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HDMI Matrix Switchers with HDBaseT Extension
About HDMI Matrixes with HDBaseT Extension
VigilLink's HDBaseT extension matrix switchers combine professional 4K any-to-any routing with integrated long-distance signal transmission over CAT6 cable — eliminating the separate transmitter-receiver pairs required in traditional matrix-plus-extender deployments. Instead of routing an HDMI signal from the matrix output to a standalone HDBaseT transmitter and then cabling to a receiver at each display, an HDBaseT extension matrix delivers the switched signal directly from each output port over Cat6 to a compatible receiver at the display location. This integration reduces rack space, cabling infrastructure, and system complexity while maintaining full 4K@60Hz HDMI 2.0 18Gbps performance to each display.
HDBaseT also carries control signals (RS-232, IR) alongside video on the same CAT6 run, allowing display control commands to pass through the CAT cable to the display location without a separate control cable.
Choosing the Right HDBT Switcher
VLMX-44CT70 — 4x4, Cat extension to 70m: Four inputs and four outputs with Cat cable extension to 70 meters per output. The 70m distance tier is appropriate for single-floor or same-building installations where all displays are within a typical office floor plan of the equipment room. Lower cable cost than full HDBaseT at 150m when extended distances are not required.
VLMX-44HT2 — 4x4, HDBaseT to 150m: Four inputs and four outputs with full HDBaseT transmission to 150 meters per output. Adds PoE for receiver powering and RS-232/IR pass-through over the Cat run. Choose for multi-floor buildings, convention centers, auditoriums, and any installation where display distances exceed 70 meters or where display control pass-through over Cat is needed.
VLMX-88HT2 — 8x8, HDBaseT to 150m: Eight inputs and eight outputs with full HDBaseT to 150 meters and PoE receiver power. The capacity tier for larger facilities requiring up to eight independent source feeds routable to up to eight remote display locations. Choose for large hospitality properties, corporate campuses with multi-building distribution, and venues with significant source and display counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HDBaseT and how does it differ from standard HDMI extension? HDBaseT is an industry standard for transmitting HDMI video, audio, control signals (RS-232, IR, USB), and Power over Ethernet simultaneously over a single Cat5e/6/6A cable. Standard HDMI extension products typically transmit only video and audio, require separate control cabling, and cannot power remote receivers. HDBaseT integration in a matrix switcher combines switching and long-distance distribution in a single unit, delivering 4K@60Hz video plus control and power to up to 150 meters per output over Cat6.
What Cat cable specification is required for the 150m HDBaseT outputs? VigilLink HDBaseT extension matrix models (VLMX-44HT2, VLMX-88HT2) require Cat6 or Cat6A shielded cabling for full 150-meter performance at 4K 18Gbps. Cat5e may work at shorter distances but is not recommended for 4K signals at maximum extension distances. Cable runs should avoid sharp bends, bundling with power cables, and unshielded patch panels to maintain signal integrity at full distance.
Do I need a separate receiver at each display location? Yes. HDBaseT extension matrices transmit the signal over Cat6 to a compatible HDBaseT receiver at each display location, which converts the Cat signal back to HDMI for connection to the display. The receiver is typically a compact wall-mount or surface-mount unit. VigilLink HDBaseT receiver products are designed for use with VLMX HDBaseT matrix outputs; verify receiver compatibility when specifying.
Does the VLMX-44CT70 support the same 150m distance as the HT2 models? No. The VLMX-44CT70 supports Cat extension to 70 meters per output, not 150 meters. The 70m distance tier accommodates most single-floor installations. For display locations beyond 70 meters, the VLMX-44HT2 (4x4) or VLMX-88HT2 (8x8) are required. The CT70 does not include PoE receiver powering or the full HDBaseT control pass-through specification of the HT2 models.
What signals travel over the Cat6 cable in the HDBaseT outputs? In VLMX-44HT2 and VLMX-88HT2 HDBaseT outputs, the single Cat6 cable simultaneously carries 4K@60Hz HDMI 2.0 video, embedded audio, RS-232 control pass-through, IR control pass-through, and Power over Ethernet for the remote receiver. This single-cable-per-display architecture is the primary installation simplification advantage of HDBaseT matrix systems over matrix-plus-separate-extender designs.
Can HDBaseT matrix outputs connect to any HDBaseT receiver? HDBaseT interoperability depends on the HDBaseT specification version and chip implementation. VigilLink HDBaseT matrix outputs are designed for compatibility with VigilLink HDBaseT receivers and should be verified against specific third-party receiver specifications before mixing products from different manufacturers. Consult VigilLink's AV support team for receiver compatibility confirmation on specific project requirements.
Is PoE included on all HDBaseT extension matrix models? PoE is included on VLMX-44HT2 and VLMX-88HT2 HDBaseT outputs. The VLMX-44CT70, which uses Cat extension to 70m rather than full HDBaseT, does not include PoE. When PoE receiver powering is a project requirement, specify the HT2 model tier.
How does RS-232 pass-through over HDBaseT work for display control? On VLMX-44HT2 and VLMX-88HT2, each HDBaseT output carries an RS-232 pass-through channel alongside the video signal on the same Cat6 cable. The control system connected to the matrix sends RS-232 commands to a specific output, which are carried over the Cat run to the receiver and output as an RS-232 signal at the display location — enabling display power on/off, input selection, and other RS-232 functions without a separate control cable to each display.