The myServer 6 media control system supports MANY ways to route video to multi displays. Here are the most common ways for commercial and larger residential installations.
Examples of Displays: TVs, Monitors. Technologies: HDMI (most common and recommended), Composite (old), Component (old)
Examples of Video Sources: DirecTV, Cable Box, digital signage players, video juke box, PC, Interactive Whiteboard, etc.
Video Matrix Manages all Video Distribution (HDBaseT technology)
HDBaseT distributes video via Cat5e / 6 cable. It is NOT ethernet and is never connected to the ethernet network. There are HDBaseT transmitters that convert HDMI video source devices to HDBaseT signals. At the other end of the cable is an HDBaseT receiver that converts back to HDMI for connection to the Display device (the "TV").
Inbetween, might be an HDBaseT matrix switch that routes Inputs to Output(s). The matrix switch can have a fixed number of Inputs / Outputs (like an "8x8") or completely flexible due to designs that have a rack mounted "chassis" that can accept multiple Input cards, and multiple Output cards for scalability. The Chassis has to be selected for the maximum Inputs or Outputs needed initially or in the future. The chassis can be upgraded in the future, but it is expensive to do so.
Advantage: Complete flexibility for video source devices and display devices. Supports long distance transmission (220ft, 330 ft etc depending on hardware and cable used). Reduced ongoing video content receiver lease costs by distributing several receivers to many TVs.
Disadvantage: Medium / High cost but critical for larger systems.
If the video matrix hardware doesn't have enough Outputs for all video displays, you can put a HDMI splitter on one output. Both TVs will always display the same content.
Video Matrix Manages all Video Distribution (Video Over IP technology)
A more advanced way is to leverage the Video Matrix Switch to send any Video Source to a reserved Audio Output card (typically has an HDMI AND an analog audio minijack or phoenix connector). This audio connection is then plugged into one of the Audio Matrix inputs.
Advantage: Any of the video devices can be used as both a video AND as an audio source. The Audio matrix can be small (less expensive).
Some of the video over IP solutions support CEC TV control. This can be an advantage if you only have one CAT6 wire to each TV. Using CEC, you can both distribute the video AND control the TV on / off. Note that most modern TVs also support Wifi on / off control - which is another option if your video matrix doesn't support CEC (or your TV doesn't).
Video Over IP systems are very scalable - now or in the future with facility expansion plans. Typically no need for a larger equipment rack.
Most Video Over IP systems support video wall capability. Some also support multiple sources displayed on one TV (one receiver).
Some of the Video Over IP systems, the boxes can be configured as a Transmitter OR a Receiver. One less part to keep on hand for backup purposes.
Disadvantage: you need one video output card for each concurrent video source you want to listen to ie: one card for Zone 1, and a second for what you want to listen to in Zone 2. If there are two video cards, then the user needs to select which video card is used for that audio source. So, not quite as intuitive but less expensive for the flexibility.
Video over IP can be a little more complicated to setup initially than HDBaseT systems as there is more networking involved.
Depending on system size (number of "endpoints"), there can be price differences between Video Over IP and HDBaseT.
Video Over IP with IR control and Tablet connection examples
Video distribution without a Video Matrix
This is the most common video distribution for small venues (small / medium residences and pizzarias and small bars / restaurants)
If you are only needing to watch "DirecTV" or "Cable" then this is the most cost effective way. You would need a Video Receiver "box" for each TV.
Advantage: Up front Cost. A Video Matrix is typically one of the most expensive single pieces of a media system.
Disadvantages: Ongoing monthly lease cost of receivers. If there are more than ~6 TVs, this adds up significantly over time.
For the above reasons, Allonis does not recommend this as a solution if you need to display more than 6 channels at one time and / or you have more than 6 TVs. But it works nicely if you are only displaying "Cable or Satellite" and have a small number of TVs to control.