Gefen's 8x4 CAT-5 HDMI Matrix is probably overkill for you

Be warned -- unless you seriously need eight HDMI sources hooked up to a single matrix switch in order to activate four at a time on an array of panels, you should probably skip right over this one. If we just rung your bell, however, read on. Gefen's latest HDMI distribution box is definitely catering to the high-end / commercial market by being entirely rack-mountable and supporting up to eight HDMI inputs and four outputs. High-def signals can be transmitted over CAT5 cabling, and there's even an RS-232 port for additional control capabilities. As for distances, you can expect 1080i material to travel up to 300 feet without degradation, while 1080p content will flow 150 feet. The only problem? The $4,499 price tag. Full release is after the break.

CHATSWORTH, CA – Gefen's new 8x4 CAT-5 HDMI Matrix performs both matrix switching and signal extension, offering a convenient method of system integration.

Installers seeking an easy, plug and play method of accessing multiple hi-def sources from a few extended displays will find it particularly helpful.

It links any eight high definition video and audio sources using the HDMI format to any four HDTVs or projectors. Users can access one of eight sources on each display, so four hi-def sources can be viewed on four displays at the same time. Users select which source they'd like to view by using the IR remote or RS-232 connection.

With four local HDMI outputs and CAT-5 connections, this Gefen Matrix allows all four displays to be connected either locally using standard HDMI cables, or remotely up to 150-feet (50m) away using two CAT-5 cables. At this distance, hi-def resolutions are supported at 1080p full HD. Resolutions to 1080i can extend over CAT-5 cables up to 300-feet (100m).

This versatile matrix supports HDCP-compliance making it perfect for integrating Blu-ray players, set-top boxes and gaming systems with today's hi-def displays. The system provides HDMI cables for source connections, a power supply to drive performance, rack ears for easy mounting and IR remote.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 20th 2009 9:33AM]

Why even post these press releases if all you're going to do is talk about how the product is too expensive, or isn't interesting to your readers?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 20th 2009 1:05PM]

I was pretty excited by this until I read this important notice on Gefen's site.

"Important Note:
The 8x4 CAT5 Matrix for HDMI incorporates a 2x1 switch in front of each input on a traditional 4x4 matrix. This allows for the connection of up to 8 different HDMI source devices with a maximum of 4 sources available for viewing at any one time. Each of the 4 switched inputs on the 8x4 CAT5 Matrix for HDMI are labeled as "A" and "B". Both "A" and "B" for each input cannot be active at the same time."

So this is not a true 8x4 matrix switcher as much as it is four 2x1 input switchers feeding a 4x4 matrix switcher. Imagine having a source on input 1a and another on input 1b, you will not be able to view both at the same time.

There are 8x8 HDMI matrix switchers out there for around $6,500, I'm waiting for an 8x8 with Cat5 output in the $2,000 range, only then would I replace my Extron Component + dig audio switcher. Oh and the HDMI switcher would need to cache the HDCP handshake and EDID stuff. See the holy grail from Crestron:
http://www.cepro.com/article/crestrons_digitalmedia_switchers_offer_ultimate_hdmi_ip_distribution_contro/K1

[madgamer2000 Posted Mar 20th 2009 6:39PM]

Just out of curiousity, what kind of setup do you run that requires that many switched inputs/outputs?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 21st 2009 7:27PM]

It is meant to distribute video throughout your home. You can have a 2-3 HD Sat boxes, a ps3, blu-ray, Nas w/ media player, etc available in each room of your home. Watching a movie in your master. go to kitchen to make dinner and watch it there.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 17th 2009 1:02AM]

Sorry Madgamer, I tried replying to your comment on Friday but it looks like it never posted.

In the garage is a central equipment rack that houses all the AV sources for the whole house. Component Video, analog and digital audio as well as Network, control and speaker wire are run from this location to each of the zones in the house.

Sources:
Middle Atlantic rack:
Kaleidescape Server and 2 Kaleidescape Movie Players (stores all DVDs and CDs on Raid)
His and Hers DirecTV HR-21 DVRs
VUDU (1080p internet movie rental service)
Niveus Pro-Series n7 Vista Media Center for storing all Blu-ray, mp3, photos, home videos.
Playstation 3

Other sources that recently passed through the rack, HD-DVD player, FyreTV porn box, Media Center extender, Niveus Digital CableCard Receiver.

Audio & Video distribution.
Extron 3200 series matrix switcher (configured as 8x8 HD Component + SPDIF Audio)
Crestron Pad8a, audio matrix switcher for routing audio and adjusting volume tone control for each zone.
Niles si-1200 12 channel amp is connected to the pad8a and provides juice to the in ceiling speakers throughout the house.
Denon AVR for surround sound processing in the living room.

Home Control and automation:
Crestron Pro2 control processor, basically the brain behind everything, controls all AV sources, switching, lighting, HVAC and tons more.

Other:
Linksys RV082 rackmount router
Dell PowerConnect 2724 Managed gigabit switch, 24port
Atlona HD Component + SPDIF to Cat5 converter (more on this later)
HP MedaiSmart Ex470 Windows Home Server (in the process of being replaced)
Chenbro 12 bay rackmount chassis running Windows Home Server (for storing blu-ray)

So that covers the rack, in the house there are:
some wallmount LCDs, no visible wires, clean install.
In ceiling speakers throughout house,
UPB light dimmers that provide two way control and feedback with Crestron system, enabling automation and preset lighting scenes and schedules
Crestron thermostats that can be controlled through touchpanels

For interfaces there are hand held touchpanels (Crestron TPMC-10, TPMC-8x)
In wall touch panels (two Crestron TPS-4Ls, one TPS-200, one CT-1000)
A recently added RTI T2-c handheld remote and touchscreen, configured to integrate with the existing Crestron control.

Outside there are all weather speakers providing music to the patio areas (although I take the speakers out during the winter)
More controlled lighting that integrates with Crestron.

In the back of the property is a stand alone structure 27x17 that is home to a dedicated theater. Although it is a work in progress it has a Rotel pre-amp+amp, Onyx Rocket 750 signature speakers, SVS PB12 Plus sub, Projector is a JVC HD2k (1080p DILA)
Video processor is a Lumagen Vision Pro HDP, screen is a Carada. More controlled lighting.
The only source device in the theater is a local playstation3 for gaming, everything else is fed from the Central rack, video and audio is transmitted over Atlona Cat5e baluns.

Basically this allows me to access any source from anywhere in the house, allows my wife to watch a movie in the living room while I watch one in the theater and if we get tired we can resume it in the bedroom or something.

Other cool things,
When I start a movie on Kaleidescape, it automatically dims the lights in the theater, when the end credits start rolling, the lights slowly come up (these queues are sent by Kaleidescape to the Crestron system)

One touch buttons for "Away mode" which shut down the HVAC, turns off all lights, powers down all tvs, amps, whatever.

Sensors to tell me when the garage door is left open, and allows me to close the door via touchpanel or through a dialog on my Vista Media Center.

There’s still a LOT more to be done, but I haven’t been in the house for long and I am doing all the Crestron programming myself.

For the record, I am not a wealthy type and normally would never be able to afford things like Kaleidescape or a Niveus n7 but I work in this industry (Niveus Media now, previously VUDU and Kaleidescape) So I luck into a lot of this gear or get it from partners at very low prices.