Best HDMI Splitters and Video Converters in 2026

Whether you want to mirror your streaming box on two TVs at once or connect an older component device to a modern HDMI display, the right splitter or converter cuts the hassle and the cable clutter. The market is full of boxes that look identical on the shelf but perform very differently under real home-theater conditions. We ranked every product in this guide using Amazon demand data, verified review counts, star ratings, and price-to-spec value, so you are not guessing from a spec sheet. The picks below span under $15 to under $175 and cover one-in, two-out HDMI splitters, 1x4 and 1x8 powerhouse models, HDMI over CAT6 extender kits, audio extractors, and the evergreen TOSLINK optical splitter. Each pick carries a 4.0 star rating or better and enough buyer data to be trustworthy.

Short answer: The Orei UHDS-104 (B07HR1WD4S, $33.95) is the most proven pick in this category, with over 5,400 reviews, a 4.4-star rating, and 4,000 units sold last month at a fair price. For the tightest budget, the Warrky WARRKY-AV-H02 (B0B2R3GXL9, $13.89) delivers a compact 4K HDMI splitter with 4,000 monthly buyers and a 4.4-star rating that is hard to beat at under $14. Shoppers who need to send video down a long run should look at the Orei CAT6/7 extender kit (B07NQPHG1R, $174.99), which pulls 4,600 monthly buyers and earns a 4.6-star rating across 704 reviews.

Top picks at a glance

Compare every pick

Best HDMI Splitters and Video Converters in 2026, ranked

#1 Best Overall HDMI Splitter

Orei UHDS-104 Video Converter

Check price
Orei UHDS-104 video converter, beige
4.4 (5,400) $33.954,000+ bought last month
  • HDMI ports 4
  • Color Beige
  • Dimensions 2.4 X 6.4 X 0.6 In
  • Weight 10.0 lb

The Orei UHDS-104 leads this list on sheer buyer confidence. With over 5,400 reviews, a 4.4-star rating, and 4,000 units moving off the shelf every month, it is the most validated HDMI splitter in the category at $33.95. It offers 4 HDMI outputs from a single source and fits a compact form factor at 2.4 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches, making it easy to tuck behind an entertainment center. Whether you are splitting a cable box, streaming stick, or Blu-ray player across multiple displays, this is the box most buyers trust.

Best for: Anyone who needs to send one HDMI source to up to four TVs at once

Pros

  • 5,400-plus reviews with 4.4-star average rating
  • 4 HDMI outputs from one source
  • 4,000 monthly buyers confirm sustained real-world demand
  • Compact 2.4 x 6.4 x 0.6 in form factor
  • Priced fairly at $33.95 for a 1x4 active model

Cons

  • External power required, adding one more cable to manage
  • No confirmed support spec for 4K/60Hz published in listing data

Bottom line: The Orei UHDS-104 at $33.95 is the safest, most proven HDMI splitter you can buy based on actual buyer volume and rating consistency.

Check price on Amazon   Read the full review →
#2 Best-Selling Value Pick

Amazon Basics Video Converter

Check price
Amazon Basics video converter
4.2 (5,753) $21.064,000+ bought last month

The Amazon Basics HDMI splitter has racked up 5,753 reviews and moves 4,000 units a month at just $21.06, making it the highest review-count product in this entire roundup. A 4.2-star rating across that volume of buyers tells you this is a reliable performer for straightforward split jobs. It sits in the sweet spot for anyone who just needs the basics done right at a low price. Amazon Basics products typically go through rigorous QC for core specs, and the buyer data here shows the formula is working.

Best for: Budget shoppers who want the most-reviewed splitter option and a hassle-free return if needed

Pros

  • Highest review count in the category at 5,753
  • 4,000 monthly buyers confirm strong ongoing demand
  • Under $22 makes it accessible to almost any budget
  • Amazon brand offers reliable return policy and availability
  • 4.2-star rating is solid across such a large sample

Cons

  • No published spec data on port count or max resolution from listing
  • Lower rating floor than the top Orei picks

Bottom line: At $21.06 with the highest review total in this group, the Amazon Basics splitter is the most reviewed value pick available.

Check price on Amazon   Read the full review →
#3 Best HDMI Audio Extractor

Orei 8K Audio Extractor Video Converter

Check price
Orei 8K Audio Extractor video converter, black
4.3 (225) $69.998,000+ bought last month
  • HDMI ports 4
  • Color Black
  • Weight 6.27 lb

The Orei 8K Audio Extractor tops the demand chart with 8,000 units sold last month, the highest bought_last_month figure in this entire catalog. At $69.99, it delivers 4 HDMI ports and is aimed at home theater setups that need to pull audio out of the HDMI signal chain and send it to a receiver or soundbar. A 4.3-star rating across 225 reviews is a reasonable confidence level for a $70 product. At 6.27 lb the unit has some heft to it, which usually indicates substantial build quality. For anyone upgrading a mid-range or high-end AV rack, this is the most actively purchased product in the category.

Best for: Home theater owners who need to extract audio from HDMI for a receiver or soundbar while sending video through

Pros

  • 8,000 monthly buyers, highest demand in the entire catalog
  • 4 HDMI ports give flexibility for multi-device setups
  • 6.27 lb build suggests solid, durable construction
  • Rated 4.3 stars across 225 verified reviews
  • Serves a specific need that simpler splitters cannot fill

Cons

  • At $69.99 it costs more than basic 1x2 or 1x4 splitters
  • 225 reviews is on the lower side for a $70 device

Bottom line: No product in this category moves faster than the Orei 8K Audio Extractor at 8,000 units per month, making it the clearest demand signal in the roundup at $69.99.

Check price on Amazon   Read the full review →
#4 Best High-Demand Extractor Box

Orei BK-927 Video Converter

Check price
Orei BK-927 video converter
4.0 (125) $79.998,000+ bought last month

The Orei BK-927 at $79.99 ties for the top monthly buy rate at 8,000 units, earning it an automatic spot on this list. With 125 reviews and a 4.0-star rating, the review sample is smaller than the other picks, but the sheer volume of monthly buyers suggests strong word-of-mouth momentum. At roughly $80 it sits in the mid-range for this category. Buyers appear to be voting with their wallets, and the Orei brand track record across this roundup is consistently strong.

Best for: Buyers who trust high monthly demand as their primary reliability signal

Pros

  • 8,000 monthly buyers, tied for highest demand in the catalog
  • Orei brand consistently earns 4.0-star-plus ratings across its lineup
  • $79.99 is a reasonable price for this demand segment
  • 4.0-star rating meets the quality floor for this guide
  • Good option if the Audio Extractor model above is sold out

Cons

  • Only 125 reviews, the smallest verified sample among the top picks
  • Limited spec detail available in listing data

Bottom line: The Orei BK-927 at $79.99 commands enough monthly buyer volume to earn inclusion, even with a smaller review count than the category leaders.

Check price on Amazon   Read the full review →
#5 Best Budget HDMI Splitter Under $15

Warrky WARRKY-AV-H02 Video Converter

Check price
Warrky WARRKY-AV-H02 video converter, Grey-4K UHD
4.4 (2,000) $13.894,000+ bought last month
  • HDMI ports 2
  • Color Grey-4K Uhd
  • Dimensions 1.8 X 2.1 X 0.5 In

The Warrky WARRKY-AV-H02 at $13.89 is the value standout in this guide. It carries 4,000 monthly buyers, 2,000 reviews, and a 4.4-star rating, which means buyers at this price point are genuinely satisfied at scale. The compact 1.8 x 2.1 x 0.5 inch footprint fits anywhere, and with 2 HDMI ports it handles the common use case of splitting one source to two TVs. The color listing shows it as a 4K UHD model, meaning it targets modern 4K setups at a budget price that almost never gets a product with this level of buyer confidence.

Best for: Anyone splitting one source to two TVs on a tight budget without sacrificing quality or trust signals

Pros

  • 4.4-star rating across 2,000 reviews at only $13.89
  • 4,000 monthly buyers show this is a mainstream choice, not a niche product
  • Ultra-compact 1.8 x 2.1 x 0.5 in body fits anywhere
  • 2 HDMI outputs handle the most common home split scenario
  • 4K UHD targeting at the lowest price in this lineup

Cons

  • 2-port limit means you cannot scale beyond two displays
  • At this price point, active signal amplification specs are not always published clearly

Bottom line: At $13.89 with a 4.4-star rating and 2,000 reviews, the Warrky is the best-reviewed budget HDMI splitter in this group.

Check price on Amazon   Read the full review →
#6 Best 1x8 HDMI Splitter

Orei UHD-PRO108 Video Converter

Check price
Orei UHD-PRO108 video converter, Black
4.3 (2,100) $64.994,000+ bought last month
  • HDMI ports 8
  • Color Black
  • Dimensions 2.48 X 5.98 X 0.81 In
  • Weight 830.0 lb

The Orei UHD-PRO108 at $64.99 is the pick for anyone who needs to feed eight displays from a single HDMI source. It moves 4,000 units a month and has accumulated 2,100 reviews with a 4.3-star rating, giving it among the strongest verified demand of any 8-port splitter in this category. The 2.48 x 5.98 x 0.81 inch form factor stays slim despite supporting eight outputs. For commercial setups, sports bars, schools, or corporate conference rooms where eight screens need to show the same content, this is the most proven option.

Best for: Commercial installs, sports bars, classrooms, or any location that needs one source on eight screens

Pros

  • 8 HDMI outputs in a compact 2.48 x 5.98 x 0.81 in body
  • 4,000 monthly buyers with 2,100 reviews at 4.3 stars
  • $64.99 is a strong price for an active 1x8 unit
  • Orei brand has the most consistent track record in this roundup
  • Handles commercial-scale distribution without rack-mount pricing

Cons

  • Higher power draw than 1x2 or 1x4 models
  • Not needed for basic two-TV home setups

Bottom line: The Orei UHD-PRO108 delivers the most outputs per dollar of any reliable 1x8 HDMI splitter in this lineup at $64.99.

Check price on Amazon   Read the full review →
#7 Best HDMI to AV Converter

Orei HDA-912 Video Converter

Check price
Orei HDA-912 video converter
4.2 (1,552) $34.994,000+ bought last month
  • Weight 227.0 lb

The Orei HDA-912 at $34.99 moves 4,000 units per month and holds 1,552 reviews with a 4.2-star rating, making it the most validated HDMI-to-AV converter in this guide. It handles the common scenario of converting a modern HDMI source to analog outputs for older displays or audio equipment. For home AV installations where one component in the chain is an older non-HDMI TV or projector, this converter fills the gap cleanly without requiring you to replace the older device. The demand data confirms this is a mainstream purchase, not an edge case.

Best for: Anyone bridging a modern HDMI source to an older TV or projector that lacks HDMI input

Pros

  • 1,552 reviews with a 4.2-star average at $34.99
  • 4,000 monthly buyers show strong ongoing real-world demand
  • Orei brand reliability backed by a large track record
  • Fills the conversion gap for legacy displays and equipment
  • Mid-range price appropriate for an active conversion device

Cons

  • No analog device will match the image quality of a native HDMI path
  • Output quality depends on the capability of the connected legacy device

Bottom line: With 1,552 reviews, 4,000 monthly buyers, and a 4.2-star rating, the Orei HDA-912 is the most proven HDMI-to-AV converter at $34.99.

Check price on Amazon   Read the full review →
#8 Best HDMI Extender Up to 170 Feet

Orei EX-170C Video Converter

Check price
Orei EX-170C video converter, Black
4.6 (946) $42.994,000+ bought last month
  • HDMI ports 1
  • Connectivity Hdmi
  • Color Black
  • Dimensions 2.8 X 2.6 X 1 In
  • Weight 422.0 lb

The Orei EX-170C at $42.99 earns the best rating among all extender options in this guide at 4.6 stars across 946 reviews, with 4,000 monthly buyers. It uses HDMI connectivity and is built for runs that exceed the practical range of standard HDMI cable, fitting in a 2.8 x 2.6 x 1 inch box that is easy to tuck away at either end of a long cable run. For setups where the source and display are separated by more than 25 feet, this is a well-reviewed, actively selling solution that does not require pulling Cat6 through walls.

Best for: Installations where source and display are more than 25 feet apart but pulling Cat6 is not practical

Pros

  • 4.6-star rating across 946 reviews, highest rating among extender picks
  • 4,000 monthly buyers confirm real-world demand
  • Compact 2.8 x 2.6 x 1 in enclosure
  • $42.99 is accessible for an extender in this class
  • Orei brand consistency backs the product credibility

Cons

  • Single HDMI output, not a multi-display splitter
  • Cable quality and run length affect performance at maximum distances

Bottom line: The Orei EX-170C at $42.99 earns a 4.6-star rating from 946 buyers and is the top-rated extender option in this roundup.

Check price on Amazon   Read the full review →
#9 Best HDMI Over CAT6 Extender Kit

Orei CAT6/7 Video Converter

Check price
Orei CAT6/7 video converter
4.6 (704) $174.994,000+ bought last month

The Orei CAT6/7 extender kit at $174.99 is built for long-distance video distribution where standard HDMI cable falls short and you need Cat6 infrastructure to bridge the gap. It moves 4,000 units a month and holds a 4.6-star rating across 704 reviews, the second-highest rating in this guide. CAT6/7 extenders convert the HDMI signal to run over existing Ethernet wiring, covering distances that passive cables simply cannot match. For whole-home distribution, conference room AV, or any install where the source room and display room are far apart, this kit is the right tool.

Best for: Whole-home AV distribution, conference rooms, or any install requiring HDMI to travel more than 50 feet

Pros

  • 4.6-star rating across 704 reviews at $174.99
  • 4,000 monthly buyers validate consistent ongoing demand
  • CAT6/7 wiring covers long distances well beyond passive HDMI cable range
  • Uses existing Ethernet infrastructure, reducing install cost
  • Orei is the most reliable brand in this entire roundup

Cons

  • $174.99 is the highest price in this guide
  • Requires Cat6 or Cat6a cable already in place or newly run

Bottom line: At $174.99 the Orei CAT6/7 kit is the premium pick, justified by a 4.6-star rating from 704 buyers and 4,000 monthly sales.

Check price on Amazon   Read the full review →
#10 Best Optical Audio Splitter

BlueRigger TOSLINK-SPLITTER-1X2 Video Converter

Check price
BlueRigger TOSLINK-SPLITTER-1X2 video converter
4.4 (5,100) $19.99
  • Weight 23.0 lb

The BlueRigger TOSLINK-SPLITTER-1X2 at $19.99 has the strongest review count for any optical product in this roundup at 5,100 reviews and a 4.4-star rating. It takes a single Toslink optical audio signal and splits it to two outputs simultaneously, which is exactly what you need if your TV has one optical out but you want to feed both a soundbar and a headphone amplifier, or two different zones. At $20 with 5,100 reviews, this is a no-risk purchase for optical audio splitting needs.

Best for: Anyone with a TV that has one optical output but needs to connect two audio devices at the same time

Pros

  • 5,100 reviews with a 4.4-star rating, the most reviewed optical product in this guide
  • Under $20 makes it a negligible-risk purchase
  • Optical splitting requires no power in most implementations
  • BlueRigger has a consistent track record in audio connectivity
  • Solves the single optical output limitation on most TVs

Cons

  • Optical audio only, does not handle video signals
  • No verified bought_last_month data available, though review count depth is strong

Bottom line: Five thousand one hundred reviews at 4.4 stars for $19.99 makes the BlueRigger TOSLINK splitter the most validated optical audio pick in the lineup.

Check price on Amazon   Read the full review →
#11 Best Compact 1x2 HDMI Splitter

J-Tech Digital JTD-MINI-1x2SP Video Converter

Check price
J-Tech Digital JTD-MINI-1x2SP video converter, 4K 1x2 MINI
4.3 (1,500) $16.494,000+ bought last month
  • HDMI ports 2
  • Color 4K 1X2 Mini
  • Weight 5.0 lb

The J-Tech Digital JTD-MINI-1x2SP at $16.49 lives up to its Mini name and moves 4,000 units a month, validating its position as a mainstream choice. With 1,500 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, it has earned enough buyer confidence to recommend without hesitation. Two HDMI outputs cover the most common home splitting task, and J-Tech Digital is a well-regarded AV connectivity brand. At $16.49 it undercuts the Warrky slightly in price while offering more review depth.

Best for: Buyers who want a trusted AV accessories brand at under $17 for a basic 1x2 HDMI split

Pros

  • 4,000 monthly buyers with 1,500 reviews at a 4.3-star rating
  • At $16.49 it is one of the most affordable verified performers
  • J-Tech Digital brand is recognized as a reliable AV accessories maker
  • Compact two-output form factor fits tight installs
  • Good review depth for a product at this price tier

Cons

  • Limited to 2 outputs, same as the Warrky
  • No published spec sheet detail on max resolution in listing data

Bottom line: The J-Tech Digital Mini at $16.49 and 4,000 monthly buyers is a proven compact 1x2 that competes directly with the Warrky on both price and demand.

Check price on Amazon   Read the full review →
#12 Best 1x2 Splitter With Solid Reviews Under $25

Orei UHDS-102C Video Converter

Check price
Orei UHDS-102C video converter, Black
4.3 (436) $23.994,000+ bought last month
  • HDMI ports 2
  • Color Black

The Orei UHDS-102C at $23.99 rounds out the Orei family presence in this guide. It posts 4,000 monthly buyers, 436 reviews, and a 4.3-star rating. Two HDMI outputs and a compact black form factor make it a clean option when you want a more established brand name than the smaller players at this price. At $23.99 it sits between the sub-$15 budget picks and the mid-range 1x4 and extender options, giving buyers a clear stepping stone.

Best for: Buyers who specifically want an Orei-branded 1x2 splitter with a compact form and sub-$25 price

Pros

  • 4,000 monthly buyers confirm active sustained demand
  • Orei brand reliability is the best-documented in this entire roundup
  • 436 reviews at 4.3 stars is a solid confidence level for a $24 product
  • 2 HDMI outputs in a compact black enclosure
  • Priced at $23.99, a reasonable mid-point for 1x2 splitters

Cons

  • 436 reviews is lower than the top picks in this guide
  • Only 2 outputs, limiting its value for larger setups

Bottom line: The Orei UHDS-102C at $23.99 offers familiar brand reliability with 4,000 monthly buyers and a 4.3-star rating for standard two-TV setups.

Check price on Amazon   Read the full review →

Buying guide

Splitter vs. Switch: Know the Difference Before You Buy

A splitter takes one HDMI source and sends the exact same signal to two or more displays at the same time. A switch does the opposite: it accepts multiple sources and lets you route one of them to a single display. Buying the wrong type is the most common mistake in this category. If you want your Blu-ray player on two TVs simultaneously, you need a splitter. If you want your Blu-ray player, gaming console, and streaming stick all connected to one TV through one HDMI port, you need a switch. Check your use case carefully before you add anything to your cart. Most powered splitters require an external USB or DC power source, while passive splitters and switches often do not, so budget for an adapter if the product listing shows one is included.

Port Count and Split Ratios

Splitters are sold by their split ratio: 1x2 sends one signal to two TVs, 1x4 goes to four, and 1x8 covers eight. A 1x2 at around $14 to $34 handles most home setups where you want the bedroom TV and living room TV to show the same source. Restaurants, sports bars, conference rooms, and commercial installs usually need at least a 1x4 or 1x8. Note that every active splitter must negotiate HDCP handshakes with every connected display simultaneously, which means if one display does not support HDCP 2.2 and your source requires it, the whole chain can fail. Stick to displays and splitters that all share the same HDCP version, or shop for splitters that advertise HDCP downgrade support.

Resolution and Refresh Rate Support

Budget splitters often advertise 4K but top out at 4K/30Hz, which is fine for streaming video but will drop your gaming console back to 1080p if it expects 4K/60Hz. Higher-end models support 4K/60Hz and, in a few cases, 4K/120Hz. If you plan to run a 4K TV that accepts 60Hz or higher, confirm that both the splitter and every display in the chain support the same bandwidth. HDMI 2.0 handles 4K/60Hz at 18Gbps. HDMI 2.1 is required for 4K/120Hz or 8K. For pure streaming or cable TV mirroring, a 4K/30Hz model saves money without any visible downgrade.

HDMI Over CAT6 Extender Kits

Standard HDMI cable maxes out reliably around 15 to 25 feet before signal degradation shows up. If your source and display are in different rooms or separated by more than 25 feet, an HDMI over CAT6 extender kit is the practical solution. These kits use one or two Ethernet cables to carry the video signal across distances ranging from 150 feet to 400 feet or more depending on the model. The transmitter box sits near your source and the receiver box plugs in near the display. Cat6 extender kits are priced higher than passive splitters, typically $130 to $175 for a reliable 1x2 kit, but they solve a problem that no passive cable can handle.

Audio Extractors and Optical Splitters

If your AV receiver or soundbar uses a Toslink optical input but your modern TV or streaming device only has HDMI, an HDMI audio extractor is the bridge you need. It passes video through to the display while pulling the audio out to a separate optical or analog output. Optical splitters, meanwhile, take a single Toslink signal from your TV's optical out and send it to two devices at once, such as a soundbar and a headphone amplifier. These are passive in most cases and work reliably at very low prices. If you have a surround sound system connected to one output and a second speaker system you want to run in parallel, a $20 optical splitter solves it cleanly.

Legacy Format Converters

Older camcorders, DVD players, game consoles, and cable boxes often output composite RCA or component video. None of those signals go directly into a modern HDMI TV without a converter box. Component-to-HDMI and composite-to-HDMI converters are active devices that re-encode the analog signal into a digital HDMI stream. They typically top out at 1080p upscaled from the original SD or HD analog signal, so do not expect a native 4K output from a standard-definition source. These converters cost $14 to $35 for reliable options and are the simplest way to breathe life into older gear without replacing it.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Buying a passive splitter for a long cable run and wondering why the second TV flickers or shows no picture
  • Confusing an HDMI switch (multiple in, one out) with an HDMI splitter (one in, multiple out) and buying the wrong direction
  • Purchasing a 4K splitter without checking whether it supports 4K/60Hz vs. 4K/30Hz, then being surprised when a gaming console falls back to 1080p
  • Ignoring HDCP version mismatches between the splitter and older TVs, which causes a black screen on one or more outputs even though all the cables are seated correctly
  • Plugging an HDMI splitter directly into the wall without verifying the power adapter amperage, which can cause random reboots or signal drops
  • Using a component-to-HDMI converter and expecting 4K output, when the original source signal is 480i or 480p and no upscaler changes that fundamental limit

Frequently asked questions

Will an HDMI splitter reduce video quality on my 4K TV?

A quality active splitter does not degrade the signal if it fully supports the bandwidth your source is sending. The main risk is buying a 4K/30Hz splitter when your TV and source both operate at 4K/60Hz. In that case the splitter becomes the bottleneck and both displays will downshift. Check the splitter spec sheet for maximum supported bandwidth before buying. Passive splitters, which contain no internal circuitry, are generally not reliable for 4K content and should be avoided for anything beyond 1080p.

Can I split HDMI to TVs in different rooms?

Yes, but standard HDMI cable has a practical limit of around 15 to 25 feet before signal loss becomes an issue. For cross-room runs, pair a 1x2 splitter with an HDMI over CAT6 extender kit on one or both outputs. This combination lets you send the same source to a TV 150 feet away without noticeable quality loss. Make sure the extender kit you choose is rated for the resolution and refresh rate you need, and run a fresh Cat6 or Cat6a cable rather than reusing old wiring.

Why does my splitter show a black screen on one TV?

The most common cause is an HDCP handshake failure. HDCP is the copy protection layer built into HDMI. When a splitter sends the signal to multiple displays, every display in the chain must successfully authenticate with the source at the same time. If one TV is older and only supports HDCP 1.4 while the source requires HDCP 2.2, the protection handshake can fail for the whole chain or just that one output. Try swapping the display order on the splitter outputs, update the firmware if your splitter supports it, or choose a splitter that advertises HDCP downgrade compatibility.

Do I need a powered splitter or will a passive one work?

For any 4K content or cable runs longer than 6 feet, use an active powered splitter. Passive splitters simply split the signal without amplification, which works only at very short cable lengths and at 1080p or lower. Active splitters include internal signal drivers that regenerate and amplify the output to maintain full bandwidth to all ports. Most active splitters require a micro-USB or DC 5V power connection, which is usually included in the box.

Can I use an HDMI splitter with streaming services like Netflix or Disney+?

Yes, and most users do exactly this. However, streaming apps enforce HDCP, so every display you connect must support it. Most TVs made after 2014 support HDCP 1.4 at minimum. Netflix 4K requires HDCP 2.2. If your splitter and all connected TVs support HDCP 2.2, 4K streaming will work cleanly across all outputs. If you connect an older TV that only supports HDCP 1.4 into the chain, the streaming app may drop to HD or show an error on that output.

What is the difference between a coaxial splitter and an HDMI splitter?

A coaxial splitter splits a coaxial antenna or cable TV signal, not an HDMI digital signal. The two products serve completely different purposes. Coaxial splitters are passive devices that split the RF signal coming from a wall outlet, antenna, or satellite dish to multiple TVs. HDMI splitters handle the digital HDMI signal from a set-top box, streaming stick, Blu-ray player, or gaming console. Both are called splitters, but you cannot use one type in place of the other.

How do I connect an old DVD player or VCR to a modern TV that only has HDMI inputs?

You need a composite-to-HDMI or component-to-HDMI converter depending on what outputs your device has. Most DVD players and VCRs use composite RCA outputs (yellow, white, red). Component outputs use five RCA connectors with separate color-difference signals and were common on higher-end DVD players and game consoles from the mid-2000s. Both converter types are active devices that cost roughly $14 to $35. The output quality is limited by the original signal, typically 480i for composite and up to 1080i for component, so a converter upscales to HDMI but does not create detail that was not in the source.

Final recommendation

The Orei UHDS-104 earns the top spot here because 5,400 reviews and a 4.4-star rating at $33.95 represent the clearest buyer consensus in this entire category. Shoppers on the tightest budget should start with the Warrky at $13.89, which moves 4,000 units a month and scores 4.4 stars with solid review depth. For anyone who needs to run video across a long distance, the Orei CAT6/7 extender kit at $174.99 is the right tool and the buyer demand backs that up. Match the pick to your specific use case, confirm HDCP version compatibility with your displays, and you will avoid the black-screen headaches that trip up most first-time buyers. Questions, comments, or corrections: hello@raltv.com.

Check #1 pick on Amazon