Articles and whitepapers

A Matrix Switch for Trouble-Free Full HD Distribution over CAT5e in Homes (1/3/2010)

By Derek Hulbert, Tradestech.biz

With HD distribution hardware prices spanning the full range of costs, little clarity exists on the performance or quality of the available solutions. Poorly-performing, low-cost, low-quality HD switches have had to be used with an array of third party extender and converter products. Alternatively, solutions costing in excess of GBP10,000 simply cannot be justified for many cost-sensitive projects.

More concerning for the CI industry is the rejection of digital product altogether, with the installation of older analogue technology. For an industry promoting the very latest, premium home technology solutions, weaknesses have clearly been evident, with hardware providers not fully embracing all the functionality that consumer electronics manufacturers' products have to offer.

Surprisingly, the solution has been some time coming, with many manufacturers delaying launch or withdrawing products. Tradestech, a Swindon-based company, is filling this gap by bringing a stable and sustainable CAT5e HD distribution solution to the UK, with a full range of products and accessories to meet some of the most demanding of installations.

The product's concept is well accepted as a part of a residential installation, and understood by many installers - AV sources centrally located and distributed over CAT5e to displays with elements of control and integration. However, in many cases, products start life in the commercial digital display markets, with the transition to residential CI often not being fully managed. For this reason, early HD distribution products failed to deliver total satisfaction in the home environment, with questionable source switching and the annoyance of HDCP sync problems.

A matrix switch specifically designed for residential applications

Tradestech has worked with its manufacturing partners to prepare and manage its introduction of HD CAT5e Matrix Switch product to the UK CI market. A range of products is now available that overcomes commonly poor display/source compatibility, slow switching and the inherent HDCP/EDID idiosyncrasies.

The HD CAT5e Matrix Switch is available in various models. The 4x4 model shown above, supports four HD sources, and four HD displays over CAT5e, CAT6 or CAT7.

One of the main features is the product's ability to maintain its HDCP connection regardless of source requests from other rooms or zones. In the past, an HD satellite receiver being watched in the living room, with a later request from the snug to join the same source would have resulted in blank screens for all displays, as the HDCP is re-negotiated between displays and the source. All Tradestech products overcome this issue by maintaining constant HDCP communication between the HD source and switch (not the display), therefore a constant link is achieved regardless of additional room requests, resulting in a smoother and more refined viewing experience.

Often installed as a standalone solution, control of all HD sources and inputs is an essential part of each product in the range. Regardless of cost, each Matrix Switch offers discrete IR pass-through, allowing the easy installation of duplicate HD sources. It is therefore possible to install, for example, multiple satellite HD receivers without the need to change remote frequencies or to add additional hardware to resolve IR conflicts that always exist in these situations. Performance of IR receiver components is also impressive, which all adds to the creation of a stable and pleasurable end-user experience.

Choice of models

Starting from £400 for the entry-level 4x2 model, the HD CAT5e Matrix Switch is also available in 4x4, 4x8 and 8x8 models, with plans to introduce a 16x16 switch during Q2 of 2010. Each model can send 1080p-resolution content up to 50m using CAT5e, or longer distances using CAT6 or CAT7. A line repeater module is also available for longer distances. The HD CAT5e Matrix Switch offers switching via front panel, IR control or RS232 for direct switching and feedback data, and is being fully integrated with popular multiroom products.

The 8x8 model HD CAT5e Matrix Switch supports eight Full HD sources, and 8 Full HD displays over CAT5e, CAT6 or CAT7.

A full range of analogue to digital source input converters, both single and twin CAT5e output options and a full range of switcher models are available from UK stock to provide a scalable, multi-format AV distribution system.

Conclusion

The Full HD distribution market will always be strong in the high-end residential custom installation environment. Clients now demand the very best the market has to offer for their 103" 1080p deep colour displays, for which the current top 8x8 HD CAT5e Matrix Switch model more than delivers. Tradestech is also hopeful that its entry level 4x2 model at below GBP400.00, will be attractive enough for the adoption in multi-dwelling projects, as home builders look for that cost-effective element of technology to add to their new builds, as the market recovers.

Derek Hulbert is the managing Director of Tradestech.biz, the trading name for Techbiz UK Ltd. Tradestech.biz is the sole authorised UK stocking distributor for a full range of HD Matrix Switches with integrated long-range CAT5e outputs designed to distribute Full HD and Blu-ray devices using existing or newly-installed CAT5e.

www.tradestech.biz