HDMI distributor in the test 2023
If you own a TV that is equipped with only one HDMI port, you have to constantly crawl behind the device to disconnect the HDMI cable from device A and connect device B. Of course, this is not really practical – especially if the devices are changed at regular intervals. The solution to these and similar problems related to an HDMI connection is a so-called HDMI distributor, which is already available for comparatively little money in the trade and on the Internet. But what exactly is that? How does an HDMI distributor work and which criteria should one consider when looking for the right model? Our guide article below will provide you with the answers to these questions.
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HDMI distributor - what exactly is that?
You have probably already heard of a USB distributor or USB splitter. This is a device that is plugged into a free USB port and then enables the connection of several USB devices via the USB ports built into it - i.e. an extension from one to several USB ports. A similar concept is also used by the so-called HDMI splitter, which is also commercially available under its alternative name HDMI splitter: Such a splitter enables its user to split the HDMI signal over several outputs. For example, you can easily connect several end devices such as a game console or a receiver to a television, even though there are not enough free HDMI connections on it. In this way it is also possible, for example, to have a film played back via a connected Blu-ray player both on the television and parallel to it via a beamer - this way you could play back the respective content in two rooms of the house.
But there are a few more options that can be implemented with an HDMI distributor: For example, it makes it possible to display the TV picture not only on the television, but also on a connected computer monitor at the same time. This is an important advantage for gamers in particular, as they can enjoy a PlayStation game on the PC monitor at the same time and take screenshots or professional video recordings of the game. It would also be conceivable, for example, to retrofit an Ambilight set to give the television a cool backlight. In this case, the HDMI distributor would supply the Ambilight controller and the television with the necessary signals. Alternatively, you could use the HDMI splitter to display the same film in two rooms, even though you only have one Blu-ray player. So you see: There are numerous ways to use an HDMI splitter to your advantage.
What is the difference between HDMI distributor, HDMI switch and HDMI matrix?
If you look around for an HDMI distributor in stores or in well-known online shops, you will quickly notice that it is unfortunately not that easy to find a suitable model that meets your own wishes.
With a probability bordering on certainty, you will quickly come across the three terms HDMI distributor, HDMI splitter, HDMI switch and HDMI matrix. But what do these actually mean?
Let's start with the HDMI distributor and the HDMI splitter. Both terms describe the same device, it is only the German and the English designation. As explained above, an HDMI splitter allows you to split the input signal to two receivers - hence its name. An HDMI switch, on the other hand, takes exactly the opposite approach: It ensures that you can switch between several devices that are connected via an HDMI switch without having to laboriously reconnect the associated cables. For example, you can connect a games console and a modern receiver to the HDMI switch if your television only has an HDMI connection and switch back and forth between the two devices. As a rule, an HDMI switch has a small switch that can be used to conveniently switch between the connected devices.
However, some models also include a small remote control in the scope of delivery, which takes over this task - so you don't always have to get up from the sofa if you want to use the other device.
Last but not least, there is also the HDMI matrix. This is a special device that combines the advantages of an HDMI splitter and an HDMI switch - it is therefore a universal device with several free HDMI connections. In many cases, an HDMI matrix can be the best choice, as it is significantly cheaper to buy than a single HDMI distributor and an additional HDMI switch. In addition, they also convince with their simple operation, so that even inexperienced users can work with them relatively quickly. A bit confusing: On the Internet you often read about so-called HDMI hubs on comparison sites. In such listings of the best models, you will usually find both HDMI splitters, as well as HDMI switches and HDMI matrices. So take a close look at the individual products to find out which category they belong to. If you know exactly what you need your future device for, it is not that difficult to find the right variant.
Do you have to be prepared for a loss of quality when using an HDMI splitter?
The rumor still persists that you have to be prepared for a loss in quality of picture and sound if you use an HDMI splitter. This is actually the case with older models that came onto the market a few years ago, since the technology was not yet fully developed at the time. In the meantime, however, this side effect has long been a thing of the past: With an HDMI splitter, you can easily split picture and sound without having to adjust to poorer quality.
Is 4k or 3D transmission possible with an HDMI splitter?
Modern HDMI splitters can process 4K signals without any problems, and 3D content is also supported. Most devices are designed to read the 4K signal, which is becoming increasingly popular, and then output it at up to 1080p – this corresponds to the classic Full HD resolution. However, there are also more modern HDMI splitters that can output a maximum of 2160p and are primarily aimed at film lovers who value the best possible picture quality. Such splitters are of particular interest if the signal is to be passed on to a modern 4K television or a 4K projector.
Can I bypass HDCP copy protection with an HDMI splitter?
HDMI splitters are also very popular with many buyers because they can be used to easily circumvent HDCP copy protection. The HDCP copy protection is actually intended to ensure that the video and audio signals that can be tapped between a transmitting and a receiving device. However, in order for an HDMI splitter to be able to do its job at all, it must be able to do exactly this function - after all, it is always interposed between the transmitter and the receiver. Almost all modern HDMI splitters and HDMI switches are therefore capable of HDCP, which makes it possible, for example, to record films or game capture via a games console.
And finally ...
An HDMI splitter proves to be a practical investment if you want to duplicate an HDMI signal. However, before you start looking for an HDMI splitter, you should first ask yourself what you expect from the small device. For example, if you want to distribute an HDMI signal to several receivers (e.g. a television and a beamer or a television and a computer), an HDMI distributor or HDMI splitter is actually the only right choice.
However, if you want to connect multiple devices to an HDMI port and switch back and forth between them, you need an HDMI switch that works the other way around: While an HDMI splitter has one input and several outputs, an HDMI switch only has one Output, but brings with it several inputs for connecting the respective end devices.
If you are not quite sure whether you need an HDMI distributor or an HDMI switch, you should consider an alternative HDMI matrix: It combines the advantages of an HDMI distributor and HDMI splitter in one device and is usually significantly cheaper in purchasing than the two individual components.
