5 Types of Coax Splitters Explained

A coaxial cable on a white background.
  • Intermediate

Coax splitters, or coaxial cable splitters, help to distribute an Internet or television signal through these cables to multiple destination points. Some types of coaxial cable splitters help provide signal distribution for televisions, color monitors, video game systems, and other home entertainment components. There are a few different types of coax splitters to choose from.

    1. Basic Coaxial Cable Splitters

    The most basic kind of coaxial cable splitter is a small metal device with three different coaxial cable attachment points. Home cable installers screw the end of a primary distribution cable into the single attachment, and then attach two different coaxial cables to the other two attachments, allowing them to hook up two televisions or other components. These coax splitters are helpful for routing cable to different rooms in a home or property.

    2. HDMI Coax Cable Splitters

    Coaxial cables.

    In recent years, new technology has provided for a new kind of color monitor — a flat-screen television or monitor that uses HDMI (High Definition Media Interface) that projects a clearer picture. Coaxial cable can send this “high def” signal, assuming all hardware components support it. Some kinds of unique cable attachments offer VGA to HDMI switching and signal conversion for sending a picture to various kinds of monitors.

    3. Switch Splitters

    Other kinds of coax cable splitters have adjustable settings in order to send one of several central signals including satellite, video game system, DVD player, or other signals to a monitor.

    4. Vertical Cable Splitters

    Some other kinds of coaxial cable splitters are called vertical coaxial cable splitters because all of their attachments protrude furtively from the rectangular component. These kinds of coaxial cable splitters are helpful when dealing with a precision installation where the horizontal attachments make a splitter stick out from a wall or surface. Designers can look at these specialty splitters, as well as other tools like cabling brackets, to keep a cabling system out of the way in a living space.

    5. Three-way or Four-way Coax Splitters

    Coaxial cables on a gray background.

    Some advanced models of coaxial cable splitters allow for three-way or four-way cable signal distribution. Many of these models include amplification or other handy features for making sure that the signal strength does not diminish when the signal is split or routed through long cables.

      All of these types of cable splitters are good solutions for routing a signal to multiple screens. If you are installing a split cable connection, you should always be aware of the legal restrictions for a building or space, especially a multi-tenant living space.

      In addition to legal issues, it’s a good idea to take time to think about how coaxial cabling indoors may affect the activity of the building’s inhabitants. Choosing the right hardware helps provide simpler cable organizing solutions. Take the time to think through a coaxial cable installation to provide a good long-term home entertainment system setup.