Monoprice Blackbird 8K Dual Function Splitter/Switch (1x2 Splitter or 2x1 Switch)

The Monoprice Blackbird 8K Dual Function Splitter/Switch is designed to deliver cinema-grade visuals to multiple displays while preserving signal integrity and ease of use. Built for modern home theaters, gaming setups, and media centers, this HDMI 2.1 device handles the demands of the latest content with up to 8K resolution at 60 Hz, or 4K at 120 Hz, all while maintaining rich color, contrast, and dynamic range. With support for HDR and HDCP 2.3, plus precise EDID management, it ensures consistent performance across sources and displays. Whether you want to mirror a single source across two TVs or route two different sources to a single display, the Blackbird provides a clean, flexible solution in a compact chassis. The dual-function design makes it a smart upgrade for living rooms, game rooms, and home offices that require adaptable signal distribution without swapping cables or adding complex switch gear.

• Dual-function versatility: Use the device as a 1x2 splitter to duplicate a single HDMI source to two displays, or as a 2x1 switch to select between two HDMI sources for a single display. This single box replaces separate splitters and switches, reducing clutter and preserving signal integrity.
• Next-generation video bandwidth and formats: With support for up to 40 Gbps bandwidth and HDMI 2.1, it delivers 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz content, enabling the latest gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices to shine with ultra-smooth motion and superb clarity. HDR support ensures vibrant colors and improved contrast across compatible content.
• HDMI 2.1 features and protection: The device is HDCP 2.3 compliant, ensuring secure protection of premium content from studios and streaming services. It also preserves HDR metadata and ensures reliable handshake between sources and displays, minimizing black screens and handshake issues during mode changes.
• EDID management for reliable compatibility: The unit negotiates display capabilities through EDID, maintaining preferred resolutions and color formats for each connected display. This reduces guesswork and ensures your content looks correct on every screen in your setup, even when switching between devices with different capabilities.
• Simple, durable design for busy homes: Engineered for stability and ease of use in living rooms, home theaters, and desks, the Blackbird features a robust build that stays cool under load. It works with standard HDMI cables and requires minimal setup—ideal for renters, first-time buyers, and tuned enthusiasts seeking a clean, reliable signal path.

Technical Details of Monoprice Blackbird 8K Dual Function Splitter/Switch

• Function: 1x2 HDMI splitter or 2x1 HDMI switch depending on mode.
• Video bandwidth: Up to 40 Gbps (HDMI 2.1).
• Resolutions & refresh rates: 8K @ 60 Hz; 4K @ 120 Hz.
• HDR & color formats: HDR support (HDR10 and compatible formats) for enhanced brightness and color depth.
• HDMI version & protection: HDMI 2.1 compliant; HDCP 2.3.
• EDID: EDID management to optimize compatibility across connected displays and sources.

How to Install Monoprice Blackbird 8K Dual Function Splitter/Switch

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Begin by ensuring your HDMI cables are rated for HDMI 2.1 with sufficient bandwidth (40 Gbps) to support 8K60 and 4K120 where applicable. Connect two HDMI sources to the input ports and two displays to the output ports. In splitter mode, feed one source into both outputs to mirror content across two screens; in switch mode, connect two sources and use the device’s controls to toggle which source is sent to the displays. Power on your devices and let the EDID negotiation settle—the displays should automatically select a compatible resolution, frame rate, and color format.

For best results, position the Blackbird within clear line of sight of any remote or front-panel controls, if used, and keep cable runs reasonably short to minimize any potential signal degradation. If you encounter a handshake hiccup after a mode change, reseat the cables and verify that the source content and display are both compatible with the target resolution and color format. The unit is designed to preserve video quality across supported modes, so enabling 8K60 or 4K120 will depend on the capabilities of your connected devices and the cables you choose.

Safety and setup notes: consult your displays’ user manuals to confirm compatibility with high-bandwidth HDMI workflows. Always use high-quality HDMI cables that are rated for HDMI 2.1 to ensure the full performance of 8K60 and 4K120 content. If you are configuring multiple rooms or a multi-display environment, keep the source and display pairings consistent with the EDID recommendations to minimize re-negotiation time during mode changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What modes does the Monoprice Blackbird support? A: It supports both a 1x2 splitter mode (one source to two displays) and a 2x1 switch mode (two sources to one display), allowing flexible distribution in a single compact unit.
• Q: What resolutions and refresh rates can it handle? A: It supports up to 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 120 Hz, with the appropriate HDMI 2.1 cables and compatible displays. HDR content is supported to preserve luminance and color detail.
• Q: Is it compatible with HDCP 2.3 and EDID? A: Yes. The device is HDCP 2.3 compliant and includes EDID management to optimize compatibility across connected devices and displays.
• Q: Do I need special cables or adapters? A: Use high-speed HDMI cables rated for HDMI 2.1 bandwidth (40 Gbps) to ensure reliable 8K60/4K120 performance. No adapters are required for standard HDMI connections.
• Q: How do I choose between splitter and switch modes? A: In splitter mode, route one source to two displays simultaneously. In switch mode, select between two sources for a single display. The mode is selected via the device controls, and the EDID negotiation will adapt to the chosen configuration.