Daniel J SaitWyreStorm is launching its new H2X Series HDBaseT 4K HDR Matrix Switchers which also offer extensive audio matrix switching.
These new 16×16 and 10×10 Class A HDBaseT 5Play Matrix Switchers support 4K HDR, HDCP 2.2 and 18Gb/s HDMI, along with integrated audio matrix switching up to 48×16.
The company’s first to feature audio matrix switching, the MX-1616-HDBT-H2X and MX-1010-HDBT-H2X models are designed to deliver the functionality needed for large, high-end residential and commercial applications requiring multi-source video distribution of 4K HDR content, as well as multi-source audio to multiple zones.
The products have also been created to be able to cope with projects which mix 2K and 4K via WyreStorm’s SmartEDID feature which detects and reacts to display and source capabilities to output the highest possible resolution for each individual source. 4K-2K scaling and frameless switching is also available using the WyreStorm RX-70-4K-SCL HDBaseT scaling receiver, which is also launching at the show.
The new H2X models still offer the same functionality as the existing H2 line including 4K UHD 4:2:0 8bit 60Hz and 10-bit HDR 24Hz up to 70m with Class A HDBaseT supporting the 5Play feature set and ARC to all zones. HDMI 18Gb/s inputs and mirrored outputs also offer capacity for full-range 4K UHD transmissions with automatic or manual CEC power triggers for every HDMI and HDBaseT output.
Installers are also able to call on the H2X’s modular architecture with an optional HDBaseT Input/HDBaseT output transmission card also available. This is a strong option when source devices are situated away from the rack.
Getting Audio Out There
For the audio functionality, the 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, a useful option for digital audio streaming on Sonos, Apple Airplay and DLNA devices.
Installers are able to deal with 30 potential separate audio inputs on the 10×10 model and 48 individual audio inputs on the 16×16. An integrated DSP means installers can adjust gain, EQ and delay per zone, source restriction per zone and an AVR Priority Mode allows dynamic EDID adjustment depending on audio demand.
The products also support CEC to manage power of both source devices as well as TVs and projectors, as well as an AVR Priority Mode feature to solve the problem of mixing multi-channel and stereo zones on a single video matrix by enabling the matrix to prioritise certain zones to have multi-channel surround sound where an AVR is on.
WyreStorm product manager, Dave Schorah, says: “The H2X is an important release for WyreStorm, both in terms of its powerful feature set for residential and commercial applications, but also as an example of not merely following the trend of keeping up with technology. The H2X is something completely new. A product that really breaks new ground and opens up incredible integration opportunities for the dealer that we are confident they will appreciate.
“Our inclusion of an equal number of HDMI inputs, HDBaseT outputs and mirrored HDMI outputs means, unlike competing products, our MX-1616-HDBT-H2X and MX-1010-HDBT-H2X are true 16×16+16 and 10×10+10 matrixes.
Dave adds: “Similarly, the H2X features a choice of different audio connectivity to all transmission modules to offer 48 potential audio sources to select from on our 16×16 model and 30 for our 10×10 model.
Furthermore, competing products also do not offer the same level of ARC, audio de-embed or extra audio input functionality, so with the H2X we really wanted to make the absolute most of the audio features available so dealers can make the most of the AV distribution tools they have at their disposal in a project.”