Selecting the Right Matrix Switcher
What are Matrix Switchers?
Matrix switchers route multiple audio/video sources to multiple audio/video destinations. These matrix switchers accept AV signals from a range of input sources - computers, cameras, Blu-ray Disc™ players, etc. - and route the output to different destinations, such as projectors, flat panel displays, and video conference codecs.
To select the right matrix switcher for a specific environment, there are several guidelines to consider:
- Matrix switchers provide the ability to route any input to any output or to multiple outputs at any time.
- Depending on the model, a matrix switcher can route DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, 3G-SDI, HD component, S-video, or composite video signals with or without stereo audio.
- Matrix switchers use:
- Standard copper cables, e.g. HDMI
- Twisted pair copper cables, e.g. Extron XTP CrossPoint®
- Fiber optic cables, e.g. Extron FOX Matrix
- The matrix switcher must support the I/O transport medium connected to its inputs or outputs.
How are they used?
Matrix switchers are used in environments such as corporate boardrooms, command and control centers, classrooms, restaurants, home theaters, and video conference rooms.
Below is an example of how a matrix switcher can be used for a divisible classroom at a university. Signals from two Blu-ray players and two CATV tuners, located in the equipment rack, are being sent to the Extron DTP CrossPoint 84 IPCP MA matrix switcher, while two laptop sources are connected via an Extron DTP T USW 233 switcher using category cabling from lectern locations in each room. Two outputs from the matrix switcher feed flat panel displays in each room via category cabling to Extron DTP HDMI 4K 230 D Rx receivers. In addition, the matrix switcher incorporates an audio amplifier to feed one room’s ceiling speakers and an external Extron XPA 2001-70V amplifier, fed from a matrix switcher audio output, supplies audio to the speakers in the second room. An Extron TLP Pro 720M wall mount touchpanel provides control at each lectern location for the AV equipment within that room. Using this design the touchpanel’s and AV system are configured to switch the Blu-ray player, CATV tuner, and laptop to the display dedicated to that room. Using a single matrix switcher, the rooms can operate as independent rooms or combined into a single large presentation space.
Categories
Fiber Optic Matrix Switchers
FOX Matrix Switchers are designed for complete, end-to-end digital AV signal transmission and routing over fiber optic cable. They are available in standard sizes from 8x8 up to 320x320, and are fully compatible with the FOX Series and FOX II Series fiber optic transmitters and receivers. Large-scale matrix switchers are also available in custom sizes up to 1000x1000 and larger through the Extron Matrix 1K program. Equipped with the essential features common to Extron matrix switchers, Extron fiber optic matrix switchers deliver highly reliable, enterprise-wide switching of fiber optic AV and control signals for any mission-critical environment. View Fiber Optic Matrix Switchers
XTP CrossPoint Matrix Switchers
Extron XTP CrossPoint® Matrix Switchers are modular, expandable integrated solutions for high performance input switching and signal routing, between multiple local and remote sources and display devices within Extron XTP Systems®. Extron technologies include SpeedSwitch®, Key Minder®, and EDID Minder®. A selection of input and output boards along with extenders provide integration for a variety of signal types and formats, ensuring system customization appropriate for a wide range of applications. Enclosures are available in I/O configurations from 4x4 to 64x64. View XTP CrossPoint Matrix Switchers
DTP CrossPoint Matrix Switchers
Extron DTP® CrossPoint matrix switchers are powerful, all-in-one AV integration solutions for presentation environments. They deliver all the core functionality of an AV system including high performance 4K matrix switching, scaling, comprehensive audio DSP, a choice of energy efficient 100 watt Class D mono or stereo audio power amplifiers, a built-in Extron IPCP Pro control processor for complete AV system control, as well as integrated extension of video, audio, and control signals up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a shielded CATx cable. DTP CrossPoint matrix switchers provide many advanced audio capabilities for complete audio system design and integration, such as Extron ProDSP, digital audio expansion for larger systems, and acoustic echo cancellation on select versions. View DTP CrossPoint Matrix Switchers
HDMI Matrix Switchers
HDMI Matrix Switchers provide high performance routing of HDMI signals to multiple displays. They meet HDMI Specification features including data rates up to 10.2 Gbps, Deep Color up to 12-bit, and HD lossless audio formats. Extron HDMI Matrix Switchers are engineered with intelligent technologies that help integrators ensure reliable system operation and compatibility between digital devices, including Key Minder®, SpeedSwitch® Technology, HDCP Visual Confirmation, EDID Minder®, plus automatic input cable equalization and output reclocking. They are available in Fixed I/O and Modular & Expandable configurations, and in I/O sizes from 4x4 to 32x32. View HDMI Matrix Switchers
DVI Matrix Switchers
DVI Matrix Switchers provide high performance routing of DVI signals to multiple displays. Most Extron DVI Matrix Switcher models are HDCP compliant, and are engineered with intelligent technologies that help integrators ensure reliable system operation and compatibility between digital devices, including Key Minder®, SpeedSwitch® Technology, HDCP Visual Confirmation, EDID Minder®, plus automatic input cable equalization and output reclocking. They are available in Fixed I/O and Modular & Expandable configurations, and in I/O sizes from 4x4 to 36x36. View DVI Matrix Switchers
SDI/HD-SDI Matrix Switchers
SDI/HD-SDI matrix switchers are designed to switch multiple serial digital video signals with embedded audio that comply with SMPTE and ITU standards for standard definition and high definition video, including 3G-SDI. They are ideal for AV presentation applications, as well as small video production and post-production systems. View SDI/HD-SDI Matrix Switchers
Modular & Expandable Matrix Switchers
Modular & Expandable Matrix Switchers are designed for applications requiring integrated signal processing, the switching of multiple analog or digital signal types under a single point of control, or applications requiring future expandability. They are available in a variety of signal types, including fiber optics, 3G-SDI, HDMI, DVI, USB, wideband RGB and Sync, along with stereo or mono audio, in standard I/O configurations up to 320x320. With the Extron Matrix 1K program, you can create fiber optic, digital, or analog signal routing solutions with I/O sizes up to 1000x1000 and beyond. View Modular & Expandable Matrix Switchers
Twisted Pair Matrix Switchers
Twisted Pair Matrix Switchers work in conjunction with twisted pair transmitters and receivers to provide simplified routing and control of signals ranging from RGBHV to composite video or S-video and stereo audio using twisted pair cable. View Twisted Pair Matrix Switchers
Ultra-Wideband RGB Matrix Switchers
Ultra-wideband RGB matrix switchers are designed to deliver exceptional performance in the most demanding, very high resolution computer-video and audio routing systems. They are available in I/O sizes from 8x4 to 128x128 and offer input flexibility, versatile control, and loss-free signal distribution. View Ultra-Wideband RGB Matrix Switchers
VGA & Stereo Audio Matrix Switchers
VGA & Stereo Audio Matrix Switchers are designed for high resolution computer-video with stereo audio applications. They range in sizes from 3x2 to 16x8, and include a wide variety of features. All Extron VGA matrix switchers are also capable of switching HDTV/component analog video signals. View VGA & Stereo Audio Matrix Switchers
Media Presentation Matrix Switchers
Media Presentation Matrix Switchers combine routing for multiple formats - VGA, composite video, S-video, and stereo audio - in a single, compact enclosure. These matrix switchers are ideal for a variety of small-scale applications including classrooms, training and conference facilities, and sophisticated home theaters. View Media Presentation Matrix Switchers
Scaling Matrix Switchers
Scaling Matrix Switchers are designed for applications requiring all video input signals to be scaled to a common video output rate. They combine high performance signal processing with matrix switching to provide optimized image quality, quick and reliable switching, and routing flexibility in one box. A scaling matrix switcher is the ideal solution for multi-display videoconferencing and presentation environments such as boardrooms conference rooms, houses of worship, and auditoriums. View Scaling Matrix Switchers
Matrix Switcher Accessories
Matrix Switcher Accessories include a variety of intuitive user control interfaces designed for easy mounting in any application. From simple remote control to full X-Y input and output selection, Extron manufactures matrix switcher control options to match any system design and remote switching requirement. Additional accessory products are available to support installation and signal distribution. View Matrix Switcher Accessories
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