4x4 HDMI 1.3 Matrix switchers - where can I find reviews?

[henkelis]

Does anyone have any links to reviews of 4x4 HDMI 1.3 matrix switchers?

I've been searching the net looking for HDMI 1.3 compatible versions, and come up with a massive range of prices (a few hundred pounds to over a thousand). It could be that 1.3 support is fairly new, so is charged at a premium, or it could be down to quality. A couple of suppliers are saying that new kit is coming in September, and the prices they are quoting are at the lower end of the scale.

Interestingly the to-come kit seems to offer full 1.3 support (48bit Deep Colour, Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio, 340MHz single-link bandwidth etc).

The cheaper prices are appealing, but I wonder if quality will be lost with more expensive kit attached.

I'm also wondering if a lot of this kit is made to the same design, just re-badged as appropriate.

Mark.

[owain_thomas]

is the 1.3 support essential for you right now? If not then it maybe better going for something cheaper and upgrading when (if?) 1.3 really becomes important. by all accounts HDMI distribution seems a bit of a minefield. some people have issues with kit whether its the cheap end or the more expensive. as an example I've just got hold of a 4x2 matrix from hong kong on ebay, cost me the princely sum of £50 delivered, I've only had it a couple of days and not installed it permenantly yet but so far it works brilliantly with my sky HD, helios media player and 2x sony 32" LCDs.

[Liam @ Prog AV]

This months Widescreen Review has a round up of a handful of matrix switchers. Can't for the life of me remember the one they liked but there were a couple of low cost 4x4 and 4x8 matrix ones if I remember.

Personally I would just go to Joe for an Octavia or Gefen unit.

[T800]

I tried the Octava 5x2 and it wouldn't work with bitstream HD audio.

I've had a lot better luck chaining cheap 1x2 splitters together to get multiple outputs. I use the Oppo 3x1's for my switching, it's the only HDMI switch that has never given me any problems.

The chances are HDMI will have a minefield just for you.

[Liam @ Prog AV]

The oppo was the favorite in the WSR review

[henkelis]

Thanks guys.

I looked at the Octavia site but they don't seem to do a 4x4.

Do you have a link to the Oppo 4x4?

[Liam @ Prog AV]

Sorry was responding to the oppo 3x1 comment. They don't do matrix

[Joe Fernand]

Hello all

HDMI Matrix units can be a bit of a headache - as anyone who has tried the them will tell you; when they work they are great; when not they can be a nightmare.

Octava will launch a non RS232 4x2 (v1.3) Matrix next month - with RS232 4x2 and 4x4 units later in the year.

Quite a few folk do badged units from CMI and CYP - though they don't all seem to offer the same feature set as the OEM units!

The best units I've tried are the Digital Extender (RTComUSA) units - though they are by far the most expensive; see http://www.digitalextender.com/Searc...?CategoryID=19

HDCP, Audio Support, being able to Cascade out to AV Receivers (which Octava and Digital Extender have covered), EDID store, Control Options are just some of the many variables on offer.

WSR Issue 133 has a Review of Six HDMI Switch/DA's units starting on Pg 32 - none of them are Matrix units though!

Joe

[T800]

Originally Posted by henkelis

Thanks guys.

I looked at the Octavia site but they don't seem to do a 4x4.

Do you have a link to the Oppo 4x4?

Can you tell me what the inputs and outputs are for?

[henkelis]

Originally Posted by T800

Can you tell me what the inputs and outputs are for?

Currently:
Inputs
2 x Sky HD (so will send 5.1 separately too)
PS3
BD
Outputs
2 x full HD LCDs
2 x HD ready LCDs (not main displays)

Am looking to future-proof a bit if I can.

[HDTVsupply]

the below has a number of units to compare

http://www.hdtvsupply.com/hdmasw1.html

[henkelis]

Thanks.

[T800]

Originally Posted by henkelis

Currently:
Inputs
2 x Sky HD (so will send 5.1 separately too)
PS3
BD
Outputs
2 x full HD LCDs
2 x HD ready LCDs (not main displays)

Am looking to future-proof a bit if I can.

SkyHD and PS3 will probably be fine through most HDMI switchers. The BD will depend on if you use PCM or bitstream.
If it's PCM you should be fine, if it's bitstream you'll need to find not only a switch them can deal with hd bitstream audio but one that will also successfully supply it to four screens with different resolutions and without any handshake issues.

How do you feel about possibly running your Full HD panels at 720p or 1080i not 1080p?

If I were you I'd find a company that will let you try different switches until you find the right one.

[henkelis]

Originally Posted by T800

SkyHD and PS3 will probably be fine through most HDMI switchers. The BD will depend on if you use PCM or bitstream.
If it's PCM you should be fine, if it's bitstream you'll need to find not only a switch them can deal with hd bitstream audio but one that will also successfully supply it to four screens with different resolutions and without any handshake issues.

How do you feel about possibly running your Full HD panels at 720p or 1080i not 1080p?

If I were you I'd find a company that will let you try different switches until you find the right one.

Thanks T800 (sorry, been away for a few days). Try before you buy does seem like a good option here, with all the different variables. It's unlikely that there will be more than one panel viewing the same input at the same time (probably don't need a matrix then lol), probably only a max of 2 panels on at any one time.

I may introduce an HD Slingbox into the equation too, just to complicate matters further.

[T800]

Have you worked out how your gonna control the switch you get from the different rooms?