Difference between HDMI Splitters and HDMI Switches - All you need to know
Are you one of those people who purchased the latest PS/Xbox gaming console but found there is no spot to plug it on the television set? Do the frequent swapping of HDMI cables bug you?
Stay calm, all you need to do is buy either an HDMI splitter or an HDMI switch. This way, you can have the same signal on multiple televisions.Both the HDMI splitters and HDMI switches are an inexpensive means to make your present TV. system relevant and useful. But, now the billion dollar question is which one to choose?
HDMI Switches
An HDMI switch is an electronic accessory that lets us swiftly run multiple HDMI devices through a single television set.
It is an apt solution to our everyday headache when the number of inbuilt ports of the T.V. set is less than the HDMI devices. This means, you no longer have to unplug one device to plug-in the other HDMI device.
These switches are available in a spectrum of sizes, with a top-selling size category having four inputs and one output. A 4:1 HDMI switch enables you to connect four HDMI devices to one television screen.
HDMI Splitters
An HDMI splitter is just right for individuals who don’t wish to have more than one HDMI device or subscription. It is a highly popular alternative to an HDMI switch, as it gives you the freedom to run one HDMI device over multiple televisions.
Generally, you find that two types of HDMI splitters are available in the gadget accessory markets. First is the kind that is installed with the use of the network cable, and others via the HDMI cable.
If you want to send HDMI signals over long distances, then the HDMI splitter installed through the network cable is the preferred choice. Just like the HDMI switches, the splitters also have a range of configuration options.
There are times when you want to use an HDMI splitter, and at other occasions, an HDMI switch will work best. Sometimes, it will depend on the number of devices you want to connect to your television’s HDMI port. Image quality is an important deciding factor. Another factor is the price, with some HDMI switches going at a higher price than splitters.
When to Use an HDMI Splitter
When you only want to connect a couple of devices or need to use longer cables, an HDMI splitter is often your best option. Once everything is connected, you can easily switch the HDMI source that matches the device. An HDMI splitter is also recommended when you want to send a signal to multiple TVs.
When interference is a problem due to long cables or you need to connect more than two devices, using an active HDMI splitter instead of a passive one will ensure that your audio and visual are crystal clear. Active HDMI splitters have more power to send the signal a longer distance.
When to Use an HDMI Switch
When you need to connect multiple devices to one TV, like a soundbar, gaming console, DVD, and CD players, an HDMI switch would be ideal. You will have plenty of ports to connect your devices. Plus you have the added advantage of not having to bother about technological advancements that can possibly cause problems with interference or image degradation.
Most HDMI switches can keep up with changes in technology, which means you don’t have to worry about replacing the switch each time you add a new device. Everything should work seamlessly after you’ve finished the setup process. HDMI switches are also better at blocking interference so you get sharp and clear images.
Key Differences
An HDMI splitter accepts one source and casts it on more than one television screen. An HDMI switch, on the other hand, takes more than one source, and then sends it to one device or T.V. via the cable output.
An HDMI switch labeled as 3:1 means three source inputs and one output, whereas the HDMI splitter would be labeled 1:3, and it means one source input and three outputs.
Before you decide on purchasing either of the HDMI switch or splitter, make sure the one you choose is compatible with your device resolution