How To Stream To Multiple TVs Using A Single Source: Explained

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I’ve been living with three roommates for the past few months, and recently two of us purchased new TVs.

We were also planning on getting a streaming device since we were mostly using our laptops till then.

Our other roommates already had TVs, so, one of them suggested getting a single streaming box and daisy-chaining it to everyone’s display.

This seemed like a really good idea and a way for us to bring the overall cost down.

I was not sure how that was done so I immediately started my research on how to go about it and came upon various methods to connect multiple displays to a single source.

We eventually decided the easiest way for us was to use an HDMI splitter since our living space wasn’t too large, but this may vary for you.

To stream to multiple devices using a single source, you can use an HDMI or DisplayPort splitter to connect multiple displays together. You can also use a Chromecast to cast to multiple displays.

Apart from these methods, I’ll also go over how you can use S-vide/RCA and Broadlink to connect multiple TVs to a single source.

Assess the Location of the TVs

The first step is to assess the location of all the TVs in your household that you want to daisy chain and figure out how far apart they are.

If you are going to have them set up in multiple rooms, then a wireless connection between the TVs would be the best option.

A wired option, if done on a budget, can be extremely messy, while a clean wired job will be expensive.

For wired options, we have S-Video/RCA, HDMI splitters, display port splitters, and broadlink, while on the wireless side we have services like Chromecast to help out.

Let’s look at these individually.

Use a long HDMI Cable and a Splitter

If your TVs are relatively close to each other, then you can use a long HDMI splitter from the input source and connect the two TVs directly to the splitter.

This will allow the input device to output on both TVs.

It is however important to note that some input devices will playback the same stream on both devices, so it’s important to make sure your input device supports multiple displays with different outputs.

Additionally, if you are using this method, it is highly recommended to use a high-quality HDMI splitter and cable, as there is much more data being transferred from the input device.

Use a DisplayPort Splitter to Stream to Multiple TVs

Just like the method above, if your TV supports DisplayPorts, you can achieve similar results to the HDMI splitter and cable.

Connect a DisplayPort splitter to your input device. If your input device only supports HDMI, then use an HDMI to DisplayPort splitter.

After this, proceed to connect the DisplayPort cables from the splitter to your TVs.

Again, make sure your input device supports multiple streams to different devices, otherwise, all the connected TVs will display the same output.

If you are using it for gaming, then chances are you might be able to use higher refresh rates if your TV and game support it.

However, if you have a newer TV, then your HDMI cable will support high-refresh rates

Use S-Video/RCA to Stream to Multiple TVs

S-Video/RCA is another method to chain multiple TVs together.

But first, you have to ensure all the TVs you want to connect together support RCA.

Most modern TVs tend to use HDMI over other connections, but to make sure, you can always refer to the user manual for your TV or contact customer support to figure it out.

This is because S-Video was more prominent on older TVs and DVD players, so if you are trying to chain multiple older TVs then you should have absolutely no issue.

Additionally, it’s important to note that you would require a Video Distribution Amplifier (VDA) to chain TVs via RCA and receive a good quality output.

Use a Television Broadlink to Stream to Multiple TVs

Broadlink is the first of our partially wireless methods. It can either be used to daisy chain TVs via HDMI or connect them via a single wall controller.

This method is generally used in places like sports stadiums to ensure footage is displayed on multiple displays across the stadium.

But, this method can also be used at home. The only thing to keep in mind is if you are using broadlink, then always connect your TVs in even numbers such as 2, 4, 6, and so on.

Once the connection has been set up, you can proceed to stream content to all connected TVs via the broadlink system.

Use Chromecast to Stream a Single Source to Multiple TVs

Google’s Chromecast is another wireless alternative that will allow you to connect multiple TVs to a single stream.

Connect your Chromecast to a laptop or device that you want to stream from, and download the Chromecast extension.

Now start the content you want on your device and click on the Chromecast extension to view TVs that are within range of the Chromecast.

Now select the TV you want to output to and voila!

Since services like Miracast and Airplay currently only allow sharing to one device at a time, you will require a Chromecast to stream to multiple displays.

Benefits of Streaming to Multiple TVs

Being able to stream to multiple TVs does come with its benefits.

Since multiple TVs can output the same display, you can have people sitting at different locations, but everyone can enjoy the same movie, tv-show or sports match.

Having multiple displays connected to a single input device bypasses the need to purchase input devices for each individual display which is definitely a cost saver.

Additionally, you can also have the same game display on multiple screens, so everyone can play from their own room or setup.

Conclusion

To summarize, it’s definitely an advantage to have multiple displays connected to a single output, especially when living in a shared space with roommates, or if you live in a large house with many family members.

It’s also relatively easy to configure and since there are so many different ways to connect multiple displays, you can daisy chain older displays all the way up to the latest displays available.

The only thing to note as mentioned earlier is that having multiple devices connected to a single input source does not mean each display can output different content.

However, it is definitely one of the best options to have multi-display support.

You May Also Enjoy Reading

• Do You Need A Separate Fire Stick For Multiple TVs: Explained
• How to Watch Regular TV on a Fire Stick: Complete Guide
• Why Can’t I Connect my Laptop to my TV Wirelessly?
• HDMI Not Working on TV: What Do I Do?

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make 4 TVs work as one?

For 4 displays, the best method is to use broadlink to daisy chain your displays. This is because broadlink works best with an even number of displays.

What do I do if my TV has only one HDMI port?

If you are daisy-chaining a device, then you can have an HDMI splitter from the input source. This means you only need one HDMI port on your TV to connect to the splitter.

What’s the difference between an HDMI splitter and a switch?

HDMI splitters are used to split the input from one device across multiple displays. HDMI switches allow displays to switch between multiple input devices.

Can you daisy chain TVs with HDMI?

You can daisy chain your TVs via HDMI by using an HDMI splitter from the input device and connecting the displays to the splitter.