The Best 4K HDMI Matrix Switch For You

Planning a more complicated setup for your home or event entertainment system? An HDMI Splitter or HDMI Switch might not work for you if you want to connect multiple input devices to several output displays. What you need is an HDMI Matrix Switch. In this article, we’ll be talking about what an HDMI Matrix Switch is, how different it is from splitters and regular switches, and the best HDMI Matrix Switches you can buy.

What is an HDMI Matrix Switch and how different is it from HDMI Splitters and Switch?

An HDMI Splitter only allows you to connect one input device that will stream the same display across several output monitors. This means you can only conduct simultaneous streaming across all your display outputs. On the other hand, an HDMI Switch will allow you to connect multiple input devices but only stream to 1 display. HDMI Switches can only let you seamlessly switch from one input device to another.

An HDMI Matrix gets the best of both worlds. With an HDMI Matrix, you can connect multiple input devices, such as your PC, DVD Players, Gaming Consoles, Audio Players, etc. to multiple output devices such as your 4K TV, ARC soundbar, or sound system. You also get to decide which input device connects to what output device. You can even opt to stream one input device to all display outputs and easily switch from one input device to another.

What to consider when buying 4K HDMI Matrix Switches

There are a lot of 4K HDMI Matrix options in the market, and the best 4K HDMI Matrix Switch really depends on how you’re planning to use it. Here are a few things you should consider.

Number of input and output devices

If you’re planning to use one for your home, then you might only need 4 inputs and 4 outputs. Your input device could range from Smart TV Boxes, gaming consoles, audio players, etc. And your output devices could be your 4K TVs, home theater sound system, or ARC soundbars. However, the number of input and output ports on HDMI Matrix switches could reach up to 64. 

Supported video and audio formats of output devices

Just as you’d need a 4K capable switch or splitter for your output display, the same goes with matrix switches. The same concept also applies to your display’s supported refresh rate. And lastly, if you have an ARC soundbar setup, your HDMI Matrix should also have an ARC port as well. 

Distance of output devices

If you have already read our article on HDMI Splitters, you already know that quality decays over a certain distance. If the distance of your output devices is more than 20 feet apart, you may want to consider an HDMI Matrix that has a CAT-cable port. A CAT output can extend the transmission distance up to 200 feet using a CAT cable. 

HDCP Compliance

When hosting a movie night, or planning to stream a game, you have to make sure your matrix is HDCP compliant. HDCP protects copyrighted material and prevents piracy. If your matrix is not compliant, you can’t use it to watch Blu-ray players, stream most subscription-based online streaming services, or record gameplays over your gaming consoles.

Top 4K HDMI Matrix Switches you can buy

OREI UHD-402: 4X2 HDMI MATRIX SWITCH

Are you planning to use a matrix for your home theater, office, school, conference, or other small-scale events? The OREI UHD-402 is an easy-to-use matrix switch, especially if you’re used to working with regular HDMI Switches. With 2 available output displays and 4 input ports, the UHD-402 is perfect if you have two monitors set up in adjacent rooms. 

The OREI UHD-402 supports up to 4K at 60Hz, has an ARC port for your soundbars, and is HDCP 2.2 compliant. 

Device Specifications:

INPUTS	4 HDMI Type A Female ports
OUTPUT PORTS	2 HDMI Type A Female ports
VIDEO BANDWIDTH	18 GBPS
VIDEO RESOLUTION	4K@60Hz (4096x2160), 1080P@60Hz (1920x1080)
HDMI AUDIO FORMATS	PCM 2ch / PCM5.1 /PCM7.1, DTS /DTS-HD, Dolby 5.1 /Dolby 7.1/ Dolby TrueHD
HDCP COMPLIANCE	HDCP 2.2

OREI UHD-404: ULTRA HD 4X4 HDMI MATRIX SWITCH

In order to split and switch your HDMI signal to 4 different displays, the OREI UHD-404 is the ideal choice. This matrix allows you to individually or simultaneously stream on all 4 display outputs from 4 different input devices. The UHD-404 also has a built-in auto-adjusting amplifier to prevent signal loss. 

Stream up to 4K at 60Hz on your different displays. But it has a downscaling capability so you can feel free to connect your 1080p and 4K displays to this matrix.

Device Specifications:

INPUTS	4 HDMI Type A Female ports 1 IR Receiver Window 1 Micro USB
OUTPUT PORTS	4 HDMI Type A Female ports
VIDEO BANDWIDTH	594 MHz / 18 GBPS
VIDEO RESOLUTION	480i ~ 1080p 50/60Hz, 4Kx2K@24/30Hz, 4K2K@60Hz
HDMI AUDIO FORMATS	LPCM 7.1CH, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio
HDCP COMPLIANCE	HDCP 2.2 / 1.x

OREI UHD48-EX230-K: 4X4 HDMI MATRIX EXTENDER

For something more professional that you can use at large-scale events, the OREI UHD-48-EX230-K can do wonders. With 4 CAT outputs, you can extend transmission distance up to 230 feet using a single CAT6 Cable without any deterioration in quality. You can also conveniently manage this matrix switch with an advanced EDID Management System and CEC control system. 

The UHD48-EX230-K can stream 4K at 60Hz to 8 displays. However, note that each CAT output is connected to one HDMI output. This means that displays over a CAT output only mirror its designated HDMI output. 

Device Specifications:

TRANSMITTER	INPUTS	4 HDMI Type A Female ports
	OUTPUT PORTS	4 HDMI Type A Female ports 4x CAT port [RJ45] 4x IR OUT [3.5mm Stereo Mini-jack]
	CONTROLS	1x TCP/IP [RJ45] 1x RS-232 [3-pin phoenix connector]
RECEIVER	INPUTS	1x IR IN [3.5mm Stereo Mini-jack] 1x CAT port [RJ45]
	OUTPUT PORTS	1x HDMI Type A [19-pin female]
	CONTROLS	1x SERVICE [Micro USB, Update port]
VIDEO BANDWIDTH		18 GBPS
VIDEO RESOLUTION		Up to 4K2K@50/60Hz (4:4:4)
HDMI AUDIO FORMATS		LPCM 2.0/2.1/5.1/6.1/7.1, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus (DD+), DTS-ES, DTS HD Master, DTS HD-HRA, DTS-X
HDCP COMPLIANCE		HDCP 2.2 / 1.x
SUPPORTED CAT CABLES		CAT5e, CAT6, CAT7
EXTENDED DISTANCE RESOLUTION		4K@30Hz for 230 feet

Found what you were looking for? When choosing an HDMI Matrix, it highly depends on your planned usage. There are switches that work best for your home events, and switches that work best for professional events. Matrix switches are not cheap, especially if you want to buy quality switches. Make sure you settle your usage goal first before you buy one. And when you’re already decided, make sure you read the matrixes’ fine print so you know if that’s what you're looking for. 

Still don’t know what is the best 4K HDMI Matrix Switch for you? Explore other 4K HDMI Matrix types in our shop! Choose from up to 13 Matrix switches that you can sort based on resolution, inputs, outputs, and functions. Choose from a list of 4x2, 4x4, 6x2, and 8x8 inputs/outputs ports. You can also check some references over the reviews tab on each product so you know how it went for our previous customers. 

For more ideas on how to maximize your HDMI devices, make sure you check out some great reads on our blog. Don’t forget to share your thoughts!