I have used the matrix for over a year without any problems, other than the fact that you have to turn it back on if you lose power. Not a huge problem. I have not used any of the more expensive units, nor do I know if it would work with the HDMI over Cat5 switch you asked about. As for the HDMI over Cat5e/6 extenders, the only ones that seem to work well for me are the ones that are powered on both ends. Monoprice has one dual powered model. The in-wall ones can be powered on both ends but don't come with the power plugs. I have not used them, but have heard that they work well when both ends are powered.