What’s a Matrix Switcher and Why You Need One

A critical component many people don't know they have


Gefen 4x4 HDMI switcher.

By Orrin Charm

When an entertainment system is comprised of multiple video components, such as set-top boxes, Blu-ray players and media servers, it makes sense to share all that content with every TV in your house.The common way to do this is through a device called a matrix switcher. Matrix switchers range from two inputs and two outputs (2×2) for around $200, all the way up to 32 inputs and 32 outputs (32×32) or more for around $16,000.They are intended to be installed and programmed by a custom electronics (CE) professional.


We will focus on Gefen’s ToolBox 4×4 Matrix for HDMI to explain the particulars of matrix switching. Deceptively simple on the outside, this 4×4 Matrix for HDMI is actually a very complex device, containing four 1:4 HDMI splitters, a cross-point matrix, and four 4×1 HDMI switchers, all controlled by a microprocessor. Preserving and respecting HDCP data (see sidebar) while avoiding authentication delays requires a lot of processing power. While the integrated circuit chips do the heavy lifting, custom programming, exhaustive testing and quality of customer support are what differentiate the players in this competitive market.




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