FAQ - What's The Difference Between A Switch & A Splitter?

Hello, and welcome to Show Me Cables. Today we’ll be taking a look at the difference between a switch and a splitter.

When it comes to choosing a switch or splitter, you may not know which one you need. Well we here at Show Me Cables are here to help.

For today’s example, we’re going to be using HDMI as our signal type. But these principals will apply to any switch or splitter you may need.

Let’s start with an HDMI switch

A switch is used when you have multiple source devices, like a blu ray player, cable box, or gaming system and want to run them into a single TV or monitor.

All 3 devices will plug into the switch. Then a single cable can be run from the switch into the display. Allowing you to choose between which input you would like to see.

Now let’s look at the splitter

A splitter is used when you have one source device and you want to send your signal to multiple displays.

So you would take a single cable from your source into the splitter. Then, you can run multiple cables from the splitter to all of your displays.

So to recap: A switch is used when you want to share multiple devices on one display. A splitter is used when you want to send one signal to multiple displays.

If you still have any questions, you can give our customer service department a call at 888-519-9505.

For all of your cable and connector needs, choose Show Me Cables.

Connect with Us Online:

[adamsmailes]

This didn't answer the question I had (mostly because I was asking the wrong question) but I thank you for breaking stuff down simply. You are doing a great job. Keep up the great work!!

[pink]

Does a splitter degrade the messaging received if all four end units are being used at the same time?

[kacpermielachowicz]

Well what does that mean In terms of LAN cables, which one do I need?

[subhashjoshi]

Sir the concept is not same in case of LAN splitter.. can you explain that one plz..

[Reidakad]

Exactly what I needed to know, thank you

[AngryTomTom]

with splitter can you choose to extend instead of mirroring ?

[nazaarshadir]

Hi - I have 2 monitors displaying different things from my laptop. From the laptop, one monitor is connected from HDMI port and the other through USB-C HDMI connector. I would like to add a 3rd monitor to the laptop, what do I need? I do not have any more free HDMI ports on the laptop. Thanks.

[Pakalupapito]

Hey I am trader and i have 2 monitors and a laptop with just 1hdmi port. I want to be able to use discord on one monitor, my charts on one monitor and my brokers app on my laptop. What should i buy? Please do reply, in the middle of nowhere.

[DvjUpset]

anyway to use a switch with two laptops and keep the video signal active? When I switch, one laptop deactivates the Extended Presentation mode (I work with video dj but with my partner at the same time)

[brokent]

Thank you for helping me save a return . :)

[victorandres_]

I can't find a 3 in 1 out toslink splitter I need one I find 1 in 3 out but I need 3 in 1 out toslink splitters I also find some switch but not splitters help me plz

[jannatulnayeem]

Can I show different web content using splitter for digital signage? I want to use single pc.

[seaneredia]

Bro, if i connect my HDCABLE box on the hdmi splitter to 4 tvs, can I use multiple tvs at once? Or will they all have the same channel?

[Govername]

Is possible to convert the switch to a splitter?

[CesarBarona]

I find myself coming to this video every time I move 😶

[lashaykyles]

So I am trying to hook up my Xbox and pc to my dual monitors but each monitor only has one hdmi, as well as my pc. My thought is to use a splitter for my monitor set up then plug the splitter to the switch to switch back and forth from my game back to pc. Can I hook up a spitter to a switch?

[soukkhanhsila]

Plug the cable box into the Xbox and then into the TV. And why do you need a DVD player if you have an Xbox? Boom, no switch needed. Unless you're talking about Nintendo.