Casey @ Mar 20th 2009 1:05PM

I was pretty excited by this until I read this important notice on Gefen's site.

"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