Video splitters and accessories

HDMI splitter or HDMI switch

The names are often confused, yet the devices work in opposite ways:

• HDMI splitter — one source, several screens. The same picture from a set-top box, console or laptop appears on a TV and a projector at once, or on two monitors.
• HDMI switch — several sources, one screen. To a TV with a single free port you can connect, for example, a console, a set-top box and a computer, and choose the picture at the press of a button.

Bidirectional splitters work in both modes: as a switch for two sources or as a splitter for two screens. With switches, pay attention to the number of inputs and the supported resolution — HDMI 1.4 models only carry 4K at 30 Hz. DisplayPort switches, in turn, let you connect two computers to one monitor.

HDMI splitter for 2 monitors — what to keep in mind

A splitter mirrors the picture, so you will see exactly the same thing on both screens. It will not extend a laptop's desktop across two monitors — for that you need two video outputs or a USB-C hub with two HDMI ports. MacBooks with the base Apple M1 and M2 chips also only support one external monitor. With protected content, such as streaming services and consoles, every connected device must support HDCP, otherwise the picture may not appear.

HDMI capture card and accessories

• Capture card — converts the HDMI signal from a console, camera or second computer into a video source for streaming and recording software. Some cards accept a 4K 60 Hz signal but pass Full HD to the computer — if you want to record in 4K, check the output resolution on the product page.
• HDMI signal booster — strengthens the signal over long runs when the picture starts to drop out.
• HDMI coupler — joins two HDMI cables into one longer cable when the lead does not reach the TV.
• HDMI wall plate — for mounting in a wall or frame when the TV cable runs inside the wall.

To connect devices to a splitter or switch, you will need HDMI to HDMI cables, and for a computer switch — DisplayPort cables. Connect a USB-C laptop with a USB-C to HDMI cable. You will find the rest of the display cables in the video cables category.

Frequently asked questions

Does an HDMI splitter reduce picture quality?

A splitter passes on the same digital signal, so quality does not change as long as the device supports the source resolution. If one of the screens has a lower resolution, some splitters scale the picture to match the lower one.

How do I connect a console for streaming on a computer?

Connect the console to the capture card with an HDMI cable, and the card to the computer via USB. The console's picture will appear in your recording or streaming software as a video source. On PS4 and PS5, turn off HDCP in the system settings first, otherwise the card will show a black screen.