Noob Questions

810 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by jzoz01, Nov 17, 2010

MikeRich

Discussion Starter · Nov 16, 2010

Hello,

I'm in the process of placing all of my AV equipment in a rack and I'd like to run audio and video to 4 locations in our home.

From reading here I think a matrix switch is what I will need to have my cable or sat play on any TV.

I have a couple of questions:

1) can you have 1 video output go to multiple outputs at the same time?

2) How do you manage/control the matrix switch? will I need something like Control4? I'd like to use my iphone or some other touch device to control what each display is showing, but I don't think I need something as complex (or $$) as a Control 4/Crestron to do this.

I get the feeling I am missing something but I don't know what.

Any help would be appreciated.

-Mike

Save

1 - 6 of 6 Posts

jautor

· #2 · Nov 16, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeRich /forum/post/19497051

1) can you have 1 video output go to multiple outputs at the same time?

Yes, by definition of a "matrix switch" - any output can view any source in any combination.

Quote:
2) How do you manage/control the matrix switch? will I need something like Control4? I'd like to use my iphone or some other touch device to control what each display is showing, but I don't think I need something as complex (or $$) as a Control 4/Crestron to do this.

That all depends on the matrix switch product you choose. If it routes IR, you'll have that option, and the more expensive products tend to have better control options like RS232 or IP to allow for integration with control systems.

Figure out your matrix needs (sources x displays) and what your cabling will be (cat5, component or HDMI), which will narrow down your product choices - then look at control options based on those (and likely the price - be prepared for sticker shock).

Jeff

See less See more

Save

MikeRich

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 17, 2010

Thanks for the explanation, I had not broken it down that way.

My sources are: !)HD Cable 2) Blur Ray player 3) HD Sat 4) PC Video stream

My displays: 1) 720 TV 2)plasma 3)PJ 4) computer 1,

so it looks like a 4x4 or 5 x5 matrix to be safe.

For connections, my house is not that big and the displays are pretty close to each so I would like to try HDMI.

I am guessing that HDMI is the most expensive, but might be easier to wire for. I have Cat5e at some spots so maybe I'll check out HDMI over Cat5/6 to see what will work.

See less See more

Save

JMJTN615

· #4 · Nov 17, 2010

I may not be understanding the question, but I would keep in mind that a single source provides a single picture. So, a single tuner would provide the same video channel to all the displays that select "TV." Same with audio: single source, single stream. Is that what you want?

Save

MikeRich

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 17, 2010

I was hoping for example that if a game on Direct TV NFL ticket, I could watch the same channel in multiple locations like the PJ and the upstairs plasma. Is that not possible with a matrix switcher?

Save

jzoz01

· #6 · Nov 17, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeRich /forum/post/19504185

I was hoping for example that if a game on Direct TV NFL ticket, I could watch the same channel in multiple locations like the PJ and the upstairs plasma. Is that not possible with a matrix switcher?

Yes. That's what a matrix switch does. Not going to find a 5x5, they tend to go from 4x4 to 8x8 to 16x16 unless you're using something scalable like Just Add Power. Make sure you're looking at a Matrix, not a Switch, if you want to have multiple displays with the same source. There are cheaper ones out there, but expect to spend about $2k for one that actually works, especially if you want to be able to use with baluns.

Save

1 - 6 of 6 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month