http://enghddev.weblogsinc.com/2009/03/20/gefens-8x4-cat-5-hdmi-matrix-is-probably-overkill-for-you/ Engadget HD Comments for Gefen's 8x4 CAT-5 HDMI Matrix is probably overkill for you http://enghddev.weblogsinc.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://enghddev.weblogsinc.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://enghddev.weblogsinc.com/2009/03/20/gefens-8x4-cat-5-hdmi-matrix-is-probably-overkill-for-you/http://enghddev.weblogsinc.com/2009/03/20/gefens-8x4-cat-5-hdmi-matrix-is-probably-overkill-for-you/Mar 20th 2009 9:33AMhttp://enghddev.weblogsinc.com/2009/03/20/gefens-8x4-cat-5-hdmi-matrix-is-probably-overkill-for-you/http://enghddev.weblogsinc.com/2009/03/20/gefens-8x4-cat-5-hdmi-matrix-is-probably-overkill-for-you/
"Important Note:
The 8x4 CAT5 Matrix for HDMI incorporates a 2x1 switch in front of each input on a traditional 4x4 matrix. This allows for the connection of up to 8 different HDMI source devices with a maximum of 4 sources available for viewing at any one time. Each of the 4 switched inputs on the 8x4 CAT5 Matrix for HDMI are labeled as "A" and "B". Both "A" and "B" for each input cannot be active at the same time."

So this is not a true 8x4 matrix switcher as much as it is four 2x1 input switchers feeding a 4x4 matrix switcher. Imagine having a source on input 1a and another on input 1b, you will not be able to view both at the same time.

There are 8x8 HDMI matrix switchers out there for around $6,500, I'm waiting for an 8x8 with Cat5 output in the $2,000 range, only then would I replace my Extron Component + dig audio switcher. Oh and the HDMI switcher would need to cache the HDCP handshake and EDID stuff. See the holy grail from Crestron:
http://www.cepro.com/article/crestrons_digitalmedia_switchers_offer_ultimate_hdmi_ip_distribution_contro/K1
]]>Mar 20th 2009 1:05PMhttp://enghddev.weblogsinc.com/2009/03/20/gefens-8x4-cat-5-hdmi-matrix-is-probably-overkill-for-you/http://enghddev.weblogsinc.com/2009/03/20/gefens-8x4-cat-5-hdmi-matrix-is-probably-overkill-for-you/Mar 20th 2009 6:39PMhttp://enghddev.weblogsinc.com/2009/03/20/gefens-8x4-cat-5-hdmi-matrix-is-probably-overkill-for-you/http://enghddev.weblogsinc.com/2009/03/20/gefens-8x4-cat-5-hdmi-matrix-is-probably-overkill-for-you/Mar 21st 2009 7:27PMhttp://enghddev.weblogsinc.com/2009/03/20/gefens-8x4-cat-5-hdmi-matrix-is-probably-overkill-for-you/http://enghddev.weblogsinc.com/2009/03/20/gefens-8x4-cat-5-hdmi-matrix-is-probably-overkill-for-you/
In the garage is a central equipment rack that houses all the AV sources for the whole house. Component Video, analog and digital audio as well as Network, control and speaker wire are run from this location to each of the zones in the house.

Sources:
Middle Atlantic rack:
Kaleidescape Server and 2 Kaleidescape Movie Players (stores all DVDs and CDs on Raid)
His and Hers DirecTV HR-21 DVRs
VUDU (1080p internet movie rental service)
Niveus Pro-Series n7 Vista Media Center for storing all Blu-ray, mp3, photos, home videos.
Playstation 3

Other sources that recently passed through the rack, HD-DVD player, FyreTV porn box, Media Center extender, Niveus Digital CableCard Receiver.

Audio & Video distribution.
Extron 3200 series matrix switcher (configured as 8x8 HD Component + SPDIF Audio)
Crestron Pad8a, audio matrix switcher for routing audio and adjusting volume tone control for each zone.
Niles si-1200 12 channel amp is connected to the pad8a and provides juice to the in ceiling speakers throughout the house.
Denon AVR for surround sound processing in the living room.

Home Control and automation:
Crestron Pro2 control processor, basically the brain behind everything, controls all AV sources, switching, lighting, HVAC and tons more.

Other:
Linksys RV082 rackmount router
Dell PowerConnect 2724 Managed gigabit switch, 24port
Atlona HD Component + SPDIF to Cat5 converter (more on this later)
HP MedaiSmart Ex470 Windows Home Server (in the process of being replaced)
Chenbro 12 bay rackmount chassis running Windows Home Server (for storing blu-ray)

So that covers the rack, in the house there are:
some wallmount LCDs, no visible wires, clean install.
In ceiling speakers throughout house,
UPB light dimmers that provide two way control and feedback with Crestron system, enabling automation and preset lighting scenes and schedules
Crestron thermostats that can be controlled through touchpanels

For interfaces there are hand held touchpanels (Crestron TPMC-10, TPMC-8x)
In wall touch panels (two Crestron TPS-4Ls, one TPS-200, one CT-1000)
A recently added RTI T2-c handheld remote and touchscreen, configured to integrate with the existing Crestron control.

Outside there are all weather speakers providing music to the patio areas (although I take the speakers out during the winter)
More controlled lighting that integrates with Crestron.

In the back of the property is a stand alone structure 27x17 that is home to a dedicated theater. Although it is a work in progress it has a Rotel pre-amp+amp, Onyx Rocket 750 signature speakers, SVS PB12 Plus sub, Projector is a JVC HD2k (1080p DILA)
Video processor is a Lumagen Vision Pro HDP, screen is a Carada. More controlled lighting.
The only source device in the theater is a local playstation3 for gaming, everything else is fed from the Central rack, video and audio is transmitted over Atlona Cat5e baluns.

Basically this allows me to access any source from anywhere in the house, allows my wife to watch a movie in the living room while I watch one in the theater and if we get tired we can resume it in the bedroom or something.

Other cool things,
When I start a movie on Kaleidescape, it automatically dims the lights in the theater, when the end credits start rolling, the lights slowly come up (these queues are sent by Kaleidescape to the Crestron system)

One touch buttons for "Away mode" which shut down the HVAC, turns off all lights, powers down all tvs, amps, whatever.

Sensors to tell me when the garage door is left open, and allows me to close the door via touchpanel or through a dialog on my Vista Media Center.

There’s still a LOT more to be done, but I haven’t been in the house for long and I am doing all the Crestron programming myself.

For the record, I am not a wealthy type and normally would never be able to afford things like Kaleidescape or a Niveus n7 but I work in this industry (Niveus Media now, previously VUDU and Kaleidescape) So I luck into a lot of this gear or get it from partners at very low prices.
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