Video Matrix distribution systems are the heart of a Sports Bar, Restaurant, and residential infotainment systems. They are typically the most expensive sub-system so it's important to know how to choose the right equipment for the project.
Three major technology types for Video Distribution
HDMI
This uses HDMI cable type inputs and HDMI outputs (to TVs). HDMI matrices are typically the least expensive, but have the downside that HDMI inheritently has maximum cable length of 50ft. This is why HDMI switches are popular for conference rooms, pizzarias and smaller "man cave" projects, but not for commercial installations (like sports bar / restaurants / banquet halls) where cable lengths exceed this length limitation. It is possible to connect the HDMI outputs to "Category 6 Baluns" or "Cat 6 HDBaseT Extenders" to change the video distribution technology for distributon over longer cable lengths.
HDBaseT
Very popular for Sports Bar / Restaurant projects as the wiring distances can exceed 50 ft. Most HDBaseT systems include a Video Chassis (a steel case where source Input cards plug in, and TV Output cards plug in), The Input and Output cards, and Receivers (mounted at the TV).
The most expensive part of the system is the Chassis. They come in various sizes. Purchase a chassis that meets your current AND forecasted future needs for number of Inputs and Outputs. Chassis can be swapped in the future, assuming the vintage is still available. But they are expensive.
Very common for the Receivers to be powered over the category cable from the Output card within the Chassis. The Chassis should be powered via a UPS for system longevity.
Different Output cards and their corresponding Receivers can support high resolution at longer distance cables. Resolution can be downgraded for long length cable runs.
Recommended is to purchase a few additional Input and Output cards for future expansion and for spares in case of breakdown.
Video Over IP
Newest video distribution technology sends video data over an ethernet cable. Consists of Transmitters (Encoders connected to the HDMI video source), a high speed ethernet network multi port switch, and Receivers (Decoders) that connect to the TV's HDMI port. For control, some systems also require a Video Control box that communicates with the media control system (like myServer 6) and the Receivers.
The Transmitters put the content on the network. So, the more transmitters on the system, the great the network bandwidth that is required. Higher capacity video network switches, Fiber data connections for interconnecting switches or connecting long length Receivers to a fiber compatible switch.
Very commonly available are Transmitter rack enclosures to make it easy and clean installation in a standard 19" equipment rack. Receivers are commonly tie wrapped to the backside of the TV or TV mount.
It is very common that the Receivers are POE (power over ethernet) powered by the POE video ethernet network switch. It is highly recommended that the switch is powered via a UPS (Uniterupptable Power Supply) to minimize chance for power cycling and brown out that tends to be bad for sensitive electronics.
Video Over IP systems are very flexible and scalable. If the system needs to grow in the future, VoIP can be the answer. VoIP products have dropped in cost significantly making it a reasonable upgrade over HDBaseT.
Note that all Video Over IP systems should run on an isolated ethernet network from all other devices due to the traffic demands of video.
Common supported features
Video Matrix capability: Where any video source can be watched on one or more TVs.
Video Wall: The ability to take one video source and watch it one a large screen comprised of four (2x2) or more TVs.
Multicast: Takes multiple video sources and watch them all on one large display. Can be used by large LED screens or projectors to show multiple video sources at the same time.
Modular: Where Input / Output cards can be slid into a chassis to extend the capacity of the system. Devices must be of same product series.
CEC: This technology was originally designed for an HDMI cable to send control commands to the TV for functions like turning the TV on / off. Well supported feature on HDMI matrix systems. Often supported by Video Over IP. Rarely supported by HDBaseT systems. Popular feature for Sports Bar projects if only one Category cable is run to each TV (the second would be for IP control of a modern technology TV).
Audio Extraction: The video source Transmitters or Input cards might have audio minijacks or phoenix connectors. This can be used to get analog audio signal from the HDMI video source. Receivers and Output cards often provide the same. The difference is that the Outputs can leverage the Video Matrix routing capability to send any Video signal device's audio to a single Output. This Output can then feed the INPUT of an Audio Matix. This can significantly decrease the number of Inputs that the Audio Matrix needs to support which decreases the Audio system complexity and cost. The myServer control system makes it easy for users to select what they want to listen to, and to where. myServer then sends the correct messages to both the Video and the Audio matrices to invoke those selections.
IR / Serial: This speaks to the ability for the video matrix to send Infrared and / or serial data from the equipment rack to the TVs receiver typically used to turn the TV on / off. With modern TVs commonly supporting IP control, these features are used less and less but can be handy to support older TVs.
Video quality
Video Resolution:
Speaks to how many "dots" of video are in the display. Lowest in common use would be 720P. Common in Sports Bars (today) is 1080. Becoming more common is 4K. Uncommon is 8K due to very little content available. The higher resolution displays look better, especially as the display gets larger. The closer users will be to the screen, the higher the need for high resolution.
HDMI 1.4 vs. 2.0 vs. 2.2:
This speaks to content protection technology that tries to ensure that all devices in the video chain (source, matrix, TV) are protecting that the content can't be recorded or "siphoned" off.
To successfully stream 4K Ultra HD content, all devices connected to your compatible source device must support HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2. This includes your TV, an AVR, and any other devices connected in between. If even one device does not support HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2, then the 4K movie or TV show can only be viewed in a lower resolution, such as 720p or 1080p.
HDCP 2.2 is a copy and content protection standard required by the TV and movie industry. Some older 4K Ultra HD TVs do not support HDCP 2.2, while others may only support HDCP 2.2 on a single HDMI input. Learn what to look for when trying to identify an HDMI input that supports HDCP 2.2.
Allonis has found that DirecTV H25K receivers are very finicky with requiring ALL components to be of HDMI 2.0 capability. So, less expensive video matrix switches shouldn't be used. It's possible to put a HDCP "emulator" inbetween the video source and the matrix, but adds another "box" to the cost, to install and maintain. Allonis sells emulators shown to be compatible with at least the 925 series of video over IP matrix.
Reliability
There are definate differences in how long a video matrix system typically lasts. Brand reputation is the most important as that often speaks to the design, component selection, quality of manufacture of one system that might have similar features and technical video specifications vs. another. Brand is also one of the largest determinents on equipment cost.
Redundant power supplies: Since the power supply is one of the more failure prone pieces of the system, some use two power supplies so that if one fails, the other continues to operate to keep the system up and running. Having two also reduces the effort and heat buildup of the other, which aids in longevity.
Redundant network interfaces: Two ethernet ports instead of just one so in case one fails, the other can be used in it's place. For myServer 6 systems, this would have to be manually switched over as each ethernet port has a single IP address that is programmed into the myServer control system.
Transmitter / Receivers: It is recommended to purchase additional units to have on hand for both system expansion and to swap units to isolate problem areas, and to replace damaged components. Some Video Over IP systems support Transceiver design where both Transmitter and Receiver roles can be chosen via a software change. This is a nice feature so that you don't need to inventory both unique role devices.
