HydraConnect HSS-3 HDMI Matrix Processor Announced

HydraConnect LLC announced the HSS-3 HDMI Matrix Processor for Crestron, iRule, and RTI, in addition to Control4. The box provides 8 HDMI inputs and 8 outputs with built-in HDBaseT transmitters, enabling cost effective installation to connect video displays up to 330 feet away using CAT5e cables. The companion HDBaseT receivers are unique in that they do not require power supplies, reducing installation headaches. Alternatively up to two of the HDBaseT outputs can be used as local HDMI connections. The HSS-3 retains all of the HSS-2 features such as an integrated audio matrix and CEC control to replace IR flashers.

The HSS-3 will connect and individually switch up to eight HDMI sources with eight HDMI video displays, switch eight stereo sources among 16 remote speaker zones, and control this equipment using CEC without IR flashers, all seamlessly integrated with a home automation system. The HydraConnect HSS-3 and the earlier HSS-2 models use cloud-based software support that provides automatic upgrades and tech support without customer intervention. The most recent upgrade was the addition of the company's patent-pending Dynamic 2D/3D display management system, which automatically maximizes viewing options and performance in environments with mixed 2D and 3D components. With the exception of HydraConnect LLC's HSS family of products, present day switches do not have the capability to dynamically adapt to the 2D/3D environment properly.

Since long runs of conventional HDMI cables are not possible, many custom installers use accessory HDBaseT HDMI extenders and CAT5e for long cable runs. By building eight HDBaseT transmitters into the HSS-3, installers can speed installation and set-up by eliminating one more connection in the chain. These extenders use Power Over Ethernet (POE), so there is no need for a “wall wart” power supply on the receiver end of the cable, which allows flush mount of flat screen TVs. To support local AV Receivers in the HSS rack, two of the output channels can be selected to use local HDMI connectors instead of HDBaseT.

The HydraConnect LLC HSS-3 also eliminates the need most IR blasters and extra controllers, thanks to its fully-integrated CEC control for nearly all sources and displays, plus it provides integrated IP support for DirecTV satellite receivers. Automatic EDID set-up and management ensures maximum video resolution and all audio format support. There are no HDCP key limitations on number of simultaneous displays. The company's FlashConnect technology ensures near instantaneous video switching and no picture loss when adding or removing displays to or from a video stream. The HSS-3 supports 3D, resolutions up to 1080p, HDMI 1.4a-pass-through, 36/30/24 bit deep color (225 GHz), automated EDID and CEC processing, and is HDCP 1.4 compliant. It also supports all the latest HDMI audio formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. A/V remix allows the viewing of one video source while listening to a separate audio source. For Control4 installations, HSS-3's fully integrated Control4 Composer support includes bidirectional volume control feedback for Control4 Navigator.

HydraConnect LLC also announced system drivers that will also enable HSS-2 and HSS-3 products to integrate with Crestron, iRule, and RTI home automation systems. In addition the HSS-2 and HSS-3 now include HydraConnect LLC's new Dynamic 2D/3D protocol to automatically resolve EDID conflicts with mixed 2D/3D sources and displays.

Availability
The HSS-3 will be available to authorized HydraConnect dealers in October 2012. The new HydraConnect System Drivers for Crestron, RTI, and iRule will be available to dealers in October.