Most projectors never see more than one or two video inputs at a time, allowing for easy source switching with the device's remote control. But, what about when you need to connect more, like live video, a computer, and a Blu-ray player for a large conference room, a house of worship, or a school's lecture hall? Oh, and add to that mix three or four video displays to show it all off, and you have really got your hands full.

The best bet is to plug it all into a matrix video switcher that can act as an audio-video clearinghouse with the ability to match any input device to any output display. If you are not familiar with them, matrix switchers provide supreme video flexibility because all the screens can play the same video source. For example, picture a standing-room-only sales meeting where each display can show a different input or a high school chemistry lesson with a video camera showing the action, a document camera displaying the experiment's textbook, and a computer showing the equations.

In other words, a video matrix switcher can route the signal from anywhere to anywhere. This makes it a must-have accessory for any complicated video setup.

In spite of all they can do, video matrix switchers are usually packaged in dull black boxes. The reality couldn't be further from the truth. To start, entry-level 2x2 switches cost a few hundred dollars and can route a pair of video inputs to either or both displays. At the top of the market are 64x64 switches for controlling the video for 128 devices that can cost upwards of $50,000 and make sense for a video art installation, a museum, or a media-savvy house of worship.

Pick a Screen, Any Screen

Our goal with this article is to compare more mainstream offerings, with a group of 4x4 and 8x8 matrix switchers that can handle at least 4K video. The best offer the choice of controlling the action with a remote control, a web browser, or an RS-232 serial link.

Generally, one side of the switch is filled with input and output HDMI ports while the other has the buttons and a display or lights to show what's connected with what. It is what's inside that counts, and each has a semiconductor circuit that does the work of routing the video signals to where they need to go. To move all those pixels around, the switcher needs to not only run at a minimum of 600MHz but be able to handle at least 18Gbps for HDMI 2.0. That rises to 48Gbps for HDMI 2.1 video.

In my simulated AV environment for this review, I set up four inputs: a Mac Mini computer, a Sony Alpha camera's live video feed, a Samsung cable TV box, and an LG Blu-ray player. At the output end of the equation, I used two projectors: a short-throw ViewSonic LS711HD and an Epson PowerLite 890E 4K, in addition to two Samsung LCD displays—one large, one small.

Over the course of two weeks of heavy-duty use, all four video matrix switchers handled the video streams well with a minimum of glitches and artifacts, although there were quirks. Each was run for at least eight hours with a full complement of inputs and outputs to make sure they can stand up to harsh use.

Be aware that even the best matrix switcher will take a few seconds to swap signals and show the new input. Most of that time is spent by the display analyzing the video, connecting it, and putting it up for viewing. If that's not fast enough, a transition switcher can make the changes instantaneous, generally with a fader control included. On the downside, these devices typically have only one output, though, so it's all or nothing.

The choice is obvious for those venues with lots of inputs and outputs. A matrix switcher can put the pixels where they need to go with no artifacts and—above all else—with the reliability that the image will end up on the right projector for all to see.

The big decision is which one to get for your purposes. Here are the four models that I will be reviewing for this article:

• Gefen 4K Ultra HD 8x8 Matrix for HDMI/GTB-HD4K2K-848-BLK
• Orei 8K 4x4 HDMI Matrix (Audio Extract)/BK-404
• StarTech.com 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switch with Audio (RS232 and Ethernet Control)/VS424HD4K60
• Tripp-Lite Lite Tripp Lite series 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switch/Splitter/B119-4X4-4K

Gefen GTB-HD4K2K-848-BLK

Price: $1,995

Performance

Ease of Use

Features

Value

Pros

• HDMI 2.1 up to 8K video
• Fast switching
• IR remote with extender jack
• Excellent networking interface
• Silent operation
• Display screen shows current routing

Cons

• Expensive
• No audio extraction

Among the most expensive gear of its kind, Gefen's 4K Ultra HD 8x8 Matrix for HDMI (GTB-HD4K2K-848-BLK) offers the flexibility of being able to route video from eight independent inputs to eight outputs at speeds that its competitors can only dream about. It doesn't need a cooling fan, it displays what's connected with what, and its network interface is among the best. The Gefen gear, however, lacks the ability to extract audio out of a video stream.

Its price, however, is twice what the others in this article sell for. On the other hand, when switching speed is on the essence, Gefen's GTB-HD4K2K-848-BLK puts video in its place.

Features

Part of the company's Toolbox family of gear, rather than being a long narrow device, the company turns the GTB-HD4K2K-848 on its side. At 9.3 x 1.8 x 17.9 inches (WHD) and 7 pounds, it's a heavy weight with a large control screen and buttons on top. It has eight inputs and eight outputs on the front and back sides.

The GTB-HD4K2K-848's flanged ends can be screwed into a shelf, and its underside has connections for power, an infrared extender, RS-232, and networking and mini USB ports for diagnostics and firmware upgrades. Each HDMI connection has a screw-in cable lock to prevent ill-timed disconnects.

Using Gefen's FST Fast Switching Technology, the GTB-HD4K2K-848 speeds up the HDMI authentication process for quicker connections. For compatibility reasons, this can be turned off but at the cost of slower connections. Either way, it can route any input to any output, show them all on one screen or mix and match the inputs and outputs.

Its powerful processor can handle up to 48Gbps of audio video data, tops out at 3860 x 2160 resolution at 60 Hz and can handle inputs down to HD levels. The switch is able to use up to 7.1 audio and even high bit rate lossless audio. The GTB-HD4K2K-848 unfortunately does without the audio extraction circuit that's included on the Orei BK-404.

The GTB-HD4K2K-848's seven-button control panel and two-line monochrome screen shows a row of output letters (A-H) above a row of input numbers (1-8) —the opposite of the Tripp Lite B119-4X4-4K's input letters and output numbers. Rather than directly inputting any routing changes, changing connections starts with pressing either the Output- or Output+ to bring up the current connection, then using the Input- or Input+ buttons to change the switching. It takes effect a moment after pressing the Menu button.

In addition to a Lock button, to prevent an accidental change at the wrong moment, the GTB-HD4K2K-848's Menu button opens options. After pressing it, the eight inputs show up with their fast switching designation followed by the system's IP address.

There's also the unit's small remote control. It may lack an on/off switch, but it allows the direct entry of routing instructions. Press the input (number) or output (letter) followed by the corresponding other parameter and the change is quickly made.

It uses a CR2032 button battery, had a 30-foot range. That said, the device doesn't include an IR extender yet the GTB-HD4K2K-848 has a jack for one.

The unit's LAN interface will likely be more useful for making changes. After grabbing the unit's IP address from the screen, I typed it into a browser window and rifled through the manual to find the password; hint: it's "Admin". The interface is functional with switching details in the Main page and a helpful status indicator. I clicked on the output letter and then the input number followed by "Route" below those.

Meanwhile, the I/O Setup tab allows presets to be entered and there are extensive EDID options available, including uploading and downloading settings files. The Configuration window is the place to change the password and update the firmware.

Performance

Getting the Gefen GTB-HD4K2K-848 distributing video starts with its power button. Oddly, the device says "Good Bye" when powering down but not "Hello" or a welcome when starting up.

Over two weeks of daily use, it was the speed demon of video switching. Able to change the source and destination in an average of 2.5 seconds, it's at least twice as fast as some of the others.

Silent, it doesn't need a fan to keep the GTB-HD4K2K-848's components cool. Its vents above each HDMI input kept the system to a peak of 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit.

It used 19.9 watts and should cost roughly $28 a year to use if it's left on all day and night and your organization pays the national average of 16 cents per kilowatt hour of electricity. That's more than twice as much as the B119-4X4-4K's $11.35.

Its two-year warranty is adequate and better than the Orei single year of coverage. The GTB-HD4K2K-848 includes lifetime support at the company's Help Center. There's extensive product information available as well as the manual. Further assistance requires an email or phone call. The help line is staffed from 6am to 4pm, Pacific time.

Conclusion

Looking like no other matrix video switcher, Gefen's 4K Ultra HD 8x8 Matrix for HDMI (GTB-HD4K2K-848-BLK) is in a class by itself with fast switching speeds and the ability to route eight sources to eight different displays. It may lack audio extraction, but its streams were perfectly synchronized, and the use of HDMI 2.1 should be good for several years of use. More to the point, with no need for a cooling fan, Gefen's matrix switcher was silent and its display showed all the necessary information.

That said, its biggest drawback is its price, which is twice what others charge for similar gear. That is, until you realize that its faster switching speed and ability to bring together 16 different video devices make the GTB-HD4K2K-848-BLK a winner for those who need to connect lots of sources with lots of displays.

Tripp-Lite B119-4X4-4K

Price: $360

Performance

Ease of Use

Features

Value

Pros

• Inexpensive
• HDMI 2.0
• IR remote with extender jack
• Doesn't need a fan
• Small

Cons

• No LAN control
• Lacks audio extraction

Small and quiet and inexpensive, the Tripp-Lite B119-4X4-4K may not have the latest specs and abilities, but there's one big thing that the Tripp-Lite video switch has in its favor: at $360, it's the most affordable device of its kind. It does an excellent job putting video where it belongs and can fit into an AV room where larger more expensive switches can't.

It can handle 4K video but falls short of the mark by lacking networked control, although it can be remotely operated with a RS-232 serial connection. It also does without a way to connect each input's audio to a sound system, but like others in this class, it can be added with individual extractors.

All in all, if money counts for as much as the switcher's abilities, the B119-4X4-4K deserves a look.

Features

At less than half the size of the typical 4X4 matrix video switcher, the Tripp-Lite 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switch/Splitter, (B119-4X4-4K) takes up only 9.3 x 1.2 x 3.9 inches (WHD) and weighs only 2.1 pounds. This means it can fit into places where traditional wide-body switchers can't.

Available with rack-mounting ears, the device can connect any four sources with any four displays or even show one input on every display. It tops out at 3860 x 2160 resolution at 60Hz.

The B119-4X4-4K's price tag means some corners were cut, starting with its eight HDMI ports that lack screw-on locks. The device also does not include the ability to extract audio streams from inputs but it can work with Dolby audio enhancements.

One of the simplest interfaces available for moving video to the right place, the B119-4X4-4K relies on the HDMI 2.0 protocol. Its single button for each input allows sequential movement of the inputs to any of four outputs. As the inputs are changed, the output's LED lights up, along with an orange one to show that it's connected.

The switcher has no on/off switch. An LED glows when it's powered. There's a reset button in front but no lock button to prevent accidental changes to the routing instructions. The B119-4X4-4K has something that's as good and not included on any of the other matrix switchers: a screw-on power port that can't be accidentally pulled or kicked out. It uses a small two-prong AC adapter versus three-prong plugs for other video switches.

The unit's small infrared remote control is simple, with four buttons to control the video flow from input to output. To change the setting, just tap the button to serially move through the inputs. The remote has a range of 32 feet and comes with a CR2025 button battery. Its range can be lengthened using the included 5-foot IR extender cable.

The B119-4X4-4K can work with EDID display information but unlike others, the matrix switcher doesn't have a network connection to allow for remote control via a web browser. It does offer a range of settings changes as well as the ability to switch the connection routing via a RS-232 serial port connection. It didn't have the expected DB-9 port but comes with a Phoenix wiring block for making the connection. You will have to learn and use specific Telnet commands to perform tasks.

As is the case with the Gefen gear, the B119-4X4-4K comes with a three-year warranty. The company provides minimal resources online, including the manual, product specs and the ability to call, email or chat with a technician. The helpdesk is staffed 9:00am to 5:00pm, Central time, seven days a week.

Performance

Based on two weeks of daily use with four sources and four displays, the B119-4X4-4K shows that Tripp-Lite engineers did their homework. The typical source change took 4.5 seconds, putting it in the middle between the faster Gefen GTB-HD4K2K system and the slower Orei BK-404.

It generally faithfully sent the streams where they needed to go, with one exception. Sometimes when a new video source was added to a display, there was a brief visual hiccup with a momentary black screen.

Quiet, the B119-4X4-4K doesn't need a fan to keep its temperature under control. It has vents on both its sides, and the system topped out at 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Along the way, it used a miserly 8.1 watts of power, making it cheap to keep. If it's left on 24/7, the B119-4X4-4K should cost roughly $11.35, assuming the national average of 16 cents per kilowatt hour of electricity.

Conclusion

Small, simple, and straightforward, the Tripp-Lite B119-4X4-4K is a steal at $360 and should appeal to those with limited resources. Its screw-on power plug and a remote control with an on/off switch are balanced by the device lacking networking for monitoring and controlling the switcher.

Able to dependably move video from any four inputs to any four outputs, it doesn't go beyond HDMI 2.0 and lacks audio extraction for an external sound system. Still, the BK-404 is a good choice for those tight on cash.

Orei BK-404

Price: $650

Performance

Ease of Use

Features

Value

Pros

• HDMI 2.1 capable at up to 8K video
• Audio extraction with analog and optical digital connections
• IR remote with extender
• Display shows connections

Cons

• Loud fan
• Slow switching
• One-year warranty

With the ability to not only send video where it needs to go but extract an audio channel from each output, Orei's 8K 4x4 HDMI Matrix (Audio Extract) matrix switcher is a mid-priced marvel at $650. Better known as the BK-404, it not only can get the most out of HDR10+ video but has a slew of Dolby audio options on tap.

Rather than a series of LEDs to show the video routing, the BK-404's monochrome screen puts it all in your face. It can be run via its infrared remote control, RS-232 serial port or a networked web browser. Still, its loud fan is annoying, and the BK-404 suffers from switching that's half as fast as the best in the business. Still, the BK-404 could be a winner for those who crave the latest video specs.

Features

Able to handle four inputs and four outputs at up to 8K video, Orei's 8K 4x4 HDMI Matrix (Audio Extract) is a stealth switcher in its plain black iron case. Also known as the BK-404, it includes attachment ears to mount it on an audio-video rack. A middle weight, the switcher takes up 17.3 x 1.8 x 8.0 inches (WHD) and weighs 5.8 pounds.

Capable of moving HDMI 2.1 video from source to destination, its processor can handle up to 48Gbps of audio video data. The device tops out at a 60 Hertz signal for 8K resolutions and can work with HD inputs and displays.

The BK-404 not only can mix and match four inputs with four outputs but works with HDR10+ streams and includes built-in audio extraction circuits for each output feed. This allows the BK-404 to independently pull audio from the stream and send analog stereo or optical digital audio to a sound system. It works with a variety of audio setups from stereo through Dolby formats including DTS 96/24.

Its monochrome LCD display is a step up from those that use LEDs to show the current connections and adjust its settings. Its Menu is easy to work with its keys for up, down, and enter. Happily, there's a lock button to prevent unintended changes to the routing.

Its back has a crowded connection panel with its inputs, outputs and audio jacks squeezed in. The BK-404, however, lacks screw-in HDMI cable locks to prevent embarrassing accidents.

There's an RS-232 serial port as well as 100Mbps Ethernet for networking with the ability to turn the switcher on or off remotely as well as match any input to any output. Rather than picking one from column A and one from column B, each has a drop-down menu to choose the connection.

Behind the scenes, the BK-404 can use HDR streams, ARC control as well as a CEC interface for remotely controlling input devices. Any channel can be muted. Individual inputs and outputs cannot be renamed, however.

The BK-404's infrared remote control is powered by a CR2025 button battery, stayed connected up to 35 feet away, and included an IR extender with a 60-inch cable. The remote can turn the unit on and off as well as control what input goes to what output either directly or with left and right arrow keys for each output.

Performance

While the switching of other matrix devices was fast enough for most non-studio work, the BK-404 was a relative slow poke. It took upwards of 8.4 seconds to make the video move from output to output. Roughly three times the switching speed of the Gefen switcher, it should be fine for a school or business but likely too slow for a church changing from an inspiration message to live video of the chorus.

Unlike others in its class, the BK-404 has two internal fans on the left side to pull room air in and across the unit's components. It kept its cool, never rising above 97.2 degrees Fahrenheit but at the cost of a loud system. It hit 50.1 dBA of fan noise measured 36 inches from its fans in a room with a background noise level of 38.0dBA.

I got used to the fan drone, and the BK-404 worked well during my two weeks of daily use with my four inputs and four outputs. On one occasion I needed to unplug and reconnect an input for it to work.

The switch gear uses 25.6 watts when in use and 1.9 watts at idle. If it is left on, used for eight hours a day, for 200 days a year, and your organization pays the national average of 16 cents per kilowatt hour of electricity, this adds up to an economical annual electricity estimate of $8.75.

The BK-404's one-year warranty falls short of the mark, compared to those that stand by their products for twice as long. Orei's YouTube channel is stocked with helpful advice, and tech support personnel are available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. They respond via the site's chat window, phone call, or in my case with an email about a minor problem. The next morning, the snag was solved within an hour of back and forth diagnostics.

Conclusion

The beauty of Orei's BK-404 matrix video switcher is deeper than its price tag because it is fully up to date and should provide years and years of video switching. It goes beyond efficiently moving up to four 8K video sources independently to four different displays with HDR10+ and the ability to split off analog or digital audio. On the other hand, the BK-404 is among the loudest with a pair of noisy fans, and it couldn't keep up in terms of switching speed compared to others in its class.

StarTech.com VS424HD4K60

Price: $610

Performance:

Ease of Use:

Features:

Value:

Pros

• Up to 4096 x 2160 video feeds
• IR remote with extender
• Two-year warranty
• Quiet operation

Cons

• Up to HDMI 2.0 video
• No audio extractor

Aimed squarely at the middle of the matrix switcher market, the StarTech.com VS424HD4K60 not only can match four inputs to four displays but is moderately priced at $610. With a simple design and controls, it's easy to master its use for a variety of everyday AV tasks, but the VS424HD4K60 is stuck in the HDMI 2.0 world and doesn't have the circuitry to extract an audio feed for a sound system.

A jack of all trades, the VS424HD4K60 could be a good choice for less demanding set ups.

Features

Housed in a black steel case, the StarTech.com 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switch with Audio (RS232 and Ethernet Control), aka VS424HD4K60, is a mid-sized switcher that can be used in an AV rack with the included mounting brackets. On its own, the device takes up 17.2 x 1.9 x 6.3 inches (WHD) and weighs 4.5 pounds.

Its 600MHz processor can move upwards of 18Gbps of audio and video data to and from. This translates into routing up to a 4K video signal at 60 frames per second. It peaks at a 4096 x 2160 signal.

Based on HDMI 2.0 video, it's a step behind matrix switchers that are able to handle HDMI 2.1 streams. The VS424HD4K60 can downscale video to 720p levels for older displays but lacks the ability to interpret HDR video encoding.

The VS424HD4K60 handles audio and video data alongside each other. Unlike the BK-404, it can neither extract a sound signal for sending to a room's sound system nor add audio enhancements.

Its back panel is all business with eight HDMI ports—four in and four out—to route any source to any output display. Each HDMI connection has a screw-on lock for those who prefer not having a cable kicked out at the wrong moment.

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In addition to a power port, the VS424HD4K60 has a network input and an RS-232 for controlling the switcher. Its mini-USB port is for upgrading the firmware.

Upfront, the VS424HD4K60 has buttons for power and locking the current configuration for failsafe operations. Each input and output possibility is set up on the right with a matrix of lights that shows what's online with a green LED. It's easy to use the input buttons to route the signal to any output by cycling through the choices.

That's where the infrared CR-33 remote control comes in by allowing the direct input of source and destination. It can't turn the device on and off, though but the device's 35-foot wireless range can be pushed farther with the switch's included 79-inch IR extender cable; it uses a CR2025 button battery.

Using the VS424HD4K60's LAN port, its networked monitoring screens allow changes to be made to the device. Just enter the IP address of the switcher into a browser window and type "admin" for the name and password, and you're in. On top of pushing any source to any output, the web graphic user interface made it a snap to change the name of each input and output to suit the actual situation, with descriptors like "live video" and "Blu-ray."

In addition to the EDID configuration screen, the VS424HD4K60 has a Settings page for changing the password, using DHCP auto IP addressing, and upgrading its firmware. The most useful item here was the ability to change the networked timeout from the annoying default of five minutes to 60 minutes. There's no way to leave its online connection active all the time.

The device's Switch page is pure simplicity. All I had to do was tap the input button and sequentially go through the possibilities to reroute the video. I love the ability to lock the settings into place but the Outputs are on the left and Inputs on the right - the reverse of what I expected.

It comes with a two-year warranty but falls short on DIY help getting the device up and running. In addition to a downloadable manual, the package included a printed version. It lacks any video assistance, although StarTech's technicians are available on weekdays, all day and night, to help.

Performance

With switching times of 3.8 seconds, the VS242HD4K60 is a little slower compared to Gefen's GTB-HD4K2K-848. It should be fine, however, for changing sources and displays during a business meeting, school lesson, or house of worship.

Over the course of two weeks of daily use with four inputs and four displays, the VS242HD4K60 performed reliably with all its feeds coming through without artifacts, and the audio was loud and clear. Because it doesn't need a fan, it was silent.

At 14.8 watts with all four channels humming away, the VS424HD4K60 should cost about $24.70 a year to operate. That is, if it's on 24/7 and your organization pays the national average of 16 cents per kilowatt hour of electricity.

Conclusion

Simplicity rules for the StarTech VS424HDK60 video matrix switcher. Able to independently route any four sources to any four displays, it performed well, moving video to where it's needed with no problems. Unfortunately, it not only ignores HDR video and the ability to extract an audio signal from each video stream, but the VS424HD4K60's true Achille's heel is the lack of support for the more demanding and increasingly popular HDMI 2.1 standard.

If you crave a reliably simple setup that puts the video where it needs to be without speeding an arm, leg, or other appendage, StarTech's VS424HD4K60 is for you. It may not have all the bells and whistles but it does a good job of putting video on the right screen.

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