Key Technical Features
- Hybrid Modular Architecture: The M5 series is built on a flexible, card-based chassis that supports various I/O configurations. You can customize the matrix by mixing different signal blades (HDMI, DVI, VGA, SDI, etc.) to bridge the gap between old and new technology without needing external converters.
- True Seamless Switching Technology: Every transition between sources is visually perfect. The M5 utilizes a high-speed internal buffer to ensure zero-second switching with no black screens, blue screens, or signal jitter, regardless of resolution differences between sources.
- High-Performance 4K Scaling: Each output channel features an independent, high-performance scaler. This allows the matrix to take a mix of different input resolutions (e.g., 1080p, 720p, 4K) and output them at the optimal native resolution for each individual display.
- Multi-Format Signal Conversion: The M5 acts as a universal converter. It can ingest a VGA signal from a legacy laptop and output it as a 4K HDMI or HDBaseT signal, simplifying the signal chain and reducing the number of failure points in a system.
- Integrated Audio Matrixing: Beyond video, the M5 manages complex audio routing. It supports audio embedding (adding analog audio to a digital video stream) and de-embedding (extracting audio from HDMI for an external PA system) across all channels.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Chassis Options | 2U (8×8), 4U (16×16), 8U (36×36), 14U (72×72) |
| Supported Formats | HDMI 2.0, DVI, VGA, 3G-SDI, HDBaseT, Fiber, CVBS |
| Max Resolution | 3840 x 2160 @ 30Hz/60Hz (depending on blade) |
| Color Space | RGB 4:4:4, YUV 4:4:4, 4:2:2 |
| Switching Speed | 0ms (Truly Seamless) |
| HDBaseT Extension | Up to 70m (4K) / 100m (1080p) via CAT6 |
| Control Interface | RS-232, TCP/IP (Web-GUI), Front Panel, IR |
| EDID Management | Comprehensive EDID reading, writing, and emulation |
| Redundancy | Optional Dual-Redundant Power Supplies |
Key Functional Highlights
- Advanced Video Wall Functionality: Some output cards in the M5 series support integrated Video Wall Processing. This allows a single matrix to manage both standard display routing and a multi-screen video wall simultaneously.
- Visualized Operation: The management software provides a real-time preview of input sources. Operators can “see” the content on their control tablet before switching it to the main display, preventing accidental broadcasting of sensitive information.
- Long-Distance Transmission: With integrated HDBaseT and Fiber blades, the M5 can send uncompressed 4K signals directly to remote displays up to several kilometers away without requiring additional transmitters at the rack.
- Character Overlay & Tickers: Supports the addition of customized text overlays on any output channel. This is ideal for adding “Confidential” watermarks, room names, or emergency alerts to the broadcast.
- Scene Presets & Automation: Users can store up to 128 layout scenes. With one touch, the entire room can transition from “Presentation Mode” to “Video Conference Mode,” reconfiguring all signal paths instantly.
Why Choose the M5 Series?
The M5 Series is the “Swiss Army Knife” of AV distribution. While the UHD series is excellent for pure HDMI environments, the M5 is essential for venues where you must support diverse inputs (like an SDI camera, a VGA laptop, and an HDMI media player) while ensuring every switch is visually seamless for a professional audience.