Reliable 1 to 2 (or 1 to 3) HDMI Splitter?

[ar surround]

Can anyone recommend a reliable 1 input to 2 outputs (or 1 input to 3 outputs) HDMI splitter? I've seen a number of them on Amazon with decent ratings, but I wanted to canvass our group for recommendations.

For my particular application, one TV will be only a few feet from the splitter while the other will require about a 40 ft HDMI cable.

I need only duplication of the video content.

Thanks.

 

[Mark Anderson]

I have used many unknown brands and have had acceptable results. A splitter will reduce the video to the lowest video res on both displays. If one is 4k, the other 2k. 2k to both. 40 feet for hdmi is pushing it. I have done 25 feet. Beyond that use baluns at each end and cat 5 or 6 depending on length in between.

 

[kcrimson]

I would second that a 40 ft HDMI length is getting into the world of unreliable connections. Sometimes it will work, often times it won't.
HDBaseT was invented for this very reason -
https://www.monoprice.com/search/index?keyword=hd+base+t

Good luck.

 

[boxhead]

I've used a number of cheap 1 to 3 and 1 to 4 devices that I've found on eBay. They've all worked well but a couple have failed after a few years of use - no problem, just but another for $20!

I've been using them for a short local run plus a 20 metre run to the bedroom via two 10 metre cables joined together. This did not work, there was no signal getting through. So instead of the passive joiner I tried another spare splitter that I had as they amplify the signal as part of their basic functionality. This has worked a treat for several years - I've just had to do an occasional power reset after a power failure.

 

[François]

I have a FeinTech VSP01201. Works great, but I don’t have long cables.

 

[mandrix]

So you want to drive (split) the signal to several HDMI devices simultaneously? Or do you want to be able to switch inputs?
I've not had good luck with splitters personally. I do use a 5 input/1 output HDMI switch that comes with a cheap remote. It seems to handle 4K @ 60Hz just fine.
I'm using 3 inputs from my pc's, with the output to the AVR.
All the disc players and ChinOppo I just switch with the AVR.

 

[ar surround]

So you want to drive (split) the signal to several HDMI devices simultaneously

Yes. 1 in, 2 or 3 out. Simple duplication. The output can be low res for my particular application because it is just a digital clock. But the clocks must show the same on all screens.

 

[ar surround]

40 feet for hdmi is pushing it. I have done 25 feet. Beyond that use baluns at each end and cat 5 or 6 depending on length in between.

Is 40 ft too long even if the splitter is powered?

What are baluns? Some sort of HDMI to cat 5 converter?

 

[atlantasteve]

Store4PC via Amazon has Sabrent 2-Port 4K Dual HDMI Sharing Switch on sale for $12.99 - $4.03 (31%) off when you apply promo code 31953V7A on the checkout page = $8.96. Shipping is free w/ Prime or on $35+ orders.

 

[ar surround]

Store4PC via Amazon has Sabrent 2-Port 4K Dual HDMI Sharing Switch on sale for $12.99 - $4.03 (31%) off when you apply promo code 31953V7A on the checkout page = $8.96. Shipping is free w/ Prime or on $35+ orders.

Note that this switch is 2 in / 1 out.

 

[mandrix]

Yes. 1 in, 2 or 3 out. Simple duplication. The output can be low res for my particular application because it is just a digital clock. But the clocks must show the same on all screens.

Well if you're going 40 ft I would def go with a powered splitter. The ones that rely on the HDMI cable voltage can be hit or miss even for shorter runs.
My longest cable run has a 25' cable, with shorter cables connected on each end (more flexible for my needs going to a tv is on a swivel mount).
In this case I just use 4K interconnects between cables. So probably about 31-34 ft total but not run through a splitter but from my AVR.

I've bought lots of splitters and switches over the years and most seem to crap out fairly soon. My last switch has lasted about 2 years though I think and seems to work well for the price.

 

[ar surround]

I've bought lots of splitters and switches over the years and most seem to crap out fairly soon. My last switch has lasted about 2 years though I think and seems to work well for the price.

I will probably utilize the 1 to 2 splitter only 4 to 6 times a year for a few hours, so perhaps it will last longer for me.

 

[mandrix]

I will probably utilize the 1 to 2 splitter only 4 to 6 times a year for a few hours, so perhaps it will last longer for me.

OK. For audio/video I would recommend Monoprice units. But anything that will push the 40' cable should be fine when 4K/60 isn't needed.

 

[madscot]

If you stick to aluminium and 8k you should be okay, I have a 3 way splitter (3 in 1 out) that is brilliant quality and is as I described, not cheap but certain products need money spent on them

 

[LuvMyQuad]

Yes. 1 in, 2 or 3 out. Simple duplication. The output can be low res for my particular application because it is just a digital clock. But the clocks must show the same on all screens.

Take heed of what @Mark Anderson is saying here.

I have used many unknown brands and have had acceptable results. A splitter will reduce the video to the lowest video res on both displays. If one is 4k, the other 2k. 2k to both.

I use a 1 in 2 out off brand I got from parts express a few years back. It has selectable EDID via a set of pin switches. Among other options, it allows you to force the issue on resolution.by copying the EDID of one of the 2 outputs. Unfortunately, i dont see it offered any more.

 

[mandrix]

If you stick to aluminium and 8k you should be okay, I have a 3 way splitter (3 in 1 out) that is brilliant quality and is as I described, not cheap but certain products need money spent on them

You mean you have a switch then. 1 in and 3 out would be a splitter, yes? 3 in and 1 out would be a switch.
Not criticizing, so many terms to keep up with these days you really need to know what you're buying.