WyreStorm  has leveraged its switching expertise in the design of its first HDBaseT 4K UltraHD matrix switchers to include dedicated audio matrix switching.  Both 16×16 (MX-1616-HDBT-H2X) and 10×10 (MX-1010-HDBT-H2X) models will be launched at ISE 2017.

The H2X Series of 4K Ultra HD matrix switchers was developed specifically for large, high-end residential and commercial applications requiring multi-source video distribution of the latest 4K HDR content as well as multi-source audio matrix switching to multiple zones.

Addressing the increase in mixed 4K/2K installations, WyreStorm’s SmartEDID feature dynamically detects and reacts to display and source capabilities to output the highest possible resolution for each individual source. 4K-2K scaling and frameless switching is also available using the WyreStorm RX-70-4K-SCL HDBaseT scaling receiver also launching launch at ISE 2017.

H2X models continue to offer the same best-in-class video performance as its current award-winning H2 matrix platform to the tune of 4K UHD 4:2:0 8bit 60Hz and 10-bit HDR 24Hz up to 70m with Class A HDBaseT supporting the 5Play feature set and ARC to all zones.  HDMI 18Gb/s inputs and 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, with an optional HDBaseT Input/HDBaseT Output transmission card also available – perfect 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.

However, audio is where things get really exciting with the H2X offering a true evolution in AV signal distribution that is quite literally wired for sound for the ultimate flexibility over what audio can be distributed from where, and to where.

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 a grand total of a huge 30 potential separate audio inputs on the 10×10 H2X model and a massive 48 individual audio inputs on the 16×16.

Furthermore, the powerful 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.  And Keeping everything in check on the H2X is internal diagnostics that continually monitor performance of the main board and transmission cards.

Offering real-world benefits and addressing real-world installation issues are key to WyreStorm’s product development, which is seen in support for CEC to manage power of both source devices as well as TVs and projectors, as well as the AVR Priority Mode feature to solve the (digital) age-old CI problem of mixing multichannel and stereo zones on a single video matrix by enabling the matrix to prioritize certain zones to have multichannel surround sound where an AVR is on.