01
Two signal families, several uses.
For computer or player video, list the sources each display must receive, including simultaneous use. Simple repetition needs different functions from independent selection at each destination. Include associated audio and the person controlling changes: routing must make sense to that operator.
For TV reception over coax, separately document the antenna or incoming feed, distribution and receivers. Splitters, taps and multiswitches are not interchangeable merely by output count. Assess the exact chain and required measurements. One selected HDMI picture is not equivalent to independently selectable channels on every television.
02
Trace picture, sound and control separately.
The path below concerns digital AV distribution. Keep a separate drawing for RF/coax distribution; show interfaces between families only where actually planned.
01 · Source and content
Name the computer, player or receiver. Record format, audio and any content protection; separate technical capability from permission to distribute.
02 · Selection and distribution
Define repetition of one source, selection to one output or multiple independent assignments. The matrix must support actual requested combinations, not just a connector count.
03 · Transport
Record each route and interface. Distinguish point-to-point AV from AV over IP; a similar socket does not establish that a link connects to an Ethernet switch.
04 · Display and audio
Specify display, input and audio destination. Verify formats across the whole chain. EDID describes display capabilities; HDCP support addresses a different matter: protected content.
05 · Control and recovery
Powering on, selecting an input and changing a route are different actions. Plan feedback and restart behaviour, with a default destination appropriate to the space.
03
Comparisons that help prevent a blank screen.
Scroll the table horizontally to compare all three columns.
| Criterion | Actual need | Evidence to request |
|---|---|---|
| Independence | One picture everywhere or simultaneous programmes. | Source-to-display table and verified combinations, including changing one destination only. |
| Complete format | Required resolution, frame rate, audio and picture features. | Capabilities of every component and chosen cable; a ‘4K’ label alone is insufficient. |
| Negotiation and protection | Different displays and potentially protected sources. | Separate EDID and HDCP checks and switching tests; no protection bypass proposed. |
| Route | Actual length, routes, interfaces and any network requirement. | Documented distance for the exact references and format, not a universal reach. |
| TV over coax | Signal origin, outlets, receivers and independent channel selection. | Compatible architecture and signal survey planned by the specialist; do not substitute an HDMI splitter. |
04
Example: three displays, three uses, one targeted change.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE
Fictional case: A is reception content, B a product presentation and C the meeting computer. This example describes a test requirement, not a ready-to-install kit.
Establish the initial state
Reception → A; showroom → B; meeting room → B. Check the intended picture and audio at each destination and the route name shown to the operator.
Change the meeting room only
Assign C to the meeting room. The showroom must retain B and reception A. Then restore the initial state and test switching with actual sources; one copied signal does not meet this independence requirement.
Check recovery and confidentiality
In an agreed test, check restart, selected input and operator feedback. Define a fallback route that avoids showing a private meeting computer at reception. Record tested combinations and those excluded from the proposal.
A correct route grants no content rights. This scenario does not validate TV channels, every format or an external service’s operation.
05
Six answers for a controlled distribution brief.
Which sources to which displays?
Table of simultaneous combinations, naming each source and destination. Add audio paths and private or public use.
Which formats and existing devices?
References, available inputs, useful resolutions and frame rates. Attach manuals; identify adapters rather than assuming transparency.
Which display conditions?
Ambient light, viewer positions, orientation, intended hours and supports. Confirm these conditions for the exact model; do not treat every television as a continuous-use display.
Which routes are feasible?
Surveyed lengths, access, power, rack and available network. For TV, identify the incoming feed and existing distribution before adding equipment.
Who publishes and controls?
Content owner, accounts, any scheduling and access rights. Distinguish input selection, routing, power and editorial management.
Which acceptance evidence?
Picture/audio combinations, agreed acceptable switching time, restart recovery and user guide. Require an explicit list of unresolved restrictions.
06
Separate supply, configuration and content.
Inovexia is the distributor consulted for references and available documents. Specify installation, configuration, training and any maintenance in the agreed scope. A player does not necessarily include publishing software, subscription or content creation. Technical distribution grants no associated rights and must not bypass protection; undocumented functions remain to be confirmed before offline ordering.
07
Avoid selection shortcuts.
Does a splitter give each display a different source?
A single-input splitter repeats that source; it does not create independent programmes. Specify required assignments, then select an architecture that actually supports them.
Are two devices labelled 4K necessarily compatible?
No. Verify complete format, interfaces, cables and content-protection requirements across every component. Keep a list of combinations actually tested.
Are EDID and HDCP the same setting?
No. One communicates display capabilities; the other concerns protected content. Do not address a protection problem by promising to disable or bypass it.
Can coax TV be replaced by an HDMI copy?
Not when each receiver must select a channel independently. Specify signal origin, receivers, distribution and measurements; copying an already selected picture is a different use.
Does signage include scheduling and content creation?
Only if the offer states so. Ask who supplies software, owns accounts, updates content and provides support, plus any costs or dependencies.
Technical sources
External reading references. These documents explain principles; they do not certify catalogue products or their combination.
- Selecting the Right Matrix SwitcherExtron · Sources consulted on
- Digital Video for Pro AV IntegrationExtron · Sources consulted on
- FAQ — Multiswitches and distributionTelevés · Sources consulted on