Understanding HDMI Splitters

Today’s highly digital world relies heavily on high-definition multimedia interfaces (HDMI). This technology has become a cornerstone in transmitting high-quality video and audio signals. Regardless of what you plan to do, whether it is to set up a home theater, expand a multi-screen workstation, or connect various devices for presentations, the role that HDMi splitters play is crucial. And one common question that most professional AV supplies stores get is: Do HDMI splitters preserve audio? Let’s start understanding HDMI splitters.

Understanding HDMI Splitters

If you want to display an HDMI source on multiple devices, an HDMI splitter is your best partner for the job. The splitter is designed to take a single HDMI input signal from one source and then distribute it to multiple output devices. The splitter replicates the audio and video signal and sends it to the devices you want the content to be displayed on. This will enable you to display the same content from your Blu-ray player on two different TVs and ensure the same quality viewing experience on all connected screens.

Splitters come in two different varieties. The passive variety only splits the signal, while the active variety provides additional power to the split signal. This helps compensate for any loss that splitting a signal can result in.

How HDMI Splitters Handle Audio

HDMI technology is designed to carry both video and audio at the same time. By using a high-quality splitter, you can maintain the integrity of both video and audio. Here is how HDMI handles audio:

Digital Signal Preservation

Audio quality is expected to be the same. There should be no degradation whatsoever as long as the signal remains within the splitter’s operational range. The splitter duplicates the input signal and sends it to the different output devices without causing any alteration.

Audio Format Support

Many modern HDMI splitters are designed to support a wide range of audio formats, even high-definition formats like DolbyTrue HD and DTS-HD Master Studio. This shows how the splitter can handle different signals while maintaining quality.

EDID Management

Advanced splitters often come with EDID Management. This system helps maintain the quality of audio by ensuring that the same audio format is sent out to all connected devices. It also prevents downgrading of audio when connected devices only support stereo sound.

Factors that Influence Audio Preservation

HDMI splitters are designed to preserve audio. However, it is also important to be aware of the different factors that can influence their performance.

Splitter Quality

Quality always makes a difference. Professional-quality HDMI splitters bought from reputable manufacturers are expected to be more capable of maintaining audio integrity than those of lower quality.

Cable Quality and Length

Use high-quality cables and keep them only as short as necessary. Long, low-quality cables can degrade the signal and result in audio problems.

Power Supply

It is always wise to consider whether the splitter needs external power or if it can get enough power from the input source. It is important that you are aware of the power requirements to ensure stability of signal distribution.

Remember that inadequate signal transmission can happen when there is no sufficient power supply.  If this happens, both audio and video quality will be affected.

Number of Outputs

How many devices do you need to display your content on? Some splitter models can only accommodate a limited number of outputs. You should choose a splitter that can support the number of displays you plan to have.

Upgrade Your Experience Today

HDMI splitters will generally have no problems preserving audio quality. After all, that is exactly what they are designed to do. However, users also need to get high-quality splitters from a trusted manufacturer, provide quality cables of appropriate length, and configure the setup correctly. 

Now that you understand what splitters do and how they can preserve the quality of display and audio, it’s time to enhance your setup. Whether you are looking for an immersive home theater experience, a more streamlined office presentation, or seamless gaming on multiple screens, choosing a high-quality HDMI splitter is essential.

The right HDMI splitter is a great investment. Contact us for questions and advice.