StarTech.com 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switch with Audio & Ethernet Control

The StarTech.com 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switch with Audio and Ethernet Control is the ultimate solution for anyone who needs seamless audio and video performance across multiple displays. This high-end HDMI switcher box lets you share and switch between four HDMI video sources and route them to four independent displays, all while preserving audio quality and delivering reliable, professional-grade control. Whether you’re outfitting a corporate boardroom, a classroom, a digital signage network, or a home theater/setup with demanding multi-display requirements, this rack-mountable matrix switch is built to simplify complex AV distribution with rock-solid performance, intuitive management, and scalable connectivity.

• 4x4 HDMI matrix with full input-to-output routing: Each of the four HDMI sources can be directed to any of the four displays, enabling flexible, multi-zone layouts. This eliminates the need to physically swap cables and makes it easy to adapt to changing presentation needs or signage configurations without downtime.
• Support for 4K 60Hz video across all outputs: Experience crisp, fluid video with high color fidelity, ideal for detailed presentations, 4K media playback, and immersive digital signage across multiple screens. The matrix preserves sharpness and motion, ensuring that every frame looks as intended.
• Integrated audio routing and synchronization: The device preserves embedded audio paths and allows flexible audio routing across outputs, so you can drive external speakers, sound systems, or AV receivers while maintaining sync with the video signals on each display.
• Advanced control options for professional systems: Manage routing remotely via Ethernet and RS232, enabling seamless integration with room control systems, automation platforms, and centralized management solutions. Local control through front-panel buttons provides quick, on-the-spot testing and configuration, while the included remote offers convenient everyday operation.
• Rugged, rack-mountable design for professional installs: A 1U, 19-inch rack-mountable enclosure made from durable metal ensures reliable operation in commercial environments. Its compact footprint fits neatly into standard AV racks, reducing cable clutter and enabling clean, scalable deployments.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switch with Audio and Ethernet Control

• Inputs: 4 HDMI source inputs, designed to accommodate a range of source devices such as Blu-ray players, media servers, laptops, and conferencing systems.
• Outputs: 4 HDMI display outputs, enabling four separate displays or zones to be fed from the matrix simultaneously.
• Video resolution: Supports up to 4K at 60Hz across connected displays, delivering sharp, smooth video suitable for high-resolution presentations and media.
• HDCP compatibility: HDCP-compliant to ensure protected content from compatible sources can pass through the matrix to displays and recording devices where permitted.
• Audio: Embedded audio routing options allow you to embed or pass through audio across the matrix paths, enabling synchronized audio playback on connected displays or external audio systems.
• Control options: Ethernet for network-based management and RS232 for direct integration with professional AV controllers; front-panel controls provide local management and quick testing, with an optional remote control for convenience.
• Routing architecture: Full 4x4 matrix with independent routing from inputs to outputs, enabling complex layouts where each display may show content from any source or be independently managed.
• Video timing and compatibility: Maintains signal integrity across connections and supports standard HDMI features suitable for multi-display configurations in office and classroom environments.
• Power: Internal universal power supply compatible with 100–240 VAC, making it suitable for global deployments and simplifying power planning for multi-site setups.
• Form factor: 1U rack-mountable chassis in a sturdy metal enclosure, designed for reliable operation in busy AV racks and to fit seamlessly into standard 19-inch rack systems.

How to install StarTech.com 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switch with Audio and Ethernet Control

• Plan your layout: Identify which sources will feed which displays and determine the most efficient routing plan for your typical use cases. Map out a matrix routing diagram so you can configure presets quickly.
• Rack-mount the unit: Install the matrix switch in a standard 19-inch equipment rack as a 1U device. Use rack rails and appropriate hardware to secure the unit for stable operation in an AV rack environment.
• Connect HDMI sources: Attach each HDMI source (e.g., laptops, media players, conferencing devices) to the four input ports on the matrix. Use high-quality HDMI cables to ensure reliable signal transmission for 4K 60Hz content.
• Connect displays: Run HDMI cables from each of the four outputs to the corresponding displays or displays in your layout. Ensure displays are configured to accept 4K signals when appropriate and set to the correct input sources.
• Configure control and routing: Connect the matrix to your network via Ethernet for remote control, and connect RS232 lines to your control system if required. Access the web-based control interface or use your RS232 commands to establish routing presets. Save preferred configurations as presets for quick recall during meetings or events.
• Power and test: Plug in the power supply, power up the system, and verify that each input can be routed to the desired output. Test video quality at 4K 60Hz, confirm audio routing works as expected, and validate control responses from Ethernet, RS232, and front-panel controls.
• Fine-tune and document: Document your routing maps and presets for IT and AV staff. If needed, adjust EDID or HDCP management settings through the control interface to optimize compatibility with connected sources and displays.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I route any input to any output simultaneously? Yes. The 4x4 matrix design allows independent routing so each display can show content from any of the four sources, enabling complex multi-display configurations without re-cabling.
• What video resolutions are supported? The matrix supports 4K at 60Hz on connected displays, which makes it suitable for high-resolution presentations, streaming, and digital signage, subject to source and cable capabilities.
• How can I control the matrix? You can control it via Ethernet for networked, centralized management, via RS232 for direct integration with control systems, and locally through front-panel controls. An optional remote control may be available for convenient everyday operation depending on the model configuration.
• Is the device suitable for professional AV installations? Yes. The rack-mountable 1U chassis is designed for corporate, education, and commercial installations where space efficiency, reliability, and scalable routing are essential.
• Does it support audio routing and synchronization? Yes. The matrix preserves and routes embedded audio signals across outputs, enabling coherent audio across displays or routing to external audio systems as required.
• What are typical use cases? This matrix is ideal for conference rooms and boardrooms with multiple attendees or presenters, digital signage networks that require flexible source-to-display routing, classroom AV setups, broadcast or production environments that need reliable multi-display distribution, and large home theater systems that demand centralized control.
• Do I need additional software to configure routing presets? In many setups, the web-based control interface and RS232 commands are sufficient, allowing you to create, save, and recall routing configurations without extra software. Some installations may benefit from third-party control systems for broader automation and room control integration.