What was once a choice between analog composite, component, and VGA has become the United Nations of digital signal formats, all requiring flawless translation and sorting from source to destination. Requirements of routing and switching devices have grown exponentially along the way, and they have had to become very smart machines. As shown here, modern manufacturers have met these challenges with creativity and innovation.
Expanding the capabilities of the KUMO 6464 while maintaining a compact 4RU footprint, the AJA Video Systems KUMO 6464-12G provides ganged dual and quad port routing control for higher HD signals up to 8K/UltraHD2. Features include eight salvos per router, twenty presets, an embedded web server, and support for external control by as many as 32 AJA control panels.
The versatile Altinex UT260-102 can switch among HDMI, VGA, and Display Port in auto-switch mode or by remote contact closure and RS-232. Its HDMI output also provides deembedded analog sound. The most recent source input can be automatically switched to the output, a feature especially useful in classroom environments. LED driver connections allow remote input indication, and the RS-232 interface can also be used for configuration.
Equally at home in a single rack space or on a shelf, the Apantac Mt Hood HDM2.0-8×8-UHD-A matrix switcher with audio breakout handles resolutions up to UHD@60Hz (4:4:4) and offers four presets. There is an LCD module on the front panel for control, but in addition, there is a LAN port and RS-232 serial control capability. On the back are stereo and optical audio breakout ports
A 120-watt Crown DriveCore amplifier, audio processing, and feedback suppression are featured in the AMX DVX-2265-4K presentation switcher. The IN/OUT audio interface includes Dante and analog, while DXLink provides compatibility with other AMX units and standard HDBaseT devices. Outboard control capability extends to the HTML5 Web Interface with built-in status and troubleshooting features
Multi-screen presentations pose a challenge for the most seasoned lecturers, but the Analog Way Zenith 200 4K60 presentation switcher and videowall processor can make it look easy. With 16 inputs and 6 outputs, the 2RU unit offers sophisticated video effects and an HTML5-based user interface. This device can mix and split layers while putting a live or still image background on all PGM outputs
The A-Neuvideo ANI-62HDRH matrix switcher and scaler can freely show a range of six input sources on two 4K UHD HDMI displays, and de-embed HDMI sound to optical digital audio. Handling video resolutions up to 4K/60 (4:4:4, 8-bit), the switcher exhibits high-level EDID capability and simplifies operation with six configurable presets. Operational modes include front panel controls with associated LCD, RS-232, Telnet, WebGUI, and IR remote.
For versatility in switching long range signals, the Atlona AT-HDR-MX1616 HDR HDBaseT matrix switcher supports a mirrored HDMI output for each HDBaseT output. Through the power of HDBaseT, there is substantial extension of not only video and sound but Ethernet, control signals, and power for distances up to 330ft. At the same time, de-embedded audio is sent to unbalanced stereo analog outputs.
Functionally sophisticated for commercial use yet operationally straightforward to suit high-end home theater, the Aurora Multimedia ASP-882S 8×8 4K60 HDMI matrix switcher de-embeds digital and analog audio on each output. It also offers more output flexibility with 4K-to-1080p downscaling and ARC audio from the connected displays. Control capability includes front panel OLED screen and IR remote along with RS-232, LAN, and Web GUI.
In response to increased demand in multimonitor environments, the Black Box Freedom II KM switches allow an operator to Glide-and-Switch, sweeping the mouse across as many as eight displays to select a function on any of them. While keeping simultaneous access to all AV sources, peripherals can be seamlessly shared, and files cut and pasted between all displayed devices.
The Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Extreme ISO G2 is a production switcher that packs maximum function into minimum control surface real estate. Directly connectable to rack gear or by Ethernet network, this switcher features eight standards converted HDMI inputs that can be routed to any of three HDMI outputs. There is also an integral streaming engine. Despite the unit’s small size there are also XLR audio inputs.
Video signals have no monopoly on the matrix switching market, and the Bluestream DA1414 audio matrix applies 8-band parametric equalizing, volume control, Dante/AES67 support, analog sound, and USB. There is even phantom power on mic and line level inputs. Power includes PoE+ on the primary LAN connection, and the system can be operated from the front panel, RS232, TCP/IP, and WebGUI.
The 1RU fanless DVIGear DisplayNet DN-300T utilizes SDVoE ASIC technology to offer simultaneous TX/RX operation. Like all DisplayNet products, it provides 4K/60 (4:4:4) video distribution with limitless scalability, zero-frame latency, and zero image artifacts. The new DN-300T is a fully bidirectional Transceiver. This single unit can simultaneously send and receive AVoIP data. It also offers dedicated TX and RX modes. Fully compatible with all DN-300 Series models, with features including PoE+ support, and dual (copper/fiber) network interfaces for distances of up to 100 meters (328 ft.) with CAT-6A twisted pair and up to 30 KM (18.6 miles) with single-mode fiber. The unit includes auxiliary H.264/5 video output streams that provide support for viewing source thumbnails and for remote viewing/recording with resolutions up to 1080/30p.
The Extron DTP3 IN2004 Series of scaling switchers unites routing, signal translation, and extension in a single chassis unit. The DTP extension runs video, sound, and control up to 330ft. on CAT 6A to a variety of DTP endpoint units. Among the formats carried are 4K/60 @ 4:4:4, HDCP 2.3, and HDR video. High-end scaling and audio embedding/ de-embedding are featured along with mirrored DTP and HDMI outputs.
At NAB and InfoComm 2025, the Evertz Fiber X-LINK debuted as the latest expansion of the NEXX processing and routing line, a massive 12G-SDI solution for live events, stadia, and other large-scale applications that Evertz also envisions as a building block to future ST 2110 workflows. By connecting three powerful NEXX routers together, users can create a single 960×960 IO unit, which Evertz claims as the largest 12G-SDI router the industry has ever seen. As with its predecessor X-LINK, users can link routers together or connect to external devices without affecting IO.
One way to get multi-function matrix switching into a tight space is the FSR DV-HMSW4K-44AUD, and this 4×4 HDMI switcher features coaxial digital audio as well as analog audio outputs. There is also a 4K to 1080p downscaling function that provides simultaneous 4K and 1080p displays. At home on the desktop or wall-mounted with supplied mounting ears, the unit is controlled through front panel buttons, IR, RS-232, and TCP/IP.
Operating three computers from a single console via DisplayPort1.2 is the G&D DP1.2-MUX3- ATC KVM switch. The operator may use the front panel buttons, custom configurable key combinations, the integrated EasyControl tool, XML remote control, or a serial control unit connected to the RS-232 port. Switching includes unidirectional embedded audio, and the unit has redundant internal power packs.
A space saving tool with advanced functionality is the Gefen GTB-HD4K2K-848-BLK, a ToolBox 4K Ultra HD 8×8 HDMI matrix switcher. Video resolutions as high as 4096×2160 and 3860×2160 are supported along with EDID management as well as 7.1-channel LPCM and HBR digital audio in TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS-HD Master Audio formats. Gefen Syner-G software can be used for initial IP configuration.
BYOD on small conferences can present some interesting last-minute technical challenges, and the Hall Technologies HT-RANGER2 is designed to handle just such situations. In addition to wirelessly interfacing through AirPlay, Miracast, Smart View, and HT-VOYAGER, the unit can hard-attach on HDMI and USB-C ports. Each user has full-screen or dual-view mode presentation capability, and the system provides an automatic signal switching feature.
The IDK MSD-6204 Digital Multi Switcher can physically interface with a very wide range of old and newer format connections from analog composite through HDMI to HDBaseT including PoH. Offering up to eight inputs and four outputs with scan conversion, the system offers Dante output as an optional extra. External devices can be controlled via RS-232C, LAN, CEC, or contact closure.
Designed for large facilities and long reach signal applications, the IHSE Draco tera enterprise modular matrix system can switch and route HD video, multi-channel audio, and data over Cat X, multi-mode or singlemode fiber optic cable. Each of its scalable 576 I/O ports may be configured as an input or output. This capability, along with fully redundant power and hot swappable modules, enables multi-port redundancy for highly critical operations.
At the other end of the physical footprint scale is the small KanexPro SW-4X1HDUSBC HDMI/USB-C 4×1 switcher. Its three HDMI inputs and one USB-C input feed a single HDMI output with video signal resolutions up to 8K/60 from HDMI and 8K/30 from the USB-C input. Audio support includes HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and multichannel sound. A 3-pin DIP switch on the front panel can be set for EDID, and there is a front panel service port for firmware updates.
A new level of versatility in multi-source presentation routing has been introduced with the Kramer MTX3- 88-PR-PRO 8×8 4K60 all-in-one hybrid presentation matrix switcher. This 3RU device offers 8 bi-directional HDBT 3.0 ports, 2 USB-C ports, scaling, and integral video test patterns and overlays, as well as a network output streamer/encoder (H.264/5). On sound, it has DSP and Dante in addition to a dual-zone amplifier and wireless presenter input.
If a smaller, single RU 8×8 matrix is required, the Liberty AV DigitaLinx Series DL-HDM88AS-H2 8×8 HDMI 2.0 Matrix Switch is available with automatic 4K to 1080P downscaling and digital/ analog audio de-embedding on all outputs. It also provides smart EDID management on each port. Beyond front panel controls, there is also TCP/IP, RS-232, IR, and WebGUI operation
The Lightware UCX-4×3-HC40 allows presenters and collaboration members to use their phones and other USB-C interface devices to use this unit for 4K A/V and control signals. Participants can easily connect with cameras, speakerphones, and touchscreens. Outputs have CEC, and to deal with low batteries on phones or other BYOD equipment, there is also USB-C charging. Peripherals connect on USB-A type connectors, and there is a DANTE/AES67 network connection for output to an external sound system.
Whether working as a sub-switcher in a larger system or operating on its own, the Marshall Electronics VSW2000 allows selection between four 3G/HD/HD-SDI input formats to an SDI switched output. While taking up a small shelf/ rack space, or being mounted under a desktop, this tiny unit can be operated via the front panel buttons or remotely controlled through IR remote or on a 9-pin serial terminal. Stable output is assured through re-clocking and equalization on the outputs.
Devices with source resolutions up to 4K/60 can be switched in the Opticis OHM-44UHD HDMI 4×4 matrix system and controlled through front panel buttons, RS-232, Telnet, WebGUI and IR remote. Through the WebGUI interface users can store and recall up to four routing presets. Multiple internally stored EDID configurations can be selected in addition to those downloaded and stored from connected displays.
Fitting into a single rack space and handling 8×8 HDMI inputs with 2 HDMI outputs, along with 6 HDBaseT outputs, the PureLink HTX II-8800 has PoC on all HDBaseT outputs. Also onboard is a sophisticated audio switching matrix 16 audio outputs and 22 audio inputs. Each HDMI input port can take video resolutions up to 4K/60. The unit’s capabilities also include pass-through audio up to 7.1 channels of HD sound.
A reliable and proven 16×16 matrix system for 1080p signals is the Rose Electronics UltraMatrix AV HDMI, also supporting 7.1 digital multi-channel audio. Among the features is Learn Mode which inputs EDID information from any output display and remembers it. The 3RU device can be controlled via front panel, remote matrix switching software, optional IR controller, or serial connection. One variant includes a LAN card for TCP/IP operation.
The Snap One Binary B-520-MTRX-230-8×8 has simultaneous HDMI and HDBaseT outputs for local displays and signal reach as far as 230ft. with bi-directional IR control. Receivers can be powered from the switcher through powerover-cable (POC) and there is Ethernet, RS-232 control, and IR routing with shielded Cat5e/6 cable recommended. The 520 Series is certified for compatibility with Control4 automation and networking.
A single rack unit device with 4×4 source/display capability is the Tekvox MUH44T-H2 4×4 HDMI matrix switcher with support for 4Kx2K/60 and 1080p 3D resolution video. Included with it are four PoC-capable HDBaseT receivers for a location up to 230ft. away. In addition to the front panel buttons, the switcher can be operated through bi-directional IR, RS-232, and TCP/IP.
For major league switching in very large facilities, the Thinklogical VX640 matrix switch can be configured for up to 640×640 switching through installation of modular, hot-swappable 20-port data cards. Redundant power supplies and control cards assure operational reliability, and stable, re-clocked signals can be sent nearly 50 miles. Control ports include RS-232 serial and LAN with closed contact alarm connections on a 12-position terminal block.
Modular design and construction enable the Utah Scientific UTAH-400 72R router to handle any signal, including fiber and analog formats, perform audio embedding, de-embedding, and synchronize incoming signals to a common reference through hot-swappable cards. All of this is done with redundant power feeds to all modules and a common set of I/O cards for any frame size.
For much smaller, space-saving matrix applications, the WyreStorm EXP-MX-0402-H2 applies 4×2 switching in a unit that can fit almost anywhere. Its integral auto scaler allows simultaneous feeds to 4K and 1080p displays, while it also provides analog and digital audio deembedding, ARC, and CEC triggering. The unit is controllable on front panel buttons and via a rear RS-232 connection.
