What Is The Difference Between HDMI Switches, Splitters and HDMI Matrix Switches?

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The difference between the different types of HDMI Distribution Products can often become confusing. With so many products on eBay and other market places it is understandable that confusion can often prevail.

However, when the actual product names are taken into perspective, the actual role that each of these devices perform starts to become more evident.

HDMI Switches

This device will accept multiple source devices to be connected with the convenience of being able switch between them for a single HDMI output. This is convenient for older High Definition Televisions that may have limited HDMI inputs. The selection can usually be made with a manual button on the actual unit or with the convenience of a Remote Control. Some units also offer an intelligent auto switch function. This feature will automatically switch over to devices that are powered on then the others are powered off.

The most common type of HDMI Switches are 3x1 (3 inputs and 1 output) and 5x1 (5 inputs and 1 output), although there are some less common configurations available, for example 2x1 (2 inputs and 1 output) and 4x1 (4 inputs and 1 output) etc.

HDMI Splitters

This type of device will accept an input from one source device and split it to multiple displays. As this device is cloning the signal the integrated circuit is slightly more advanced than that of a HDMI Switch. This device will negotiate EDID and HDCP from a number of devices and intelligently synchronise the optimum common format between all connected devices.

It might be worth noting that this also means the lowest common denominator. For example, if one display is only capable of receiving a 1080i signal and another is capable of 1080p, then the splitter will select 1080i as the selected mode as this is the format that all devices support. It is not possible to for this device to send a 1080p signal to one display and a 1080i signal to another display simultaneously. This also applies for 3D and audio formats.

HDMI Splitters are available in a vast range of configurations. However, the most common type found are 1x2 (1 input and 2 outputs), 1x4 (1 input and 4 outputs), 1x8 (1 input and 4 outputs) and 1x16 (1 input and 16 outputs).

These splitters can be the perfect solution for home or commercial applications such as Restaurants, Bars and Hotels etc., as they allow a single source device to conveniently display the same content to a number of TV's or Projectors.

HDMI Matrix

These offer the convenience of a HDMI Switch and Splitter in the one device. In fact, a HDMI Matrix offers much more flexibility as these devices allow any combination of source device and display to be selected, which can also be switched to any other combination while active.

Essentially, a this device will have a number of HDMI inputs and outputs which can be conveniently selected in any combination either by a manual press of a button or a Remote Control. Some of the more advanced units are also able to send the HDMI signal over Cat5e or Cat6 and can also relay the IR information from the remote location back to the source device for full control over the source device from any of the predetermined locations.

Generally, you will find HDMI Matrix Switches in configurations such as 4x2 (4 inputs and 2 outputs), 4x4 (4 inputs and 4 outputs), 4x8 (4 inputs and 8 outputs), 8x8 (8 inputs and 8 outputs) and 16x16 (16 inputs and 16 outputs) etc. Although, as diverse this product is means that there are a number of configurations also available which are not listed here.

For larger commercial applications or even a modern home, these units offer the most versatile HDMI distribution solution available today.

For all your HDMI Switch, HDMI Splitter and HDMI Matrix needs, drop into Space Hi-Fi for a huge selection of AV Distribution Products.

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