Blustream Shipping New Platinum 8×8 HDBaseT AV Matrix

AV distributor Blustream is shipping its new 4K HDMI 2.0 8×8 Platinum Matrix. The PLA88CS combines the global standard of advanced HDBaseT to transmit HDMI, ARC, LAN and bi-directional IR and RS-232 signals up to lengths of 328 feet in 4K UHD and 492 feet in 1080p over a single CAT cable. It can accommodate displays with various resolutions —downscaling 4K videos for lower-resolution displays while maintaining pristine resolution for UHD displays — and elevates the audio experience across multiple formats.

Martyn Shirley, Blustream’s general manager, said: “The PLA88CS combines an 8×8 video matrix with a 24×16 audio matrix independently controlled from the video for uncompromising performance and versatility. And it is unlike any other matrix in its capacity to mix several multiple high-bit-rate audio output formats, thanks to its independent Dolby Audio and DTS Audio downmixing. Between drastically reducing cables, labor, and programming tasks while elevating features to support today’s 4K UHD installations, we are confident that the PLA88CS matrix will provide installers with a stress-free setup that delivers the high-quality viewing and listening experience users demand.”

The Blustream PLA88CS comes with optional features, including the ability to route its eight dual HDBaseT/HDMI outputs independently, with each output featuring Color Space Conversion (CSC) to support the HDMI 2.0 18Gbps specification and all the latest 4K resolutions, including the 4K 60-hertz 4:4:4 color space and HDR. Independent Dolby Audio and DTS Audio downmixing on the matrix’s HDMI and audio outputs allow for a mixture of audio output formats for use with displays and AV receivers with different audio capabilities.

Additionally, independent analog audio inputs can be routed to optical or analog audio outputs or embedded in dual HDBaseT/HDMI outputs. An HDCP 2.2-compliant solution with advanced EDID management, the PLA88CS supports audio return channel (ARC), bi-directional IR, and RS-232 pass-through while offering audio delay for lip sync correction. The unit is controlled and configured using an intuitive web interface module, and third-party drivers are available for all major control system manufacturers.