HDfury Vertex — 4K 18Gbps HDMI Matrix, Scaler & Converter

The HDfury Vertex is a 2×2 HDMI 2.0b matrix, splitter, switcher and scaler with the full 18 Gbps (600 MHz) bandwidth. It sits between your sources and your displays and fixes the things that usually break a 4K HDR chain: HDCP errors, the wrong EDID, an AV receiver that cannot pass 4K, a projector that needs a different signal than the TV, or audio that has nowhere to go. Two inputs, two outputs, scaling and HDCP handled per output, and a built-in OLED screen that shows you exactly which signal is passing through.

What the HDfury Vertex can do

• 2×2 matrix and splitter at 18 Gbps: send either input to either output, or one source to two displays at the same time. Up to 4K60 4:4:4 8-bit, 4K60 4:2:2 12-bit, 4K120 4:2:0 8-bit or 8K30 4:2:0 8-bit.
• Upscale and downscale per output: the bottom output (OUT0) upscales 1080p to 2160p for a native 4K display; the top output (OUT1) downscales 4K to 1080p for an older receiver, projector or capture device (24/25/30/50/60 Hz, with or without chroma conversion).
• HDCP conversion: HDCP 2.2 to 1.4 and 1.4 to 2.2, so HDCP 2.2 sources also play on HDCP 1.4 equipment.
• Complete EDID control: 100 preloaded EDID tables, 10 custom slots, AutoMix (combines the EDIDs of both displays), Copy Top/Bottom and Fixed. Each input can have its own EDID, and audio/video flags such as 5.1, full audio, YCbCr, BT2020, HDR and 3D can be forced.
• HDR and infoframe tools: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision (including LLDV) up to 18 Gbps. Read, block, edit or replace HDR metadata and AVI/VSI infoframes, or switch HDR off for an SDR display.
• Audio extraction and ARC: analog stereo and up to 5.1 optical S/PDIF through a 3.5 mm combo jack. With ARC, sound from the TV's own apps can go to the Vertex audio output. HDMI passes every current format: PCM up to 192 kHz, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DD+, DTS-HD MA, DTS:X, DSD and HBR.
• Always know what is going on: signal information on the OLED, on-screen display (OSD) with custom text and a mask to hide TV channel logos, and detailed info in the Windows GUI.
• Many ways to control it: buttons and slide switches on the unit, IR codes (Pronto HEX, also in Logitech Harmony and iRule), Windows USB GUI, RS232 for Mac/Windows/Linux, a public API/DLL, and an iOS/Android app with the optional GoBlue dongle.
• HDMI booster: 1080p up to 15 m in and 15 m out, UHD up to 10 m.
• No noticeable delay: the added latency is only a few pixel clocks.

What the Vertex is used for

• Home cinema with a TV and a projector: feed both from the same source, both in 4K HDR, or 4K to one and 1080p to the other.
• Keeping an older AV receiver: 4K HDR goes straight to the TV while the receiver gets a 1080p/HDCP 1.4 signal on the top output, or the audio via optical or ARC.
• Player-led Dolby Vision (LLDV) on HDR projectors and displays without native Dolby Vision (see below).
• Solving HDMI problems: black screens, HDCP handshake errors, a source that picks the wrong resolution or audio format, HTPC and game-console EDID issues.
• Calibration, review and production work: read the exact incoming signal, inject or replace HDR metadata, and build test chains.
• Showrooms, retail, schools and conference rooms: one 4K source on two screens, with switching by IR or RS232.

Dolby Vision and LLDV with the HDfury Vertex

The Vertex passes Dolby Vision at up to 18 Gbps and, through its EDID control, decides which Dolby Vision capability your source sees. That makes two different setups possible:

• Native Dolby Vision TV: use AutoMix with "DV Force Metadata"; the Vertex copies the Dolby Vision block of the TV on the bottom output, so the source keeps sending Dolby Vision.
• LLDV (player-led Dolby Vision): upload an LLDV EDID into a free custom slot and select it for the input. A compatible source, such as an Apple TV 4K or a suitable UHD player, then does the Dolby Vision processing itself and sends an HDR signal your projector or display can accept. If the display does not switch to HDR by itself, turn on Enable Custom HDR in the Vertex.

Good to know: the Vertex does not turn a display into a native Dolby Vision display. With LLDV on a projector, you usually set the HDR mode and tone mapping of the projector by hand, and the result depends on the source, the display and the calibration. Read the complete Dolby Vision & LLDV guide and the step-by-step Vertex settings for Dolby Vision.

What's in the box

• HDfury Vertex
• Power supply (5 V / 2 A USB) with the plug for your region
• USB to mini USB cable (for the Windows GUI and firmware updates)

Optional, sold separately: universal smart power supply, GoBlue and HDMI cables.

HDfury Vertex specifications

All specifications from the official HDfury 4K Vertex user manual, Rev 1.30. HDMI 2.1 ALLM and VRR are recognised by the Vertex for EDID signalling and source detection only; the Vertex is an 18 Gbps HDMI 2.0b device and does not carry HDMI 2.1 FRL signals.

User manual, downloads and help

Everything about the HDfury Vertex is on www.hdfuryvertex.com, in 15 languages:

• Online user manual: every chapter of the manual as a searchable web page, plus the PDF.
• Downloads: firmware and Windows GUI packages, Silabs USB drivers, EDID collection, API/DLL and the iOS/Android apps.
• All specifications explained
• First setup, step by step and the setup assistant for your own devices
• Black screen or no signal? Troubleshooting
• Glossary: EDID, HDCP, HDR, LLDV, CEC and more, explained simply

Optional accessories

• HDfury GoBlue: Bluetooth and infrared dongle for the 4K Vertex Total Control app on iOS and Android.
• HDfury Go32 (GO2): Bluetooth-to-RS232 dongle for the Go232 app.

More about the apps and both dongles: apps for iOS & Android.

Frequently asked questions about the HDfury Vertex

What is the difference between the two HDMI outputs?

The bottom output (OUT0/TX0) is the main 4K output: it can upscale 1080p to 2160p and it is the CEC and ARC master, so connect your 4K TV or projector here. The top output (OUT1/TX1) is the downscale output: it can convert 4K to 1080p and HDCP 2.2 to 1.4, so HDMI/HDCP 1.x devices such as an older AV receiver go here. The top output also has 10 quick scaling presets.

What is the difference between splitter mode and matrix mode?

In splitter mode one input goes to both outputs; a short press on INP switches to the other input. Hold INP for more than 2 seconds to enter matrix mode: each input then goes to its own output, and a short press on INP swaps them.

What do the three slide switches do?

EDID: AutoMix, Custom or Fixed. HDCP: always 2.2, Auto or always 1.4. SCALE: no scaling (pass-through), custom scaling or auto scaling. In the middle position a switch follows the settings you make in the Windows GUI, by IR, RS232 or the app.

What does AutoMix EDID do?

AutoMix builds one EDID from the capabilities of both connected displays, with a selectable algorithm and forced flags, so both outputs always get a picture and sound. In Custom you choose one of the 100 EDID tables (default: 4K60 4:4:4 BT2020 HDR 600 MHz with full audio). Fixed is a basic 4K60 4:2:0 SDR stereo EDID that gives a picture in almost every setup.

How do I solve an HDCP error or a black screen?

Set the HDCP switch to Auto: the Vertex then makes sure each output gets a working signal. A short press on RST sends a new hot plug to the source, and the Fixed EDID is a safe fallback. Step by step: black screen troubleshooting.

Which HDMI cables do I need?

For 4K60 4:4:4 8-bit or 4K60 4:2:2 12-bit (600 MHz, 18 Gbps) use 600 MHz certified 4K HDMI cables. The built-in booster lets 1080p run up to 15 m in and 15 m out, and UHD up to 10 m.

How do I update the firmware?

With a Windows PC and the included USB to mini USB cable: install the Silabs USB driver and run the Firmware Updater, both on the downloads page. If a lock icon appears on the OLED after the update, hold RST, press INP twice, release, and power the Vertex off and on again.

Can I use it with a universal remote or a control system?

Yes. All functions have IR codes (Pronto HEX, also in Logitech Harmony and iRule), and all GUI controls are available as RS232 commands for control systems and Mac, Windows or Linux computers.

Does it support HDMI 2.1, 4K120 4:4:4 or 8K60?

No. The Vertex is an 18 Gbps HDMI 2.0b device: 4K60 4:4:4 8-bit, 4K120 4:2:0 8-bit or 8K30 4:2:0 8-bit.