Receivers With 2 HDMI Output

Last Updated on January 10, 2023 by Norvan Martin

Receivers perform several functions on top of delivering surround music to your speaker system. These functions have however greatly increased with the emergence of HDMI. Receivers may therefore have one or more HDMI outputs depending on use situations. This article looks in detail at the receivers with two HDMI outputs. 

Receivers have two HDMI outputs to distribute video to a second zone or if are using both a projector screen and a television in the same room or two TVs. Other receivers have an HDMI ARC output  (sends audio from a TV back to a receiver) and an HDMI output for a subwoofer.

What Is HDMI Output Used For?

HDMI is a proprietary audio/video interface that supports the transmission of compressed and uncompressed digital audio data together with uncompressed video data from an HDMI-enabled source device.

It is therefore a digital replacement for analog video standards. Some of the common source devices that may be HDMI-compliant include a display controller.

So what are HDMI outputs used for? HDMI outputs are therefore used to feed both audio and video signals into the HDMI inputs of digital devices.

These devices receive and process the signals. For instance, you can connect the HDMI output of a Blue-ray or any DVD player to the HDMI input of a TV and the display will be clearly shown on the TV screen while the sound will be heard from the TV speakers or a connected home theater system. HDMI output is therefore part of what we call HDMI pass through. Check out our article on how the HDMI pass through feature works. 

Why Does a Receiver Have 2 HDMI Outputs?

It was more common to have one HDMI output on a receiver when the technology was first introduced.

However, with more research and development into the technology, it is now getting more common and necessary to have a receiver with two or more HDMI outputs. 

Using dual HDMI outputs on one receiver is therefore possible and gaining more popularity. 

Here are some reasons for it:

1. Zone 2: Receivers with dual HDMI output are often called receivers with zone 2 HDMI output because they are often used to send a signal to a second zone in the house. In some cases, they will be labeled as AV receivers with zone 2 digital output.
2. TV and Projector or two TVs: Dual HDMI output is a great option if you are using a TV and a projector to two TVs.

For instance, if you run a restaurant and want to have similar content displayed in several rooms, it is now possible to double the HDMI output to the different rooms using an HDMI splitter or simply use a receiver with two or more HDMI outputs. On the other hand, if you want to stream to multiple outputs (e.g TVs), then you will need an HDMI splitter. For some people, having two HDMI outputs is simply just in case one stops working. For example, some pioneer receivers have this issue with HDMI output. 

Please note that seeing two HDMI ports on a receiver doesn’t necessarily mean two HDMI outputs because there are HDMI input ports as well. Check out our article on HDMI input vs output to learn more. 

This is much better if you have a whole-home control system and want to be in charge of what goes around the home. 

It is, therefore, possible to have both a projector screen and television running in the same room or extend the HDMI with both audio and video to a second zone. 

Receiver Brands With 2 HDMI Outputs 

As we already mentioned, it is now possible to have a receiver with 2 HDMI outputs, especially on advanced AV receivers. Particularly, receivers from Yamaha, Denon, and some other manufacturers are designed with a second separate HDMI output.

The second HDMI output works perfectly like the first one, with the ability to get an independent signal from the receiver and route it to a second and different zone in the home. 

Having a receiver with 2 HDMI outputs is therefore very important as it means you can easily stream or operate a second stereo or home theater in a different room with the right remote control.

You do not, therefore, need to buy another DVR or Blu-ray Disc player to enjoy surround music in the second room. 

Are Receivers With 2 HDMI Outputs Affordable?

Compared to the old-age Analog Zone 2 output receivers, receivers with 2 HDMI outputs are still considered “elite.”

This is because it is still not easy to get one for less than $1000. However, as technology gets more and more advanced, the receivers will start becoming more commonplace. Besides, the more they are produced and sold in the market, the more we should expect third-zone systems. 

Examples Of Receivers With 2 HDMI Outputs

Are you still wondering whether there are real receivers with 2 outputs in the market already? Look at the list below. 

1. RX-V685 7.2 Channel AV Receiver

This receiver from Yamaha comes with more advanced features including a full 4K and dual wield. With complete compatibility with modern HDMI standards, the RX-V685 transmits 4K video at 60 frames per second. Besides, it supports high dynamic range video including Hybrid Log-Gamma and Dolby Vision. 

With the two HDMI outputs, the receiver can be easily connected to a TV and video projector at the same time. The second HDMI can also be used to connect an additional TV. 

2. AVC-X2700H

This is a 7.2 channel 150W 8K AV receiver with 2 HDMI outputs and 6 HDMI inputs. The receiver from Denon comes with Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and in-built HEOS. 

3. AVR-X2600H

This receiver from Denon is a 7.2 channel 150W AV receiver. It is designed with 2 HDMI outputs and 8 HDMI inputs and has voice controls with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri.

4. AVR-X2700H DAB

Another Denon receiver with 2 HDMI outputs and 6 HDMI inputs. The 7.2 channel 150W 8K AV receiver has Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, and DTS:X. In addition, it has voice control with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri. Besides, it is Bluetooth, HEOS Built-in, and AirPlay 2 enabled. 

5. AVR-S960H

This Denon receiver with 2 HDMI outputs has 6 HDMI inputs, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, Virtual:X, and DTS:X. the 7.2 channel receiver also comes with AirPlay 2, HEOS Built-in, Bluetooth, and voice assistants such as Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. 

Using Dual HDMI Outputs With Longer-Run HDMI Cables

When using dual HDMI outputs with long HDMI cables, you should integrate an active EQ technology to get the signals to work properly. 

This is because when running HDMI cables longer than 2 meters, the signals considerably deteriorate. You can however counter this to get proper signals over longer distances by incorporating active cabling technology, but the costs will be much higher. 

The Pros And Cons of 2 HDMI Outputs

While it is a possibility to enjoy multiroom audio and video transmission with a receiver that has 2 HDMI outputs, the capability comes with pros and cons. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of using a receiver with 2 HDM outputs. 

Pros 

• Fewer wiring options: this means you have full control of two rooms with the simplest connections possible. 

Cons 

• Loss of full control when the receiver breaks down: as opposed to having a receiver for every room, music and video lovers in the different rooms will easily get disconnected when the receiver breaks down and has to be engineered. 
• Local control: this means that you will only have simpler options for remote control over the components you intend to run. 

Are there any HDMI 2.1 receivers?

Yes, there are.

The Onkyo TX–NR5100 2 is setup with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. This start of the art also boasts the latest HDMI 2.1 technology with two outputs and four inputs.

What Is Zone 2 HDMI Out?

The Zone 2 HDMI Out feature creates a situation where an independent source can be played in one zone while you’re playing a separate source in the Main Zone. For a quick example, you can play the Blu-Ray source in the Main Zone and then pass through the CBL/SAT source to a receiver or TV using the Zone 2 HDMI Out.

If using a receiver in a second zone simply connect the HDMI cable from the Zone 2 HDMI Out on the back of the receiver to one of the HDMI inputs on the second receiver. You will receive Dolby, DTS, or PCM-based audio.

If using a TV in the second zone simply connect the HDMI cable from the Zone 2 HDMI Out on the back of the receiver to one of the HDMI inputs on the TV.