Monoprice Blackbird Series 4K HDMI 2.0 1x8 Splitter Extender Kit (up to 60 m, HDR, HDCP 2.2, PoC)
Reviews
Product description
What this kit is for
If you’re trying to send one HDMI source to multiple distant TVs or displays, the Monoprice 4K HDMI 2.0 1x8 Splitter Extender Kit is built for that exact job. It takes a single HDMI input and distributes it to eight receivers, while also supporting signal extension over a single Cat6/6a/7 Ethernet run. In real terms, it’s the kind of setup people look for in conference rooms, sports bars, classrooms, or any space where you don’t want to run eight separate HDMI cables.
Key points to decide fast
This kit is designed around high-demand signal handling: up to 4K at 60Hz (with the listed bandwidth up to 18Gbps), plus HDR formats including HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG (Hyper Log-Gamma). It also includes HDCP 2.2 compliance along with support for HDMI 2.0b features.
There’s also a practical “less wiring” angle: Power over Cable (PoC) lets the receivers be powered from the transmitter via the Ethernet cable. If you’re building a multi-display layout, that can reduce the number of power outlets and adapters you need to plan around.
One thing to keep in mind, though: the kit’s extension distance depends on the resolution and refresh rate you’re targeting. So before buying, confirm your exact source output (for example, 4K@60Hz vs 4K@30Hz vs 1080p@60Hz) and match it to your longest run.
The essentials for extension + distribution
On paper, the core promise is straightforward: one HDMI source, eight display outputs, and distance handled through Ethernet cabling. The product supports:
- Up to 4K at 60Hz for runs up to 35 meters
- Up to 4K at 30Hz for runs up to 50 meters
- Up to 1080p at 60Hz for runs up to 60 meters
The kit also includes EDID management. That matters because HDMI signal negotiation can get weird when you’re dealing with multiple displays. With proper EDID behavior, you’re more likely to avoid “blank screen” moments caused by a mismatch between what the source expects and what displays report.
If you’re wondering what this looks like in everyday use, imagine setting up a single streaming box or media player in a rack. You feed HDMI into the transmitter, then run Ethernet to eight remote TVs across the room or down a hallway. Each display gets the same video, and the receiver endpoints get power through PoC—so the setup stays cleaner.
What stands out day to day
The value here is in signal capability and control features, not just the splitter count. This kit supports:
- A higher bandwidth target (up to 18Gbps), meant to support demanding video formats
- HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG
- HDCP 2.2/1.x compatibility
- Audio support up to 7.1
- HDMI Loop Out (useful when you want to keep a local copy of the signal)
- One-way IR pass-through for control via control signals
That mix is especially helpful if your source is picky (streaming devices, UHD players, or AV systems), or if you need remote IR control for things like switching inputs from the far display locations.
Tech specs
- Type: HDMI 2.0 1x8 splitter + extender kit
- Video support: up to 4K@60Hz
- Bandwidth: up to 18Gbps
- HDR formats: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
- HDCP support: HDCP 2.2 and HDCP 1.x
- Extension distances (over Cat6/6a/7): up to 35 m at 4K@60Hz, up to 50 m at 4K@30Hz, up to 60 m at 1080p@60Hz
- Outputs: 8 receivers (distribution to eight screens)
- HDMI control: one-way IR pass-through
- EDID: advanced EDID management
- Power delivery: PoC (receivers powered from transmitter via Ethernet)
- Audio: up to 7.1, HDMI audio extraction to analog/digital coax and 3.5 mm stereo
Should you buy it?
It makes sense if you need to distribute one HDMI source to eight remote displays and you want extension over a single Cat6/6a/7 cable run instead of eight long HDMI cables. It’s also a solid pick if HDR and HDCP compliance are part of your everyday reality—like with UHD streaming, Dolby Vision-capable sources, or content protected for modern playback.
You may want to skip it if your main goal is a simple near-field setup (short runs) where you don’t need extender-style distance handling, or if you can’t clearly align your longest cable lengths with the specific resolution/refresh rate you plan to use. Also, while 7.1 audio extraction is supported, you’ll still need to plan what audio equipment you actually want to connect to those audio outputs.
Mini FAQ
Will this work for 4K at 60Hz over long distances?
It supports 4K@60Hz, but the maximum distance is listed as up to 35 meters. If your run is longer than that, you’ll likely need to adjust your video output expectations.
Does it handle HDR?
Yes—HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG are supported, so it’s built for modern HDR workflows.
Can the receivers get power without separate outlets?
The kit supports PoC, which means receivers can be powered from the transmitter through the Ethernet cable.
Does it support HDCP?
It complies with HDCP 2.2 and HDCP 1.x, which is the kind of requirement many protected-content setups need.
Can I control the source from the remote locations?
There’s one-way IR pass-through support, so control signals can be passed in the supported direction.
Final verdict
Worth considering if you’re building a multi-screen HDMI distribution setup with distance and modern format support (4K@60Hz, HDR, HDCP 2.2). Not the best match if you only need short-range splitting or if your planned distance doesn’t line up with the resolution and refresh rate you want to run.