Setting Up an 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher over Cat6 Cable: The 101 Guide

Installing an 8x8 HDMI matrix switcher with a Cat6 cable is an excellent way to distribute high-quality video and audio signals from multiple sources to multiple displays in your home theater, conference room, classroom, or any other AV installation. In this blog post, we'll walk through the basics of setting up an 8x8 HDMI matrix over a Cat6 cable.

Overview of 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switchers over Cat6

An 8x8 HDMI matrix switcher allows you to connect 8 HDMI input sources like Blu-ray players, cable boxes, computers, etc., to 8 HDMI displays like HDTVs, projectors, or monitors. It routes any of the HDMI inputs to any or all of the HDMI outputs.

The key benefits of an 8x8 HDMI matrix include:

 

• Route any source to any display or multiple displays
• Switch sources easily without any cable swapping
• Control the matrix remotely via front panel buttons, IR remote, or RS232 commands
• Scales HDMI signals to match the resolution of different displays
• Maintains excellent video quality with 4K, HDR, HDCP 2.2 support

 

Why Use Cat6 Cable?

HDMI matrix switchers often transmit signals over Cat5e/Cat6 cables instead of HDMI cables alone. This allows you to:

• Extend signals up to 330ft using HDBaseT technology
• Use inexpensive and commonly available Cat6 cable
• Get Power over Cable to power remote devices
• Add IR and RS232 control over the same cable

Cat6 cable is ideal since it provides higher bandwidth and reduces interference compared to Cat5e. Make sure to use solid core Cat6 STP cable designed for data networks, not the stranded Patch cable type.

Steps to Connect an 8x8 HDMI Matrix over Cat6 Cable

Follow these steps to install your 8x8 HDMI matrix switcher with Cat6 cable:

 

1.      Mount the Matrix Switcher

 

Install the 8x8 HDMI matrix switcher Cat6 in your AV rack or another convenient location. Make sure it has adequate ventilation since these units tend to run hot.

 

2.      Connect Sources to Input Ports

 

Use HDMI cables to connect your Blu-ray player, Roku, Apple TV, and other sources to the HDMI input ports on the rear of the matrix. Make sure the ports are numbered clearly.

 

3.      Connect Displays to Output Ports

 

At the display end, connect the HDMI output ports on the matrix to your TVs, projectors, or monitors using HDMI cables. These ports are numbered too.

 

4.      Connect Matrix to Displays via Cat6 Cable

 

Now, instead of running 8 HDMI cables between the matrix and displays, we'll use Cat6 cable. This allows extending and splitting the signals.

 

Connect the HDBaseT output ports on the matrix to HDBaseT input ports on remote units near the displays using a Cat6 cable. Then, use HDMI cables to connect the remote units to the displays.

 

5.      Connect Power to Matrix and Remote Units

 

Supply power connections to the matrix switcher and remote units. Some support Power over Cable, so no additional power bricks are needed for remote devices.

 

 

 

  

6.      Configure EDID and Control System

 

In the matrix switcher settings, configure the EDID handling so displays are properly detected. Also, set up control systems like front buttons, IR remote, and RS232 so you can easily switch sources and outputs.

 

7.      Test Switching and Quality

 

Power everything on and test switching between different sources and outputs using your control method. Check that video quality is maintained across all displays with 4K HDR signals.

 

And that's it! With those steps complete, you now have a fully functional 8x8 HDMI matrix switcher distribution system over a Cat6 cable. You can easily add more outputs in the future by using additional remote units.

 

The Bottom Line & Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some quick tips in case you run into any issues:

 

• If there is no signal on displays, check connections and make sure matrix and remote units have power
• Verify inputs and outputs are routed properly through the matrix web GUI or front panel
• If the video is poor quality, replace Cat6 cables with shielded STP type and shorten cable runs
• Make sure all devices support required HDMI 2.0 and HDBaseT features like 4K, HDR, HDCP 2.2
• Factory reset the matrix and remount EDID if displays are not properly detected

For fulfilling your facility's needs of 8x8 HDMI Matrix 4K, considering a reliable manufacturer like Brightlink AV is always advisable. Visit their website and get your new 8x8 HDMI matrix switcher over Cat6 cable today.