I know all too well the frustration of trying to manage them all. I was determined to figure out a way to make it easier, so I did some research to find the best solutions. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing what I’ve learned and what I’ve found to be the most successful strategies for controlling multiple TVs. From pros and cons to tips and tricks, I’ll share my own experiences and the solutions that I discovered while doing my research.
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signal Splitter | Connect multiple TVs to one source using a signal splitter, which has one input and multiple outputs. | Controls multiple TVs with one source, various splitter options available. | Only one source can be used across multiple TVs. |
| HDMI Switch | Connect multiple TVs to one computer using an HDMI switch, which allows you to connect multiple TVs to a single HDMI input and display different content on each TV. | Versatile functionality, often comes with a dedicated remote control. | Requires access to a computer. |
| Universal Remote Control | Control multiple TVs with one universal remote, which is compatible with most TV models and manufacturers and can also control various other devices. | Works with most TV brands, controls multiple devices. | Some TVs may not be compatible, limited number of connected devices. |
| Identical TVs from Same Manufacturer | Control multiple identical TVs from the same manufacturer with one remote control. | One remote controls all identical units, spare remotes can be kept as backups. | Impractical for those with existing different TV models and manufacturers. |
Table of Contents
5 Ways To Control Multiple TVs
From using a signal splitter to downloading a smartphone remote control app, we’re going to break down five different methods that can be used to easily control multiple televisions! To help you choose the right method, we’ll also discuss each method’s relevant pros and cons.
#1: Use A Signal Splitter To Control Multiple TVs With One Source
Let’s discuss the most common methods used to control multiple TVs: signal splitters. This nifty device provides multiple outputs for one signal, such as cable TV. You’ll be able to find many TV splitters available today, from simple two-way splitters to incredible sixteen-way splitters.
Signal splitters have one input for the signal to enter, with multiple outputs to connect multiple displays. The number of displays you can control with one splitter will depend on the specific model you purchase. With this method, you’ll only be able to use one input source across all the TVs connected to the signal splitter.
Pros:
- Signal splitters can be used to control multiple regular or smart TVs using one source.
- Many different splitters are available today, allowing you to connect up to sixteen TVs to one source.
Cons:
- With this method, users can only use one source across multiple TVs.
#2: Use An HDMI Switch To Connect Multiple TVs To One Computer
HDMI switches use a similar concept to signal splitters. Not only does the versatile functionality of HDMI splitters allow you to control multiple TVs, but it also allows you to display different content on each TV. This can be accomplished by connecting multiple televisions to one computer via an HDMI switch.
HDMI switches allow you to connect multiple televisions or monitors to a single HDMI input. With this method, each source will be connected to a numbered input on the HDMI switch. There are also HDMI splitters available, but these will only allow you to use one source, much like signal splitters.
Pros:
- HDMI switches offer more versatile functionality than HDMI splitters and signal splitters.
- Many HDMI switches are sold with dedicated remote controls, making controlling multiple TVs easier.
Cons:
- You’ll need access to a computer to use this method to control multiple TVs.
#3: Use A Universal Remote Control To Control Multiple TVs
A universal remote control is another great option for controlling multiple TVs with one remote! One of the main benefits of using a universal remote control is that these devices are compatible with nearly all TVs, making it easy to implement into a multi-TV setup.
In addition to their compatibility with different TV models and manufacturers, universal remote controls are also capable of controlling multiple devices. While the Logitech Harmony Hub can control two TVs, a One For All remote can connect eight different devices. In addition to televisions, you’ll be able to control Blu-ray players, Apple TVs, soundbars, game consoles, and more.
Pros:
- Universal remote controls work with nearly all TV brands.
- Universal remotes can be used to easily control a variety of other devices, including DVD players, Blu-Ray players, soundbars, and streaming media players.
Cons:
- Some TVs might not be compatible with certain universal remotes.
- Universal remote controls can only connect a certain number of devices.
#4: Use One Remote To Control Multiple TVs From The Same Manufacturer
While TVs are designed to be controlled by different remote controls, you’ll be able to use one remote control to control multiple identical TVs from the same manufacturer. By purchasing identical televisions, one remote control can control all the TVs in your multi-TV setup. The spare remotes from the other models can be kept as backups!
Pros:
- When using multiple identical TVs, one remote control can be used to control all the identical units.
- Spare remotes can be kept as backup remote controls.
Cons:
- This method isn’t practical for those who already own multiple TVs that differ in terms of model and manufacturer.
#5: Control Multiple Smart TVs Using A Smartphone Remote Control App
The previous methods used splitters, switches, and physical remotes to control multiple TVs. However, it’s also possible to control multiple smart TVs from your smartphone. Many smart TVs are compatible with remote control apps, which can be used to control multiple TVs in one place. For example, Google’s Android TV Remote Control app can control any Android TV.
Pros:
- With this method, you’ll easily be able to control multiple TVs directly from your smartphone.
- This method will work with smart TVs from different brands if they each have a dedicated smartphone remote control app.
Cons:
- Purchasing multiple smart TVs to control using a smartphone app can be more costly than using one of the other methods with regular televisions.
Conclusion
There are five different ways to control multiple TVs. It’s possible to use a signal splitter to control multiple TVs using one source. However, using one computer, you can also use an HDMI splitter to control multiple TVs. Universal remote controls can also be used to control multiple TVs. Purchasing multiple televisions from the same manufacturer can allow you to use one remote across multiple TVs, while numerous smart TVs can also be controlled from one smartphone.
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