Unlike HDMI Switchers, which are often powered by the HDMI devices connected to them, most HDMI Splitters need an external power source. Just as with a switcher, if one video display device is a lower resolution than the other, the output for both may default to a lower resolution. If you have more than two screens that you want to duplicate the signal to, you’ll obviously need more than two output ports. Splitters with more outputs are primarily for business and commercial use, where one source needs to be sent to multiple TVs or projectors. It is also fully HDCP (an anti piracy protocol) compatible so there shouldn’t be any issues using it.

And to top it all, it has an S/PDIF port, if you want to connect it to a digital audio device (and bypass the HDMI audio). Again it’s steel construction and slim form factor means it should survive wherever you choose to tuck it away. Ideal for use in high end 4K AV systems, this high performance 4 way splitter distributes a single HDMI source to up to four HDMI displays complete with automatic downscaling for HD displays and EDID management to ensure the best connection. Most reputable HDMI splitters already support the HDCP standard – but it’s something to double-check.This is important when switching between devices, as there is a temporary break in the handshake until the newly selected device locks in with a new handshake. The QU-12S Distribution Amplifier (splitter) accepts one HDMI input and splits this signal to two identical outputs. Remember, as always, that the splitter simply duplicates the input signal, so both screens will show the same gaming console output – but it’s useful if you want people in the other room to watch you play, for example. An HDMI Splitter lets you “split” the signal from one media box (a streaming device, a gaming console, a Freeview box, etc. The ability to connect multiple devices to one display is the biggest draw of an HDMI switch, and the Kinivo 550BN handles this task reliably.

For example, if you have the Standard Netflix membership, you can only watch up to two streams at once.The splitter has an efficient cooling system with multiple vents on its side and back, which ensures maximum cooling and prevents overheating. The picture-in-picture (PiP) preview mode alone almost had us, but the switcher is held back by having only four inputs and no HDMI audio splitter.