Can You Recommend an HDR-Capable HDMI Splitter?

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Q I have searched extensively for an HDMI splitter that will let me connect a high dynamic range source to both my new Dolby Vision-capable Vizio TV and my legacy Anthem receiver (for lossless audio). Oppo’s UDP-203 Ultra HD Blu-ray player has dual HDMI outputs and supports Dolby Vision. It also has an HDMI input that would enable passthrough of another HDR-capable source like a Chromecast Ultra, Roku Ultra, Fire TV, or Apple TV 4K. Here’s my question: Is there a less expensive option than the Oppo that would deliver the same result? —Andy Lutz / Houston, TX

A The HDfury Vertex ($349) is the only HDMI splitter I know of that claims to pass through Ultra HD and HDR formats (including Dolby Vision) to a TV while simultaneously passing lossless audio to a receiver with HDMI 1.4 inputs (the HDMI version your receiver presumably has). While I haven’t personally tested one, a Sound & Vision reader recently reached out to report success using the Vertex in a similar configuration to yours.

Another option is LG’s UP-970, an Ultra HD Blu-ray player that retails for $300 or less and is expected to provide Dolby Vision support pending a long-awaited firmware update. The UP-970 also provides dual HDMI outputs, which would let you make separate connections to both your TV and receiver.

If you need to hook up an additional high dynamic range source to the player, Oppo’s UDP-203 ($549) and UDP-205 are the only Ultra HD Blu-ray players that feature an HDR-capable HDMI input. (Another model, the Cambridge Audio CXUHD we recently reviewed, has an HDMI input, but that connection doesn’t support HDR.) The HDMI input on both Oppo players only supports passthrough of HDR10-format signals and not Dolby Vision, however, so you should take that limitation into account before buying.

COMMENTS
ashirin's picture

The Sony UBP-X700 Blu-ray player also has dual HDMI outputs for video and audio. Like the LG Player mentioned, it is also supposed to receive an update to support Dolby Vision in the future. The $180 retail price is noticeably less than the LG.

As for HDMI splitters, Monoprice sells the "Blackbird 4K Pro 1x2 Ultra Slim HDMI Splitter, HDR, 4K@60Hz, HDCP 2.2" (Product # 21612).

It is listed as supporting the full 18Gbps bandwidth of HDMI 2.0. It also lists support for resolutions up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4, HDCP 2.2 copy protection, and HDR formats - but does not specifically mention Dolby Vision. The advantage is that it only costs $65 (plus tax and shipping). Pro tip: Monoprice offers discount codes almost every Sunday.

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