HDMX42 Special Features

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 4×2 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

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.