HD/IP HDMI “Any Size” Matrix

One of HD/IP’s primary benefits is that when it is used in conjunction with a compatible Managed Ethernet switch setup, a flexible, any-combination HDMI matrix switching distribution solution can be created.

Practically 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. This is made possible by the process of “stacking” compatible Ethernet switches making it possible to grow beyond the normal 48 port limit.  Only the number of ports available on your chosen Ethernet switch model setup limits the scope of the project.

Great distances can be covered by stacking compatible switches with fibre connections between switches, breaking down the traditional HDMI matrix transmission distance barriers.

The units can of course be made to perform as a splitter using a standard Gigabit switch. Transmitters and receivers, with their plug and play operation, will also act as better baluns in a point to point solution for HDMI transmission over CatX. Their ability to perform over single catX cable runs and be immune from traditional HDMI balun problems can make them useful for troublesome projects.

How a HD/IP Matrix Works

The key element within the system is the Managed Ethernet switch setup; 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.

Source Transmitters use virtual local area networks (VLAN’s) set up on the Managed Ethernet Switch to create HDMI audio and video streams. Each Transmitter has its own VLAN creating a number of individual networks on the switch, each with a HDMI “channel” created on them. Display Receivers attached to a port on the Managed Ethernet switch can be connected to any chosen VLAN to display that particular HDMI channel.

For example, you could have a Sky+HD box 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 Display Receiver views by adjusting the port configuration of the Managed Ethernet Switch. This sounds complicated, but it’s made easy with our pre-configured drivers.