Cascading hdmi matrix

I currently have 4 HDMI inputs being viewed on 4 different displays via a Xantech HDMI4x4 matrix. I then control them via ISY99i (Insteon) using a Global Cache GC-100-18 to convert IP commands to RS232 (serial.)

The problem is that I now have more than 4 HDMI inputs that I would like to connect. How can I do so without spending hundreds/thousands of dollars?

Since an 8x8 HDMI matrix is too expensive for me, I have attached a quick sketch of my situation which shows another HDMI matrix added to the system. I was thinking that I would buy both a Monoprice HDMI4x4 matrix and a Monoprice HDMI4x2 matrix to increase the chances that the will play nice together. Same brand...similar behaviors?

The problem is, I really don't know the difference between a matrix, a splitter, and a switch in terms of HDMI. Which ones have a legimate chance of working together and which one do not?

Any insight would be appreciated.

Please note that using the same source on multiple displays is not a requirement of mine, though it won't be bad. At minimum, All I want is to be able to switch any input to the display I am currently watching.

Thanks, Matt.



EDIT: Let me clarify a bit more. There are two of us in the house. We each have our own Directv HDDVR, set up with our own personal settings (favorites, channels, ...) Often we use the Directv music stations to feed the audio system. Each of us have our own reciever. This eliminates the chance of a scenario such as: one of us being outside, listening to a directv music station on the audio system, and having someone else switch it when they try to watch something on TV.

The other five sources are shared. AppleTV is used more often then the remaining four and is likely to be used on all of the TVs (it is often used for another whole house audio source.)

The final four sources are games and videos. When used, we normally use them together (I'm not a gamer and only watch movies when she picks one out). For that reason I bundled all of these sources on the second matrix. Assuming that since all four sources enter the first matrix on IN4, only one of the four can be seen on any of the TVs at a give time.

All equiptment is (will be) in a A/V rack in the basement. The projector is also in the basement, and the bath and bedroom are on the second floor of the house.

Equiptment:
Audio-
Russound Cav6.6 (upgrading to C5 ASAP)
Russound DMS3.1 Media Streamer (3 Airplay, XM, or USB & 1 FM)
Russound SMS3 Media Server (will be eliminating)
Russound ST2 Dual FM Tuner (will be eliminating)
Russound iPod Dock (2) (will be eliminating)

Video-
Samsung 32" LED TV 720p
Samsung 42" Plasma 720p
Samsung 24" (not purchased yet)
Electrohome Showstar Extra (640x480 VGA) <--Upgrading soon

IP to serial-
Global Cache GC-100-18
Global Cache GC-100-18R

HDMI-
Xantech HDMI4X4 (may be replacing to get more sources)

IR-
Xantech 795-20 (amplified 4 zone)
Xantech 796-20 (expansion 6 zone)
coupled to Russound keypad integrated system

Automation-
Universal Devices ISY-99i/IR

Other-
Sony DVP-SR200P DVD
Sony CX-960 400 Disc BluRay
Sony A/V (cira 2003) (should be upgraded)
Samsung DVD (component out) (not used)
Nintendo Wii (HDMI adapter needed)
Microsoft Xbox 360s
AppleTV (toslink to stereo adapter needed to also feed audio Russound controller)
Ipad Gen1 (2) w/ Airplay

Bill and all other readers,

Thanks for the reply. I think that I understand what you saying, so I should add a better explain my goal.

The main reasons for my project are 1) to minimize the number of components (sources) in the house, 2) minimize the number of new wires to pull through a house that is a century old with 18" thick walls, 3) I really want to avoid having to press the 'INPUT' button on the TVs remote control, I have always felt that Samsung's interface for this was cumbersome and very slow, and 4) more importantly, to simplify use to my better half.

The 'best' sound quality is not necessarily what really I need. What I would really like is that we each have our own directv viewable anywhere (multiple IR remotes), appletv is viewable anywhere (IR & iPad controlled,) and our DVD collection is viewable from anywhere (IR remote.)

With that being said, a 4x4 matrix (either HDMI or component) works and is what I currently have set up.

I have Insteon keypads (decora style 4,6,&8buttons) set up around the house. When she presses a button, everything turns on (or off) without her doing anything else. The dispay, the source, and the audio if approperiate. Examples: In the master bedroom if she presses APPLE TV, the MB TV will turn on, switch the matrix to Apple TV. If she presses BLU RAY or DTV, silmilar things will occur. A similar decora keypad is located by the door to the back yard. If she presses MUSIC DTV, the Russound will turn on the backyard speaker and switch to her Directv source, and switch to her favorite music channel. Heres the more interesting part. If she is in the a room with a TV, lets say the family room, and presses MUSIC - FM, the Russound will switch on the FR speakers, and select her favorite station. However if she selects MUSIC - DTV, pressing it switches the family room speakers on and turns to her favorite directv music station, but a double click of the button will switch on the FM speakers, switches to the
Directv music station, but also turns on the FR TV so she can browse for a different station.

The problem is the projector. It is where she works out every single day. Currently she has to press a bunch of different remotes and A/V components to get her workout program of the day, because the projector will only allow for one 'higher' def input. She uses DVDs, Xbox live, and occasionally Wii. They are all driven by an old Sony reciever.

Minimizing components, I have gotton rid of our extra Wii. However we do use it both in the basement (workout/movies) and the family room (triva games) which are stacked on top of each other and therefore the remotes still work. I go down stairs and switch around a few cables and were set to watch it in the FR, the switch it back when we are done. I could really just use a splitter.

In the end, I really just want a 'cleaner' install without spending a ton. I am a fan of component video, however either 5 cables must be run to each display or blauns must be used. I have not found a matrix type of component switcher that is both affordable and connects with cat5. Therefore I would need a 4x1 switcher for each dispay, a set of blauns for each dispay, and the need to use splitters to split the source to each switcher. I the end I still only have 4 sources, four displays, and tons more wire, but it should be more reliable albiet harder to program.

I am hoping that this long winded rant makes someone go, 'Why doesn't he just by "this product" and all his troubles will be over.' However I am guessing the general concensus will be why did he type so much for such a minor incoinvenience?'

Thanks for listening and hopefully offering some more help.

Matt