zariaman Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 can anyone recommend a SOLID 4x4 HDMI matrix that has good compatibility with C4?Can something like this be used?http://www.ebay.ca/itm/4X4-HDMI-True-3D-Matrix-Switch-Switcher-4-input-source-x-4-display-IR-remote-1-4-/330809227569?pt=US_Video_Cables_Adapters&hash=item4d05c43931&_uhb=1#ht_1889wt_952 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyknight Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 Honestly - you ask good and solid and good compatibility, and link a cheap unit with IR control only- I wouldn't touch thing myself. Look at 3-4 times that price at least. From a dealer perspective, quality/reliability is perhaps higher than DIY (because the last thing we want is spend hours in set-up and service issues). {Yes I'm sure that statement will cause some comments}If you feel you can deal with that in your own set-up, I'd still recommend you find at least a Serial controllable unit, IR on a matrix just won't be nearly as reliable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSDave Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 depends on how its being used. For solid and versatile and still affordable, look at the snapav binary matrix. I know some people who have had success with monoprice matrix's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zariaman Posted November 9, 2012 Author Share Posted November 9, 2012 Honestly - you ask good and solid and good compatibility, and link a cheap unit with IR control only- I wouldn't touch thing myself. Look at 3-4 times that price at least. From a dealer perspective, quality/reliability is perhaps higher than DIY (because the last thing we want is spend hours in set-up and service issues). {Yes I'm sure that statement will cause some comments}If you feel you can deal with that in your own set-up, I'd still recommend you find at least a Serial controllable unit, IR on a matrix just won't be nearly as reliable.That is the answer I was looking for, I am just getting familiar with HDMI Matrix units and I did not want to buy any random Matrix just on price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyknight Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 depends on how its being used. For solid and versatile and still affordable, look at the snapav binary matrix. I know some people who have had success with monoprice matrix's.Havent used the Snap but generally heard good results - but that's still not a 200 dollar IR control only switch.I'm not in any way saying you HAVE to spend 8k on a switch - provided you keep in mind that reliability MAY be (more) of an issue, you don't mind using seperate baluns (that's a cost too) for a non-cat based matrix switch etc...Just don't expect a 200 dollar piece to be reliable, solid, and - being IR control only- be anywhere NEAR flawless in switching/control Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drmark12pa Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 I can attest to the Monoprice 4x4 HDMI matrix working extremely well for the most part. The only bug I've had ongoing is the speed switching between sources. You can't hit Directv and 1 second later select PS3 for example.... My dealer explained that there really isn't any perfect HDMI matrix yet because of the bugginess with HDMI.For $150 I'm not sure how anyone could not want this matrix vs. some 4 figure $$ matrix unless you have $$ to burn since it works just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyknight Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Oh there are pretty much perfect ones out there.The monoprice seems to be hit and miss, plus if a house is wired for CAT distribution - you still need to add baluns to that price list.I've test-run 3 myself, 2 wouldn't work properly/up to specifications. One did fine.If I'm selling it - I just can't have that. No matter if it's a single Balun or a 16x16 HDMI switch - it just won't do.Slow speed has nothing to do with HDMI "bugginess", it's part of the quality of the switch (and what it needs to do to maintain the handshake). And to some degree the quality of the driver FOR that switch.That said - if it works well for you, by all means use it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drmark12pa Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 I can understand that as a dealer you wouldn't want less than perfect.. For the do-it-yourself installer I think the Monoprice has more than served my purpose and I couldn't imagine paying 10x the cost. I did have initially what I thought was some handshake issue with my PS3 but that was resolved by using my other PS3. I think for a basic project with just TVs for example it's ideal. With the handshake issues of HDMI, my understanding is that whole house distribution, if you are thinking of using it for more than stereo destination and mixing the output, you probably don't want an HDMI switch at all if possible (ie theater setup with 7.1 and another output as a TV in a kitchen will cause the HDMI to switch to the lower output audio capability because of handshake).... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyknight Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 I wasn't being sarcastic or anything - what I wrote was meant exactly as it's written.Mixing outputs again depends on the switch. Your point is quite valid otherwise.Then again, why in the world are you using TV speakers . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdepaola Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 You can specify the EDID info on a good switch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Rizal Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 Havent used the Snap but generally heard good results - but that's still not a 200 dollar IR control only switch.Did I not see a serial connection on the back of the Monoprice 4x4 matrix? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSDave Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 Havent used the Snap but generally heard good results - but that's still not a 200 dollar IR control only switch.Did I not see a serial connection on the back of the Monoprice 4x4 matrix?It does have an RS232 port. And there are drivers on this site for it. But there are some matrix's out there that are in the price range of the monoprice, but are VERY cheesey looking. Also the one advantage of the monoprice over the other low priced ones is that they have a great warranty program.I am using a monoprice 4x2 matrix in my house at the moment and its working okay. But as soon as i could afford to switch it out..... i will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyknight Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 My comment on IR only didn't apply to the monoprice but to the linked switch from OP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexirosy Posted November 11, 2012 Share Posted November 11, 2012 If you want a solid and reliable 4x4 HDMI Matrix I would recommend Part # AB-5645LCM. I have used these units in the past and all I can say is they are a dream come true. The offer fast speed switching and are EDID and HDCP compliant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drmark12pa Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 I wasn't being sarcastic or anything - what I wrote was meant exactly as it's written.Mixing outputs again depends on the switch. Your point is quite valid otherwise.Then again, why in the world are you using TV speakers .I only use the switch for like the kitchen TV, guest bedroom, etc... The theater has it's own equipment dedicated for one room. I like the idea of a switch to duplicate the same source in different rooms as well...By the way, with a 4x4 HDMI switch, can you split one of the outputs into 2 rooms by adding a 1x2 HDMI splitter? I don't need an 8x8 but could use 1 more output! I'm guessing handshaking issues could be a problem but I figured it's worth asking... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyknight Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 Theoratically it can be done, and practically it IS possible, I have done this without issues. But note that I didn't use a 200 dollar 4x4, nor a 20 dollar splitter. I've also used Atlona switches that have this built in by having CAT outputs PLUS a direct HDMI output that can run simultaniously. What you want to watch out for specifically is that the splitter has two active ports, in other words it is capable of working each output regardless of the the other being on or off.Many cheap ones can only handle one at a time, or the 2nd port works only if the 1st port is active. The first may not SOUND like much of an issue in some scenarios, but it may backfeed poorly into any switch on the input (including a standard A/V receiver) causing all sorts of connection issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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