HDanywhere HDBaseT 4x2 Hybrid matrix review

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HDBaseT is fast shaping up to be one of the hottest topics discussed around the virtual CI water cooler. As the range of available hardware mushrooms, the potential of the system becomes ever clearer. UK brand HD Connectivity has been a early, vocal champion of the technology and this 4X2 Hybrid matrix package is its most audacious offering yet. What we have here is HD networking seriously simplified. With a single RJ45 HDBT output, plus a local HDMI feed from the matrix, we suspect it's going to become a staple tool for installers looking to offer customers a simple multi-zone solution, typically routing AV content to a bedroom or den. Third party home automation drivers are free for all major control systems, including Control4, AMX, RTI and URC. And priced at just £500, it'll doubtless tempt many DIY enthusiasts as well.

HDanywhere 4x2 HDBaseT Hybrid matrix: Build and Features
As we've come to expect from HD Connectivity, both the matrix and the Multiroom+ module are extremely well made; both sport aluminium bodywork that would do Tony Stark proud. The matrix follows the same design lines seen on the brand's larger 4x4 HDBT offering, with two input status displays (rendered by piercing blue LEDs), and fins that allow it to be rack or wall mounted. The front fascia has a large power switch and front-mounted inputs for IR blasters to each source.

The rear panel proffers four HDMI inputs and one HDMI out, plus a single HDBT RJ45. There are also phono stereo and optical digital audio outputs, plus a 100Base-T Ethernet loop-through. The Multiroom+ module supplied with the kit features a single HDBT connection, plus HDMI and Ethernet outputs. No local power supply is required, as the receiver is Power over Ethernet enabled. TX & RX minijack IR transmitters are bundled, along with a small remote with a simple criss-cross input selection arrangement. No manual is included in the package though - you'll need to download that yourself.

HDanywhere 4x2 HDBaseT Hybrid matrix: Performance
One overwhelming advantage of single-wire HDBT is the speed at which you can get an HD network up and running. Having a single Cat5e/6 cable between source and remote location greatly simplifies things, and (by and large) the system is a doddle to commission: components handshake, exchange pleasantries and you're away. Of course, it's not always that straightforward. We tried the 4X2 matrix with a variety of big brand screens and didn't experience any problems, but a last-gen Pioneer Kuro green-screened with Hulk-like HDCP issues.

According to the tech team at HD Connectivity, additional flibbles can happen depending on whether a screen does a full re-handshake when it comes out of standby, or just makes an assumption that things have remained unchanged when they might have changed. Functionality is also governed by the EDID (Extended display identification data) negotitation. The system supports CEC control, but this needs to be disengaged if you opt for IR passback control.

Overall, we rate this mini matrix' performance as excellent. The second room output suffers only a very slight delay from the original source and image quality is undiminished; Blu-ray content exhibits the same level of clarity as it does via a direct connection, in both 2D and 3D. We successfully ran 1080p and multi-channel DTS HD Master Audio to the Multiroom+ receiver and into an AVR with no AV quality compromises. However, this particular configuration did impact on the HDMI output from the matrix, which played sans audio into a connected screen. Restoring audio on the TV, then resulted in the HDBT receiver audio output reverting from multi-channel to stereo. Configuration issues like this may cause some initial head-scratching, but in most instances power cycling components will iron out the wrinkles. The ability to channel a network connection up the HDBT superhighway is also a major boon. While not Gigabit grade, it's good enough to take a Smart TV online, network a games console or play internet radio.

Unfortunately, the stereo analogue phono output will be deemed largely unusable by audiophiles: there's audible power supply noise, with the output buzzing and thumping like a club anthem. The digital optical output is stereophonic but wonderously clean in comparison. The HDBT receiver may not require a power supply, thanks to PoE, but it does run hot. This should be borne in mind when deciding exactly where to place it.

HDanywhere 4x2 HDBaseT Hybrid matrix: Verdict
In many respects, the HDanywhere 4x2 Hybrid matrix is a taste of things to come. The downsized form factor makes it an ideal tool for installers working on smaller, simpler projects where there's a need to run AV only to a secondary room, and the low price moves HDBaseT ever closer to becoming a legitimate consumer proposition. Build quality inspires confidence and overall satisfaction is high. 

The HDanywhere 4x2 HDBaseT Hybrid matrix system is available now.
Price: £500
For more information from HD Connectivity, visit our partner page here.
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