DVDO Announces Matrix6 6x2 Ultra HD Matrix Switcher
by Jarred Walton on September 17, 2013 1:47 PM EST- Posted in
- Displays
- 4K
- CEDIA Expo
- DVDO
- Matrix Switcher
- MHL
Most people I know are still merely lusting after the thought of a good 4K display – the least expensive displays start at around $700 for a 39” model, and they’re basically the 4K version of the Korean 27” 2560x1440 LCDs; if you want a 4K display from a well-known company (e.g. the ASUS PQ321Q), you’re looking at $3500+. But what about users that already have two such displays and want to be able to switch between multiple inputs? For that, we can look forward to DVDO’s new Matrix6 Ultra HD switcher.
With an MSRP of $499 and an expected ship date of Q4 2013 (so some time in the next three months), the Matrix6 is something most people aren’t going to be putting on their Christmas wish list, but for home theater enthusiasts it offers some interesting features. It has two 4K HDMI outputs and six 4K HDMI inputs, and two of the inputs are MHL-enabled. It also features independent switching (so changing the output on one display won’t cause any blanking or other interruption of the output to the second display). Of course, being limited to 4K over HDMI 1.4 means you’re limited to 4Kp24 frame rates, so keep that in mind – the 3D support will be for 1080p 3D content.
DVDO will be showcasing the Matrix6 at the CEDIA Expo in Denver, CO that runs September 25-28. Here’s the complete list of features for the Matrix6:
- Six 4K Ultra HD HDMI inputs
- Two MHL-enabled inputs to connect to mobile devices
- Two HDMI outputs for connecting to two displays
- Flash-free mode (switching inputs on one output does not affect the other)
- Audio Return Channel (ARC)
- 3D support
- S/PDIF optical and coax outputs
- Serial port for automation control
- USB for easy firmware update
Source: DVDO PR
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ganeshts - Tuesday, September 17, 2013 - link
No 4Kp60 (HDMI 2.0) support = no buy for a product shipping three months down the road and costing $500arthur449 - Tuesday, September 17, 2013 - link
Would you make an exception for "4K" 60Hz (DisplayPort 1.2) support?NLPsajeeth - Tuesday, September 17, 2013 - link
I am one of those people who are looking for a good 4K display. However, I think settling for anything less than 4K 60p input is simply a waste of money. Those 39" displays you mention, non of them can do 4K 60p input so they are not very useful as computer displays.The ASUS PQ321Q fits the 4K 60p bill but as you mention the price is quite high. 4K 60p only works over DisplayPort on this display so this DVDO device would be useless with that display.
I don't think there is anything special about this DVDO device. Maybe the MHL ports if you need that. As you mentioned at the end of the article, all the ports are HDMI 1.4 and not HDMI 2.0. Any AV receiver built in the last few years will do what this device is supposed to do, switch between multiple HDMI 1.4 ports.
JarredWalton - Tuesday, September 17, 2013 - link
But not with two outputs to choose between, generally speaking, and not with six inputs (with two MHL inputs). For some, I'm sure this will fill a niche, but it's definitely a smaller market.nathanddrews - Wednesday, September 18, 2013 - link
The Yamaha RX-A830 has an MSRP of $899, but street price is usually $650 and does everything this thing does, plus much, much more. 8 HDMI ports, two outputs, MHL, ARC, 3-D, DLNA, 4K passthrough and upscaling, not to mention powering seven speakers with decent power, low distortion, and also handling many other audio, video, and data inputs all with network controls.I mean, even if you wanted to just use the TV speakers (or no speakers for a retail display or something), the only reason to limit yourself with DVDA is if you want to save $150. That's totally a fair reason, but this seems silly, even for a HT enthusiast.
Death666Angel - Wednesday, September 18, 2013 - link
Just wanted to say that you are comparing one machines MSRP to anothers street pricing. The DVDO will not stay at his MSRP. Though I agree that the value seems questionable.nathanddrews - Wednesday, September 18, 2013 - link
I agree, but judging by DVDA's other products they seem to be at or near MSRP from most retailers. I think products like this (siwtchers, power cleaners, etc.) maintain their high margins fairly well... at least I've rarely seem them go on sale as often as AVRs and other HT gear.surt - Tuesday, September 17, 2013 - link
Wake me when I can get 4k 120pwhickywhickyjim - Wednesday, September 18, 2013 - link
I once bought a vp50 pro video processor from dvdo. They marketed the product as fully upgradeable and subsequently abandoned it. I would not trust them or their products. Check out the threads on their products and services at avsforum.Guspaz - Wednesday, September 18, 2013 - link
Pro tip: do yourself a favour and just wait for the Monoprice version. They've already got 4K versions of some of their active HDMI splitters, so 4K matrix switchers can't be that far behind.