HDMI Splitter, HDMI Switch and HDMI Matrix Guide
We are often asked to explain how these devices work and also the differences in their functionality. To answer this, we have created this page which will cover the differences between these devices in detail and also the benefits that they may offer you.
All these devices can certainly have a place in a Home Theatre. However, even though their names might suggest very similar functions, they do in fact perform quite different tasks.
Below we will explain the main differences between a HDMI Splitter, HDMI Switch and a HDMI Matrix.
HDMI Splitters
Essentially a HDMI Splitter will take the signal from one source device and split it to multiple displays. The output signal is an exact clone of the original. Since HDMI transmits via a pure digital signal path there will absolutely no loss of quality.
A HDMI Splitter will also negotiate the connection much like the source device would if it was connected directly. This means it will use EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) to ensure the correct resolution is automatically selected.
Please note that if two or more displays are connected to a HDMI Splitter but one of these displays supports a lower maximum resolution, the HDMI Splitter will select the lower resolution for all the connected displays. The reason this is the case is because the HDMI Splitter must negotiate a format that is compatible with all the connected displays in the group.
The HDMI Splitters that we have available will also offer a secure HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) connection. This is important as it makes these units compatible with a wide variety of consumer level devices available today. Some of these include devices such as Blu-ray Players, HD TV's, PS3, Xbox 360, Foxtel IQ/IQ2 etc.
HDMI Splitter 1x2 (1 in 2 out)
HDMI Switches
If you need to connect multiple sources to a single HDMI input, then a HDMI Switch would be the correct choice.
This is quite often a drawback with older model High Definition TV's, they don't offer enough HDMI inputs. With our ever evolving World of technology, it is not uncommon to find yourself with more devices than inputs available. These units act much like the AV Switches of last generation, except a HDMI Switch will offer a secure digital path ensuring absolutely no quality is lost from source to display.
Depending on your preference, our Mini HDMI Switches also have an auto switch feature. This means that provided the other devices are powered off, the HDMI Switch will automatically switch over to the desired device.
All the HDMI Switches that we have available are supplied with a remote control. The 3 in 1 out (3x1) HDMI Switches do not require a power supply as they utilise the 5 volt power provided by the input HDMI connection. The 5 in 1 out (5x1) models do include an Australian standard power supply.
HDMI Switch 3x1 (3 in 1 out)
HDMI Matrix
These devices offer the best of both worlds. A HDMI Matrix combines a HDMI Splitter and a HDMI Switch in one device.
With reference to the above, these devices are a great solution to expand on the available HDMI inputs but also serve to split the signal to multiple displays. These units offer extreme versatility as the connected source devices can be selected in any combination to each of the connected displays. To clarify, it is possible to select a different source device for each of the output displays or split the same source device to multiple displays.
A remote control is supplied with these units to make selecting the desired combination easy. An Australian standard power supply is also included.
HDMI Matrix Switch 4x4 (4 in 4 out)
Important Information Relating To 3D
A HDMI Splitter or HDMI Matrix is only capable of sending 3D to all the connected displays or 2D to all the displays.
Unfortunately these devices cannot send 3D to one display and 2D to another. As an example, it is not possible to send 3D video to a display from one output and the signal from another output to an AV Receiver which is not capable of accepting a 3D signal.
This is the case for all HDMI Splitters and HDMI Matrix Switches currently on the market.
Summary
All these devices are compatible with 2D and 3D signals and are also compatible with HDMI v1.4 enabled equipment (also compatible with HDMI v1.3 or lower). However, Audio Return Channel and HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) are not supported. Please note that as of today there are no devices that currently support HDMI Ethernet Channel. HDMI v1.4 video formats such as 3D are supported perfectly.
All current HD resolutions up to 1080p are supported. All High Definition audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and Linear PCM are also supported as are the legacy versions of these audio formats (Dolby Digital and DTS).
We hope that this has helped to identify the differences with these devices. If there are any questions that remain unanswered, please feel free to Contact Us and we will do our very best to provide you with all the information that you require.
