Essential Install | Wyrestorm
WyreStorm Adds H2X And Gets Audio
WyreStorm underlines the importance of both audio and video in today ’ s multi-zone installs with new H2X Series HDBaseT 4K HDR matrix switchers .
Announced back in May , the new 16x16 and 10x10 HDBaseT 5Play matrix switchers support 4K HDR , HDCP 2.2 and 18Gb / s HDMI , as well as offering integrated audio matrix switching up to 48x16 .
You might be forgiven for thinking that audio was not the most obvious addition to a range of matrix switchers , HDBaseT is all about video and 21 st century connectivity , right ? Well it is , but if you are providing a pipe for all the cool stuff , why not provide plenty of headroom for the ever popular multi-room audio sector too .
In detail , the MX-1616-HDBT-H2X is a 16-way 4K HDR video and integrated 16x48 audio matrix , with its slightly smaller sibling ( MX-1010-HDBT-H2X ) reducing that figure to 10-way 4K HDR video and 10x30 audio matrix . Both include a DSP and offer HDBaseT 5Play with WyreStorm ’ s QuickSync instant switching technology for uncompressed transmission and an optional HDBaseT Input card supporting remote source connection .
Both these models have been developed specifically for commercial and resi jobs where multi-source video distribution of 4K HDR content is needed in partnership with multi-source audio matrix switching to multiple zones .
For commercial , WyreStorm says H2X provides centralised , secure AV signal management and distribution ensuring zero latency and perfect AV synchronicity of the latest HD and UHD formats . The H2X can be integrated with a range of WyreStorm Pro AV accessory products to facilitate remote source connectivity and distribution for conference and collaboration applications , including wireless transmission and sharing .
On the resi side , the H2X combines management of the latest UHD and legacy video formats , including SmartTV functions and audio-on-demand products .
Recognising the need to cater for legacy products where 2K and 4K have to live side by side , the SmartEDID feature reacts to changes in source routing to output the highest possible source resolution compatible with all displays , removing conflict when combining 1080p and 4K screens within the same installation . Bidirectional 4K-2K scaling and frameless switching is also supported by integrating
the H2X with a WyreStorm RX-70-4K-SCL HDBaseT scaling receiver , a good solution for projects already containing 2K projectors or displays that need to stay in situ .
For the promised audio capability , H2X features an integrated audio matrix with three possible source inputs per zone in the form of audio de-embed of HDMI video sources , ARC from zones up to 5.1 and adjustable line-level audio only sources via S / PDIF audio input . WyreStorm says the setup is tailor-made for digital audio streaming on Sonos , Apple Airplay and DLNA devices . The platform amounts to support for a total of 30 potential separate audio inputs on the 10x10 H2X model and 48 individual audio inputs on the 16x16 .
The audio DSP featured on all H2X transmission modules also allows adjustment of gain , EQ and delay per zone , source restriction per zone and an AVR Priority Mode , which allows dynamic EDID adjustment depending on audio demand . Keeping everything in check , internal diagnostics monitor performance of the main board and transmission cards .
Not the only dog in this fight , WyreStorm product manager Dave Schorah is clear that he believes WyreStorm has the biggest bite : “ Unlike competing products , the H2X features true 16x16 + 16 and 10x10 + 10 transmission and a choice of different audio connectivity to all transmission modules , as well as CEC to manage power to source and display devices and AVR Priority Mode to solve the problem of mixing multichannel and stereo zones through a single video matrix . As the only product of its kind on the market offering this level of audio and video functionality , with the H2X we wanted to make the absolute most of the audio features available so dealers can make the most of the AV tools they have at their disposal in a project .”
As if that isn ’ t enough , the modular architecture of the H2X means custom configuration can be supported . An optional HDBaseT Input / HDBaseT Output transmission card is available for installations where source devices are situated away from the rack with five more multi-format card options , including fibre , SDI and more unveiled at InfoComm 2017 .
More Information : WyreStorm + 44 ( 0 ) 1793 230343 , www . wyrestorm . com
June 2017 | 17