Will an hdmi splitter affect quality?

[MoHatesMondays]

so i'm planning on getting an hdmi splitter because i don't have on board graphics or more than 1 hdmi port on my graphics card to support dual monitors for my pc. but the question is will an hdmi splitter give a negative impact in performance or quality?

[DarkCrystalMethod]

You'd get the exact same image on both monitors. Only if you had two real ports could you stretch your screen over two monitors.
Splitters shouldn't affect quality at all.
Also if you do need a monitor to show something different you have that VGA port and probably a DVI port(if your monitor has that as an input you're golden)

[☠JohnnyRocket☠]

Quality of the cables would be your issue. There shouldn't be any or very little, should be almost unnoticeable.

[Your_White_Knight]

Originally posted by DarkCrystalMethod:

You'd get the exact same image on both monitors. Only if you had two real ports could you stretch your screen over two monitors.
Splitters shouldn't affect quality at all.
Also if you do need a monitor to show something different you have that VGA port and probably a DVI port(if your monitor has that as an input you're golden)

^This...

The more that's between the source and the monitor will cause some loss... any impedance will.
but there will be as ☠KarmaIsFickle☠ said.... very little, almost unnoticeable quality loss.

[MoHatesMondays]

Originally posted by DarkCrystalMethod:

You'd get the exact same image on both monitors. Only if you had two real ports could you stretch your screen over two monitors.
Splitters shouldn't affect quality at all.
Also if you do need a monitor to show something different you have that VGA port and probably a DVI port(if your monitor has that as an input you're golden)

yeah i have a vga port, i guess i'll get a vga to hdmi adapter

[swillfly]

HDMI is a great (somewhat dated tech) for one-stop-shop audio & video. SVGA & DVI are ancient tech that does not include audio -well HDCP.

Keep in mind that any signal will degrade over line distance and the media quality impacts it too. Generally you want to aim for having as few splitters, connectors, etc. doodads between source and destination.

A lot of AV components market the golden leads as better conductors than other metals but honestly it seems like more company s&m hype for the older standards. USB-C and HDMI 2.1 are gaining momentum. If you're dealing with newer hw then you'll likely be using these at least in the near future.

And it probably doesn't do anyone much good putting golden tatas on a bull... You're only as good as your slowest connection...pieces parts, to cables, to ic board buses, etc. Way I figure, if you're gonna upgrade a big component (such as cpu/mobo/gpu) -you might as well just build a whole new system to take advantage of all the newer bells&whistles.

[Xautos]

i have a cheap hdmi setup (cables all have gold conductors), connecting a range of products to one hub and a hdmi switch to change between channels. the whole thing works remarkably well. I've had no issues with it either. it is lifesaver at the right moment going from watching a movie from an older dvd player and pausing it, to switching hdmi and watching a live motor race from the freeview box.