Building a multi-screen display, digital signage system, live-streaming setup, presentation system or video wall requires more than simply connecting an HDMI cable.
Different HDMI devices perform very different jobs.
An HDMI splitter distributes one source to multiple displays.
An HDMI switch allows you to select between multiple HDMI sources.
A video wall controller can divide, arrange or process video across multiple screens.
A live-streaming video switcher allows creators and production teams to switch between camera or video sources.
This guide compares five products:
- MICROWARE 3×3 HDMI Video Wall Controller
- OREI HDMI Splitter 1×4
- MICROWARE 5-in-1 4K HDMI Switch
- MICROWARE FHD 4-Channel HDMI Video Switcher
- OREI 4K Video Wall Controller
The key is to choose the device according to your actual setup rather than choosing simply by the number of HDMI ports.
MICROWARE 3×3 HDMI Video Wall Controller
The MICROWARE 3×3 HDMI Video Wall Controller is designed for multi-display video wall applications.
The supplied product description highlights:
- 3×3 video wall configuration
- 1080P support
- 9-channel design
- 2×2 configuration
- 2×3 configuration
- 2×4 configuration
- 3×2 configuration
- Multi-video processing
- Audio output
- Remote control
- RS232
- Button controls
RS232 is commonly used in professional AV environments for external control.
This can be useful when the video wall is integrated into:
- Control rooms
- Digital signage
- Commercial AV systems
- Meeting rooms
- Exhibition systems
OREI HDMI Splitter 1 in 4 Out
he OREI HD-104 is a fundamentally different device.
It takes one HDMI input and distributes it to four HDMI outputs.
The supplied specifications include:
- 1 HDMI input
- 4 HDMI outputs
- Up to 4K@30Hz
- HDMI 1.4
- HDCP 1.4
- EDID management
- 3D support
- Plug-and-play installation
OREI products are commonly used for HDMI distribution and AV connectivity.
MICROWARE 5-in-1 4K HDMI Switch
The MICROWARE 5-in-1 HDMI switch is designed for a different problem.
Instead of distributing one source to several screens, it allows multiple HDMI sources to share a display.
The supplied description includes:
- 5 HDMI ports
- 4K support
- Full HD 1080p
- 3D
- IR remote
- Intelligent HDMI switching
Imagine you have:
- Gaming console
- PC
- Blu-ray player
- Streaming device
- Set-top box
Instead of repeatedly unplugging HDMI cables, you can connect them to the switch.
MICROWARE FHD 4-Channel HDMI Video Switcher
The MICROWARE FHD 4-channel video switcher is aimed more toward live video production.
The supplied listing describes:
- 4-channel HDMI input
- FHD support
- Live streaming
- Embedded HDMI audio
- External analog audio
- 4 HDMI inputs
- 2 HDMI outputs
External analog audio support can provide another input option for microphones or audio equipment, depending on the exact implementation.
This makes the device different from a basic HDMI switch intended for home entertainment.
OREI 4K Video Wall Controller
The OREI 4K Video Wall Controller is the second dedicated video-wall product in this comparison.
The supplied listing describes:
- 4K@60Hz input
- HDMI input
- USB-C input
- 1080p output
- 180° rotation
- RS-232 control
- Optical audio output
4K input provides a higher-resolution source than a conventional 1080p source.
However, the product’s stated output is 1080p.
Therefore, buyers should understand the difference between:
Frequently Asked Questions
H3: What is an HDMI video wall controller?
An HDMI video wall controller is a device that processes video signals and distributes or arranges them across multiple displays in a video wall configuration.
H3: What is the difference between an HDMI splitter and a video wall controller?
A splitter generally distributes one source to multiple displays. A video wall controller can arrange video across multiple screens to create a larger combined display.
H3: What is an HDMI switch?
An HDMI switch lets multiple HDMI sources share one display. The user selects which source is active.
H3: Can an HDMI splitter create different images on each TV?
Generally, a basic HDMI splitter distributes the same source signal. It doesn’t normally provide independent content to each output.
H3: Can I use an HDMI switch for a video wall?
A basic HDMI switch isn’t a substitute for a dedicated video wall controller. A video wall requires additional signal processing and display management.
H3: Is 4K@30Hz better than 1080p?
They describe different characteristics. 4K provides higher resolution, while 30Hz describes refresh rate. You should compare both resolution and refresh rate when selecting hardware.
H3: What is 4K@60Hz?
It means the device supports a 4K video signal at a 60 Hz refresh rate, subject to the device’s specific limitations.
