Introduction

The HMX88-18G Matrix is an industry-leading solution for uncompressed, unconverted HDMI 2.0 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 HDCP 2.3/2.2 distribution. It utilizes HDBaseT™ 3 technology to deliver HDMI, bi-directional IR & RS-232, ARC, 1Gb Ethernet, and PoC up to 100m over a single CAT6A cable.

The HMX88-18G supports uncompressed distribution of the latest HDR resolutions, including HDR10/10+, and Dolby Vision, ensuring the ultimate picture quality for critical viewing areas.

Additional features include simultaneous HDBaseT™/HDMI on outputs 1 & 2, video smart scaling on HDBaseT outputs, and an independent 26x8 audio matrix with ARC. The unit includes a built-in web browser interface module for control and configuration, along with RS-232, IR, and Ethernet pass-through for seamless 3rd party control integration.

Features

• Advanced uncompressed, unconverted HDMI over HDBaseT™ technology for bit-for-bit 4K HDMI video and audio distribution over a single CAT6A cable.
• 8 HDMI inputs independently routed to 8 HDBaseT™ outputs.
• Outputs 1 & 2 feature simultaneous HDMI and HDBaseT™ outputs.
• Supports uncompressed HDMI 2.0 18Gbps specification, including 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 UHD video up to 100m*.
• Supports latest HDR resolutions including HDR10/10+ and Dolby Vision.
• 26x8 Audio Matrix independently controllable from video. Audio source inputs include:
  • 8 audio breakouts from HDMI source inputs
  • 8 audio breakouts from zone outputs
  • 8 audio returns from zone outputs*
  • 1 Optical and 1 Analogue audio input
• Supports all known HDMI audio formats including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS-HD Master Audio transmission.
• Integrated Ethernet switch (LAN Serving) when used with Blustream RX18G receiver (1Gb maximum).
• Web interface module for control and configuration.
• Bi-directional IR and RS-232 on all HDBaseT™ outputs.
• Control via front panel, IR, iOS/Android App, RS-232, and TCP/IP.
• Supports PoC (Power over Cable) to power compatible HDBaseT™ receivers.
• Advanced EDID management and HDCP 2.3 compliant.

*Transmission distance is subject to video format, cable type, and installation environment. Minimum CAT6A cabling is recommended.

**ARC feature supports HDMIvARC or Optical ARC. Compatible with RX18G only.

Front Panel Description

The front panel features controls and indicators for the HMX88-18G matrix.

• 1. IR Receiver Window: Receives IR remote control signals.
• 2. LCD Display: Shows the status of input/output selection, EDID, and other settings.
• 3. Menu Button: Press to access the matrix menu. Refer to the full online manual for details.
• 4. Power Button: Press to power the matrix on or off.
• 5. Selection Buttons: Multi-use buttons for selecting outputs (1-8) and then inputs (1-8). After selecting outputs, wait 3 seconds or press 'SELECT' to move to input selection. Press the Select button to confirm the switch.
• 6. Select Button: Confirms changes within the matrix menu.
• 7. ESC: Exits MENU mode.

Secondary Use of Buttons: When the MENU button is pressed, buttons 3, 4, 7, and 8 function as navigation cursors (3=Left, 4=Up, 7=Right, 8=Down) within the menu system.

Factory Reset: The matrix can be factory reset by pressing and holding the 'X' button for 10 seconds, then pressing the select button to confirm, or any other button to cancel.

Rear Panel Description

The rear panel provides all physical connections for the HMX88-18G matrix.

• 1. IR Control Input: 3.5mm stereo connector for connecting a Blustream IR receiver for IR control of the matrix.
• 2. TCP/IP: RJ45 connector for TCP/IP and web-GUI control of the matrix.
• 3. Ethernet Passthrough: RJ45 connector for passing network data to compatible HDBaseT™ receivers.
• 4. RS-232: Phoenix connector for RS-232 control of the matrix.
• 5. EDID DIP Switch: Used for global EDID settings.
• 6. Upgrade Port: Micro USB port for firmware updates.
• 7. IR Outputs: 3.5mm mono connectors (9 total) to connect to Blustream IR emitters for local source control.
• 8. Optical and Analogue Audio Outputs: 8 sets of dual outputs (Toslink + 3.5mm L/R line level stereo jack) for connecting to third-party audio devices. Note: Analogue audio outputs support 2-channel PCM only.
• 9. IR Inputs: 3.5mm stereo connectors (10 total) to connect to Blustream IR receivers or control processors, extending IR from the matrix to HDBaseT™ outputs 1-8.
• 10. Bi-directional RS-232 Ports: Phoenix connectors (8 total) to connect to third-party control devices, extending RS-232 commands to HDBaseT™ receivers.
• 11. Optical (Toslink) Audio Input: Connect to source devices for audio distribution within the independent audio matrix.
• 12. Analogue Audio Input: 3.5mm L/R stereo jack to connect to source devices for audio distribution within the independent audio matrix.
• 13. HDMI Inputs: 8 x HDMI Type A connectors for connecting source devices.
• 14. HDMI Output: 2 x HDMI Type A connectors for connecting display/AVR devices.
• 15. HDBaseT™ Outputs: 8 x RJ45 HDBaseT™ ports for connecting to compatible Blustream HDBaseT™ receivers.
• 16. IEC Power Socket: Standard connector for the supplied IEC power cable.
• 17. Power Switch: Main power switch for the unit.

Control and Configuration

Web-GUI Control

The HMX88-18G features a built-in web-GUI for control and configuration. By default, the matrix is set to DHCP. If a DHCP server is not available, the matrix IP address defaults to 192.168.0.200, with default username 'blustream' and password '1234'. For more information, refer to the HMX88-18G User Manual available on the Blustream website.

RS-232 Configuration

The RS-232 port is used for product configuration, control, and pass-through of RS-232 commands to compatible HDBaseT™ receivers. The default RS-232 communication settings are: Baud Rate: 57600, Data Bit: 8, Stop Bit: 1, Parity Bit: none. A complete RS-232 command list is available in the HMX88-18G User Manual.

EDID Control

EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) is a data structure used between a display and a source to determine supported audio and video resolutions. Proper EDID management ensures optimal performance and reduces handshake issues, especially in complex setups.

Matrix EDID settings can be configured in three ways:

1. Using the Matrix web browser interface.
2. Using the Matrix front panel (detailed below).
3. Using the Matrix EDID DIP switches (refer to the product User Manual).

To change input signal type via the Matrix front panel:

1. Press the MENU button.
2. Scroll to 'EDID Management' and press SELECT.
3. Scroll through options and select 'Built-In EDID' or 'Copy Output xx'.

Built-In EDID Selection:

• Select the input (1-8) or 'All' for which to fix the EDID. Use UP/DOWN buttons to toggle and press SELECT.
• Select the desired video resolution and audio format (e.g., 4K, 1080p, 3D, 2ch, 5.1). Use UP/DOWN buttons to toggle and press SELECT to apply. The SELECT button LED will flash orange upon completion.

Copy Output EDID:

• Select the HDBaseT™ output from which to copy EDID. Use UP/DOWN buttons to toggle and press SELECT to move to input selection.
• Select the HDMI input (1-8) or 'All' to copy EDID to all HDMI inputs. Press SELECT to apply.

Specifications

• Video Input Connectors: 8 x HDMI Type A, 19-pin, female.
• Video Output Connectors: 2 x HDMI Type A, 19-pin, female; 8 x HDBaseT™ RJ45 connectors.
• Audio Input Connectors: 1 x Analogue audio L/R (3.5mm stereo jack); 1 x Optical (S/PDIF).
• Audio Output Connectors: 8 x Analogue audio L/R (3.5mm stereo jack); 8 x Optical (S/PDIF).
• RS-232 Serial Port: 9 x 3-pin phoenix connector.
• TCP/IP Control Port: 1 x RJ45, female.
• Ethernet Passthrough Port: 1 x RJ45, female.
• IR Input Ports: 10 x 3.5mm stereo jack.
• IR Output Ports: 9 x 3.5mm mono jack.
• Product Upgrade Port: 1 x Micro USB, female.
• Rack Mountable: 2U rack height, rack ears included.
• Casing Dimensions (W x H x D): 436mm x 88mm x 400mm (without feet).
• Shipping Weight: 10.5kg.
• Operating Temperature: 23°F to 131°F (-5°C to +55°C).
• Storage Temperature: -13°F to 158°F (-25°C to +70°C).
• Power Supply: Internal 100-240V AC.
• HDBaseT Power Output: 24V DC 0.75A per port.

NOTE: Specifications are subject to change without notice. Weights and dimensions are approximate.

Package Contents

• 1 x HMX88-18G unit.
• 1 x Rack mounting kit.
• 1 x Remote control.
• 8 x IR emitters.
• 9 x IR receivers.
• 1 x Serial Cable (DB9 to 3-pin phoenix connector).
• 1 x IR Control Cable (3.5mm-3.5mm cable).
• IEC Power Cable(s).
• 1 x Quick Reference Guide.

Certifications

FCC NOTICE

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

CANADA, INDUSTRY CANADA (IC) NOTICES

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

CORRECT DISPOSAL OF THIS PRODUCT

This marking indicates that this product should not be disposed of with other household wastes. To prevent possible harm to the environment or human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, recycle it responsibly to promote the sustainable reuse of material resources. To return your used device, please use the return and collection systems or contact the retailer where the product was purchased. They can take this product for environmentally safe recycling.

Information

ℹ️ Read these instructions: All safety and operating instructions should be read before this product is operated.

The apparatus should be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection. The socket-outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible.

Chemical Burn Hazard: Do not ingest battery.

This product contains a coin/button cell battery. If swallowed, it can cause severe internal burns in just 2 hours and can lead to death.

Keep new and used batteries away from children.

If the battery compartment does not close securely, stop using the product and keep it away from children.

If you think batteries might have been swallowed or placed inside any part of the body, seek immediate medical attention.

WARNING: Please refer to the information on the exterior bottom enclosure for electrical and safety information before installing or operating the apparatus.

(Note: French safety instructions were present but have been translated and integrated into the English text above.)

Maintenance

Clean this unit with a soft, dry cloth. Never use alcohol, paint thinner, or benzene to clean this unit.

Example Schematic Description

The example schematic illustrates a typical system setup for the HMX88-18G 8x8 HDBaseT™ matrix. It shows multiple 4K sources (such as a PC, Set-Top Box, and Blu-ray player) connected via HDMI to the matrix's 8 HDMI inputs. The HMX88-18G then distributes these signals to 8 remote locations via its HDBaseT™ outputs, using CAT6A cables. Each HDBaseT™ output connects to a Blustream RX18G HDBaseT™ receiver, which in turn connects to a display device like a 4K TV or a 4K Projector. The setup highlights the transmission of HDMI video and audio, along with bi-directional IR and RS-232 control signals over the CAT6A cables. It also demonstrates the capability for Power over Cable (PoC) to power the RX18G receivers, and mentions the transmission distances: up to 100m for 4K signals and up to 150m for 1080p signals (in Long Reach Mode). The schematic also indicates the support for ARC (Audio Return Channel) and Optical Audio Return functionality when using the RX18G receivers, as well as connections for external control systems via RS-232 and network (TCP/IP).