For those of us who need more flexibility with our HDMI equipment, whether it be at home or in the office, the Apogee HDMI 4x2 True Matrix w/ signal booster can give us what we need. This switch offers HDMI 1.3b matrix switching at resolutions up to 1080p. It also has a built in booster to make sure you can get your signal far enough from the switch for your displays. To provide great control over your video equipment this switch is a true 4x2 matrix and not just a standard switch.

Using a Matrix VS. a Switch:

The benefit of a matrix over a regular switch is flexibility. As an example for using a 4x2 switch we'll use inputs called a, b, c, and d with outputs 1 and 2. When using just a switch you can select between any of the inputs a-d, but both displays, 1 and 2, must display the same thing. If you were to use a true matrix you could connect any of the inputs a-d to either of the displays 1 or 2. You can connect them in any combination. Each display can display from a separate source, or they can display the same source. This provides much more flexibility for your HDMI sources and displays.

The Booster:

In standard HDMI specifications HDMI is only said to go about 16 feet on it's own strength. This matrix will act as a booster to allow you to go much farther without having to purchase expensive standalone boosters. While using commonly found HDMI wires these are the distances you can expect:

With 26AWG HDMI Cable - 15m Input / 20m Output
With 28AWG HDMI Cable - 15m Input / 10m Output
With 30AWG HDMI Cable - 10m Input / 10m Output

This means with high quality HDMI cable you can go a total of 35 meters without any degradation to your signal. Apogee has released this matrix at a price that is less than most common HDMI switches while still providing much more functionality. If you are looking for more flexibility and more control over your equipment, this Apogee HDMI matrix will provide what you need.