I’ve been living with three roommates for the past few months, and recently two of us bought new TVs.
We were also planning to buy a streaming device, since we were mostly using our laptops until then.
Our other roommates already had TVs, so one of them suggested getting a single streaming box and daisy chaining it to everyone’s screen.
This seemed like a very Nice idea and a way to reduce overall cost.
I wasn’t sure how to do that so I immediately started my research on how to do it and found several methods to connect multiple displays to a single source.
We ultimately decided the easiest way for us was to use an HDMI splitter as our living space wasn’t too big, but this may vary for you.
To stream to multiple devices using a single source, you can e use an HDMI or DisplayPort splitter to connect multiple displays together. You can also use a Chromecast to stream content to multiple displays.
In addition to these methods, I’ll also explain how you can use S-vide/RCA and Broadlink to connect multiple TVs to a single source.
Assess the placement of the TVs
The first step is to assess the placement of all the TVs in your home that you want to daisy chain and find out how far apart they are.
If you are going to install them in multiple rooms, then a wireless connection between the TVs would be the best option.
A wired option, if done on a budget, can be extremely cumbersome, whereas a clean wired job will be expensive.
For wired options, we have S-Video/RCA, HDMI splitters, display port splitters, and wide link, while on the wireless side, we have services like Chromecast to help.
Let’s look at them individually.
Use a long HDMI cable and a splitter
Yes your TVs are relatively close to each other, so you can use a long HDMI splitter from your source input and connect both TVs directly to the splitter.
This will allow the input device to output to both TVs.
However, it is important to note that some input devices will play the same stream on both devices, so it is important to ensure that your input device supports multiple displays with different outputs.
Also, if you are using this method, it is highly recommended to use a high-quality HDMI splitter and cable, as much more data is being transferred from the input device.
Use a DisplayPort splitter to stream to Multiple TVs
Similar to the method above, if your TV supports DisplayPorts , you may get similar results as using an HDMI splitter and cable.
Connect a DisplayPort splitter to your on device trida. If your input device only supports HDMI, use an HDMI to DisplayPort splitter.
After that, proceed to connect the DisplayPort cables from the splitter to your TVs.
Again Please make sure your input device supports multiple streams to different devices, otherwise all connected TVs will display the same output.
If you’re using it for gaming, you can probably use higher refresh rates. high if your TV and games support it.
If you have a newer TV, however, then your HDMI cable will support high refresh rates
Use S-Video/RCA to stream to Multiple TVs
S-Video/RCA is another method for chaining multiple TVs together.
But first, you need to make sure that all the TVs you want to connect together are RCA-compatible .</p
Most modern televisions tend to use HDMI over other connections, but to ensure If so, you can always check your TV’s user manual or contact customer support to find out.
This is because S-Video was more prominent on older TVs and DVD players, so if you’re trying to connect multiple older TVs, you shouldn’t have a problem.
Also, it’s important to note that you’d need a Video Distribution Amplifier (VDA) to connect TVs through RCA and receive good quality output.
Use one Broadlink TV to stream to multiple TVs
Broadlink is the first of our partially wireless methods. It can be used to daisy chain TVs via HDMI or connect via a single wall controller.
This method is typically used in places like sports arenas to ensure images are displayed on multiple screens throughout the stadium.
But, this method can also be used at home. The only thing to keep in mind is that if you are using Broadlink, always connect your TVs in even numbers, like 2, 4, 6, etc.
Once the connection has been set up, you should be able to proceed to cast content to all TVs connected via the broadlink system.
Use Chromecast to cast a single source to multiple TVs
Google’s Chromecast is another wireless alternative that it will allow you to connect multiple TVs to a single stream.
Connect your Chromecast to a laptop or device you want to stream from and download the Chromecast extension.
Now launch the content you want on your device and click on the Chromecast extension to see the TVs that are in range of the Chromecast.
Now select the TV you want to send and go!
Since services like Miracast and Airplay currently only allow sharing to one device at a time, you’ll need a Chromecast to cast to multiple screens.
Benefits of streaming to multiple TVs
Being able to stream to multiple TVs has its advantages.
Since multiple TVs can cast the same screen, you can have people sitting in different places, but everyone can enjoy the same movie, TV show, or sports game.
Having multiple displays connected to a single input device eliminates the need to purchase input devices for each individual display, which definitely saves costs.
In addition, you can also have my sma game display on multiple screens, so everyone can play from their own room or setup.
Conclusion
To sum it up, it’s definitely an advantage to have multiple screens connected to one outlet, especially when living in a shared space with roommates or if you live in a large house with many family members.
It’s also relatively easy to set up and since there are so many different ways to connect multiple displays, you can daisy chain the oldest displays to the latest available displays.
The only thing to keep in mind, as mentioned above, is that having multiple devices connected to a single input source will not it means that each screen can output different content.
However, it is definitely one of the best options for multi-display support.
You may also enjoy reading
- Need a Fire Separate stick for multiple TVs? Can I connect my laptop to my TV wirelessly?
- HDMI not working on my TV: What should I do?
FAQs
how can i make 4 TVs work as one?
For 4 screens, the best method is to use a wide link to daisy chain your screens. This is because Broadlink works best with an even number of displays.
What should I do if my TV only has one HDMI port?
If you are daisy chaining a device, then you can have HDMI splitter from input source. This means that you only need one HDMI port on your TV to connect to the splitter.
What is the difference between an HDMI splitter and a switch?
HDMI splitters are used to split input from one device across multiple screens. HDMI switches allow displays to switch between multiple input devices.
Can you daisy chain TVs with HDMI?
You can daisy chain your TVs via HDMI using a splitter HDMI from the input device and connect the displays to the splitter.
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