HDMI Switches versus Splitters! (And how to use them!)

[@MatsuXL]

🚨My favorite splitter! Handles up to 8k30 or 4k120 for my gaming friends! Orei 8k Splitter - amzn.to/3Z71f3W

[@MatsuXL]

My favorite switch! Orei 2x1 8k30 or 4k120 - amzn.to/3AXFFqy

[@HetfieldJames90]

I was in a dilemma and your video solved it. Cheers for that! I wanted to connect my laptop (with only 1 hdmi output) & PS5 to one monitor that had only 1 hdmi input. Almost went down the road of active DP to hdmi adapters which were expensive and cumbersome but came across you and now my setup is sorted. Absolute legend.

[@alexgardner1784]

What did you end using for your setup?

[@ShayneEvans]

Thanks from me too. I kept seeing references of people using a bidirectional splitter a one in, two out but couldn't get it 100% confirmed and all the doc just advertises most as two in, one out. Pulling my hair out, so thanks!

[@MatsuXL]

I know so many bad reviews about being bidirectional in a lot of these products. What I found is the higher frame rate the less likely it’s going to be bidirectional.

[@guillermolopeor8816]

Thank you so much for all that explanation really helped me a lot. protect this guy at all cost 💯💯

[@dangerdave8080]

Another great video ... awesome!

[@headshrinker8595]

Explained brilliantly thanks. Now I know I need a switch to use my fire stick/ps5 in my last hdmi port in my tv. Thanks.

[@MatsuXL]

Glad it helped

[@prime2374]

great video! got a splitter to use with 1 console and had no idea how to use it lol

[@fodaysankoh8930]

Answered my question and I didn't need to watch the whole tape. Great!! Very informative.

[@poppacdp]

Great video man, very helpful! I am trying to plug in my PS5, Xbox Series X, Retrotink (for retro consoles) and computer into an HDMI 2.1 port on my monitor. Is there a HDMI 2.1 switch you would recommend to not compromise picture quality?

[@markdickenson1338]

Excellent imformative item - many thanks bud 😊

[@Tactical6Pack]

I have a 4x2 HDMI Matrix with my setup. Out #1 goes to my monitor and out #2 goes to my capture card.

[@partycan78]

Great video! I'm assuming you can use the HDMI switch to send 1 signal direct to a TV from a console and play youtube/blu ray films etc and then have it switch to a signal going to a capture card and PC so I can stream games? I know the splitter will not be happy about the HDCP but I'm guessing the switch will be what I need being you can have only 1 signal at a time output?

[@MatsuXL]

So I use a splitter and that actually overrides the hdcp issue for some devices. It depends on the capture computer. Example Mac’s have harsh hdcp guides for capture cards and rode recommends a splitter. But yes you could use these to move from a direct gaming or game capture

[@PaddySmith-n2n]

Hello Joe. I have the same splitter from gana. I have some issues maybe you can help. When I connect my PS5 the pictures comes and goes like it lost connection. Is it the resolution from ps5 thats cause this. When using a laptop it works fine. Regards pat

[@cqllel5186]

So with the splitter, I can extend my laptop to 2 different displays? My ideal set up is to have my laptop and 27" monitor duplicated (bcuz limitations), with my drawing tablet as a 2nd display. This will save me from constantly unplugging and swapping between HDMIs while also allowing me to continue using all my displays (bcuz I sacrifice my monitor for my drawing tablet and vice versa)

[@Hollow620_]

Soooo hear me out... i game on ps4 and stream on my pc, sometimes i wanna stream from my pc with steam, which device (splitter or switch) do i need so i can just switch it over? without disconnecting hdmis and such? you get me?

[@BlahMmmBlah]

Thank you, very informational!

[@alexgardner1784]

What if i had a console and ps5 using a HD60x trying to capture footage?

[@contragica8609]

Hi, regarding the splitter, it can transmit audio signal to the monitor and TV at the same time

[@MatsuXL]

Yes!

[@MatsuXL]

Let me know if you've tried this setup or have thoughts!

[@rc6075]

I have my ps5 connected to my monitor, I want to add a soundbar to my setup. Which do you recommend?

[@Berto1933]

Thank you. My monitor only has one hdmi port. But I have a PS5 and an Xbox

[@MatsuXL]

You would need an HDMI switch. This will allow you to to use one monitor and switch between the device you are using. I did a review here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6iUZWeVmrWVp7c This works with both new systems and does not ruin the quality at all!

[@dingus186]

Setting up my man cave . I just want to connect two tvs ,so I can watch football on both. (The same game) what do I use?? Thank u sir

[@MatsuXL]

Nice! Use a splitter!

[@QuanYuTrippin]

I really need help I want to stream and my monitor only has one hdmi port and I wanna switch between my capture card for my gaming on my ps4 and my desktop to react to videos what should I get?

[@MatsuXL]

You need a switch to run your pc and ps4 to. Then run that to your capture card. Use the switch to change what input you using.

[@jcpreciado3483]

@MatsuXL Is it possible to have a PC and a Laptop as the sources and have them go out to 2 monitors? I am looking for dual monitor setup with the ability to switch between PC and Laptop.

[@MatsuXL]

Most monitors allow for two video inputs. Our best bet would be to just run your cords independently. Otherwise you would need two switches: one for each monitor.

[@jcpreciado3483]

@@MatsuXL I'll give this a shot. Thank you!

[@Giannis_V82]

Man thanks, this is how I imagined both an HDMI switch and HDMI splitter could work together. I have two android boxes which I connected to an HDMI switch. From there an HDMI cable goes to an HDMI splitter from where I want to share one of the two boxes to 3 TVs (all will be connected to the splitter). I'm gonna get an 1 to 3 hdmi splitter. I tried 2 TVs connected with an 2 output hdmi splitter I already had but it didn't work and this is bad news lol. Both the splitter and the switch have power cables btw, all connected. I don't know what's wrong.

[@MatsuXL]

It depends on what you’re streaming. Some switches aren’t rated for HDCP meaning you can’t broadcast copyrighted material. So a perfect example would be like streaming Netflix and the signals is black. I’m not sure how android boxes work by imagined there may be an issue around that.

[@mj23j3tt]

I have a PS5 and just got a new projector. I’m looking to connect my PS5 to the TV and projector so I can switch between the two. I won’t ever have both on since that is redundant. A switch should work fine for this, right?

[@MatsuXL]

Some switches are bi directional and some are not. You’d be better off with a splitter

[@mj23j3tt]

@@MatsuXLthanks. I keep getting them confused. Do you have a rec? Something simple for 4K TV and projector?

[@MatsuXL]

This one so good I just bought a second one - amzn.to/3Z71f3W On sale for BF and can support up to 4k120 for Xbox and PS5

[@giovannisantiago7865]

What switcher and splitter are you using? I have a switcher, but i tried to use it to switch between my monitor and tv, and it didn't work. Also, i want to use both the switcher and splitter to exchange between what display and console i want to use like you did at the end

[@MatsuXL]

I have links in the description for these. let me know if you can't access anymore and I can link new ones

[@oreogod1985]

Hey! Was wondering if you had advice for me. I want to record footage from my consoles such as Xbox One and Switch. I have a TV displaying the game, and I have my laptop and a capture card. What should I buy? Thank you!

[@MatsuXL]

welcome to my channel! I got videos for all that!

[@alexverdu3002]

Hi, I want to use a splitter because I need to connect my laptop to two monitors. However, one monitor is 1440p 144hz and the other one is 1080p 144hz, will the splitter limit the resolution of my 1440p screen?

[@MatsuXL]

Some may, yes. More higher end ones like Orei can do dual resolutions

[@therealblackgates4207]

Help me with my set up great video

[@shawnpeff2692]

Helpfull

[@Sam-gw9qv]

❤❤❤

[@malachiallen7300]

What I’m trying to find different length hdmi cables for my Switch Console. What HDMI cables would be good for my capture card??

[@MatsuXL]

Basic anker hdmi cables should work. Switch doesn’t put out heavy duty resolutions

[@TJsVette]

Question, I have 2 TVs that we watch football games on but since they are in 2 totally different rooms, one is coming directly from the source and the other is streaming and the streaming is always behind. My question is if I use a splitter and run another hdmi to that other tv using a balun connector will the sound go to both or just one? Also, they both have their own AV receiver and currently the sound runs from the receivers to the TV through the ARC. Would I be able to hook both hdmi up to the receivers and have control of both rooms sound doing this? Before I go and buy everything and make the runs through my ceiling I would like to know it will all work?

[@MatsuXL]

Through an hdmi splitter your audio will carry to both. You still may hear a slight delay depending on the length of cable but it may not be as much to notice. This splitter does not support ARC. If you are looking to maintain your setup I would suggest a splitter that supports ARC.

[@TJsVette]

The distance is roughly 100 ft from my living room to my garage. It just gets annoying when someone goes inside the house and the game is a min ahead lol. Do you have a suggestion on which splitter to use?

[@TJsVette]

​@@MatsuXLthank you for replying as well!!

[@MatsuXL]

I forgot I see you are using a balun setup right? I haven’t personally ran systems they use both balun and splitting with arc support. It’s always one or the other.

[@TJsVette]

@MatsuXL great lol. I haven't bought anything yet but since it's going about 100 ft everything I saw said to use a balun run.

[@MajPayn]

I want to be able to switch between a monitor and tv. Not have them both show the picture at the same time. But choose which one it goes to.

[@MatsuXL]

That’s a switch

[@brysoncarswell8628]

@@MatsuXL if i want to switch between a tv that has 4k 60hz and a monitor that has 1080p 120hz, will the switch work?

[@SelfMasteryyyy]

Ok, basically i have one monitor , i have a cable box connected to my monitor and the computer connected to my monitor , would a hdmi switch make it so, when i press it, it switches to the cable box and when i hit it again, it switches to my computer display?

[@MatsuXL]

Yes, this is what a switch does. It allows you to use one monitor for multiple devices. When you hit the button, it’ll literally switch the active device on the monitor.

[@jmymeow]

i have 2 laptop and 1 monitor that i wanted to use a hdmi switch but i was trying to make a wireless setup. i dont think theres any that are truly wireless yet. myb in the future or i might be wrong.

[@MatsuXL]

There are some but costly and limited tbh. Plus you’d have latency. You can look into Orei network switches that allow hdmi over Ethernet. This is common in bigger facilities

[@xeduardodr]

ok but if i have one console that i want to use with two different screens and stream at the same time should i use a splitter or switch because what i want to do is play on TV when I'm chilling and play on Monitor when streaming.

[@MatsuXL]

A splitter will push the video feed to two displays at the same time. So if you want to push a video feed from one console to multiple displays at the same time, you need a splitter. Companies like Orie make 2 and 4 output splitters

[@Lamidnightsss]

I have a switch for that goes from console switch to my Mac onto 1 monitor. I don’t see any visible delays when using my ps5 to monitor through the switch. But I wonder if I am somehow getting a lag unknown to me. Sometimes when I’m playing cod, I swear I encounter players who seem to be a second ahead of me. I wonder if they’re running PC at 240 hz and I’m lagging behind since I’m at 120.

[@MatsuXL]

The monitor can do so much. I still think there is some potential lag with the network. Are you eperiencing any packet loss? Perhaps your ping is higher than theirs. Plus it's COD and COD timing is no one's friend lol

[@Lamidnightsss]

@@MatsuXL True. COD timing is always hunting for victims lol. So I have my network stats live on the left top corner. I’m always between 3-12 on ping and no packet loss. I have terribly fast internet. More than I need for sure. It could just be me. Some of these guys might just know every corner and pre fire. Ranked is more consistent with good connection. It’s pub lobbies and warzone that’s iffy.

[@MatsuXL]

@Carrillophotography I come from the age of lag switching so who knows besides Warzone

[@Lamidnightsss]

@@MatsuXL ah same same. In my 30’s here

[@malachiallen7300]

What brand of HDMI you recommend for a Switch -> to Capture device?

[@MatsuXL]

I never had an issue with Anker HDMI cables. I use them for my Xbox to my Switch - amzn.to/47k4Z65

[@STXTICDEMON]

So would a switch work if I wanted to play on one screen and use a capture on the other output ?

[@Bocahj4]

No

[@MatsuXL]

You would need a splitter that routes 1 signal into two active devices

[@Av1at1onAaron]

Hello there, a tad confused, so I have a ps4 and want that ps4 screen to be displayed on my acer laptop via hdmi, what would I need to make that work? I’m thinking a splitter but please advise me, thank you

[@MatsuXL]

You need a capture card. Your laptop is only built to push OUT hdmi signal, not receive

[@Av1at1onAaron]

@@MatsuXL great, thanks A TON, just ordered one

[@FreddyVorheees]

So which one would i use if i want hdmi 1 on my tv for xbox and hdmi 2 for my playstation???

[@MatsuXL]

You’d need a switch. It takes two hdmi in and pushes to one hdmi out

[@FreddyVorheees]

@@MatsuXL thanks! , I plan on getting the switch for the hd60s game capture , so I can switch between Xbox and Playstation without having to unplug and replug into tv!

[@MatsuXL]

@FreddyVorheees I did a review on an 8K switch that can pass through 4k120 to your tv earlier you may want to check out

[@FreddyVorheees]

@@MatsuXL will do.

[@PersoID-i7t]

Planning to grab the "Ugreen Bi-Directional HDMI Switcher" to split my PS5 on both a TV and monitor for easy switching. Your video was really helpful! Any quality concerns with my TV or other things I should keep in mind? Thanks!

[@MatsuXL]

With the ps5 and Xbox series x I just say make sure you pick a 2.1 hdmi capable splitter/switch so you get full 4k res 👍🏽

[@teneesh3376]

Be very careful with them. Bi directional switchers are susceptible to bricking the hdmi. Now, this may be due to me using a powered hdmi cable and that may have caused issues. But still be very wary of bi directional ones. Or any splitter really

[@jaymann4584]

So I am trying to run a HDMI 2.1 with a digital audio splitter from my ps5 to my TV can you help me

[@MatsuXL]

I actually just picked up an hdmi 2.1 with audio splitter. Testing out and will get back to you!

[@MonarchIdea]

Is there any hdmi switch include with capture card?

[@MatsuXL]

No. Some capture cards act as a splitter but I’ve never seen a built in switch

[@ray92743]

so whats the splitter ur using in this video

[@MatsuXL]

The one I have is no longer available but you can try this model as it’s comparable a.co/d/2clQ3N6

[@Ohtothekay]

@matsuxl my situation is that i have a capture card that receives a hdmi and outputs as a usb into the laptop. Would that splitter be able to have display on both my laptop where i calture on obs and a tv monitor that i want to play my game