Screens are getting bigger and the laptop’s display is not all it can be. I am wondering if I should get an HDMI splitter to help out with this problem, but everyone says you will lose quality. An HDMI splitter can provide much more functionality than just extending your screen size. It allows you to connect multiple devices (such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet) using one cable on one monitor/TV while maintaining high-quality video and sound. So if you are thinking of an HDMI splitter, make sure it is the right one for your needs.
This article takes you through how to utilize an HDMI splitter, what they’re typically used for, and some uses of it that are great in a work setting!
Can You Extend Laptop Display With HDMI Splitter?
Yes, You can use an HDMI splitter to extend the display on a laptop. An HDMI splitter can help you extend the display of your laptop to more than one external monitor simultaneously. This is a great way to increase your productivity by having more screen real estate. Each of those external monitors will display the same extended display, meaning that everything on your primary monitor will also be shown on the secondary monitors.
This is a great way to add an additional monitor or TV to your setup. In order to use an HDMI splitter, connect one end of the splitter to one of the laptops’ HDMI ports and connect the other end of the splitter to another monitor or TV. Make sure that all of your monitors have the same resolution before using an HDMI splitter.
If you have a laptop or any other computer with a built-in display, you can choose to expand the display of your laptop to external displays if your computer has at least one additional HDMI port. Adding additional displays to PCs is typically a simple process that takes only a few minutes.
How to Extend Display of Your Laptop with HDMI Splitter for Dual Monitors
The following steps will guide you through the process of extending the display using an HDMI splitter:
Purchase an HDMI Splitter
The first step is to purchase an HDMI splitter, which you can find at most electronics stores. However, you can choose from our top recommended HDMI splitter in the next section.
Set up the connection
To set up the connection, you will need to do the following:
- Plug the HDMI splitter into an HDMI port on your computer
- Connect the external monitor with HDMI ports on the splitters
- Turn on your computer and external monitor
Enable extended display
To enable extended display, follow these steps:
1. If you are using a Windows Laptop or computer:
If you’re using a Windows computer running Windows 7, 8, or 10, simultaneously click the “Windows key” and “P.” Several possibilities will appear. To enable extended display, select “extend” from those choices. Your computer’s primary display and the external display may begin to flash immediately after you engage in extended display mode.
2. If you are using an Apple Laptop or Mac:
If you are using a Mac computer, you may activate an expanded display by following these instructions. Once you switch on the external monitor, your computer should instantly recognize it. However, if your computer was unable to identify anything, you should navigate to the Apple menu –> System Preferences –> Displays –> Arrangement. On your screen, you’ll see a few instructions. Please adhere to those steps in order to enable the enlarged display.
Adjust resolution if necessary
If the display on external monitors is blurry or stretched, adjust the resolution. On a Windows computer, move the cursor to a blank space on the home screen and right-click the mouse. Next, choose Display settings from options that pop up. Choose advanced settings and click on the resolution dropdown where you can either increase or reduce resolution until displays normal again.
If using Mac computer, go to System Preferences > Displays > Scaled where you will see all resolutions available for external monitors when you do this and choose one after another until displays normal
Best HDMI splitter for dual monitors extended display
Without a doubt, an HDMI splitter is necessary for users whose PCs lack sufficient video-out ports to expand the display to all monitors they wish to utilize. The following is a review of the best HDMI splitter for external monitors
1. Techole 4K Powered HDMI Splitter (Budget pick – Best budget HDMI splitter)
The Techole 4K Powered HDMI Splitter is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable HDMI splitter. It can support up to two devices at once and offers both audio and video mirroring options.
The Techole 4K Powered HDMI Splitter is a great budget pick for those looking for an HDMI splitter. It has LED indicators that show the connection’s circumstances, as well as a 10.2 Gbps theoretical speed. Additionally, it is HDCP compliant and compatible with the Fire TV Stick. Plus, its unobtrusive design makes it easy to mix with your background. This HDMI splitter from Techole is a great budget choice because it has no loose fittings and a strong connection. It also supports 4K resolution for those who need it.
2. KELIIYO Hdmi Splitter 1 in 4 – Best HDMI splitter to connect up to 4 displays
The Keliiyo HDMI Splitter is perfect for connecting 4 displays to a single HDMI source. It is built with quality materials, including a metal case and anti-corrosion ports, making it one of the most durable splitters on the market. It also has a long-distance transmission capability, making it ideal for use in large venues or settings where distance is an issue.
This HDMI splitter is perfect for connecting dual monitors to a single source. It can reflect a distance up to 100ft and still maintain 3D, 4K, and 30Hz quality. Plus, it offers the best definition image quality for an optimal viewing experience.
3. OREI HDMI Splitter 1 In 2 Out 4K – Best overall HDMI splitter
This HDMI splitter is a great choice for those who want to share HD video and audio content with others. The 1×8 variant can support up to 8 displays while the 1×4 supports up to 4. It also comes with a heavy-duty metal enclosure that dissipates heat better, preventing issues with overheating. Plus, it’s great for watching interesting HD films and 3D games on your TV!
This HDMI Splitter is the best overall HDMI splitter because it is compatible with a variety of devices, such as the PS4, Xbox, and Roku. It is also very simple to set up and provides an excellent image quality on televisions. Additionally, it supports audio formats like Dolby and LPCM.
4. Avedio links 1×2 HDMI Splitter for Dual Monitor – Best advanced HDMI cable splitter
This HDMI splitter is perfect for gamers and people who use dual monitors. It is compact and easy to hold, with a durable aluminium quality. Additionally, it supports HDCP 2.2 and RGB 4:4 colour depths, making it the perfect choice for high-quality video playback.
The HDMI splitter is a device that can take one input and split it into two outputs. This is useful when you want to connect two devices to the same output, such as two monitors or a TV and a projector. This HDMI splitter supports 4K resolution at 60Hz and a range of audio formats, including LPCM 7.1 and Dolby TrueHD. It also has good after-sales service, meaning you can get help if you have any problems with it. Finally, the HDMI splitter is compatible with a wide range of gadgets.
How to Use 3 Multiple Screens On Your Laptop with HDMI Splitter
An HDMI splitter adapter is another device that can be purchased to increase the number of screens that may be used. If you’re wanting to display on three different panels, an HDMI splitter might be a useful addition to your total toolkit.
This enables you to connect two external screens to a single HDMI connection. There is no requirement for a power source. Simply connect the single USB end to the HDMI connector on your computer and each of your two displays to one of the adapter’s two HDMI ports.
There is one significant constraint here. While it does allow you to expand your desktop to two other displays, those monitors will display identical content. That may not sound very useful if you’re looking to extend your desktop. However, if you want to watch a movie on a screen directly in front of you while simultaneously presenting the same film on a TV display that other people in the room can view, this splitter is really beneficial.
FAQ on How to setup Multiple Display on a Laptop
Do HDMI splitter for extended display really work?
HDMI splitters allow you to extend the display of your computer to more than one external monitor. Each external monitor will display the extended display, but if the resolution is not set to equal on all monitors, then blurry or stretched images may appear. To test the extended display function of a hdmi splitter, increase or decrease the resolution until the display on external monitors appears normally.
If you are using a Mac computer, go to the Apple menu –> System Preferences –> then choose Displays. Press the “Option key” and hold it in place while you click Scaled. You will see all available resolutions for the external monitors when you do this. Choose these resolutions one after another until the external monitors display normally.
Do HDMI splitters affect picture quality?
HDMI splitters do not automatically reduce picture quality because they are copying a digital signal. The only time an HDMI splitter will reduce display quality is when the quality of the hardware and the HDMI cable is low. A long cable might affect the quality of the picture displayed on the screen.
Do all HDMI splitters support 4K?
All HDMI splitters support 4K resolutions. Some HDMI splitters can only duplicate images, not extend them. This product supports an array of devices and will transmit HD audio and video extremely well.
Does HDMI splitter need to be powered?
An HDMI splitter does not need to be powered if it has one input and one output. The quality of the signal is similar on both monitors if a splitter copies a digital signal. A long cable will affect the quality of the picture displayed on the screen.
Why does my HDMI splitter not work?
HDMI splitter not working: There could be a number of reasons why your HDMI splitter might not be working. Try connecting your devices one at a time and testing them to see if the issue is with that specific device or if it’s an overall problem with your system.
If you’re still having issues, try troubleshooting by following these steps:
- Make sure all cables are plugged in securely and correctly
- Verify that the power is on to both devices
What is the point of an HDMI Splitter?
A HDMI splitter is a device that takes the video and audio content from a single source and then duplicates, or “splits”, that signal into many. This enables the signal to be displayed on multiple sources. The performance is very decent.