Review: ‘Awesome’ New HDMI/Audio Switcher for Control4

So on the AVR side I would have to say CEC is just not ready for the big show. This is not the switcher’s fault, just a limitation of CEC in its current state.

Easy set-up but follow directions

The first thing to note about the HSS-1 is there are no front panel or buttons. Who needs ‘em? This switch is set up with an easy-to-use admin menu that is accessed from any Web browser. Set-up is fairly easy if you follow the directions.

But definitely do follow them. A few things to note:

• It’s very important to configure all devices as indicated in the HydraConnect CEC Compatibility Document.
• Ensure that all sources are displaying HDCP-protected content during the configuration process and that they are in PLAY mode.
• All cable and satellite boxes should be tuned to pay-per-view channels (you do not have to purchase a movie, just tune to the channel displaying the purchase screen).
• All A/V receivers should be configured so that the HDMI input which connects to the HSS-1 is shown on its front panel as the selected input
• All displays that have multiple inputs should have the input selected which has the HDMI cable connection.

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HSS-1 Features

Here is an overview, which probably sounds very familiar to those who currently enjoy the high-end HDMI switching features (instantaneous video switching, unlimited keys, etc.) offered by some leading CE brands.

• True 8X8 video and audio matrix with no HDCP key limitations on number of simultaneous displays
• Automatic EDID management ensures maximum video resolution and all audio format support
• Integrated CEC control for nearly all sources and displays eliminates most IR blasters and controllers
• Integrated IP support for DirecTV receivers to eliminate IR blasters
• FlashConnect ensures near instantaneous video switching and no picture loss when adding or removing displays to or from a video stream
• Supports HDMI 1.4a - 36/30/24 bit deep color (225 GHz), and EDID and CEC processing
• Supports all HDMI 1.4a pass through 3D formats; HDCP 1.4 compliant
• HDTV formats supported: 1080p/1080i/720p/576p/480p/576i/480i resolutions
• Supports all the latest HDMI audio formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD
• On screen display shows users the shared status of any source
• Integrated stereo matrix switch and volume controls require only a low cost amp for whole house audio
• Full support for separate audio systems -- a theater can support 7.1 while other rooms support 5.1 or stereo
• A/V remix allows the viewing of one video source while listening to a separate audio source
• Reclocking for both inputs and outputs supports the use of up to 10+ meter HDMI cables (depending on cable quality and the mating equipment in the system)
• Fully integrated Control4 Composer support

Availability and Future Products

HydraConnect was founded by David Schanin and Tony Anzelmo, two microprocessor engineers that have Control4systems in there house. They thought there had to be a better way to handle switching, so they came up with this product.

Even so, the company will be coming out with drivers for other popular home control systems.

The HydraConnect HSS-1 will ship later this year. Units can be pre-ordered (with a $400 holiday savings) at store.thesohoshop.com, starting Dec. 3.