HDMI CEC is built into virtually all HDMI-enabled devices, but it seems no one uses it and most integrators despite it … for good reason. Second, and most interesting, the HSS-1 takes advantage of the much-maligned (and rightfully so) HDMI Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) protocol, which enables A/V control via the HDMI cable. Generally, we’re forced to use a third-party switch or an amp with built-in switching at a high price.
#Audioswitcher review full#
This feature has become pretty common for full analog switches but not so much in HDMI switches. HydraConnect addressed a major request of most Control4 users with this its independent 8×8 audio matrix that provides 1:1 ratio volume control. Having said that, not only does the HSS-1 appear to handle HDMI switching better than some of the others, it offers a couple of innovative, if not downright unique, features.įirst is the built-in analog audio matrix. The company does make its own HDBaseT extenders starting at $450 for the transmitter/receiver pair. HydraConnect wanted to give integrators the flexibility to use existing HDMI cables, traditional HDMI extender baluns or HDBaseT extenders. What I like about HydraConnect HSS-1: Audio & CECįirst off, let me say that this product is not integrated with HDBaseT, the one-wire Cat 5 technology found in some of today’s top switches. Scoping out the rear side of the rack, I witnessed 8 HDMI inputs, 8 HDMI outputs, 8 analog audio inputs, 8 analog audio outputs, and a single Ethernet connection.Įven more curious was the Control4 HC300 home automation controller sitting atop the unit.īeing the huge Control4 fan that I am, who could I pass that up? I have tried many excellent switchers with Control4 and couldn’t image what another matrix could bring to the party. I almost passed it up – it was a strange-looking 2u blue box with two large fan vents on the front- but I thought to myself that a box that ugly has got to have some good stuff inside! (Thankfully, the shipping model has a black case.) I discovered this awesome gem at CEDIA Expo 2011 in September. Start-up HydraConnect solves all of these problems with the new HSS-1 HDMI switcher ($9,000), shipping this year (specs below).
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But for the most part they don’t solve a big problem that plagues home entertainment systems in general: pesky IR emitters and RS-232 contraptions on the A/V components themselves.