A virtual limitless Matrix?

One of HDMI™ over IP’s primary benefits is that used in conjunction with a compatible Managed Ethernet switch a flexible, any-combination 24/48-port HDMI matrix switching distribution solution can be created.

Limitless (source x display) distribution combinations can be created from 1-source x 200-screen scenarios, to a 10-source x 30-screen matrix switch. Only the number of ports available on your chosen Ethernet switch model(s) limits the scope of the project. It is possible to daisy chain up to 3 switches before some noticeable latency is encountered.

The key element within the system is the Managed Ethernet switch; this is an essential requirement to create a HDMI over IP matrix with source switching. It is important to understand that the HDMI over IP devices themselves are not capable of performing any switching functions, the units are closed architecture plug and play devices. It is the configuration adjustments of the Managed Ethernet switch that performs the switching operation between sources.

What type of Managed Ethernet Switch do I need?

The HDMI over IP matrix solution requires a Managed Ethernet Switch that supports port based VLANs (Virtual Lans) permit duplicate IP addresses across the VLAN domains, and IGMP (a type of multi-casting protocol). It is best to select a switch that supports the IEEE 802.1Q Version of VLAN. 

For a 2G visually lossless HDMI over IP system, a 1000BT Gigabit switch is required.

If utilising a ready-made network matrix driver wizard, please select one of the network switch models listed as supported.

Ready-made driver wizards

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How it works

Source Transmitters use virtual local area networks (VLAN’s) to create HDMI channels on a network. Display Receivers on the network can connect to any chosen VLAN to display that particular HDMI channel. For example, you could have Sky+HD on one VLAN, a Blu-ray player on another VLAN, a HD Games Console on another, and so on. It is possible to control which VLAN a Receiver views by adjusting the port configuration of the Managed Ethernet Switch.

It is possible to control the configuration settings on a Managed Ethernet switch via HTTP interface, IP or RS232 control port. Control software on a PC or home automation control hardware can be created/used to simplify the configuration process of commanding the Managed Ethernet Switch to assig Display Receivers to the desired VLAN HDMI channels – this then makes the action of switching between HDMI sources a simple matter of pressing A, B or C on your chosen control interface, whether that be a remote control, touch screen panel, iPad or iPhone.