What is the primary function of a splitter in an AV setup?

The primary function of a splitter in an AV setup is to divide a single signal into multiple outputs. This device takes one input signal and creates several identical outputs, allowing the same audio or video signal to be sent to different devices simultaneously. This capability is essential for scenarios where the same source, such as a media player or a computer, needs to be viewed or heard in multiple locations or across various devices within an AV system.

For example, in a conference room, a single laptop might need to send video to both a projector and a flat-screen display at the same time. A splitter facilitates this by ensuring that the same signal can be effectively distributed without any loss in quality, making it an important component in many AV installations.