Last updated on January 23rd, 2024 at 02:18 am
Can You Connect Two TVs with HDMI to Play the Same Picture?
There will be instances you wished you could display video from a Blu-ray player or video source on two TV sets or monitors. In other words, take one HDMI output and send it to two TV inputs.
For example, if you’re a cable TV subscriber, you wish you can watch shows on a TV in another room in addition to it being displayed in the living room.
Your cable TV provider offers you a solution – get another cable set-top box at a reduced price.
That’s a sensible solution, but what if your budget doesn’t permit it?
No problem. You can save costs by learning how to connect multiple TVs to one cable box, including how to sync two smart TVs together.
Yes, a better, affordable, and quicker solution in the form of an HDMI splitter for dual monitors.
Yes, that’s one HDMI output to two TV inputs.
What is an HDMI splitter?
As its name suggests, it takes an HDMI signal and sends it to different display devices.
1 x 2 HDMI Splitters
The most common are HDMI splitters which send a single HDMI signal to 2 TV sets.
They are called 1 X 2 HDMI splitters or HDMI splitters for dual monitors.
1 x 4 HDMI Splitters
There are also HDMI splitters for 4 monitors. The same video is sent to 4 different monitors.
They are called 1 x4 HDMI splitters. They aren’t in common use in households. They’re mostly used in business establishments like cafes and clubs.
All said and done, the basic idea is to link multiple TVs together displaying a single picture, from an HDMI source.
How to Link 2 TVs Together with HDMI
Using an HDMI splitter for dual monitors isn’t complicated. It’s just a matter of plugging in the HDMI cables.
Step 1 – Instead of plugging in your cable TV box directly to your TV, you plug it into the HDMI in of the HDMI Splitter,
Step 2 – Then from the HDMI out ports, run two cables to your 2 TVs’ HDMI in ports.
You should be able to see the same video on the two screens after hooking the 2 TVs together with HDMI.
Difference Between HDMI Splitter and Switcher
When looking for a device to split your HDMI signals to more than one monitor, some buyers end up buying an HDMI switcher.
An HDMI switcher does the opposite of an HDMI splitter.
It accepts signals from various HDMI sources such as cable TV, TV box, and Blu-ray player and switches between them to be viewed on a single display device.
As its name suggests, it switches between the different HDMI sources. Different sources, single TV set or monitor.
No Screen Extension
It must be noted that an HDMI splitter for dual monitors doesn’t extend your screen. It just splits the signal and sends it to 2 display units.
You’ll get the same picture on both screens. You don’t get half a picture on one screen and the other half on the second TV or monitor screen.
What to Look for When Buying an HDMI Splitter for Dual Monitors
Number of Output Ports
Consider in advance the number of output HDMI ports you need. The cheapest option out there is for 2 HDMI output ports to connect 2 TVs with HDMI.
Would you need more connected TVs in the future? Maybe you’re planning to buy an HDMI computer monitor to be placed in your study room, apart from the TV set in your bedroom.
Supported Resolution
You may have a 4K TV that supports 60Hz. Just because the HDMI splitters mention they support 4K, it doesn’t mean they support your TV resolution.
The 60Hz support is only for 1080p for most entry-level HDMI splitters for dual monitors.
In the case of 4K, only 30Hz is supported. Be aware of that.
Active and Passive HDMI Splitters
HDMI splitters aren’t alike when it comes to power requirements.
A passive HDMI splitter doesn’t require an external power source, It’s just a plug-and-play kind of thing.
An active HDMI splitter derives power separately. You would have to plug it into a power source outlet.
So, how do you decide which to buy?
Here’s a quick tip.
If you’re just splitting the HDMI signal to a few meters away, then you can make do with a passive HDMI splitter.
However, if your cable is going to run for several meters, then it would be wise to have an active HDMI splitter to prevent signal degradation.
To be on the safe side, opt for an active HDMI splitter if you predict any radio frequency interference from other nearby equipment.
If you change your mind and decide to buy a 1 x 4 HDMI splitter, you should certainly go for an active HDMI splitter.
Warranty Period
There are many HDMI splitter models out there. Whichever one you choose, make sure it comes with at least a year’s warranty to ensure peace of mind.
Here are some good HDMI splitters for dual monitors that you can take a look at to get started.
Avedio Links HDMI Splitter – 1 In 2 Out 4K HDMI Splitter for Dual Monitors
This HDMI splitter for dual monitors is a No.1 Best Seller on Amazon and is a hit among those looking to mirror a TV to another TV.
It scores high marks for portability and is suitable to carry around.
This is an active HDMI splitter. You need a separate power source to operate it.
A power adapter is not provided with your purchase. However, you may use any USB power adapter lying around in your house.
The maximum video resolution supported is 4K/30Hz.
Watch the video below to learn more about the Avedio Links HDMI Splitter.
Check out this bestselling HDMI 1 x 2 splitter.
AVSTAR/AVFABUL 4K HDMI Splitter (for TV and Soundbar)
If you’re looking for an HDMI Splitter for TV and soundbar, you can’t go wrong with this unit.
It works well with popular equipment like computer monitors, gaming consoles, and projectors, among others.
If you’re particular about equipment design this unit’s look would satisfy you.
It supports video resolution of up to 4K/60Hz.
It’s also compatible with HDCP 2.2/HDCP 2.3 devices like Xbox, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, among others.
Watch the video below for more details on this HDMI splitter for dual monitors.
Check out the AVSTAR/AVFABUL 4K HDMI Splitter.
Orei 4K 1×2 HDMI Duplicator Splitter HD-102
Apart from offering this 1 x 2 HDMI splitter, the seller also offers 1 x 4 and 1 x 8 splitters.
Users have reported no audio or video lag when using the splitter. Also, there is no noticeable signal degradation when the HDMI cable is extended up to 50ft.
However, you’re advised to limit your HDMI connection to 30 feet.
The splitter supports HDCP 1.4 with no HDCP bypass.
There’s also support for Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) control.
It allows the splitter to output a signal that screens with different sizes, resolutions, and formats.
Learn more about this HDMI splitter from the video below.
Check out the Orei 4K 1×2 HDMI Duplicator Splitter HD-102
Zaccas 4K HDMI Splitter 1 in 2 Out
This is a simple plug-and-play dual monitor HDMI splitter with external USB power.
It supports picture quality of up to 4K@30Hz.
To get the best video resolution out of it, it’s recommended that you use a high-speed HDMI 2.0 cable.
Also if you could limit the HDMI cable connection to 3 meters, you would get the best possible picture out of it.
When connected to TV sets, it will display the lower resolution of the two,
For example, if you connect a 4K TV and a Full HD TV to the splitter, you would only get a Full HD resolution on both sets.
Watch the video below to learn more about this HDMI splitter for dual monitors.
Check out the Zaccas 4K HDMI Splitter 1 in 2 Out.
ZettaGuard 4K HDMI Splitter 1 in 2 Out
This HDMI splitter comes with support for 3D video including frame packing for all 3D formats up to a 297MHz TMDS clock
It is HDMI 1.4a compliant and supports deep color ranging from 30bit, 36bit, and 48bit per pixel.
Measuring 77.6W x 135D x 23.5H(mm), it weighs a mere 120g.
Digital audio support includes DTS-HD / DolbyTrue HD / LPCM 7.1 / DTS / Dolby-AC3 / DSD.
View the video below to learn more about this 1-in and 2-out HDMI splitter.
Check out the ZettaGuard 4K HDMI Splitter 1 In 2 Out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an HDMI Splitter for Dual Monitors Work with Computer Graphics Card?
Yes, it does. However, it only displays the same image on two monitors or TV screens. It doesn’t extend the picture.
Is there Picture Quality Loss when Using an HDMI Splitter?
No, because the HDMI signal is a digital one. However, hardware quality and the nature of the setup may affect the stability of the signal. For example, if you run an HDMI cable more than 50ft long to your TV, there may be signal degradation.
As mentioned earlier, to avoid signal degradation for long-distance cable connection, it is advised that you use a powered HDMI splitter.
Will I Experience Lag When Using an HDMI Splitter?
There will be lag, but you’ll not notice it. Why? Because it is around 2 milliseconds. In any case, you should use a powered HDMI splitter to tackle the lag problem, if you foresee any.
Can You Use an HDMI Splitter with a Laptop Computer?
You can use it with the HDMI out of a laptop computer. However, you can’t connect an HDMI splitter to your laptop from a cable TV box or Blu-ray player. In short, there’s no HDMI input support for laptop computers.
