Do you want to watch Netflix or play Xbox on multiple screens at the same time with your friends? Sounds impossible? However, HDMI splitters for the (use of) dual monitors will be something that makes it possible.
The HDMI splitters for dual monitors enable you to powerup how many screens or monitors you want to keep on. Like from enjoying watching shows from one room to another at the same time without any interruption—turning it into a home theatre system.
In this article, we have curated a list of top-notch HDMI splitters for dual monitors to help you choose the best product for your need.
So, let’s go into it, shall we?
Tell Us More About the HDMI Splitter for Dual Monitors
For a layman, an HDMI splitter is used to direct the signal of a source from one to multiple places. Take, for, example, Netflix. With the help of an HDMI splitter, the exact show of Netflix can be streamed on dual monitors simultaneously. They are usually stamped with two numbers; First and Second numbers. The former highlights the total number of inputs. While the latter shows the total number of outputs. The number of outputs can be between 2 to 8.
HDMI Splitters for Dual Monitors Problem With HDCP
HDCP stands for high-bandwidth Digital Content Production is a digital bulwark against the piracy of exclusive content, whether in audio or video form. Hence, it can impede the HDMI splitter’s role to project at least two screens with one source, especially where some exclusive content is involved.
How does HDCP Works?
HDCP simply is used to guard the exclusivity of digital content. The system ensures the exclusivity of the content via a process of special verification where it makes sure you are not recording the high-bandwidth content through any non-approved HDMI devices. The exclusive content can be ranged from a Blue-Ray disc to a game console’s videogame disc.
Back to the Problem of HDCP with HDMI Splitters
You will get an error or your screen will instantly go blank with a usual blue screen declaring no signal if you go with any HDMI splitters which are not HDCP-compliant. Unless you legally purchased content with newer equipment to play, or else on older equipment you cannot be able to watch that content.
HDMI Splitters for Dual Monitors: Which HDMI Splitters Can Bypass HDCP?
It is extremely annoying you cannot watch your show as your screen went blue due to non-HDCP-protected HDMI splitters. There are ways to bypass this security with some hacks without scaling back to lower-resolution to facilitate the smooth delivery of HDMI signal from HDMI splitters to non-HDCP-approved.
Fallback Mode is the Answer
Though bypassing HDCP is no easy task. But there are some loopholes in it, like Fallback Mode. This mode, when active, can easily allow you to watch HDMI content on devices that are non-HDCP-compliant. The reason behind it can be found in the almost trigger less effect of fallback mode on splitters. So, if you ever encounter a problem with watching the content on dual screens with the help of a splitter, use fallback mode to bypass the safety of HDCP.
Cheap Splitters Can Also Get Around HDCP Safety
Some low-quality HDMI splitters can, though sometimes, dodge the HDCP digital safeguard. This, in turn, makes the dual-screen setup go on smoothly. This usually one-time bypass happens due to the shoestring budget of the splitters manufacturers who are not able to pay for the license of HDCP. Nonetheless, they do not get to play the content which is HDCP-approved. But, then, comes the trick. Due to the prone of the cheap splitters to trigger the fallback mode in the HDMI devices, this will considerably lower the resolution of the content to the point where it can be played on dual screens.
What Type of HDMI Splitters for Dual Monitors You Should Look For?
The first thing to look for in HDMI splitters is an efficient power adapter. The next important thing, you should focus on are the splitters which should be compliant from 1.3a to 2.1. Commonly used splitters are 1×4 and 1×2. Translating into the one input with four outputs and one input and two outputs, respectively. The latter is recommended for the dual screens, while the former is better for the quad-monitor setup.
Check For the Proper Transmission of both Audio and Video?
To watch the content on the dual monitors with seamless audio and video requires a graphic card and two HDMI outputs. Dual HDMI outputs are considered your best option as splitters that delivers audio and video transmissions to the screens can downgrade the quality of either two and on the other hand, they are expensive too.