Connected Distribution breaks out the audio with the Pulse-Eight neo:X+ and neo:8a audio-video matrixes

Connected Distribution, the original UK distributor for Pulse-Eight, is introducing the neo:X+ and neo:8a matrixes to bring advanced audio functionality, including audio breakout and ARC, alongside the well-established HD video capabilities of the Pulse-Eight products.

Pulse-Eight’s matrix switchers are well regarded among custom installers as one of the most robust solutions available. Now, with the addition of full audio matrix capabilities of the neo:X+ and audio break out on the neo:8a, Connected Distribution’s customers can enjoy far greater flexibility with their installations and offer a wider range of options for their projects.

The neo:X+, the latest addition to the Pulse-Eight range and its flagship matrix, provides the ultimate in audio and video installation. Eight HDMI inputs and eight HDBaseT Class C + DSC outputs permit UHD 4K video transmission at 4K/60, 4:4:4, 8bit or 4K/60 4:2:2, 12bit up to 100 meters. While that in itself makes it a class-leading matrix, where this unit comes into its own is the audio handling capabilities. Three modes: Source, Sink Active and Sink Passive provide varying options for audio distribution via the ten audio zone outputs, with optical, digital coaxial and analogue connections.

In Source Mode, the simplest setting, the audio can be extracted from each source input and sent to an external amplifier or audio matrix in the digital or analogue domain.

With Sink Mode Active enabled, the audio breakout outputs on the neo:X+ match what is being shown on the screen, with the audio from the TV re-directed down the HDMI ARC line, via the HDBaseT link, and into the matrix. From here the installer can extract it and send to the amplifier for that zone. And if the installer uses the analogue audio outputs, the original TV remote control can be used to control the volume via CEC.

For TVs without the benefit of ARC, Sink Mode Passive is selected and for whichever source connected to the matrix is being viewed, the audio will be extracted and sent to the amplifier for that room. Audio from the TV may be routed back to the matrix using the optical out on the TV, which is connected to the optical input on the HDBaseT receiver and sent down the HDBaseT line.

Neo:X+ also features four digial audio input zones. This enables the attachment of separate audio sources, such as streamers, which can then be routed to any zone using the audio matrix capabilities of the product.

Another new product from Connected Distribution is the neo:8a, with eight HDMI inputs, eight HDBaseT and two HDMI outputs, with the added feature of eight HDMI source audio breakouts. These can be routed via optical or digital coaxial connections to external amplification and audio distribution products, such as the renowned Russound range of audio matrix amplifiers. The audio breakout feature has been added to the existing neo:8, to make the neo:8a, at no additional cost to the installer.

As with all Pulse-Eight products, the neo:X+ and neo:8a include the company’s intelligent use of CEC for selection, routing and control of connected sources via the standard TV remote. And for peace of mind and to avoid the need for time consuming site visits to fix simple issues, the installer can check the performance of the system, diagnose problems that may be occurring and fix many issues via the cloud-based remote monitoring service.

In addition to the built-in CEC and web-based source selection options, the Pulse-Eight matrixes are controllable via many third-party systems, including RTI, also distributed by Connected Distribution.

Mike Bonnette, product director for Connected Distribution, comments, “With the hugely powerful neo:X+ and neo:8a matrixes, Pulse-Eight proves once again that it is at the forefront of HD video technology and is now also taking control of the audio side of things. The ability to break out the audio, add additional audio sources and route the multi-channel audio from the TV to the matrix, is going to make the installer’s life so much easier.”

Learn more about Pulse-EIght matrixes HERE