StarTech.com 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher & HDMI over HDBaseT Extender

This all-in-one HDMI matrix switcher and HDBaseT CAT5 extender from StarTech.com is designed to simplify multi-display digital signage and control environments. With a 4x4 matrix architecture, it lets you route four distinct HDMI audio/video sources to four remote displays over CAT5e/6 cables, delivering reliable, crystal-clear 1080p video up to 230 feet (70 meters). Whether you’re managing a corporate lobby, retail storefront, classroom, or event space, this solution provides flexible source-to-display routing, centralized control, and streamlined cabling that reduces installation time and cost.

• 4x4 HDMI matrix switching: four input sources can be independently routed to four outputs, enabling flexible multi-display layouts and dynamic content delivery.
• HDBaseT CAT5 extender: transmits uncompressed HDMI video, multi-channel audio, and control signals over standard CAT5e/6 cable to remote displays up to 230 ft (70 m) away, reducing cable clutter and simplifying installations.
• 1080p video support: optimized for reliable, high-definition playback with crisp images, vivid color, and strong audio alignment across all connected displays.
• All-in-one digital signage solution: ideal for centralized content management, allowing synchronized or independent source display across multiple screens to suit a variety of messaging needs.
• Independent routing with receiver flexibility: each display can be assigned its own source, or you can mirror the same source across multiple displays, giving you full control over your presentation and signage layouts.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher and HDMI over HDBaseT CAT5 Extender

• 4x4 HDMI matrix switching: four HDMI inputs and four HDMI outputs for versatile source-to-display routing.
• HDBaseT CAT5 extender: extends HDMI video, audio, and control signals over standard CAT5e/6 cables to remote STHDBTRX receivers (sold separately) up to 230 ft (70 m).
• Video resolution: supports up to 1080p for crisp, high-definition playback across all connected displays.
• Receivers: remote STHDBTRX units are required for distant display connections; these receivers expand the reach of the matrix without sacrificing signal quality.
• Signage flexibility: ideal for digital signage deployments where multiple screens need to show either the same message or distinct content from separate sources.
• Independent display routing: enables different sources to appear on different outputs, or the same source across multiple displays, depending on the configuration and content strategy.

how to install StarTech.com 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher and HDMI over HDBaseT CAT5 Extender

Install the StarTech.com 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher with a straightforward setup designed for professional environments. Begin by identifying your four HDMI source devices (such as media players, PCs, or Blu-ray players) and the four displays you plan to drive from the matrix.

Step 1: Connect each HDMI source to one of the four HDMI input ports on the matrix using standard HDMI cables. Ensure that each source is powered and ready to deliver content.

Step 2: Connect the local HDMI outputs of the matrix to the displays that will be physically near the matrix, using HDMI cables for the closest displays. These connections allow you to use the matrix in a local display configuration as quickly as possible.

Step 3: Prepare the HDBaseT extension network by wiring one transmitter unit to the matrix and running CAT5e/6 cables to the remote STHDBTRX receiver units. The number of receivers will depend on how many distant displays you plan to support. Each remote display should be connected to a corresponding STHDBTRX receiver.

Step 4: Connect each remote display to its corresponding STHDBTRX receiver with an HDMI cable. The remote receivers translate the HDBaseT signal into a standard HDMI output for the display, preserving video quality and audio fidelity across long runs.

Step 5: Power up the matrix, the transmitter, and all remote receivers. Use the matrix’s control interface (and any included remote or control software, if applicable) to configure routing. Assign each of the four outputs to the source you want to display, whether you’re showcasing one source across all four displays or delivering four different sources to each display.

Step 6: Test the system by playing content from each source and verifying the video and audio are correctly routed to the appropriate displays. Check for sync across audio channels and ensure there are no signal dropouts on the extended runs. If you encounter issues, confirm cable quality, confirm distance limits, and verify that the HDBaseT receivers are properly connected to the displays.

Tips for best results: keep CAT5e/6 cables away from high-power lines to minimize interference, use shielded HDMI cables where possible to protect signal integrity, and consider a rack-mount setup for easier management in a professional installation. This StarTech.com solution is designed to simplify complex signage and presentation environments, reducing the need for multiple separate devices while providing robust performance for 1080p content across multiple displays.

Frequently asked questions

• What does the 4x4 in the StarTech.com device mean? The 4x4 designation indicates there are four HDMI input sources and four HDMI outputs, enabling flexible routing of any of the four sources to any of the four displays.
• How far can I extend the HDMI signal with this system? The HDBaseT CAT5 extender supports transmission to remote displays up to 230 feet (70 meters) over standard CAT5e/6 cables, depending on installation conditions and cable quality.
• Do I need to purchase additional hardware to use remote displays? Yes. Remote displays require STHDBTRX receiver units (sold separately) to receive the HDMI signal from the matrix via HDBaseT.
• Is this system compatible with 4K content? The listed specifications indicate support for 1080p video. For 4K content, you would need a system that explicitly supports 4K resolutions across the matrix and HDBaseT extender, as higher bandwidth is required.
• Can each display show a different source? Yes. The matrix switching capability allows independent routing so that each display can show any of the four sources, providing maximum flexibility for signage and presentation layouts.
• Is control and management centralized? The design is intended for centralized control, allowing you to route signals, manage content, and deploy signage efficiently from a single point in your installation environment.