HDMI splitter

What is an HDMI splitter and why do you need one?

An HDMI splitter is a device that splits the signal from a single HDMI source, such as a TV decoder, and sends it to multiple displays. The benefits of using an HDMI splitter include:

• Simultaneous playback of the same presentation or movie on multiple screens.
• Flexibility in playing footage on different screens in different rooms.

HDMI splitter vs HDMI switch: a world of difference

HDMI splitters and HDMI switches are both audio/video devices, but they have different functions and purposes. An HDMI splitter distributes the signal from one HDMI source to multiple displays, while an HDMI switch does the opposite by connecting multiple HDMI sources to one display. An HDMI switch is useful if, for example, you only have one HDMI input on your TV, but want to connect several HDMI devices, such as a game console and a DVD player.

How do you connect an HDMI splitter?

An HDMI splitter is a small box with 2 or more HDMI outputs and 1 HDMI input. The HDMI cables from your HDMI source are plugged into the HDMI input and the HDMI cables from your TVs/displays are connected to the HDMI outputs of the splitter.

This enables you to easily connect multiple HDMI displays to 1 HDMI source and receive the same image on multiple displays OR determine which display (TV or beamer) you want to play the image on.

An HDMI splitter eliminates the need to change the HDMI cable if you want to watch films or play games on another display. The output of the HDMI splitter automatically becomes active when the connected TV is turned on.

Our HDMI splitters include a power adapter.

4K resolution and the importance of Hz in HDMI splitters

When choosing an HDMI splitter, it is important to pay attention to the supported resolution and Hertz (Hz). 4K resolution, also known as Ultra HD, delivers four times the resolution of 1080p Full HD and delivers impressive picture quality.

The number of Hertz (Hz) determines the refresh rate of the image per second. A higher refresh rate ensures a smoother and more stable image. Choose an HDMI splitter that is suitable for 4K resolution and a sufficiently high refresh rate for optimal image quality.

Do you own 4K equipment? If so, you should use an HDMI splitter that supports 4K signals. Otherwise, the resolution will remain limited to the maximum resolution of the HDMI splitter. That would be a shame!

Our Pro series is suitable for 4K60 (3840 x 2160/60Hz) and 8K60 (7680 x 4320/60 Hz) resolution, High Dynamic Range (HDR), Deep Color and 4:4:4 chroma colours.

Our Pro series:

• Split 612 Pro (4K 60Hz - 1 in / 2 out)
• Split 614 Pro (4K 60Hz - 1 in / 4 out)
• Split 618 Pro (4K 60 Hz - 1 in / 8 out)
• Split 814 Pro (8K 60Hz - 1 in / 4 out)

EDID switch

If you want to connect screens with different resolutions, for example, a 1080p (Full HD) or 4K (Ultra HD) TV, then make sure that the HDMI splitter has EDID. Our HDMI 2.0 splitters have an EDID switch that allows you to determine the maximum video resolution on the HDMI output.

When you connect a 4K TV and a 1080p TV to a 4K splitter, the highest common resolution is 1080p. The picture display on the 4K TV will also be 1080p maximum even if the 1080p TV is turned off. Such a waste! The EDID switch on our HDMI splitters solves this problem.

The EDID switch has two positions: ‘AUTO’ and ‘COPY 1’. They are used in the following situations:

AUTO: Connected TVs support the same maximum resolution.

COPY 1: Connected TVs support different resolutions (4K/1080p). In this position, the HDMI splitter ensures that a 4K resolution is shown on the 4K TV. The picture on the 1080p TV remains black because it does not support 4K.

ARC

HDMI splitters do not support ARC (audio return channel). ARC requires that the HDMI source is assigned to only one TV.

No signal loss

All of our HDMI splitters have a built-in repeater and equaliser that prevent signal loss.

Why a Marmitek HDMI splitter is the best choice

With Marmitek HDMI splitters you prevent connection problems and get the best out of your (existing) equipment. Marmitek offers a wide range of HDMI splitters, suitable for different situations and with various specifications. The advantages of choosing a Marmitek HDMI splitter include:

• Excellent picture and sound quality thanks to the support of 4K, 3D and HDCP standard.
• Easy installation and ease of use
• High-quality and durable materials, such as interference-free products through solid metal interference-free quality housings.
• Excellent customer service and support.

 Our HDMI splitters:

• Split 712 (in / 2 out) - 8K60, 4K120
• Split 312 UHD (1 in / 2 out)
• Split 612 Pro (4K 60Hz - 1 in / 2 out)
• Split 614 Pro (4K 60Hz - 1 in / 4 out)
• Split 618 Pro (4K 60 Hz - 1 in / 8 out)
• Split 814 Pro (8K 60Hz - 1 in / 4 out)

Purchase information and customer service Marmitek

Order your Marmitek HDMI splitter easily and quickly via our webshop. Do you have questions or are you unsure which HDMI splitter is most suitable for your situation? Contact our customer service and we will be happy to help you.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

HDMI 2.0

Compared to HDMI 1.4, the main improvement of HDMI 2.0 is its higher bandwidth (higher data rate), enabling 4K with higher frame rates and HDR.

The amount of data that can be sent is increased from 10.2 Gbps to 18 Gbps. This makes it possible to display 4K using a frame rate of 50-60 frames per second, 4:4:4 and HDR. HDMI 2.0 also offers support for a larger colour range (12-bit instead of 8-bit) and Dual View.

HDCP 2.2

4K Ultra HD content is increasingly becoming the standard. Due to this development in digital video technology, the current copy protection, HDCP, has evolved into HDCP 2.2. To play the latest Ultra HD content (4K films or broadcasts) in the best possible image quality, all your AV equipment in the same chain must support this HDCP 2.2 security.

So, this does not only apply to the source and your TV. If, for example, you route your HDMI signal via an HDMI switch, splitter, AV receiver or soundbar, they must all be HDCP 2.2 compliant. If that is not the case, the material will not be displayed in the highest possible resolution (1080p instead of 4K) + the corresponding image quality OR will sometimes not be displayed at all.

HDR

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. HDR provides images with greatly enhanced brightness and higher contrast (brighter white and deeper black). Combined with better colour rendering, this creates a more realistic and natural image.

In order to enjoy HDR, your TV does need to support the HDR feature. Material displayed in HDR quality (such as 4K Blu-ray, Netflix and YouTube) can then easily be played on your TV.

HDR does not add more pixels, like 4K Ultra HD does, but enhances the pixels that are there.

EDID

Stands for Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) and is a so-called ‘handshake’ between an HDMI source (e.g. a TV decoder) and a display/TV. In this way, both devices can immediately recognise each other and use the best possible settings (video resolution and audio).