HDMI Over IP: Connect Devices Over LAN Easily

Published: 29 Dec 2025

HDMI is a way to send sound and video from one device to another. You may have seen an HDMI cable that connects a TV to a laptop, a DVD player, or a gaming device.

But sometimes, we want to send that sound and video to many TVs or send it to a TV that is very far away. In such cases, the normal HDMI cable is not enough.

That’s where HDMI Over IP comes in. It helps us send HDMI signals using computer network wires. It is a smart and easy way to connect TVs and other screens in big places like schools, offices, hotels, or even homes.

Table of Content

Let’s now understand what exactly HDMI Over IP means.

What is HDMI Over IP?

HDMI Over IP is a new way to send video and sound from one device to another using the internet or network cables (also called Ethernet cables).

Let’s understand it simply:

Imagine you want to watch a movie from your laptop on a TV in another room. But your HDMI cable is too short.

So, instead of using a long HDMI cable, you can use HDMI Over IP. It helps send the movie using network wires that can go to other rooms or even other floors.

With HDMI Over IP, we don’t need to worry about long cables. We use a small device called a transmitter to send the signal and another small device called a receiver to show it on the TV.

It is just like sending a message from one computer to another — but here, the message is video and audio.

How Does HDMI Over IP Work?

HDMI Over IP sends video and sound through network wires (Ethernet cables) instead of regular HDMI cables. It uses small helper devices to do this.

Let’s break it into simple steps:

1. Transmitter Sends the Signal

You connect a transmitter box to the device that plays the video (like a laptop or DVD player).
The transmitter changes the video and sound into a form that can travel through a network wire.

2. Network Switch Passes the Signal

The signal from the transmitter goes into a network switch (like a traffic guide).
This switch sends the signal to wherever it is needed — one TV or many TVs.

3. Receiver Gets the Signal

A receiver box is connected to the TV or screen.
This box takes the signal from the network and shows the video and sound on the TV.

In Short:

Transmitter ➝ Network Switch ➝ Receiver ➝ TV

This is how the signal moves from one place to another — clearly and easily.

Where is HDMI Over IP Used? (Applications)

Let’s now see where people use HDMI Over IP in real life. Here are some easy examples:

Schools and Classrooms: Teachers can show the same lesson or video on screens in different rooms. It helps all students see the same thing, even if they are in other classes.
Offices: In big offices, meetings or company videos can be shown on TVs in different rooms or halls without needing many cables.
Hotels: Hotels use HDMI Over IP to show welcome videos or ads on TVs in every room.
Shopping Malls: Big stores or malls show sale offers, ads, or news on many screens at the same time.
Hospitals: Doctors and staff can see important videos, instructions, or training screens in different hospital rooms.
Homes: Some people use HDMI Over IP at home too. For example, watching a movie in the bedroom from a device placed in the living room.
Airports and Railway Stations: These places show travel info or safety messages on many TVs using HDMI Over IP.

Components You Need for HDMI Over IP Setup

Let’s see what things are needed in this setup:

HDMI Source Device: This is the device that plays the video or sound. Examples: Laptop, computer, DVD player, gaming console, camera.
HDMI Over IP Transmitter: This box is connected to the source device. It helps to send the video signal through a network wire.
Ethernet Cable (Network Cable): This is the wire that carries the signal from one place to another. It is the same cable we use for the internet.
Network Switch or Router: This helps to pass the signal to one or many TVs. It works like a traffic helper, guiding the signal in the right direction.
HDMI Over IP Receiver: This box is connected to the TV or monitor. It gets the signal and shows it on the screen.
TV or Display Screen: This is where your video finally appears for people to watch.
(Optional) Power Adapters: Each box (transmitter and receiver) usually needs a power supply or adapter to work.

Summary

For quick grabbers:

Component	What It Does
HDMI Source Device	Plays the video or sound
Transmitter	Sends the video through the network
Network Cable (Ethernet)	Carries the signal from one place to another
Network Switch	Sends the signal to one or more TVs
Receiver	Shows the signal on the TV
TV/Display Screen	Displays the video

How to Set Up HDMI Over IP

Setting up HDMI Over IP is not hard. You just need to connect the right things in the right order. Let’s go step by step.

Step 1: Connect Your Source Device: Take your laptop, DVD player, or any video device, and connect it to the transmitter box using an HDMI cable.

(This device gives the video to the transmitter)

Step 2: Connect the Transmitter to the Network: Now connect the transmitter box to your network switch or router using a network cable (Ethernet cable).

(This allows the video to travel through the network)

Step 3: Connect the Receiver to the TV: Go to the TV or screen and connect a receiver box to it using another HDMI cable.

(This receiver will bring the video to your TV)

Step 4: Connect the Receiver to the Network: Now connect the receiver box to the same network switch or router using another network cable.

(This lets the receiver get the video signal)

Step 5: Plug in the Power: Make sure all boxes — transmitter and receiver — are connected to power adapters or electricity.

(They need power to work)

Step 6: Check and Play: Now turn on your source device and your TV. You will see the video playing on the TV — even if it’s far away from your source device.

You did it! Your HDMI Over IP setup is ready.

Pros and Cons of HDMI Over IP

Let’s now discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using HDMI over IP. This will help you understand when it is helpful and may not be the best choice.

Advantages

Send Video to Far Places: You can send video to very far-away TVs, even in other rooms.
Use One Video on Many TVs: You can simultaneously show the same video on many TVs.
Easy to Add More TVs: You can easily add more receivers and TVs without extra work.
Clean and Neat Setup: You don’t need many long HDMI wires, and it looks tidy and clean.
Works Through Network: It uses internet-style network cables, which are cheaper and longer.

Disadvantages

Needs Special Devices: You must buy extra boxes like transmitter, receiver, and switch.
Setup Needs Care: You must connect everything correctly, or it won’t work.
Can Be Costly at Start: Buying all the devices initially may cost more than just using a simple HDMI cable.
Depends on Network Quality: If your network is slow or weak, the video may lag or freeze sometimes.

HDMI Over IP vs Traditional HDMI Cables

Now let’s compare HDMI Over IP and regular HDMI cables. Both are used to send video and sound, but they work in different ways.

Let’s see how they are different.

Distance

HDMI Over IP: Can send video to very far places, even across a building.
HDMI Cable: Works only for short distance, like 10 to 15 meters (a few rooms).

Number of TVs

HDMI Over IP: Can send the same video to many TVs at the same time.
HDMI Cable: Can connect to only one TV at a time unless you use extra splitters.

Cable Type

HDMI Over IP: Uses network (Ethernet) cables.
HDMI Cable: Uses HDMI cables only.

Setup

HDMI Over IP: Needs transmitter, receiver, switch, and power setup.
HDMI Cable: Just plug in one cable, very simple.

Cost

HDMI Over IP: Costs more at the start (extra devices needed).
HDMI Cable: Cheaper and budget-friendly.

Look and Arrangement

HDMI Over IP: Neater setup, fewer long cables.
HDMI Cable: May look messy if the cable is long or not hidden.

Easy Comparison Table

Give it a look:

Feature	HDMI Over IP	HDMI Cable
Distance	Works for long distances	Works for short distances
Number of TVs	Can connect to many TVs	One TV only
Cable Type	Uses Ethernet cables	Uses HDMI cables
Setup	Needs more devices and setup	Very easy and quick
Cost	More expensive in start	Less costly
Neatness	Clean and flexible setup	Can be messy with long wires

Conclusion

In this article, you learned what HDMI Over IP is and how it works.I think HDMI Over IP is a great choice for modern homes, schools, offices, or shops. It gives you a clean setup, saves cable mess, and makes it easy to add more screens.

If you want to learn more about HDMI basics, don’t forget to check out our other helpful articles on this site.

Now It’s Your Turn!

Did this article help you?
Do you still have any questions?
Ask in the comments — I’d love to help!
And if you found this useful, please share it with others.

Let’s learn and grow together!

FAQs

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions related to HDMI over IP:

What is HDMI Over IP in simple words?

HDMI Over IP is a way to send video and sound using network (Ethernet) cables instead of regular HDMI cables. It uses a transmitter and receiver to send the signal from your video device to your TV.

Can I use HDMI Over IP at home?

Yes, you can easily use HDMI Over IP at home. It is a great choice if your TV is in a different room or far from your laptop or video player. It helps you enjoy video without using long HDMI cables.

Is HDMI Over IP better than HDMI cable?

HDMI over IP is better when sending video over long distances or multiple TVs. It gives you a cleaner and more flexible setup using network cables. However, a regular HDMI cable is cheaper and easier to set up in one room.

Does HDMI Over IP support 4K video?

Yes, most modern HDMI Over IP systems support high-quality 4K video. This means you can enjoy clear, sharp, detailed pictures on your screen. But make sure to choose a good-quality device that supports 4K.

What devices are needed for HDMI Over IP?

To use HDMI over IP, you need a few simple devices: a transmitter box, a receiver box, a network switch or router, HDMI cables, and network (Ethernet) cables.

Is HDMI Over IP difficult to set up?

No, HDMI over IP is not very hard to set up. You just need to follow a few easy steps: connect the video source, network cables, receiver, and TV in order. Once everything is connected and powered, your setup is ready.

Can I connect multiple TVs using HDMI Over IP?

Yes, HDMI Over IP is perfect for connecting more than one TV. You just need to add extra receiver boxes for each TV. This way, you can show the same video on all screens at the same time.