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AV Distribution & Extenders

AV distribution and extenders move HDMI video, audio and control between sources and displays. They include HDMI splitters and switches, matrix switchers, HDMI extenders over Cat5e/6, HDBaseT and fibre, AV over IP, wireless HDMI, in-line repeaters, RF modulators and audio extenders, mostly from Vanco. Examples include the Vanco EVSP18SC 4K 1x8 splitter and the EVMX4K44 4x4 matrix.

Choosing AV Distribution & Extenders

Start with how many sources and displays there are, then how far the signal has to travel and what resolution it must keep.

Splitters, switches and matrices

A splitter sends one source to several displays: the Vanco EVSP12SC sends 4K at 60Hz with HDR to two displays and downscales for a 1080p screen, and the EVSP18SC feeds eight HDMI outputs. A switch picks one of several sources, as the EVSW1042 does with four 4K inputs. A matrix such as the EVMX4K44 connects four HDMI sources to four displays at the same time. Most of the range is Vanco, including its Evolution and PulseAudio products.

Extending over cable

For runs beyond a normal HDMI lead, an extender sends the signal over one Cat cable. The AV:Link 128.839UK kit reaches 100m over a single shielded cat5e or cat6 cable and has a built in IR function, and the Haydon HAY-HDMIEXT25 covers 25 meters at 1080p with no additional power supply. Among HDBaseT models, the Vanco EVEXHDB3 extends uncompressed 4K with HDR to 328ft/100m over Cat6a/7, and the EVWP3000 has a single-gang wall-plate transmitter. For the longest runs the EVEXFBR1 uses fibre, reaching 984ft over multi-mode or 6.2 miles over single-mode.

AV over IP and wireless

AV over IP sends video across a network, so many sources can reach many displays. The EVO-IP EVOIPTX1 transmitter and EVOIPRX1 receiver carry 4K at 60Hz, and the system can handle over 1000 transmitters and receivers. Where no cable can be run, the EV4KWHDMI sends 4K wirelessly up to 164ft/50m.

Audio, repeaters and modulators

The Vanco HD4KRPTR couples two HDMI cables for a longer run, and the Technomate HDMI modulator puts an HDMI source on existing coaxial RF systems at 1080p.

NeedExampleReach or portsVideo
1x8 splitterEVSP18SC8 HDMI outputs4K at 60Hz
4x4 matrixEVMX4K444 sources, 4 displays4K at 60Hz
Cat extender kit128.839UK100m4K and FHD
HDBaseT extenderEVEXHDB3100m on Cat6a/74K with HDR
Fibre extenderEVEXFBR16.2 miles single-mode4K at 60Hz
Wireless extenderEV4KWHDMI50m4K
eARC audio extenderPAEXEARC100mAudio only

Related categories

Pair the kit with HDMI cables and adapters for the runs and terminate at AV wall plates and outlets. More converters are in AV adapters and the wider audio and visual range.

Brands we stock in AV Distribution & Extenders

AV:Link, AVARRO, Dahua Technology, Genie, Haydon, Klarity, Technomate and Vanco.

Frequently asked questions

What is HDMI distribution?

HDMI distribution means getting one or more HDMI sources to several screens, often in different rooms, without losing picture quality. Small setups use a splitter, larger ones use a matrix, and long runs need extenders over network cable, fibre or an IP network. The range here includes splitters, matrices, extenders and AV over IP units.

What is an HDMI splitter?

An HDMI splitter takes one HDMI source, such as a media player or set-top box, and copies its picture and sound to two or more screens at once. Look for HDCP support and EDID management, which lets the source pick a format the connected screens can show. The range here includes splitters with two, four and eight outputs.

Can an HDMI splitter take two inputs?

No, a splitter has one input; a device that takes two sources and feeds one screen is an HDMI switch, even when sold as a two-in, one-out splitter. To route several sources to several screens independently, a matrix is the usual answer. The range here includes HDMI matrices alongside splitters.

Can an HDMI splitter run two monitors?

Yes, an HDMI splitter can feed two monitors, but they will show the same picture. To use two monitors as an extended desktop, connect them to separate outputs on the computer or use a docking station. Some splitters scale the signal down for a lower-resolution screen, so check what happens when the monitors differ. The range here includes one-in, two-out splitters.

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Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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