Blustream HMX88-18G 8x8 HDBaseT3 ARC Matrix Uncompressed 4K 60Hz

Blustream HMX88-18G 8x8 HDBaseT3 ARC Matrix Uncompressed 4K 60Hz

The Blustream HMX88-18G is an 8x8 HDBaseT3 matrix that switches and distributes uncompressed HDMI 2.0 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 video up to 100m over a single CAT6A cable. Because it sends bit‑for‑bit HDMI with no conversion, it preserves HDR10/10+ and Dolby Vision detail for critical viewing areas.

Uncompressed 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 up to 100m on CAT6A

By utilising HDBaseT3 for unconverted 18Gbps HDMI transport, the matrix avoids the artifacts and latency of compression. That means accurate colour (4:4:4 at 60Hz) and full HDR performance carried up to 100m on a single CAT6A run, ideal when sources and displays are spread across rooms or floors.

True 8x8 flexibility with mirrored HDMI on outputs 1 and 2

All 8 HDMI inputs can be independently routed to any of the 8 HDBaseT outputs. Outputs 1 and 2 also provide simultaneous HDMI and HDBaseT, so a local confidence monitor can mirror the remote zone without additional splitters—useful at the rack or in a nearby control room.

Independent 26x8 audio matrix with ARC

Because video and audio routing can be separated, you can send picture to one zone and audio to another, or extract audio for an amplifier without disturbing video paths. ARC from zones returns audio to the rack for distribution, simplifying TV‑app audio and two‑way system design.

• 26x8 audio matrix, controllable independently from video
• Audio sources: 8 x audio breakout from HDMI source inputs, 8 x audio breakout from zone outputs, 8 x audio return from zone outputs (ARC), 1 x Optical (S/PDIF) input and 1 x Analogue L/R (3.5mm) input
• Supports Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS‑HD Master Audio
• ARC via HDMI or Optical on compatible RX18G receivers

Smart scaling to mix 4K and 1080p displays

Video smart scaling on the HDBaseT outputs lets mixed systems run smoothly: 4K displays receive 4K while 1080p sets get a 1080p feed. Because the matrix handles scaling at the output, you avoid EDID conflicts and keep switching fast and predictable.

Simple control and third‑party integration

An in‑built web interface covers setup and day‑to‑day operation, and the unit passes IR, RS‑232 and Ethernet for seamless control integration. With EDID management and HDCP 2.3 compliance, sources lock to reliable handshakes and behave consistently across zones.

• Control via front panel, IR, iOS/Android app, RS‑232 and TCP/IP
• Integrated Ethernet switch (1Gb LAN serving) when paired with RX18G receivers
• Bi‑directional IR and RS‑232 on all HDBaseT outputs
• Advanced EDID management; HDCP 2.3/2.2 compliant

Power, cabling, and install details that save time

Because the Blustream HMX88‑18G provides PoC (Power over Cable), compatible HDBaseT receivers don’t need local power—cleaner racks and fewer wall‑warts. It’s a 2U, rack‑mountable chassis with an internal universal power supply for straightforward integration.

• PoC on all HDBaseT outputs (24V DC 0.75A per port)
• 2U rack height; rack ears included
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 436 x 88 x 400 mm; Shipping weight: 10.5 kg
• Operating temp: -5°C to +55°C; Storage: -25°C to +70°C
• Cabling: Use CAT6A F/UTP (or better) to meet HDBaseT3 bandwidth; CAT5e not supported and CAT6 not recommended
• Max distance up to 100m; performance depends on video format, cable and environment

Connectivity at a glance

• Inputs: 8 x HDMI
• Outputs: 8 x HDBaseT (RJ45), plus 2 x HDMI (mirrored on Outputs 1 & 2)
• Audio I/O: 8 x Analogue L/R out (3.5mm), 8 x Optical out (S/PDIF), 1 x Analogue L/R in (3.5mm), 1 x Optical in (S/PDIF)
• Control & data: 9 x RS‑232 (3‑pin phoenix), 10 x IR in (3.5mm), 9 x IR out (3.5mm), 1 x TCP/IP (RJ45), 1 x Ethernet passthrough (RJ45), 1 x Micro‑USB for upgrades
• HDMI 2.0, 18Gbps; HDR10/10+ and Dolby Vision supported

What’s in the box

• HMX88‑18G Matrix
• Rack mounting kit
• Remote control
• 8 x IR emitters and 9 x IR receivers
• Serial cable (DB9 to 3‑pin phoenix)
• IR control cable (3.5mm to 3.5mm)
• IEC power cable(s)
• Quick Reference Guide

FAQ

• Does the HMX88‑18G compress video?

  No. It distributes uncompressed, unconverted HDMI 2.0 signals at up to 18Gbps, so 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 and HDR metadata are preserved end‑to‑end.

• What cable should be used for 100m transmission?

  CAT6A F/UTP (or better) as required by HDBaseT3. CAT5e is not supported and CAT6 is not recommended due to potential bandwidth and performance issues.

• Can it handle mixed 4K and 1080p displays?

  Yes. Video smart scaling on the HDBaseT outputs allows 4K and 1080p displays to coexist without EDID conflicts.

• How does ARC work on this matrix?

  ARC is supported via HDMI or Optical ARC from zones back to the matrix when used with compatible RX18G receivers. Returned audio can be routed in the independent 26x8 audio matrix.

• Which audio formats are supported?

  All known HDMI audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS‑HD Master Audio.

• What’s the maximum distance?

  Up to 100m over a single CAT6A cable. Actual distance depends on video format, cable quality and installation environment.

• How can it be controlled?

  Via the front panel, IR, iOS/Android app, RS‑232 and TCP/IP. There’s also a built‑in web interface for configuration and daily use.

• Do receivers need local power?

  Compatible HDBaseT receivers can be powered via PoC from the matrix, eliminating separate power supplies at the display end.

• Can the matrix provide network to the displays?

  Yes. When used with RX18G receivers, the integrated Ethernet switch offers 1Gb LAN serving to zones.

Ready to build a reliable, uncompressed 4K distribution backbone? Add the Blustream HMX88‑18G to your cart, or contact Gibbys Electronic Supermarket for tailored system design—call or visit in‑store for expert advice.