Projector Reviews Images

HDMX42 Special Features

Posted on May 1, 2009 by Art Feierman

Full HDMI 1.3 Compliant

This is a big one in my book. Many of the switchers I have looked at do not fully support HDMI 1.3, including the current Gefen 4x2 that I own. Many in fact, are only "compatible" not compliant.

There's a big difference. An HDMI 1.3 compatible only box typically only supports HDMI 1.2 features (no deep color...), but is smart enough to tell an HDMI 1.3 device that, and, essentially instruct an hdmi 1.3 source to send it's data using HDMI 1.2. Not so the Octava HDMX42. It claims full HDMI 1.3 compliance, including CEC, Deep Color, and the newest audio formats such as True-HD Dolby, and DTS-HD. In other words, this Octava box seems about as current and compatible as one can get.

Digital Audio Output

This is an important feature if you are not using an AV receiver for your switching of the video and audio. (If you are using a newer AV receiver with HDMI switching built in, you likely wouldn't need an HDMI switcher.) Without the digital audio output (Toslink - fibre-optic), one would have to run separate digital audio from each source, to multiple digital audio inputs on an AV receiver. With the digital audio output included on this Octava switcher, this becomes a non-issue. More in the Performance section.

Remote Control

The HDMX42 uses a small, credit card type remote to control source switching, output switching, and some configuration. Because the remote is infra-red, it is easy to replace the remote with a programmable remote purchased to control all your devices. Alternately, you can use the remote, and additionally, there is a jack for an IR extension in the event that the unit cannot be placed where it can directly receive an IR signal from the remote control.

Smart Scan

The Octava matrix switcher will automatically lock onto a live HDMI source. If you have two sources hooked up, for example, and both are on, and you have #1 selected, when you shut off source 1, the switcher will automatically switch to source #2. There are more capabilities depending on the number of powered up or down sources you have. If you power down all your HDMI sources, the Octava switcher will switch to standby mode, but will power back up automatically as soon as it senses a live source.

Latest Reviews

February 25, 2024

Introducing the Hisense C1: A cube-shaped 4K UHD lifestyle projector with an RGB triple laser light source and integrated JBL ...

February 19, 2024

The BenQ X3100i is a 4LED, 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160p) 0.65" DLP short-throw gaming projector that offers a BenQ-rated ...

January 20, 2024

The BenQ V5000i is a $3,499 smart ultra-short throw 4K projector with RGB triple laser source. Ideal for vibrant, bright ...

January 2, 2024

The BenQ HT3560 is a 4K UHD projector offering vibrant colors and advanced features for $1,599. It offers a manufacturer-rated ...

© 2024 Projector Reviews

crossmenu linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram