How To Pick A Video Splitter

A video splitter is a device that is designed to take one video and allow it to be played on two or more separate monitors. These are particularly useful if you are showing a video to a large crowd where multiple screens are needed, or if you simply want a multi-screen display.

There are several important things for you to consider when buying a video splitter. These are whether or not you need sound, the number of connections, the resolution, the power sources, and if it comes with a warranty.

In the rest of this article, you will learn about the different features that your video splitter can come with so you can decide which you need.

Sound or No Sound

The very first thing that you’ll need to consider when deciding on your video splitter with whether or not you’ll need a device with sound.

When video splitters were first invented, you could not find one that also split sound. However, with improvements in technology, you can now find video splitters that are also able to split sound.

If you decide to buy a device with sound you will likely end up paying slightly more. This is why it is important to decide before you go shopping whether or not sound capabilities are something you actually need. 

Number of Connections

After you’ve decided whether or not sound is a must have for you, you’ll need to consider the number of connections you’ll need.

The majority of the more inexpensive devices only connect to two monitors. However, video splitter can connect to many more than that if you are willing to pay the price increase. 

Generally speaking, with video splitters that are easily available on the market, you’ll be able to find devices with anywhere from two to eight connections. Although you can get video splitters that will connect to more than eight devices, you will likely have to special order them online.

Resolution

Once you’ve figured out your sound and minimum connection requirements, you’ll want to think about the resolution. You want to make sure that the video splitter you purchase has a high enough resolution to maintain the quality of whatever you’re trying to show. 

Most of the time, you will find video splitters that either has 1080p 60 HZ or 4K 30 HZ. The 4K is going to be quite a bit pricier, but it may be worth it if you need to carefully maintain the quality of your videos.

Power Sources

There are two ways that your video splitter can be powered, either through an extra cable or through the cables connecting it to the devices. They are sorted into active video splitters or passive video splitters.

Active video splitters are devices that require an additional cable that is used exclusively to power the device. 

In contrast, passive video splitters do not require an additional cable and instead take their power from the devices they’re connected to.

For the most part, the devices function the same. The only time where it may be an issue is if you have a video splitter with eight connections and adding another cable could add to the confusion when trying to figure out which cable goes where.

Warranty

When you are purchasing your video splitter, try to make sure that you purchase a device that comes with a warranty. A lot of the time, since video splitters are not considered high-value equipment, they do not come with a warranty.

However, it is possible to find companies that will provide you with a warranty and this is always best. That way, if something happens to your video splitter, you will be able to get it replaced without having to pay the full amount for a new device.

Key Takeaways

Video splitters are extremely useful devices if you want to have a multi-screen display. They allow one video to be played across multiple screens at the exact same time. 

Before purchasing your video splitter you will need to consider what your needs are and apply them to the categories listed in the article. When you go to pick your video splitter you should already know whether or not you are looking for a device with sound capabilities, a passive power source, and 4K resolution, as well as how many connections you need.