Bandwidth requirements of HDMI are ever increasing. This is due to an increase in video bandwidth, with the demands of some 4K UHD content. Also, to consider are HDR enabled display devices and higher resolution audio formats.
HDMI cable technologies struggle to send high bandwidth over distance without large signal loss. Technology is thus required to distribute HDMI signals up to 100 metres.
Our preference is a robust network infrastructure, CAT cabling, traditional IP, and Multicast protocols. This results in convenient, cost-effective distribution of HDMI signals.
System Size
Utilising network hardware removes many limitations of traditional matrix configurations. This means that there are no more limitations in system size due to the number of inputs and outputs imposed by traditional matrices. Instead the network infrastructure dictates the greatest number of inputs and outputs. There is an imposed limit of 64, 516 devices (IP address limitations).
Cabling Distance Limitations
HDMI distribution is 100 metres using CAT cables. Network infrastructure allows many network switches to join up using fibre cable links. Fibre cable distribution distributes 4K HDMI over kilometres.
Hardware Cost
Previous methods of HDMI distribution are expensive. This is especially true when system sizes grow larger than 8x sources and 8x displays. The Blustream Multicast solution is a cost-effective solution when quoting large commercial applications.
Traditional matrices for large applications absorb a considerable chunk of most budgets. They also compromise essential functionality.
This is why Perception Integrate specifies this video distribution method to our clients.