Where it goes wrong is HDCP is rubbish, much like the majority of DRM it causes headaches for the legitimate end-user.

That’s where an HDMI splitter comes in – it’s a small box that lets you plug in one “Input” device – that’s your streamer/ DVD Player/etc. The switcher must also support HDMI handshake requirements implemented via the HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Copy Protection) or HDCP 2. If you need to pass HDR-encoded or 3D video signals, your HDMI switcher must have those capabilities. So you can watch the same stream on two TVs, a TV and a projector, and every other example you can think of. In truth, most people won’t have a real need to send one signal to multiple devices, but when you do need to do it, it is a round-up like this that will save you the trauma of hunting around yourself.So if you’re planning to split one source into two screens – one in your living room and one in your bedroom – you should first consider how far that bedroom is. Supports resolutions up to 4K UHD and 3D video with audio • Deep colour support for enhanced visual clarity • 7. We recently covered the best HDMI Switches here on PC Guide, and there is always some confusion as to what the difference is between Splitters and Switches. A good HDMI splitter should be able to split a signal from one source and transmit it to multiple displays.

You can use an HDMI switcher with two HDMI outputs to send the same HDMI signal to two TVs or a video projector and TV, but you can use an HDMI splitter if you don't need a switcher.

But even if you have more than one screen at home, you don’t necessarily need another streaming device – instead, you can use an HDMI splitter.

Our reviewer tested it for weeks and thought the 4K content she streamed on her PC looked great, with the HDR coloring making the videos pop.An HDMI switcher gets around this, adding more ports by letting several devices share the same cable into your TV. Due to its smaller size this splitter is only able to transmit a signal to two other displays which some may find a little lackluster. so it should be suitable for Sky Q), as well as Dolby Atmos and several other advanced audio formats (though the splitter is just a pass-through – you still need a device that can interpret these audio signals).

Just as with a switcher, if one video display device is a lower resolution than the other, the output for both may default to a lower resolution. HDMI is a digital signal and won't degrade in the same way as older analog signals, even with the addition of a switcher.The technology encrypts the signal that comes out of your media device, with your telly decrypting it on the other side.