nouvelles de l'entreprise HDMI HDBaseT Matrix Switchers: 4×4, 8×8 & 16×16 Guide

HDMI HDBaseT Matrix Switchers: How to Choose Between 4×4, 8×8 and 16×16 Solutions

A practical guide to source routing, remote signal transmission, fixed vs. modular architecture, and AV system planning.

A meeting room, training area, reception display and presentation space may all need access to the same sources—but they do not always need to show the same content. One room may run a presentation while another uses a media player. A third may need the same source as the main meeting space.

When equipment racks and displays are in different locations, the system must solve two connected tasks: selecting which source goes to each display and delivering that signal to its destination. An HDMI HDBaseT matrix switcher combines centralized source routing with HDBaseT transmission outputs.

1. How HDMI Matrix Switching and HDBaseT Work Together

A matrix assigns connected sources to different outputs. Each destination can receive its selected source, and one source can be distributed to multiple destinations when required. HDBaseT carries the selected signal to a compatible receiver over category cable.

Typical connection: HDMI source → HDMI HDBaseT matrix → category cable → HDBaseT receiver → display.

Figure 1. Typical HDMI-to-HDBaseT signal path.

HDMI source connected to an HDMI HDBaseT matrix, category cable, HDBaseT receiver and display.

In the fixed 4×4 and 8×8 models discussed here, the HDBaseT transmitting function is integrated into the matrix outputs. This can reduce separate transmitters and HDMI patch connections at the rack. The receiver and cable run remain part of the complete system; compatibility must match the intended format and installation distance.

2. 4×4 HDMI HDBaseT Matrix: A Focused Solution for Four Destinations

A 4×4 configuration provides four inputs and four independently selectable output channels. It suits projects where a defined group of sources serves up to four display destinations through compatible HDBaseT receivers.

For example, a small training facility may use a presentation computer, media player, television receiver and demonstration workstation. Different rooms can select different sources, or several rooms can receive the same presentation.

The WLHDP-MXB44H150 combines four HDMI inputs with four HDBaseT output channels in a fixed configuration.

[IMAGE 2 – INSERT ACTUAL WLHDP-MXB44H150 PRODUCT PHOTO HERE, immediately after the model description and before Section 3.]

Suggested filename: WLHDP-MXB44H150-4x4-HDMI-HDBaseT-Matrix-Switcher.png | Alt: 4×4 HDMI HDBaseT matrix switcher with four HDMI inputs and four HDBaseT outputs.

3. 8×8 HDMI HDBaseT Matrix: More Sources, More Display Zones

An 8×8 configuration expands the system to eight inputs and eight independently selectable output channels. It is useful when a facility has more source devices, more display locations, or both.

The WLHDP-MXB88H150 provides eight HDMI inputs and eight HDBaseT output channels in a fixed configuration. In a business center with several meeting rooms and training spaces, centralized routing allows source assignments to change without physically reconnecting equipment.

[IMAGE 3 – INSERT ACTUAL WLHDP-MXB88H150 PRODUCT PHOTO HERE, after the model description and before Section 4.]

Suggested filename: WLHDP-MXB88H150-8x8-HDMI-HDBaseT-Matrix-Switcher.png | Alt: 8×8 HDMI HDBaseT matrix switcher with eight HDMI inputs and eight HDBaseT outputs.

4. What the Fixed 4×4 and 8×8 Models Bring to an Installation

Both fixed models support up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 on their HDMI and HDBaseT ports. The source, receiver and display must also support the intended format.

• PoC can power compatible receivers through the transmission connection, potentially avoiding a separate receiver power supply at the display end.
• Audio de-embedding provides connections for sending supported audio to a separate sound system.
• Front-panel operation and supported remote-control interfaces provide options for integrating source selection into the customer's workflow.

During planning, confirm where audio is needed, who will select sources, and whether receivers can be accessed for maintenance.

5. 16×16 HDMI HDBaseT Matrix: Moving to a Modular Configuration

For projects requiring more than 8×8 with HDBaseT transmission connections, the product range uses a modular, card-based platform. The illustrated 16-input, 16-output configuration is installed in a chassis with 32×32 capacity and includes:

• 12 HDMI inputs for locally connected sources.
• 4 HDBaseT inputs for compatible remote source transmission.
• 16 HDBaseT outputs for distribution to compatible receiving devices.

The chassis capacity describes the platform; the installed cards define the connections available in the delivered system.

[IMAGE 4 – INSERT ACTUAL 16×16 MODULAR MATRIX PRODUCT PHOTO HERE, immediately after the configuration table and before the next paragraph.]

Suggested filename: Modular-HDMI-HDBaseT-Matrix-16x16-12HDMI-4HDBaseT-Inputs-16HDBaseT-Outputs.png | Alt: 16×16 modular matrix with 12 HDMI inputs, four HDBaseT inputs and 16 HDBaseT outputs in a 32×32-capacity chassis.

A remote HDMI source can connect to a compatible HDBaseT transmitter, with the link entering an HDBaseT input card. At the output side, an HDBaseT output connects to a compatible receiver near the display. The selected cards and endpoints determine supported formats, transmission distances and functions; verify these for the proposed configuration.

6. Planning Beyond 16×16

The modular platform can also support larger configurations where the chassis and supported cards allow them. The 32×32 example in the original article uses 32 HDMI inputs and 32 HDBaseT outputs.

[IMAGE 5 – INSERT ACTUAL 32×32 MATRIX CONFIGURATION PHOTO HERE, immediately after the preceding paragraph and before Section 7.]

Suggested filename: Modular-HDMI-HDBaseT-Matrix-32x32-32HDMI-Inputs-32HDBaseT-Outputs.png | Alt: Modular matrix switcher with 32 HDMI inputs and 32 HDBaseT outputs.

For phased projects, document both the initial configuration and the future target. Identify which cards, receivers and cable routes will be needed later. Chassis capacity alone does not complete an expansion plan; compatible hardware, suitable cabling and configuration work are also required.

7. How to Choose Between 4×4, 8×8 and 16×16

Start with a source-and-destination schedule. List each source, its location, the displays that need access to it, the required video format and the cable route to each remote location.

Figure 2. Fixed and modular matrix architectures address different project requirements.

 Comparison of fixed 4×4 and 8×8 matrix systems with modular 16×16 and larger systems.

A project with six displays but ten source devices already exceeds the input capacity of an 8×8 matrix. Source locations matter too: all sources at the rack require a different connection plan from a system combining local HDMI sources with remote HDBaseT inputs.

For procurement, ask suppliers to identify the proposed matrix, installed cards, transmitters where needed, receivers and power arrangements. This makes quotations easier to compare.

8. Commissioning: Make the System Easy to Operate

Demonstrate everyday tasks during commissioning: can each room select its source easily, can several displays receive a shared briefing, and can staff identify which source is assigned to each room? Documentation should connect room names to physical matrix ports and receiver locations. Test the intended sources and displays over the actual transmission paths, including required audio and control functions.

Conclusion: Match the Matrix Architecture to the Building

Fixed 4×4 and 8×8 models serve projects with defined input and output requirements. Modular configurations, including 16×16 and larger systems, allow the card arrangement to match more extensive distribution needs.

The best configuration is not automatically the largest one. It is the one that matches the source count, destination count, source locations, transmission paths and expected expansion.

Planning an HDMI HDBaseT matrix installation? Share your source count, display count, source locations and approximate cable routes. Our team can help discuss a suitable fixed or modular configuration and the compatible transmission devices required.