Gefen from Core Brands has unveiled two new matrix products, the EXT-UHD600A-44 and EXT-UHD600A-88, at InfoComm 2017.

Both matrix products support the latest HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2 standards, and include multiple new features for commercial integrators. They also support all 4K timings and Chroma subsampling formats, as well as HDR and all aspects of Rec. 2020.

“HDMI’s recent update to the 2.0a standard is taking the AV industry by storm and catapulting the possibilities for resolution, colour, contrast and audio signals to new heights. The need for products that switch, split, and extend this new signal format continues to increase as more display and source devices are created to embrace its capabilities. Gefen has added the EXT-UHD600A-44 and EXT-UHD600A-88 to the 600MHz series to guarantee that commercial installers can fully utilize the cutting-edge signal standards available today,” says Core Brands’ Gefen product manager Jason Fitzgerald.

Recognising that audio is just as important as video, both matrix products incorporate analogue and digital audio breakouts that de-embed the audio stream from each HDMI output. This allows the isolated audio content to be connected to external amplifiers and music distribution systems, such as those found in bars, restaurants, clubs, venues and corporate offices.

Thanks to the independent scalers that are built into each output, two of the outputs on the EXT-UHD600A-44 have the ability to downscale a 4K signal to HD, while the remaining two outputs can upscale an HD signal to 4K Ultra HD, maximising compatibility in a mixed display system.

Both new matrix products include a Professional API feature that provides previously unattainable data to open the door for exciting interactions between control/monitoring systems and Gefen products. The EXT-UHD600A-44 also includes Gefen’s Long Range Power (LRP) feature that eliminates the need for commercial installers to use an external power supply when using a compatible extender to increase the matrix’s output beyond an HDMI cable’s limits.

“There has been and always will be a need for external products that perform the duties of switching, splitting, and extension in the AV distribution business. Gefen has always maintained a strong heritage in supplying these types of products while integrating the latest trends in connectivity technology. The introduction of these two new matrix products truly completes our 600MHz line-up by enabling commercial integrators to fully utilize HDMI 2.0a,” says Jason.