Have you ever been in a classroom or training session, and the lecturer projects the same image onto everyone’s screen simultaneously? The technology that facilitates this is called a splitter, and they’re not just used in classrooms.
Splitters are used to display video from a single source onto multiple screens at the same time. They’re frequently used in educational settings and large public gatherings, especially at corporate events involving large display screens, multi-room audio-visual (AV) setups, and breakout sessions.
Dive into splitter technology with us as we discuss how splitters work, common applications, and how you can use them to make your next corporate gathering or AV installation a success.
A splitter is designed to transfer a single input signal to multiple outputs. In other words, you can use a splitter to display a single audio/video signal on multiple devices without significant quality degradation.
The way a splitter works may vary slightly depending on the type of splitter and the source of the signal, but the principle is the same across applications.
Here’s a basic overview of how a splitter works:
Splitters are used in a wide array of settings across different types of displays and device types, but some of the most common applications include the following.
Splitters can be used to send a signal from a gaming console or streaming device to multiple TVs or projectors in home theaters and family rooms.
A splitter allows a teacher or instructor to display the same image, video, or digital whiteboard onto multiple screens or student monitors in a classroom or employee workshop.
Video splitters are used to distribute individual live feeds from security cameras to multiple recording systems or control rooms.
An output from a single media player can display the same advertisements, promotions, venue maps, or videos uniformly across all screens at corporate gatherings, trade shows, conventions, and other public events.
Splitters are an essential component of flight information display systems. They’re used to display a single visual signal to multiple displays, which ensures passengers can see real-time flight information, gate assignments, and delays wherever they are in the airport.
A media player or laptop can send the same output to multiple projectors or screens at the same time using splitters, which enables keynote speakers and presenters to engage their audience more effectively and communicate their message more clearly.
Gamers and other streamers often use HDMI signals to send the same video signal to a capture card and TV.
Splitters allow production crews to route audio and video signals to different recording systems, monitors, or live-streaming setups.
Commonly found in home entertainment systems, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) splitters essentially function as a port that connects to the source of the signal and can project high-resolution video and audio digitally onto several devices.
VGA (Video Graphics Array) splitters work much like HDMI splitters. However, VGA are analog rather than digital and can only transfer video signals. This type of splitter is considered to be a retro technology, and generally isn’t used in modern setups.
Ideal for PA systems and home theaters with surround-sound setups, audio splitters give you the ability to deliver audio signals to multiple speakers and distribute sound to different locations.
A fiber optic splitter is primarily used for large-scale or complex AV setups, such as professional broadcasts and corporate events. Fiber optic splitters allow for more customization than other types of splitters. They also typically offer greater bandwidth, allowing for signal distribution across long distances without notable quality degradation.
Coaxial splitters are generally used for cable and satellite TV signals. These splitters are best suited to low-bandwidth applications, as they tend to cause a small amount of signal degradation over long distances.
Some splitters require power to maintain or amplify an input signal (active splitters), while others simply split the signal physically into multiple outputs without a dedicated power source (passive splitters).
Active splitters, sometimes called distribution amplifiers, are typically powered via USB cables or wall plugs, and they boost the signal to maintain quality across all outputs. They’re useful in event production and large-scale setups because they allow for longer cable runs and support high-bandwidth formats.
Passive splitters don’t require an external power source and are generally less expensive than active options, but they’re not appropriate for high-resolution signals. You’re likely to get some signal degradation, especially with more than two monitors or long cables. They’re great for simple uses like sending the same music to two sets of headphones, but they’re not powerful enough for professional AV setups or digital signage.
Catalyst is a leading AV company specializing in major corporate, entertainment, and public events. When you’re planning a big event, you shouldn’t have to spend your time worrying about whether your AV equipment will work properly or if your crew understands what to do if something goes wrong.
At Catalyst, we measure success by real-world results. Our team of seasoned event design and production specialists are by your side every step of the way. We’ll work with you to develop and refine a comprehensive AV plan for your event.
Let us handle everything technical so you can focus on giving your guests an unforgettable experience. Contact us today to discuss your AV needs and find out how we can be of service.
Have you ever been in a classroom or training session, and the lecturer projects the same image onto everyone’s screen simultaneously? The technology that facilitates this is called a splitter, and they’re not just used in classrooms.
Splitters are used to display video from a single source onto multiple screens at the same time. They’re frequently used in educational settings and large public gatherings, especially at corporate events involving large display screens, multi-room audio-visual (AV) setups, and breakout sessions.
Dive into splitter technology with us as we discuss how splitters work, common applications, and how you can use them to make your next corporate gathering or AV installation a success.
A splitter is designed to transfer a single input signal to multiple outputs. In other words, you can use a splitter to display a single audio/video signal on multiple devices without significant quality degradation.
The way a splitter works may vary slightly depending on the type of splitter and the source of the signal, but the principle is the same across applications.
Here’s a basic overview of how a splitter works:
Splitters are used in a wide array of settings across different types of displays and device types, but some of the most common applications include the following.
Splitters can be used to send a signal from a gaming console or streaming device to multiple TVs or projectors in home theaters and family rooms.
A splitter allows a teacher or instructor to display the same image, video, or digital whiteboard onto multiple screens or student monitors in a classroom or employee workshop.
Video splitters are used to distribute individual live feeds from security cameras to multiple recording systems or control rooms.
An output from a single media player can display the same advertisements, promotions, venue maps, or videos uniformly across all screens at corporate gatherings, trade shows, conventions, and other public events.
Splitters are an essential component of flight information display systems. They’re used to display a single visual signal to multiple displays, which ensures passengers can see real-time flight information, gate assignments, and delays wherever they are in the airport.
A media player or laptop can send the same output to multiple projectors or screens at the same time using splitters, which enables keynote speakers and presenters to engage their audience more effectively and communicate their message more clearly.
Gamers and other streamers often use HDMI signals to send the same video signal to a capture card and TV.
Splitters allow production crews to route audio and video signals to different recording systems, monitors, or live-streaming setups.
Commonly found in home entertainment systems, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) splitters essentially function as a port that connects to the source of the signal and can project high-resolution video and audio digitally onto several devices.
VGA (Video Graphics Array) splitters work much like HDMI splitters. However, VGA are analog rather than digital and can only transfer video signals. This type of splitter is considered to be a retro technology, and generally isn’t used in modern setups.
Ideal for PA systems and home theaters with surround-sound setups, audio splitters give you the ability to deliver audio signals to multiple speakers and distribute sound to different locations.
A fiber optic splitter is primarily used for large-scale or complex AV setups, such as professional broadcasts and corporate events. Fiber optic splitters allow for more customization than other types of splitters. They also typically offer greater bandwidth, allowing for signal distribution across long distances without notable quality degradation.
Coaxial splitters are generally used for cable and satellite TV signals. These splitters are best suited to low-bandwidth applications, as they tend to cause a small amount of signal degradation over long distances.
Some splitters require power to maintain or amplify an input signal (active splitters), while others simply split the signal physically into multiple outputs without a dedicated power source (passive splitters).
Active splitters, sometimes called distribution amplifiers, are typically powered via USB cables or wall plugs, and they boost the signal to maintain quality across all outputs. They’re useful in event production and large-scale setups because they allow for longer cable runs and support high-bandwidth formats.
Passive splitters don’t require an external power source and are generally less expensive than active options, but they’re not appropriate for high-resolution signals. You’re likely to get some signal degradation, especially with more than two monitors or long cables. They’re great for simple uses like sending the same music to two sets of headphones, but they’re not powerful enough for professional AV setups or digital signage.
Catalyst is a leading AV company specializing in major corporate, entertainment, and public events. When you’re planning a big event, you shouldn’t have to spend your time worrying about whether your AV equipment will work properly or if your crew understands what to do if something goes wrong.
At Catalyst, we measure success by real-world results. Our team of seasoned event design and production specialists are by your side every step of the way. We’ll work with you to develop and refine a comprehensive AV plan for your event.
Let us handle everything technical so you can focus on giving your guests an unforgettable experience. Contact us today to discuss your AV needs and find out how we can be of service.
Are you planning a shareholder meeting, conference, product launch, trade show, or other type of major event? You need to make sure the production value matches the quality of your event’s content. Working with a reliable, proven leader in audio visual event production like Catalyst ensures your event runs smoothly, exceeds the expectations of your audience, and has the impact you want.
Get in touch today to schedule a free consultation, learn more about our services, and tell us about your event.
We work events both nationally and internationally. No matter where you are, Catalyst can come to you.
(818) 818-6117
info@thecatalystcompanies.com