Oftentimes when one researches a video splitter or HDMI splitter purchase the product description pages that pop-up are full of technical jargon and audio/video production in-house language that may sound inane or are simply incomprehensible to the uninitiated.
While there are thousands of terms that exist, listing them all is beyond the scope of this article. Thus, if you’re searching for audio/video equipment such as a video splitter or an HDMI splitter, our glossary will cover some of the most important terms so that you can make an educated purchasing decision.
AES/EBU
A digital audio standard established by the Audio Engineering Society and the European Broadcasting Union. The basic sampling resolution is 20 bit, 44.1 kHz is the most common. All HDMI splitters should support this standard.
Audio Bandwidth
The range of audio frequencies over which an amplifier or receiver will respond and provide useful output. A good HDMI splitter will carry the full range of audio bandwidth.
Audio-follow-video Switcher
Sometimes, during the switching or processing of signals, the audio signal is separated from the video signal. In such a case, each signal must be processed, mixed and enhanced separately. This scenario may arise when utilizing a video splitter or an HDMI splitter.
Audio Noise
A hiss (random high frequency noise) or a hum (low frequency noise from the power-line frequency and its harmonics or ground loops) heard on audio/video equipment. High quality HDMI splitters do not generate noise.
CAT 5/CAT 6
Category 5 cable is an unshielded twisted pair type cable typically used for Ethernet capability. It supports up to 100Mbit/s at 100Mhz. Category 6 cable supports 1Gbit/s at 250mhz. Typically compatible with most HDMI splitter and video splitter technology.
Composite Audio
A standard analog audio which utilizes RCA jacks for interconnection of components. Predates HDMI splitters. Some video splitters run first generation video in close proximity to longer distance component cables.
Decibel (dB)
A unit of measurement expressing ratios using logarithmic scales. Usually used as a measurement of audio volume. High quality HDM splitters will minimize dB drop.
Dolby (noise reduction)
A technique developed by Dolby(tm) which improves the signal-to-noise ratio by compression and expansion. Great HDMI splitters transfer Dolby-related technologies faithfully.
DTS
Digital Theater Systems sound. The DTV standard. High quality video splitters HDMI splitters are systems capable with DTS. If running a video splitter, a separate audio channel is required.
Equalize
To adjust the tonal quality of an audio clip. As with graphic equalizers found in home or auto audio equipment, an equalize effect can boost or cut the original signal at different frequency bands. Good HDMI splitters reproduce faithful equalization of the original signal. Video splitters must be faithful to color equalization.
EDID
Extended Display Identification Data. A data structure that provided by digital displays to describe capabilities to a video source. Includes name, serial, type, and other monitor data.
ESD Protection
Electrostatic Discharge Protection. Describes a design feature that mitigates electrical power fluctuations that may cause costly damage to electronics and components. A quality video splitter or HDMI splitter will have this capability.
HDCP
High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection. Supports HDTV signals over DVI, HDMI, and D-VHS and prevents copyright protection. Compatible with any HDMI splitter.
HDMI 1.3c
High-Definition Multimedia Interface. A digital audio/video connector. 1.3c released June 2006, with single-link bandwidth of 10.2 Gbits/second. Compatible with any HDMI splitter.
HZ
Hertz. A measurement used for audio sampling rate, as in the number of audio samples per second. High quality video splitters and HDMI splitters need to handle a minimum refresh rate. LCRS
Denotes an audio system that has 4 full range channels (Left, Center, Right, Surround).
MADI
Multichannel Audio Digital Interface, also known as AES-10 standard.
Sample Rate
The rate at which samples of a continuous signal, such as music or a sound, are captured into a digital representation of the original signal. High quality video splitters and HDMI splitters ensure the best transfer of greater sample rates.
Video Splitter/HDMI Splitter
A video splitter or an HDMI splitter’s purpose is to take an input signal and electronically split it into two outputs. Powered video splitters work best.
While this article doesn’t cover all audio/video terms, if you’re searching for audio/video equipment such as a video splitter or an HDMI splitter you now know the most important terms to make an educated purchasing decision.