Which Neo Matrix Do I Need?

Modified on Fri, 24 Apr at 10:00 PM

Pulse-Eight makes five HDBaseT video matrices in the Neo range. This guide explains the differences in plain language. For full technical specifications, see the HDBaseT Video Matrix Comparison Chart.

Quick Comparison

Model	HDMI Inputs	HDBaseT Outputs	True 4K@60Hz	ARC	Audio Extraction
neo:4	4	4	No	No	No
neo:6a	6	6	No	No	Yes (per source)
neo:8a	8	8	No	No	Yes (per source)
neo:XSR	6	4	Yes (DSC)	Yes	Yes (per zone)
neo:X+	8 + 4 audio	8	Yes (DSC)	Yes	Yes (10 zones)

All models also include 2 HDMI outputs, bidirectional IR, CEC control, Cloud Monitoring, and Power over HDBaseT (PoH) receivers. All are manufactured in Britain with a 5-year warranty.

The Models Explained

neo:4 — Entry Level, Up to 4 Zones

The neo:4 supports 4 HDMI sources distributed to 4 rooms via HDBaseT, plus 2 mirrored HDMI outputs. It does not include audio extraction, so it suits installations where audio is handled separately. Maximum 4K distance: 40m. Maximum 1080p distance: 70m.

Choose the neo:4 if you have a straightforward 4-room install with no multi-zone audio distribution requirement.

neo:6a — 6 Inputs, 6 Zones with Audio Breakout

The neo:6a adds per-source audio extraction outputs (optical or coax per input), making it suitable for installations feeding a ProAudio system. Supports 6 HDMI sources and 6 HDBaseT zones. Maximum 4K distance: 40m. Maximum 1080p distance: 70m.

Choose the neo:6a if you need audio breakout per source and have up to 6 zones.

neo:8a — 8 Inputs, 8 Zones with Audio Breakout

The neo:8a is the same concept as the neo:6a scaled up to 8 inputs and 8 HDBaseT outputs, with per-source audio extraction. Maximum 4K distance: 40m. Maximum 1080p distance: 70m.

Choose the neo:8a if you need audio breakout per source and have up to 8 zones.

neo:XSR — True 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 with ARC

The neo:XSR steps up to 18Gbps bandwidth, supporting true 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 using Display Stream Compression (DSC). It also adds HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), allowing audio from smart TV apps such as Netflix to be routed back through the matrix. Has 6 HDMI inputs but only 4 HDBaseT outputs. Sits in a 2U rack form factor. Maximum 4K distance: 40m. Maximum 1080p distance: 70m.

Choose the neo:XSR if you need true 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 quality and ARC support with up to 4 HDBaseT zones.

neo:X+ — Flagship, Full Audio Matrix

The neo:X+ is the most capable matrix in the range. It supports 8 HDMI inputs, 8 HDBaseT outputs, 2 HDMI outputs, 4 dedicated audio inputs, and 10 audio output zones. Includes true 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 via DSC, ARC, and Ethernet pass-through over HDBaseT. Extends 1080p up to 100m (4K up to 40m; 100m 4K available on request). Occupies 3U of rack space.

Choose the neo:X+ if you need maximum inputs and outputs, a built-in audio matrix, ARC, and the highest video quality.

Key Questions to Help You Decide

Do you need more than 4K@60Hz 4:2:0? If yes, you need the neo:XSR or neo:X+. The neo:4, 6a, and 8a top out at 4K@60Hz 4:2:0.
Do you need ARC (audio back from smart TV apps)? If yes, you need the neo:XSR or neo:X+.
Do you need audio extraction per source to feed a ProAudio? The neo:6a, neo:8a, neo:XSR, and neo:X+ all support this. The neo:4 does not.
Do you need Ethernet in each room over the same cable? Only the neo:X+ supports Ethernet pass-through over HDBaseT.
How many rooms do you need? neo:4 / neo:XSR = up to 4 HDBaseT zones; neo:6a = up to 6; neo:8a / neo:X+ = up to 8.

Not sure which to choose? Contact Pulse-Eight Support for a recommendation.
UK: 01202 413 610 | US: (858) 748-8250 | support@pulse-eight.com