to hack our video and sound signals.
Will this HDMI Splitter extend my computer monitor.
No this will only mirror your computer monitor image not make the real estate bigger for different programs.
Can I run HDMI longer than 30 feet.
No, the image will fail due to resistance losses. If you want to run longer than 30 feet you will need another powered HDMI splitter after 30 feet to boost the signal.
Can I leave these devices powered on?
Yes, I do. They take very little power. If you power it from a TV or Android TV box they will power on when the device turns on.
Conclusion
Hopefully, it is clearer what an HDMI splitter can do and why you need one. Stick with the powered HDMI splitters for long-distance especially wall-mounted TVs or outdoor projectors. You will have no problems with these powered splitters.
Watching a Blu-ray movie on my 65-inch TV is great but then being able to watch a movie at night on a 100-inch projector screen is fantastic. Now I don’t have to swap cables around every time I want to watch a movie on the Android TV box.
Now we have only talked about 1 in 2 out HDMI repeaters, you can also buy them the other way around. That is they take two HDMI signals and push them out into a single HDMI cable. This is good for people with lots of game consoles which only a few HDMI ports on the TV.
Many newer TV and sound receivers have extra HDMI ports so this is not such a big deal anymore. What they do lack is RCA connections. If you want to add an old Wii, PS1, or Xbox then you will need a composite to HDMI converter box.
It does sound confusing but it will start to make sense once you connect up all of your devices.
I am a qualified Industrial Electrician for the past 20 years and I love to share my knowledge on home repair and maintenance jobs.
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To keeps costs down I do all my own mods, repairs, and servicing. These skills I want to share with everyone. DIY is a skill everyone can learn.
If your TV has a scart-out option, you might need to buy a scart-HDMI/VGA adapted or converter.