Buzz
If you own an Xbox 360 or Xbox One, you can display images on two TV screens without requiring a splitter cable. The methods described here will mirror the same image on both screens, which is ideal for gaming in different parts of your home using an Xbox 360 connected to multiple TVs or streaming on an Xbox One to any Windows 10 computer. The basic Xbox console cannot display on two TVs without a splitter cable.
Steps
Using Composite Cables on Xbox 360
Verify the Xbox 360 model. There are three Xbox 360 models: the original, Slim, and E. Some older models, including earlier versions of the Xbox 360, do not support HDMI output, while newer models like the Slim and E do. All models support composite cables (red, white, and yellow). This method does not work with the Xbox One.
Connect the video output cable to the Xbox 360. You can set up output for two screens using a slim composite video cable with an HDMI cable or by utilizing a combined composite and component video cable included with older models.
- Use the slim composite video connector with an HDMI cable to establish output from the gaming console.
- Use the combined composite and component video cable if you own an older model that supports these cables. The connector has a slider switch at the point where it connects to the Xbox 360. Slide the switch to “TV.” Only one TV can produce audio output with this method. You cannot use separate composite and component video cables.
Connect the yellow composite cable to a compatible input device. You’ll need a TV or another device that accepts composite cables. If you want audio to play through this device, connect the red and white audio cables to it.
Connect the high-quality cable set to another video input device. If you’re using an HDMI cable, plug it into a device that accepts HDMI input. If using the combined composite and component video cable, connect the red, blue, and green cables to a device that supports component video.
- No need to use the red and white audio cables if you’re using HDMI.
- If you want audio output using the component cable method, use the red and white audio cables for the video input device.
Turn on the display and set the video input to Xbox 360. Configure the video input for each screen based on the type of cable used. Select AV if using composite, component if using component cables, and HDMI if using an HDMI cable.
Turn on the Xbox 360. You’ll immediately see video output on both TVs. If the screen doesn’t display an image, it means the TV doesn’t support the video signal from that cable. Try using a different TV that supports the video signal with the same cable.
Using Windows 10 on Xbox One
Verify system requirements. To use this method, you must have an Xbox One and a computer running Windows 10 that meets these system requirements. A wired connection is recommended but not mandatory. You can connect a Windows 10 desktop or laptop using supported connections like VGA or HDMI.
- 2GB of RAM, a CPU with a speed of 1.5 GHz or higher, and a wired Ethernet or 802.11 N/AC wireless connection.
Connect the Xbox One or Xbox 360 controller to your computer. The Xbox One controller requires the Xbox One Wireless Adapter for Windows 10 or can be connected directly using a USB-to-micro USB cable. Alternatively, you can use a wired Xbox 360 controller or a wireless Xbox 360 controller with the Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows.
Enable Streaming on Xbox One. Streaming must be activated on the gaming console to stream to a Windows 10 computer. The Xbox 360 does not have this feature (which is why this method doesn’t work with Xbox 360). On the Xbox One system, navigate to settings, select preferences, and ensure the option “Allow game streaming to other devices (beta)” is enabled. Also, enable SmartGlass connectivity by selecting “From any SmartGlass device” or “Only from profiles signed in on this Xbox.”
Open the Xbox app on Windows 10 and log in. Click the start button on the left side of the taskbar, usually located at the bottom of the screen, and select the Xbox app. Log in using the same Xbox Gamertag account used on the Xbox One system.
Connect your Windows 10 computer to the Xbox One. On your computer, select “Connect” from the left panel. The app will scan for the Xbox One on the same network. Once the gaming console is detected, choose the system for streaming.
Stream video to Windows 10. After connecting your computer to the Xbox One, you’ll need to select the streaming button.
Using a Splitter with Any Xbox Console
Confirm the type of connection required. You only need one type of video output from the gaming console. This method works for all Xbox models, including the original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. The original Xbox and some older Xbox 360 models do not support HDMI. The Xbox One only supports HDMI.
Purchase a splitter and necessary cables. The splitter will take the video output from the gaming console and use the same connection type for both screens. Depending on the splitter, you may need to buy two additional cables to set up the input for each display.
Connect the video output between the gaming console and the splitter. There is only one video output from the gaming console.
Connect the splitter to both screens and power it on. You’ll need two cables to send the video output to two separate displays. Set each screen’s video input to the connection type used: composite, component, or HDMI. Both screens will share the same connection type.
Turn on the Xbox. The image on both screens will be identical. If not, check the connections and try again.
What You’ll Need
Using Xbox 360
- Xbox 360 console
- Slim composite video cable or combined composite/component cable
- HDMI cable
- Two TVs or monitors supporting HDMI or component for one screen and composite for the other.
Using Xbox One
- Xbox One console
- Windows 10 compatible computer
- HDMI or VGA output for the computer
- Wired or wireless connection
Tips
- If you want to display two separate images for multiple players, you’ll need to use another gaming console on the network to set up multiplayer through system link or Xbox Live, depending on what the software supports.
