Details about  4 x 4 HDMI INPUT OUTPUT DISTRIBUTION MATRIX BOX - V1.3B

Simply put, the '4 in 4 out HDMI Matrix Box' allows up to 4 HDMI devices to be independently switched to one, two, three or four HDMI enabled display devices (HDTV or projector).

The four outputs can show the same or different source at the same time.

There are 8 infrared eyes, 4 emitters and 4 receivers. The eyes allow you to manage the equipment connected to your Matrix and also allow you to control which input is selected on the Matrix. This makes it very easy to control what is displayed on any TV in any given location. As seen in the second picture, the matrix is supplied with 3.5mm plugs and sockets, these connectors allow you to make up your own cable to extend the IR receivers to your TVs. The cable you use to extend the IR receivers can be very basic, CAT5 cable is sufficient and IR signals will transmit up to a distance of about 15-20 metres when this cable is used. The matrix works on a carrier frequency of 38Khz.

What's included?

1 x HDMI Matrix (4 in, 4 out), 1 x Power cable (5V 350ma), 8 IR (infrared eyes, 4 receivers, 4 emitters, Double sided tape for mounting of the IR eyes, 4 x 3.5mm Plugs and 4 x 3.5mm Jacks for extension of the IR receivers and Mounting brackets

How to use it?

To maintain signal integrity, the Matrix is recommended for use with 720P, 1080i or 1080P devices. Set-up is easy too;

1. Connect the input HD devices to the Matrix (PS3, Blu-ray Player, etc). Connect the HDMI enabled display devices (HDTV or projector).

2. It is recommended for the initial set up that you turn on your display, the Matrix and then the sources.

3. Select the configuration you require, for example you may require 'Input 1' outputting to 'Output 1, 2 & 3' and 'Input 3' outputting to 'Output 4'.

What are the benefits?

A true Matrix can display any of the input devices (Blu-Ray player, PS3 etc) on any screen, at any time making it extremely versatile. A switch or splitter could never achieve this outcome.

1. Reduces cable clutter

2. You only need to buy 1 type of HD device instead of having to buy multiple devices for each room.

3. Less equipment is on show.

4. Cables up to 15 metres can be used with each port. If you require longer lengths of cable, we also supply HDMI CAT5 extender devices.

5. Simple plug and play operation

Features

1. Manual Selection - The input can be manually selected by using the ‘source selection buttons’ on the front of the splitter box.

2. Key Lock - The ‘source selection buttons’ can be locked using the key lock button. This will eradicate accidental changing of the source. When the Matrix is left idle for over 60 seconds the ‘source selection buttons’ will be locked automatically, they can be unlocked using the ‘key lock’ button located on the front of the Matrix.

3. Infrared Remote Control and Eyes - The Matrix is supplied with a remote control which allows full control of all the functions. If the Matrix box is hidden away from view the infrared receiver eyes can be plugged in and positioned in a suitable position (near to each TV) for receiving information from the remote control, allowing you to control the Matrix and the equipment connected to the Matrix

4. HDMI Version 1.3B - Supports deep colour, DTS-HD and Dolby True HD

5. HDCP Compliant

3D - This product is compatible with 1080P resolution in 3D. However, it is not recommended for use with HDMI cables longer than 3 metres when 3D is going to be run through them. For longer runs, a HDMI over CAT5/CAT6 extender is required.

If you have more than 1 display/TV/AVR, (which may be of different HDMI versions and capabilities) which all route to the same input source, the Matrix will output at the maximum capability of your input source to the minimum capability of the attached displays/TVs/AVR's.

Example 1:
Input source is a DVD player which outputs ‘HDMI 1.2, 8 bit video and stereo audio’

Attached displays/TVs
1. Even if one of your attached displays/TV's is HDMI 1.3, the Matrix will only output at HDMI1.2 because this is the maximum capability of the source input.

Example 2:
Input source is a Blu-ray player which outputs  ‘HDMI 1.3, Dolby TrueHD audio’

Attached displays/TVs:
1. Display/TV is ‘HDMI 1.2 8 bit video and stereo audio’   

2. Display/TV is ‘HDMI 1.3 12 bit deep colour and stereo audio’

Outcome: The Matrix will only be outputting ‘HDMI 1.2 8 bit video and stereo audio’

Solution:
To overcome this and allow you to get the most out of all your equipment, the Matrix has an EDID mixing mode (also known as copy mode). You use this to  update the Matrix with the individual operating capabilities of each display/TV/AVR attached to it, by copying the EDID information from the display to the Matrix, which allows the highest possible quality signal to pass through from the source.  

After updating the Matrix with the individual capability of an attached display/TV/AVR, any other displays/TVs which have not been updated  and are connected to the Matrix will remain at the lower quality signal unless you use the EDID function for each of them to update the Matrix. This method can be used on any/all outputs and is especially useful when an AVR with DTS-HD or Dolby TrueHD audio is being used with the Matrix.

Instructions for using the EDID mixing mode are included with the Matrix.  The settings are altered by using three 'Dip Switches' which are positioned on the side of the Matrix.

Additional information and FAQ’s

The Matrix equalises and amplifies to ensure no loss of signal transmission when using long cables (up to 15 metres). There is also an mini USB port on the side of the Matrix will allows you to update the firmware easily, if there are any firmware updates they will be available on our website. The HDMI connectors used are type A. Type A is the most commonly used connector and is used in Sky HD Boxes, PS3’s and most HD ready plasma and LCD televisions.