Does using an HDMI splitter introduce input lag?

Does using an HDMI splitter introduce input lag? - Young woman recording new vlog on smartphone in kitchen

I have a Smash Bros Melee setup with a low-latency display and a low-latency Wii->HDMI converter. I'd like to split the signal across two displays (so everyone can see the screen during 4-player matches), ideally with zero added latency (but up to 2ms or so of extra latency would be OK).

With analog video tech you can just physically split the signal, but I'm not sure this applies to HDMI; most splitters are active devices. Do these splitters introduce any lag (e.g. by capturing, buffering, and retransmitting packets)?



Best Answer

I can't say definitively for all HDMI splitters because they can be implemented in different ways, but the ones that I have used all produce no input lag, even though they require A/C power.

The bigger concern for you would actually be the composite -> HDMI upconverter, because the processing that needs to be done for that could potentially produce lag. You say that it is low-latency though, so you should be good.




Pictures about "Does using an HDMI splitter introduce input lag?"

Does using an HDMI splitter introduce input lag? - Crop faceless man inputting cables in system unit
Does using an HDMI splitter introduce input lag? - Crop faceless man using laptop and inserting flashcard
Does using an HDMI splitter introduce input lag? - From above of crop unrecognizable male with console controller playing video game in living room



Does HDMI splitter affect input lag?

So long as you get a good, active HDMI switch (which tend to be more expensive) there should not be any noticeable lag. Active switches, as opposed to passive, run on an external power supply through an AC adapter.

Does HDMI switcher cause lag?

While some HDMI 1.4 splitters can achieve 4K resolutions, they only work at a 30Hz refresh rate. Other HDMI 1.4 splitters are marketed as 4K at 60Hz, but their color data is reduced to a lower 4:2:0 chroma subsampling.

Does HDMI splitter reduce refresh rate?

Luckily, there are methods\u2014some rather simple\u2014to eliminate much of this input lag.
  • Turn Off Picture Enhancing Or Altering Features. ...
  • Test Out Other HDMI Inputs. ...
  • Use Separate Speakers. ...
  • Lower The Resolution. ...
  • Turn Off Power Saving Options. ...
  • Disable HDMI-CEC. ...
  • Disable Motion Smoothing. ...
  • Use Game Mode.




  • Do HDMI Splitters add LAG to your games ???




    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: SHVETS production, Anete Lusina, Anete Lusina, Eren Li