Introduction: Meet the Haydon 1×4 HDMI Splitter (HAY-4KHDMI-X4)
The Haydon DTV-HDMI/4 (model HAY-4KHDMI-X4) is a compact, cost-effective 1 input → 4 output HDMI distribution amplifier designed to duplicate a single HDMI source across four displays. Supporting HDMI 1.4 features, up to 3840×2160 (4K) at 30 Hz, deep colour (8/10/12‑bit) and full 3D formats, this splitter is intended for digital signage, small AV installs, meeting rooms and any situation where one source needs to feed multiple screens simultaneously. Its automatic EDID and HDCP negotiation simplifies compatibility between mixed sources and displays, and a rugged metal housing and external 5V DC power supply make it suitable for both DIY and professional installations.
- 1× HDMI input to 4× HDMI outputsfor simultaneous output to multiple displays.
- 4K30 support(3840×2160 @ 30 Hz) with 8/10/12‑bit deep colour and 4:2:2 chroma for higher colour fidelity at 4K.
- Automatic HDCP & EDID handlingto resolve common handshake and compatibility issues without manual EDID management.
- Lossless audio supportincluding high‑quality formats such as DTS‑HD and Dolby TrueHD.
- Compact metal housingand external DC 5V power (typical 1A) for reliable operation and cascading capability for larger deployments.
Detailed specifications and the benefits they deliver
Understanding the technical specifications helps match the HAY-4KHDMI-X4 to your installation needs. Below are the most relevant specs and why they matter in real-world use.
- HDMI Version:HDMI 1.4 (1.4a/1.4b). This version supports 4K at 30 Hz, 3D and deep colour. It is suitable for most signage and meeting room displays but does not support 4K at 60 Hz or HDR formats that require HDMI 2.0+ bandwidth.
- Maximum resolution:3840×2160 @ 30 Hz. Ideal for static 4K content, presentations and many digital signage applications. If you need 4K60 for fast-motion video or gaming, consider an HDMI 2.0/2.1 splitter instead.
- TMDS/Bandwidth:Up to roughly 320 MHz, consistent with HDMI 1.4 class devices. This bandwidth accommodates deep colour and 3D within the HDMI 1.4 envelope.
- Lossless audio:The splitter passes advanced audio formats such as DTS‑HD and Dolby TrueHD, so you do not need to compromise audio quality when feeding multiple displays or AV receivers.
- Cable distance:Typical HDMI cable distances for reliable 4K or 1080p depend on cable grade; expect reasonable operation in the 12–25 m range for most installs. Use higher‑quality or active HDMI cables for longer runs.
- Inputs/Outputs:1 HDMI input and 4 HDMI outputs, with cascading supported so you can expand to more displays by chaining multiple units.
- Power:External DC 5V / 1A supply (confirm whether an adapter is included with your purchase). A dedicated power supply ensures stable signal distribution and supports longer cable runs or more demanding EDID/HDCP scenarios.
- Housing:Compact metal case provides durability and a professional look suitable for rack shelves, AV cabinets or behind displays.
- Compliance:Certification details are not provided in the listing; for regulated installations confirm CE/UKCA and other requirements from the manufacturer datasheet or reseller prior to deployment.
Benefits: What this splitter lets you do better
- Plug-and-play distribution:Automatic EDID and HDCP negotiation reduces setup time and troubleshooting when mixing consumer and professional displays.
- Cost-effective scaling:The HAY-4KHDMI-X4 offers a budget-friendly way to duplicate a single source to multiple screens without needing a full matrix switch.
- Reliable for signage and presentations:With supported lossless audio and deep colour, you can maintain high audiovisual fidelity across multiple displays.
- Expandable:Cascading allows larger arrays of displays without purchasing a much larger or more expensive distribution system.
Use cases and scenarios where the Haydon splitter excels
- Retail and digital signage:Feed identical promotional video, menu boards or informational content to multiple screens in a storefront, café or quick-serve restaurant. The compact size makes it easy to place in back-of-house AV racks or near a media player.
- Point-of-sale and kiosks:Deliver the same visual content to customer-facing displays, advertising screens, and staff displays from a single media player.
- Conference rooms and classrooms:Distribute a laptop, media player or conferencing unit to multiple projectors or flat panels for mirrored displays during meetings, lectures or training sessions.
- Events and hospitality:Small event venues and hotel lobbies can use the splitter to show a single live feed or presentation on multiple screens scattered around a space.
- Security and monitoring:Duplicate a camera feed or monitoring output to several operator displays when multiple viewers need simultaneous access to the same source.
- Small commercial AV installations:Integrate into AV systems where broadcast of identical content is required across multiple endpoints without complex routing.
How it compares to similar products
When evaluating the Haydon HAY-4KHDMI-X4 against other splitters and AV distribution solutions, consider the following points.
- HDMI 2.0/2.1 splitters support 4K60, HDR and higher bandwidths. If you require 4K at 60 Hz, HDR content or the latest gaming features, an HDMI 2.0/2.1 device is the better choice.
- For signage, presentation slides, menus and many video playlists where 4K30 is sufficient, the Haydon 1×4 is a lower-cost, simpler solution.
- Passive splitters and Y-cables often fail with HDCP handshake, EDID mismatches and long cable runs. The Haydon unit is an active, powered distribution amplifier with automatic EDID/HDCP handling, delivering far more reliable results.
- Matrix switches allow independent sources to feed different displays; they are more flexible but also more expensive and complex. If you only need to mirror a single source to multiple displays, a 1×4 splitter is simpler and more cost-effective.
- Scalers change resolution and output formatting, which is useful when targets have different native resolutions. The Haydon unit does not scale; it distributes the source signal and relies on displays or source settings for resolution handling.
Customer feedback and reviews
Official, verifiable customer testimonials for this specific Haydon model are not provided here. That said, installers and end users evaluating similar HDMI 1.4 splitters commonly report the following real-world impressions:
- Positive:Many users appreciate the unit's plug-and-play simplicity, compact metal build and stable signal distribution for signage and meeting-room use. Lossless audio passthrough and reliable EDID/HDCP handling are frequently cited as practical benefits.
- Notes and caveats:A small number of installations can encounter EDID or handshake edge cases, especially when mixing consumer AV receivers or older displays. These situations are sometimes resolved by adjusting source resolution or using EDID management tools. Also, those needing 4K60 or HDR will note the HDMI 1.4 bandwidth limitation.
If you plan to deploy the unit at scale, consider testing one unit in your environment first and confirm cable quality, run lengths and source output settings to avoid surprises during rollout.
Conclusion: Is the Haydon HAY-4KHDMI-X4 the right choice?
The Haydon 1×4 HDMI Splitter (HAY-4KHDMI-X4) is a practical, budget‑minded distribution amplifier for anyone who needs to mirror one HDMI source across up to four screens. Its support for 4K30, deep colour and lossless audio makes it well suited to retail signage, meeting rooms, small event spaces and monitoring stations where the higher bandwidth of HDMI 2.0 is not required. Automatic EDID and HDCP negotiation simplifies setup and reduces the time spent troubleshooting handshake problems, while the metal housing and external power supply give a reliable, professional feel.
At a suggested retail price of about $34.99 (cost price approximately $27.60), it provides a strong value proposition for simple AV distribution jobs. If your project requires 4K60, HDR or per-display source switching, look toward HDMI 2.0/2.1 splitters or matrix switches. For straightforward mirroring of high-quality 4K30 or 1080p sources, the Haydon HAY-4KHDMI-X4 is an efficient and cost-effective choice.
- Confirm your source and displays are compatible with HDMI 1.4 and that 4K30 is sufficient for your use case.
- Use high-quality HDMI cables and test cable lengths, especially for 4K signals.
- Verify whether the power adapter is included and ensure access to a 5V/1A DC supply.
- For regulated or commercial installs, obtain official certification and datasheet details from the manufacturer or reseller.
With the right expectations and cabling, the Haydon HAY-4KHDMI-X4 offers a reliable, affordable way to distribute HDMI signals to multiple displays with minimal fuss.
