How to Use a Network Switch for One-to-Many Extenders and Connect Multiple Displays to a Single Source

Extending an HDMI screen can sometimes get complicated—what more if you need to connect to up to 254 receivers from a single display? Traditional splitters and matrix switchers have limited ports, high costs, and cable length restrictions. A network switch for HDMI extenders provides a more scalable solution by using HDMI over IP, allowing you to set up up to 254 receivers from a single display. 

This method is widely used for one-to-many HDMI distribution in businesses, digital signage, command centers, conference rooms, and even large home theater setups. By leveraging video distribution over a network, you can send high-quality video signals over long distances without compromising performance.

How an HDMI over IP works
HDMI over IP essentially replaces traditional HDMI cables with an Ethernet-based system, which lets you send HDMI signals through a network switch. This provides a more adaptable and expandable method for distributing content to multiple displays.

HDMI signal extension using an HDMI matrix setup typically needs:

• An HDMI transmitter that converts the video signal into network data.
• A network switch that directs the signal to multiple receivers over an Ethernet connection.
• HDMI receivers that convert the signal back into HDMI for display on screens.
  

Because an ethernet switch for HDMI is not restricted by a fixed number of HDMI ports, you can expand your setup as needed without investing in additional hardware.

Setting Up One-to-Many HDMI Distribution with a Network Switch

A network switch for HDMI extenders acts as the central hub, distributing the signal from a single source to multiple receivers. Here’s how it works:

1. Connect the HDMI source (such as a media player, gaming console, or computer) to the HDMI transmitter.
2. Link the transmitter to the network switch using an Ethernet cable.
3. Connect multiple HDMI receivers to the switch via Ethernet cables.
4. Each receiver is then connected to a display using a standard HDMI cable.
5. The network switch distributes the signal to all connected displays simultaneously.
   

With this setup, you can send 4K video signals across a large venue, office, or retail space while maintaining long-distance HDMI transmission without latency.

Why a Network Switch Is a Cost-Effective Alternative to HDMI Matrix Switchers
Traditional HDMI matrix switches, while capable of extending content to multiple outputs, often become too expensive and complicated when needing to extend to more than 20 devices over long distances.

A Power over Ethernet, or PoE switch, for extenders or a standard ethernet switch for HDMI provides several advantages over traditional matrix switchers:

• Higher scalability – Connect up to 254 receivers from a single display without being limited by HDMI ports.
• Lower costs – Network switches are far more affordable than high-end HDMI matrix switchers.
• Extended range – AV over IP allows signals to travel farther without degradation.
• Simplified cabling – A PoE switch for extenders can power the HDMI receivers, reducing cable clutter and extra power adapters.

By using this HDMI matrix setup, businesses and AV professionals can create a high-performance video network that is easier to manage and scale.

The Smarter Way to Expand Your HDMI Network

If you need to expand your HDMI network, using a network switch with an HDMI over IP system is a much smarter approach. It's the best way to distribute a single video source to many displays, overcoming the limitations of older HDMI splitters and matrix switchers. You can connect up to 254 receivers to a single display, which is a significant advantage. If you're looking for an affordable HDMI matrix setup that can send video over long distances and easily grow with your needs, then AV over IP is the way to go.

OREI offers high-quality HDMI extension solutions that work well with most AV over IP setups. Our ethernet switch for HDMI products provides an efficient way to expand your display network without relying too much on other costly HDMI switches. To see our full list of HDMI over IP extenders, please feel free to visit our shop by clicking here.