WolfPack 4K 60Hz 18x18 HDMI Matrix HDBaseT Switcher
Complete Modular AV Switching Solution | Includes 18 POE HDBaseT Receivers, Hot-Swappable Cards, Dual Power Supplies & API Control
System Overview
The WolfPack 18x18 HDMI Matrix Switcher routes any of 18 HDMI sources to any of 18 displays with zero measurable latency (<7 microseconds). Engineered for high-density environments like sports bars, control rooms, corporate facilities, and high-end residential theaters, it transports uncompressed video, multi-channel digital audio, and control signals over a single solid copper STP CAT6 cable.
Built with modular, hot-swappable 1-port slide-in cards and equipped with a redundant internal power supply, this matrix eliminates single points of failure. If an input/output card or power module degrades, field technicians can hot-swap components instantly without powering down the system or disturbing live displays.
Resolution & Distance Performance
| Resolution Format | Chroma Subsampling | Required Bandwidth | Max Extension (STP CAT6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p @ 60 Hz | 4:4:4 (8-bit) | 4.95 Gbps | Up to 220 ft / 67m |
| 4K @ 30 Hz (3840x2160) | 4:4:4 (8-bit) | 10.2 Gbps | Up to 110 ft / 33m |
| 4K @ 60 Hz (3840x2160) | 4:2:0 (8-bit) | 8.9 Gbps | Up to 130 ft / 40m |
Comprehensive Specifications
| Video Standards | HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.3 / 2.2 / 1.4, DVI 1.0 Compliant |
|---|---|
| Supported Audio Formats | LPCM 2.0/5.1/7.1, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS 5.1, DTS-HD Master Audio Pass-through |
| Matrix Capacity | 18 Inputs (HDMI Female) x 18 Outputs (RJ45 POE HDBaseT) |
| Physical Dimensions & Form Factor | 3U Standard 19-inch Rack-mountable Frame (17.3" W x 14.2" D x 5.25" H / 440mm x 360mm x 133mm) |
| Control Interfaces | TCP Port 5000 / UDP Port 4000 (Web GUI & Telnet), RS-232 (DB9 Female), Front Panel LCD Buttons, IR Remote Control |
| Pass-Through Signals | Bi-directional IR (38kHz-56kHz) and RS-232 serial passthrough per HDBaseT link |
| Power Architecture | AC 100–240V, 50/60Hz; Dual Swappable Redundant Supplies (HDTV-PSU-18) |
| Power Consumption | 50W – 70W typical (Excluding POE output load) |
| Thermal / Environmental | Operating Temp: -10°C to 50°C (14°F to 122°F); Humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing |
| Compliance Standards | Manufactured to ISO 9001, CE, FCC, RoHS Standards |
Advanced Control & API Integration Guidance
For third-party AV control system programming (Control4, Crestron, Elan, Savant, Extron), the system responds to direct ASCII commands over RS-232 connection or via IP network using TCP Port 5000 or UDP Port 4000.
// RS-232 Config: 9600 Baud, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit, No Parity
// Network Config: TCP Port 5000 / UDP Port 4000
Route Input 1 to Output 8 & 16: 1x&16.
Route Input 3 to All Outputs: 3All.
Save Scene Configuration 5: Save5.
Recall Scene Configuration 5: Recall5.
// Switcher Acknowledgment Reply: "OK"
Installation Guidelines & Wiring Requirements
Recommended. Other quality cables can cause issues passing the signals. Requires solid copper 23AWG Shielded Twisted Pair (STP CAT6/7) terminated in ANSI/TIA-568B pinout. Avoid flat patch cables, copper-clad aluminum (CCA), patch panels, and pass-through EZ-45 connectors to prevent impedance drops across long cable runs.
System Components & Orderable Spare Parts
Complete SKU: HDTV-4K60-18x18-BT-1P
- 1x Chassis: 18-Slot Card Cage with Integrated Backplane (Part # HDTV-CHAS-18)
- 18x Input Cards: 1-Port 4K 60Hz Female HDMI Input Cards (Part # HDTV-CARD-4K60-IN-HD-1P)
- 18x Output Cards: 1-Port 4K 60Hz POE HDBaseT Output Cards (Part # HDTV-CARD-4K60-OUT-BT-1P)
- 18x Receivers: 4K 60Hz POE HDBaseT Receivers (Part # HDTV-RX-4K60-BT)
- Power Infrastructure: 2x Internal Modular Power Supply Units (Main + Redundant, Part # HDTV-PSU-18)
- Accessories Included: 19" 3U Rack Ears, IR Remote Control, RS-232 Cable, Power Cables
- Service Included: 2-Year WolfPackCare Advance Replacement Warranty & Lifetime Technical Support
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can this matrix send 4K 60 Hz over CAT6?
It sends 4K 60 Hz (4:2:0) up to 130 feet (40m) over a single solid copper STP CAT6 cable. Maximum distances are 110 feet for 4K 30 Hz (4:4:4) and 220 feet for 1080p.
Why does 4K 60 Hz travel farther than 4K 30 Hz on this unit?
4K 60 Hz utilizes 4:2:0 chroma subsampling requiring 8.9 Gbps bandwidth, whereas 4K 30 Hz utilizes 4:4:4 chroma requiring 10.2 Gbps. The lower bandwidth requirement allows for longer cable distances.
What cabling and connectors should be used?
Use point-to-point solid copper STP CAT6/7 cable. Avoid patch panels and EZ-45 connectors, as both introduce impedance variations that reduce transmission distance.
Is it HDCP 2.3 compliant for modern media players?
Yes. All HDMI inputs feature HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.3 compliance, fully supporting current DirecTV receivers, Apple TV 4K, Roku, Firesticks, and cable boxes.
Can I control sources from the TV location?
Yes. Bi-directional IR pass-through and RS-232 support on each HDBaseT link allow control of rack sources from the display side or display control from the rack side.
