HDMI Matrix System Architectures You Must Know

Prior to selecting an HDMI Matrix switch, professional A/V installers and system integrators should be familiar with the three commonly used architectures. The first type is a Splitter/Switch‐based Matrix. In this architecture, the TMDS (Transition‐Minimized Differential Signaling) signals generated from HDMI sources are processed and received by an HDMI splitter chip and is then passed to each HDMI switch chip. The advantage of this architecture is lower BOM (bill of materials) costs. Additionally, the splitter chip can provide the HDCP (High‐Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) key which improves HDCP development. The downside to this architecture occurs in Matrix systems greater than 2x2 where signal integrity (SI) issues are often experienced. With this architecture, sample applications include low ‐port environments such as 2x2 installations found in home theaters, small scale digital signage environments as well as financial applications.

The second type is FPGA  based  (Field  Programmable Gate Array) Matrix where high speed TMDS signals are received by the HDMI Rx PHY chip and then converted into relatively low speed TTL (Transistor–Transistor Logic) buses separated for audio and video, which move the troublesome SI issues of the crossover points between TMDS signals to the easier handled SI issues of the crossover points between TTL signals. The benefit of this architecture lies in the fact that the signal quality of TMDS signals is maintained on the PHY chips which provides higher compatibility and cascade levels. The downsides to this archecture are higher cost and interconnection complexity since 4 pairs of TMDS signals are transformed to a 40‐bit TTL video bus and a 10 bit audio bus.

The third type is Crosspoint‐based Matrix. In this architecture, the TMDS signals are directly handled by a cross‐point chip, which also provides equalizer functionality for compensating the signal attenuation and pre‐emphasis function to boost up the single transition to the sink,which improves the quality of TMDS signals. The two advantages of this architecture are decreased TMDS interconnect complexity and improved SI via EQ (Equalizer) and preemphasis (PE) functions. The main weakness of this architecture is the associated high cost as well as lack of support for HDCP. This architecture is recommended for Matrix systems greater than 8x8, such as 16x16 or 32x32, suitable for meeting rooms, casinos and digital signage environments.

Hdgenius.biz HDMI Video Matrix Switch

Hdgenius.biz line of professional A/V products provides all of the components needed to build a multitude of flexible, integrated solutions for a range of video related applications. In addition to digital signage and home theater applications, HDMI Matrix Switch is also ideal for broadcasters, system integrators, and educators to extend and deliver high resolution audio and video signals. The HDMI Matrix Switch products are also targeted at manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, corporate conferencing and financial institutions.

HD344 3D 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switch with Remote Control

The HD344 is a 4x4 HDMI Video Matrix switch that offers a convenient solution to route high definition video and audio from any of four HDMI sources to any of four HDMI displays.

The HD344 enables users to connect four HDMI devices (such as an HD camcorder or satellite/cable box, Blu‐ray player, home theater PC, standalone streaming media player, or gaming console) to four HDMI monitors, displays, projectors or HDTVs at the same time. The remote control and convenient front panel push buttons allow users to easily cycle through HDMI sources and displays, while the front panel LEDs indicate the source device for each display at a quick glance.

Applications of HD344 3D 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switch with Remote Control

Home Entertainment: With more and more high-definition devices entering the home theater market, the need for simultaneous access to different A/V sources has become increasingly important.

Medical/Hospitals: From high quality static imaging required by diagnostic displays to closed circuit health information content broadcast throughout a hospital's waiting area, there are many uses for Hdgenius.biz professional A/V solutions in the healthcare industry.

Education: In a classroom setting, an HDMI Video Matrix switch can be leveraged to transmit examination questions (video and audio) from remotely located computers to as many eight classrooms where students can read the questions from multiple high definition monitors.

Restaurants: For sports bars and other restaurants that need to display various sports programming to several displays, an HDMI Video Matrix switch such as the HD344 HDMI Matrix Switch can be leveraged.

Digital Signage: A video installation in a retail environment allows user to enhance selling power with in store and shopping mall digital advertising. Hdgenius professional A/V solutions, including the HD344 HDMI Matrix Switch are flexible and scalable, allowing digital signage installations to be tailored to meet the needs of specific locations or demographics.

Conclusion

With the HDMI specification firmly supplanting older technologies such as VGA and DVI,research has pointed to a growth trend of HDMI equipped devices as well as an uptick in the global audiovisual market. HDMI Video Matrix switches offer better signal strength and more sophisticated routing capabilities, addressing the sophisticated  needs of today's A/V professionals and installers.