New from WyreStorm and available from May 22 are the manufacturer’s first HDBaseT 4K UltraHD matrix switchers to include dedicated Audio matrix switching. H2X Series matrix switchers were developed specifically for large, high-end commercial and residential applications requiring multi-source video distribution of the latest 4K HDR content as well as multi-source audio matrix switching to multiple zones.

The MX-1616-HDBT-H2X (UK MSRP: £19,949) is a 16-way 4K HDR video and integrated 16×48 audio matrix, with its slightly smaller sibling MX-1010-HDBT-H2X (UK MSRP: £12,799) reducing that figure to 10-way 4K HDR video and 10×30 audio matrix. Both models include a powerful 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.

For commercial applications, the H2X provides centralised, secure AV signal management and distribution ensuring zero latency with 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.

When used for residential custom install applications, the H2X combines management of the latest UHD and legacy video formats, including SmartTV functions and audio-on-demand products.

Dedicated audio matrix switching

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 – tailor-made for digital audio streaming on Sonos, Apple Airplay and DLNA devices. That amounts to support for 30 potential separate audio inputs on the 10×10 H2X model and 48 individual audio inputs on the 16×16.

Furthermore, 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.

Addressing the increase in mixed 2K/4K installations, WyreStorm’s SmartEDID feature reacts to changes in source routing to output the highest possible source resolution compatible with all displays, thereby removing any conflict when combining 1080p and 4K screens within the same installation.

Bidirectional 4K-2K scaling and frameless switching is also supported by integrating the H2X with the WyreStorm RX-70-4K-SCL HDBaseT scaling receiver, set to launch May 22 – an important consideration for projects already containing high-end 2K projectors or displays a client would not want to upgrade to 4K devices.

H2X models continue to offer the same video performance as WyreStorm’s H2 matrix platform to the tune of 4K UHD 4:2:0 8bit 60Hz and 10-bit HDR 24Hz up to 70m/230ft with Class A HDBaseT supporting the 5Play feature set and ARC to all zones. HDMI 18Gb/s inputs and 16 or 10 mirrored outputs also offer capacity for full-range 4K UHD transmissions with automatic or manual CEC power triggers for every HDMI and HDBaseT output.

Furthermore, the modular architecture of the H2X also sees it support custom configuration. The H2X launches with an optional HDBaseT Input/HDBaseT Output transmission card also available, suitable for installations where source devices are situated away from the rack. Both HDBaseT ports support the 5Play feature set, which means PoH, Ethernet and control signals are passed to both Transmitter and Receiver locations.

The modular nature of the H2X means it will also support a further selection of multi-format transmission cards tailored at providing alternative methods of transmission or expanding either audio or video capabilities of a system. More details on new H2X transmission modules will be released at InfoComm 2017.

“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 matrices,” says WyreStorm product manager Dave Schorah. “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.”