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I have addressed this problem by using a 4x4 USB switcher from Rosewill and an HDMI matrix, such as those used by broadcasting or A/V signage industries. I star

I have addressed this problem by using a 4x4 USB switcher from Rosewill and an HDMI matrix, such as those used by broadcasting or A/V signage industries. I started with an 8x8 matrix and now have a 16x16. It’s dead simple to give each of the 4 or so computers I have hooked up to them 3 or so monitors, and I can swap any video source to any sink using a web interface. The matrix isn’t cheap (approximately $1200) but after using it for around 4 years, I honestly couldn’t think of using my workstation any other way.

adanto6840 5y ago
Does it support 4k@60? Can you configure EDID handling, or any potential HDCP issues (and stuff like HDR, ethernet-over-HDMI, etc)? Would be curious what make/model of matrix you're using. There's plenty of different hardware out there but not a whole lot of reviews; and my experience with the HDMI interface has, on the whole, not been the best. HDMI is great for consumer stuff, and for plugging in a generic source to a screen (AppleTV, Firestick, Xbox, cable box, etc) -- but, as soon as you want to do anything even slightly more advanced, you often run into hiccups quite rapidly (EDID & handshake/negotiation issues, cable & port quality, HDCP, etc). I have several 'screens' (TVs) and I wanted to be able to mirror my 'main' display to other screens on occasion, for instance. It's easy to do that with a cheap-ish "splitter" [though they are finnicky), but if you want to "scale" that at all then you rapidly run into proprietary and/or high-cost solutions or have to make substantial quality & capability concessions (and >=10G LAN connectivity is pre-existing). I was annoyed by the lack of good options & and the extreme prices and/or the limitations of the options that do exist -- enough so that I'm working on (and already actively using) my own IP-based "video distribution" solution, heh.
- octagons 5y ago
  The 16x16 one I bought does. It supports (some form of) HDMI 2.1. The EDID management for all matrices I’ve tested is a bit odd. Pass through doesn’t always work with most monitors, and you can specify a generic EDID from a preconfigured list, upload your own (only one) EDID file, or select “COPY_FROM_INPUT_1” for any or all outputs. The problem is that sometimes you might want input 1 to go to output 2, despite normally sending it to output 1. I have to manually change the EDID profile. I can’t say how well a balun/extender setup will work but I believe they make boxes that specifically do that - a combination matrix and extender. I have no issues with HDCP. Happy to answer any other questions. Search Monoprice for Audio/Video splitters but pay very close attention to the description. Make sure you understand the number of sources and sinks it offers.
  - octagons 5y ago
    Also note my response to the other question.
- octagons 5y ago
  Also please let me know if you find or know of a better USB switcher! I want one that supports 4 inputs but can handle more than 4 outputs to switch between. 6 or 8 would be great. It’s very handy because I frequently have client laptops or I’m working on another computer or RPi, so a spare USB input that I could leave on my desk would be great.
ur-whale 5y ago
>HDMI matrix Would you care to post the brand and serial for the matrix?
- octagons 5y ago
  I bought the 8x8 matrix from Monoprice - they have a category for audio/video splitters. They brand it as the “Blackbird” line, but note that they rotate and update the OEM/manufacturer fairly regularly. They’re clearly rebranded OEM units with a very cheap web interface and IR remote. The 16x16 I bought from a small online company called “HDTV Supply” - model number HDCVT4K1616. They were a pleasure to work with. (Mods please let me know if there are any issues sharing these vendors.)

adanto6840 5y ago

Does it support 4k@60? Can you configure EDID handling, or any potential HDCP issues (and stuff like HDR, ethernet-over-HDMI, etc)? Would be curious what make/model of matrix you're using. There's plenty of different hardware out there but not a whole lot of reviews; and my experience with the HDMI interface has, on the whole, not been the best. HDMI is great for consumer stuff, and for plugging in a generic source to a screen (AppleTV, Firestick, Xbox, cable box, etc) -- but, as soon as you want to do anything even slightly more advanced, you often run into hiccups quite rapidly (EDID & handshake/negotiation issues, cable & port quality, HDCP, etc). I have several 'screens' (TVs) and I wanted to be able to mirror my 'main' display to other screens on occasion, for instance. It's easy to do that with a cheap-ish "splitter" [though they are finnicky), but if you want to "scale" that at all then you rapidly run into proprietary and/or high-cost solutions or have to make substantial quality & capability concessions (and >=10G LAN connectivity is pre-existing). I was annoyed by the lack of good options & and the extreme prices and/or the limitations of the options that do exist -- enough so that I'm working on (and already actively using) my own IP-based "video distribution" solution, heh.

octagons 5y ago
The 16x16 one I bought does. It supports (some form of) HDMI 2.1. The EDID management for all matrices I’ve tested is a bit odd. Pass through doesn’t always work with most monitors, and you can specify a generic EDID from a preconfigured list, upload your own (only one) EDID file, or select “COPY_FROM_INPUT_1” for any or all outputs. The problem is that sometimes you might want input 1 to go to output 2, despite normally sending it to output 1. I have to manually change the EDID profile. I can’t say how well a balun/extender setup will work but I believe they make boxes that specifically do that - a combination matrix and extender. I have no issues with HDCP. Happy to answer any other questions. Search Monoprice for Audio/Video splitters but pay very close attention to the description. Make sure you understand the number of sources and sinks it offers.
- octagons 5y ago
  Also note my response to the other question.
octagons 5y ago
Also please let me know if you find or know of a better USB switcher! I want one that supports 4 inputs but can handle more than 4 outputs to switch between. 6 or 8 would be great. It’s very handy because I frequently have client laptops or I’m working on another computer or RPi, so a spare USB input that I could leave on my desk would be great.

ur-whale 5y ago

>HDMI matrix Would you care to post the brand and serial for the matrix?

octagons 5y ago
I bought the 8x8 matrix from Monoprice - they have a category for audio/video splitters. They brand it as the “Blackbird” line, but note that they rotate and update the OEM/manufacturer fairly regularly. They’re clearly rebranded OEM units with a very cheap web interface and IR remote. The 16x16 I bought from a small online company called “HDTV Supply” - model number HDCVT4K1616. They were a pleasure to work with. (Mods please let me know if there are any issues sharing these vendors.)