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Our partners always drive innovation when designing 4K UHD HDMI Matrix Switchers. Implementing new technology is mandatory in a competitive industry, and manufacturers need to be on top of their game.
We are lucky to work with the best brands in the industry. We’ve taken five of the highest performing 4K UHD HDMI Matrix Switchers to compare side-by-side. We examine output resolutions, audio support, control drivers, warranty, and features that enhance performance.
4K UHD HDMI Matrix Switchers
The five devices we are exploring are the Key Digital KD-MS4x4G, WyreStorm MX-0404-H2A, AVPro Edge AC-MX44-AUHD, Atlona AT-HDR-H2H-44MA, and Kramer VS-44H2A. All are 4×4 4K UHD HDMI matrix switchers that can take multiple HDMI sources and switch them between numerous displays in any configuration.
Key Digital KD-MS4x4G
First on our list is Key Digital’s KD-MS4x4G. This 4×4 HDMI matrix switcher performs independent audio switching, balanced and unbalanced, and audio de-embedding of analog pulse-code modulation (PCM). The unit supports 18Gbps of signal bandwidth. The KD-MS4x4G assures that your signals go to authorized devices only with HDCP 2.2, distributing 4 HDMI source signals to 4 displays in any combination. Moreover, the analog and digital outputs are controlled independently, ensuring the HDMI outputs can be controlled individually. This feature allows the system to be versatile with your setup.
The KD-MS4x4G ships complete with a 12V DC power supply, a remote control, rack ears, and a total of five 6-pin terminal blocks. If you encounter any problems with the product, Key Digital has a 3-year warranty. They’ll replace or repair the defective unit with an equal or greater specs that restores the system functional.
BZBGEAR BG-UHD-44M18G
Next on our list is BZBGEAR’s BG-UHD-44M18G. It is a high−performance 4×4 matrix switcher for 18G 4K@60Hz (4:4:4) HDR signals. This matrix switch equalizes and reclocks the signals and can route any of the four HDMI, HDCP−compliant sources to any or all outputs. The BG-UHD-44M18G features 4 analog and 4 digital outputs for audio de-embedding. The signal outputs as a balanced analog audio on each of the outputs and S/PDIF digital audio when extracting.
Furthermore, the BG-UHD-44M18G features multiple control options including front panel, IR, RS-232, and GUI. With full EDID management support, each input captures and stores the EDID from a display device. BZBGEAR covers their products with a 2-year limited warranty from the date of original purchase.
WyreStorm MX-0404-H2A
Making our list of the best 4K UHD HDMI Matrix Switchers is WyreStorm’s MX-0404-H2A HDMI Matrix Switcher. Compact and fully-featured, the matrix switcher is the entry level model from WyreStorms H2 matrix family. The device supports 18Gbps throughput to the full video capability of HDMI 2.0. The MX-0404-H2A can handle distribution of 4:4:4 at 60hz and HDR content, supporting the latest broadcast standards and next generation 4K HDR source content.
Additional features include audio de-embed and A/V mute, making it possible to “mute” the video output as well as the audio. Also, CEC power triggering allows the user to send power commands to all connected screens or projectors compatible with CEC. It comes backed by a three year warranty from WyreStorm.
AVProEdge AC-MX44-AUHD
The middle of the pack is the AVProEdge AC-MX44-AUHD. The unit is a pure 4K60 at 4:4:4 Matrix at 18Gbps bandwidth. It also includes digital audio & balanced audio out with a built in 4K up/down scaler. This marvelous switch supports HDMI 2.0b, HDCP 2.2, and HDR. The AC-MX44-AUHD is perfect for allowing any source like UHD BluRay, game consoles, satellinte receiver, and PC’s to show on any connected display. These features make the matrix switch ideal for both commercial and residential environments.
The AC-MX44-AUHD is competitive on price, compatibility, control, and performance. This unit allows the user to route any input to any output or to multiple outputs at any time. The matrix offers up/down scaling between 1080p and 4K, while boasting dual audio de-embedding. The AC-MX44-AUHD is easy to install with a complete EDID management system, and will get your clients running quickly and efficiently.
The unit includes a 10 year warranty, replacement and shipping covered if its broke, and trouble shooting services for the matrix switcher.
Atlona AT-HDR-H2H-44MA
Rounding out our list of the best 4K UHD HDMI Matrix Switchers is Atlona’s AT-HDR-H2H-44MA. This 4×4 HDMI Matrix Switcher is ideal for HDR (high dynamic range) formats. The unit is HDCP 2.2 compliant and supports 4K/UHD video at 60hz 4:4:4. Additionally, it supports HDMI data rates up to 18 Gbps. The HDR-H2H-44MA is perfect for residential and commercial purposes with the latest 4K and HDR source devices and displays.
The AT-HDR-H2H-44MA is compatible with all audio formats, video resolutions, and color space formats supported in the HDMI 2.0b spec. The product includes EDID and HDCP features with the ability to send CEC display control individually to each output. Also, an unbalanced analog audio output is matched with each HDMI input for sending separated audio to a whole-house system. The matrix switch is controllable via Ethernet, RS-232, and IR.
The HDR-H2H-44MA is intended to deliver pristine-quality image presentations in commercial and residential applications. With Atlona’s award-winning 10 year limited product warranty and customer support services, integrators can feel confident purchasing and installing this amazing product.
Takeaway
Each of these units can hold their own in a 4×4 application. Whether you need a device that can support the highest quality video transmission with 18Gbps data transmission and Full HDR. Your setup may require upscaling/downscaling with audio matrixing. It’s possible the integration demand a specific control system; maybe your client wants the absolute best warranty. What if you don’t need all the bells and whistles and are looking for an affordable & reliable product that’s ready to go with a simple app setup. Our team at BZB Express are ready to answer and help with any questions you may have regarding each 4K UHD HDMI Matrix Switcher. Each of the matrices have the capability and performance, in the end, the choice is up to you.
The AV industry is highly competitive when it comes to developing the most cutting-edge 4K UHD HDMI Matrix Switchers. Manufacturers want to be on top of their game by presenting the latest technology in their products. It’s great for consumers while driving progression and competition in the industry.
At BZB Express, we are fortunate to have partners who always push innovation when designing and developing 4K UHD HDMI Matrix Switchers. We stacked three of the most cutting-edge 4×4 HDMI matrix switchers to see how they perform side by side. We examined their output resolutions, audio they support, control drivers, warranty, price, and of course how fast they switch.
The three units we are analyzing are the AVProconnect AC-MX44-AUHD, Atlona AT-HDR-H2H-44M, and Key Digital KD-4x4CSA. All are 4×4 4K UHD HDMI matrix switchers that can take multiple HDMI sources and switch them between multiple displays in any configuration.
Resolution
All three 4K UHD HDMI Matrix Switchers are HDCP 2.2 compliant and support the latest HDMI format. They all support 4K resolution. However, if you’re looking for 4K at 60Hz with 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, then the AVProconnect & Atlona units are capable. They also support Full HDR at 18Gbps data transmission; as a result, users can watch movies and play games at 60 frames per second with more bandwidth.
AVProConnect’s AC-MX44-AUHD stands out with its upscale/downscale feature for resolutions between 1080p and 4K or vice versa. It is excellent for projects that have HDMI source devices or displays that support different formats.
Audio
All three 4K UHD HDMI Matrix Switchers support the latest audio formats such as Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos. Many users often ask if they can separate the audio from the matrix switch. The answer is an emphatic “YES!” Users can de-embed the audio if they need to send the signal to an amplifier, for example.
The AVProConnect unit takes it to another level with audio matrixing. The AC-MX44-AUHD has multi-channel TOSLINK and 2 channel audio extraction ports for every output. These outputs can switch independently, separate from the video signal. It’s great for scenarios where you need to send the audio from one zone to another.
Control
All units support IR, RS-232, & LAN control with build in web GUI. They all have front panel buttons for control. All three products support 3rd party control systems with Atlona leading the pack with the most supported control drivers.
Key Digital, on the other hand, has a free iOS App Ready platform. All IP-enabled products are detected on the local area network, connect automatically and are ready for control. Users can instantly choose the desired video sources and assign them to selected displays, allowing them to create presets that reduces time spent configuring the AV system.
Warranty
Key Digital will repair or replace the defective product with a product of equal or greater specs that restores the functionality of the system. As long as the unit is bought from an authorized Key Digital reseller, the product is covered by a 3-year limited product warranty.
AVProConnect warranties its products that are acquired from authorized AVProConnect resellers and direct purchases. Their 10 YEAR “NO BS” warranty hinges on three elements which are troubleshooting over the phone, advanced replacement if the unit is defective, and the benefit of the doubt towards the customer when it comes to troubleshooting.
Atlona also has a 10 years warranty dubbed the “Atlona Advantage.” The Atlona Advantage offers next-day advance replacement in the first year plus 24/7 tech support. Any time of the day including weekends or holidays, Atlona has you covered every day of the year! Whether it’s troubleshooting over the phone, product training, or design services, Atlona prides themselves on offering the highest level of customer support, training, and protection in the industry.
Price
I’m sure you all want to know the price of these units. The most economic friendly device out of the three is Key Digital’s KD-4x4CSA, MSRP $1225. AVProConnect’s AC-MX44-AUHD leaps toward $1999, while Atlona’s unit is near at $2100. Price may be a deterrent, but mind that each unit is equipped with unique features that justify their cost.
How Fast Is The Switching?
We connected the three 4K UHD HDMI matrix switchers to a PS4 Pro, Xbox, and a Blu-ray player and three HDTVs. We tested their switching performance based on a 1080p resolution output from each display using the front panel controls. From our test, the Key Digital unit performed the fastest switch with AVProconnect coming in 2nd and Atlona 3rd. You can watch our performance test on our YouTube channel, BZBtv or click below.
Each of these units can hold their own in a 4×4 application. Whether you need a device that can support the highest quality video transmission with 18Gbps data transmission and Full HDR. Your setup may require upscaling/downscaling with audio matrixing. It’s possible the integration demand a specific control system; maybe your client wants the absolute best warranty. What if you don’t need all the bells and whistles and are looking for an affordable & reliable product that’s ready to go with a simple app setup. Our team at BZB Express are ready to answer and help with any questions you may have regarding each 4K UHD HDMI Matrix Switcher. Each of the matrices have the capability and performance, in the end, the choice is up to you.
