How to connect two tvs with an HDMI cable

Most people know how to simply connect an HDMI-compatible device to a television in order to display the device’s video and audio outputs. But, using HDMI cables to connect two televisions (or monitors) together in order to display the same device’s output is a much more peculiar task. However, it is not impossible.

Before setting off on this task, you will need to acquire some extra equipment. You will need to purchase what is known as an HDMI splitter. However, please note, that HDMI splitters are not the same as HDMI routing switchers, which are capable of changing what outputs are sent to particular displays. This does require some brief research, as you must make sure that the splitter is compatible with the televisions’ resolution, refresh rate and color depth. With this in mind, you also want to be sure that your HDMI cables are compatible with the aforementioned specifications as well. If you attempt to use cables or a splitter that is not compatible, you may experience lessened resolution or simply a weaker signal. The splitter selection that you can choose from is going to be dependent on the number of displays that you intend to output the signal to. However, if you intend to only display the output to two displays, there are several affordable options. For example, the Active 4K HDMI Splitter is capable of outputting signals to two separate displays with up to 4k resolution, but, as stated before, your cables will have to 4k compatible as well.

Once you have acquired the necessary splitter and cables, all you have to do is set it up. Most splitters come with the equipment and an AC adapter. Simply connect your splitter to the AC adapter and plug the adapter into the wall. Next, you need to run an HDMI capable from the output device, whether it be a computer, a DVD player, a Blu Ray player or a game console, into the HDMI splitter. Once the connection is made, it is then necessary to run two more HDMI cables from the opposite side of the splitter to each display that you want the signal to output to. Once these final connections are made, make sure the device that is outputting the signal to the splitter is powered on. Next, turn on each of the displays and use the input settings to set the displays to the input that corresponds to the port in which you plugged in the HDMI cable. If everything is connected correctly, the signal from the output device should appear. If the display looks small or zoomed in, you may have to adjust the display’s resolution settings to ensure that it matches the output resolution of the output device.

With the resolutions set, everything should be adjusted properly. It must be kept in mind that, with this set-up, the displays will essentially act as identical images of each other, as the video signal is being controlled by the output device and not the displays. However, if the output device is a computer, it is possible to change your settings to have each monitor act as its own individual, but extended, PC display. Lastly, if something does not work with your setup, it is recommended that you contact the cable, splitter, output device, or display manufacturer for technical assistance, as any of these components could malfunction.