Nowadays, there are plenty of video signal sources, and most of the time, these videos are needed to be projected on multiple projector screens, so, for this purpose, we have to change their format. Alternatively, we can say that there is a need to display videos from multiple sources on a single screen. For such a purpose, video signal converters and video splitters are useful.
Video formats
The advanced technology employs various methods and multiple standards for transmitting video signals.
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Composite analog video format
Such a video is conveyed on a single channel, i.e., a single pair of wires. It has the lowest quality. In advanced video technology, the composite analog video format is not used mostly. An example of a composite video connector is Single RCA(Tulip) which is yellow and has a 3.5 jack.
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Component analog video format
This type of video is conveyed over two or more two channels. Each of these channels encodes for their digital video information. This format is better than the composite analog video format but is still far from the advanced standard. A variety of video equipment still possesses the connectors to transmit component video.
The connectors that transmit component video include D-SUB(SVGA), RCA connectors, and DVI. In transmitting a single video signal, it is very simple to merge several signals, which is accomplished through wired cables or an installed switch. In that case, you may not require a converter or splitter as the special video cable or adapter serves the purpose.
When shifting from one video signal type to the other- for instance, component signal to digital signal- a sophisticated device is required called a converter. To choose a splitter and an adapter, one should know the number of sources they have, the types of receivers they use, and the video signal standard they employ. After recognizing all the said things, one can choose a device as per the required characteristics.
Characteristics of video splitters and converters
A type
It is a type of converter that transforms analog video signal to digital video signal and digital video signal to analog video signal. Such a converter consists of an Analog to Digital Converter(abbreviated as ADC) or Digital to Analog Converter(abbreviated as DAC). Every DCA or ADC has its bit depth and operating frequency, so the output of two different converters can be quite different.
Unfortunately, the manufacturers rarely mention this bit depth and operation frequency to the customer. So, it is only guided by the supported modes and the cost. For this reason, one should inspect for the resolution of the video source, screen, and type of converter before buying.
The next thing is which image or video out of many will be displayed on the screen out of many. For this purpose, you press the button on the remote or the device, and an appropriate channel is selected. The standard of input and output is the same at the same time. The presence of a switch may support a specified set of permissions.
Inputs and outputs
One must ensure that their selected device has the required inputs and outputs. It is to be kept in mind that the converters, switches, and splitters work one way, i.e., in one direction only-from input to output. Moreover, when you choose a device, be sure that you don’t mix the very purpose of the connectors as they don’t work in the opposite direction.
Types of connectors and their purpose
- HDMI connectors: serve the purpose of digital video transmission.
- F connectors: are employed for outputs,
- M connectors: are employed for inputs.
Usually, an audio splitter 3.5 mm jack is employed for audio signal transmission. An HDMI lead to VGA converter mostly also has the 3.5mm output, which connects an audio cable. HDMI carries audio along with video, whereas VGA does not support this.
Transmitted Signal
Formats for digital video signal transmission can transmit the audio signal “at the same time.” So you should ensure that the audio signal is lost during splitting, converting, or switching – the device must carry the audio “along” with the video. Nevertheless, you can neglect the audio transmission if you don’t want the sound.
Choice of splitters and video converters
A D-SUB> HDMI converter is required when connecting an old VGA video card to an HDMI monitor, a D-SUB> HDMI converter is required.
When you want to connect an old TV with an RCAx3 component input to a modern media player with an HDMI output, an HDMI > RCAx3 converter serves the purpose.
When there is a need to connect multiple video sources to one screen, a switch is needed.
Frequently Asked Question
Q1: What are the types of connectors available?
Ans: HDMI connectors, F connectors, and M connectors
Q 2: Can the output be converted into input?
Ans: No, the devices work one way only, i.e., they take the input and display the output, but the alternative phenomenon is not possible.
Q 3: Why is HDMI preferred over VGA?
Ans: HDMI carries audio signaL and video, but VGA does not work similarly. Moreover, HDMI signal is digital, whereas the VGA signal is analog.
Q4: What is the advantage of a switch?
Ans: The switch provides you with the additional advantage of a specified set of permissions.
Q5: How can I know that the digital video transmitting device serves its purpose well?
Ans: This can be ensured by the presence of an audio signal along with the video signal. This indicates that the audio signal is not lost during converting, splitting, or switching, and the device is working just fine in its basic function.
Conclusion
To select the device for video transmitting, one should be aware of several points. For instance, the type of connectors the device possesses, the ability of a device to transmit the audio signal along with the video, the converter appropriate for the required purpose, and many more. Moreover, the bit depth and operation frequency are also considered when choosing the converter.
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