Released in June, WyreStorm’s new 16×16 and 10×10 HDBaseT 5Play matrix switchers support 4K HDR, HDCP 2.2 and 18Gb/s HDMI, as well as offering integrated audio matrix switching up to 48×16.
You might be forgiven for thinking that audio was not the most obvious addition to a range of matrix switchers, HDBaseT is all about video and 21st century connectivity, right? Well it is, but if you are providing a pipe for all the cool stuff, why not provide plenty of headroom for the ever-popular multi-room audio sector too.
In detail, the MX-1616-HDBT-H2X is a 16-way 4K HDR video and integrated 16×48 audio matrix, with its slightly smaller sibling (MX-1010-HDBT-H2X) reducing that figure to 10-way 4K HDR video and 10×30 audio matrix. Both include a DSP and offer HDBaseT 5Play with WyreStorm’s QuickSync instant switching technology for uncompressed transmission and an optional HDBaseT Input card supporting remote source connection.
Both these models have been developed specifically for commercial and residential jobs where multi-source video distribution of 4K HDR content is needed in partnership with multi-source audio matrix switching to multiple zones.
For commercial, WyreStorm says H2X provides centralized, secure AV signal management and distribution ensuring zero latency and perfect AV synchronicity of the latest HD and UHD formats. The H2X can be integrated with a range of WyreStorm Pro AV accessory products to facilitate remote source connectivity and distribution for conference and collaboration applications, including wireless transmission and sharing.
On the resi side, the H2X combines management of the latest UHD and legacy video formats, including SmartTV functions and audio-on-demand products.
Recognizing the need to cater for legacy products where 2K and 4K have to live side by side, the SmartEDID feature reacts to changes in source routing to output the highest possible source resolution compatible with all displays, removing conflict when combining 1080p and 4K screens within the same installation.
For the promised audio capability, H2X features an integrated audio matrix with three possible source inputs per zone in the form of audio de-embed of HDMI video sources, ARC from zones up to 5.1 and adjustable line-level audio only sources via S/PDIF audio input. WyreStorm says the setup is tailor-made for digital audio streaming on Sonos, Apple Airplay and DLNA devices.
The platform amounts to support for a total of 30 potential separate audio inputs on the 10×10 H2X model and 48 individual audio inputs on the 16×16. The audio DSP featured on all H2X transmission modules also allows adjustment of gain, EQ and delay per zone, source restriction per zone and an AVR Priority Mode, which allows dynamic EDID adjustment depending on audio demand.
Not the only dog in this fight, WyreStorm product manager Dave Schorah is clear that he believes WyreStorm has the biggest bite:
“The H2X matrix platform is a single solution, replacing what would have been several solutions before efficiently, reliably and cost-effectively by combining a video matrix, audio matrix, optical transmission method for longer runs, Audio processor or DSP and Separate audio baluns to handle ARC back to audio system.”
Schorah says the significance of this lies in the ability of this one product to perform many different tasks, giving the installer less separate products to worry about, thus reducing costs and interoperability concerns. Or as Schorah puts it, “by combining many devices into one we allow the dealer concentrate on getting a job finished and invoiced.”
Those familiar with the company will note WyreStorm’s is serious about emphasizing what works on one install won’t necessarily work on the next; that no two jobs are the same. As such, the company places great importance on giving dealers options to customize their matrix distribution to the needs of the application by offering over and above that of fixed configuration platforms.
Modular in nature, the H2X features a selection of seven multi-format transmission cards in addition to the standard shipped HDBaseT 5Play transmission card, that enable a dealer to define the number of video and audio zones, whether the sources are centralised to the rack or not and more importantly than ever now, decide on how to send that 18Gbps content – over copper or optical.
In addition to the default H2X card featuring HDBT Out, mirrored HDMI Out, HDMI In, analog stereo audio out, digital audio out, digital audio in and IR for zone control, the H2X offers an HDBT In and Out version for remote source connection. WyreStorm also offer three 5Play PoH transmitters to connect to sources and are powered by the matrix centrally.
Two more transmission cards offer video or audio zone or source expansion respectively, while another includes an SDI input for sources along with the HDBT and HDMI outputs with balanced audio for sending support for balanced audio sources to audio zones.
Things get even more interesting with the WyreStorm’s ‘Very Little Compression’ card offering the same connectivity as the default card but with light signal compression to enable 18Gbps 60Hz HDR and 8bit 4:4:4 to be passed 100m/328ft via HDBaseT.
And with both the price and termination of optical transmission coming into the reach of many residential dealers now, WyreStorm also have now included an 10Gbps optical fiber output card featuring the same light compression to send content over fiber up to 300m/984ft.
WyreStorm says that the H2X is now the only multi-I/O audio visual matrix device available that can deliver full-bandwidth 18Gbps HDMI content over both copper and optical transmission mediums whilst handling up to 48 discrete audio source devices to 16 DSP-managed audio zones.
WyreStorm MX-1010-HDBT-H2X and MX-1616-HDBT-H2X are shipping now. Modular transmission card options scheduled for release Q3 2017.
Visit wyrestorm.com for more information.
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