8x8 HDMI Matrix Switch 4K Rack Mount with Web GUI, RS232, IR, LAN Control

Answer:
Yes, the H-8x8HDMI-4K-SW can emulate/learn the EDID from a connected display.  The device supports EDID management and can emulate a display device.  This allows the HDMI source to complete the HDMI handshake even when no TV is connected.  The unit can store or emulate EDID information so the source continues sending audio/video signals. In your application, the HDMI source would see the matrix as the display device, allowing the audio signal to be passed to the connected soundbars without requiring a TV.   More info abot this question :  What They Are Asking

The customer wants to know if your device can emulate (pretend to be) a TV using EDID, so the HDMI source will still send audio to a soundbar, even though no real TV is connected.

This is a very common HDMI issue.

Why This Problem Exists

In HDMI systems, the source device (like a Blu-ray player, Apple TV, or media player) only sends audio/video after an HDMI handshake happens.

The handshake works like this:

    Source device → reads EDID → decides what to output  

The EDID is a small data block that tells the source:

• I support 1080p or 4K

• I support Dolby / PCM audio

• I support ARC or eARC

Normally the TV provides this EDID.

Example:

    Apple TV → HDMI → TV  

The TV says:

    Hello, I support: 1080p Dolby Digital Stereo  

So the Apple TV sends audio/video.

The Problem With Soundbars Alone

If you connect:

    Source → Soundbar  

Many soundbars expect a TV to exist, especially when using ARC / eARC.

Without a TV:

• No EDID

• No handshake

• No audio output

So the source may refuse to send audio.

What They Think Your Device Can Do

They think your device can store or generate EDID so it behaves like a TV.

Meaning your device would act like this:

    Source → Thor device → Soundbar  

And the Thor device tells the source:

    Hello, I am a TV. I support audio formats. Send me audio.  

Then the device passes the audio to the soundbar.

This is called:

EDID emulation / EDID learning / EDID copy

What They Want To Do

Their retail store wants a soundbar demo rack.

Example setup:

    Media Player ? ? HDMI ? Thor HDMI Matrix / Switch ? ??????????????????? ? ? ? SB1 SB2 SB3 SB4 (soundbars)  

Customers press a button and switch between soundbars.

But they don't want a TV connected to every soundbar just to make HDMI audio work.

Their Question Simplified

They are asking:

Can your device emulate the EDID of a TV so that a source will output HDMI audio to soundbars even when no TV is connected?

What They Mean by "Learn EDID"

Some HDMI devices can:

1. Read EDID from a TV

2. Store it internally

3. Pretend to be that TV later

Example:

    TV → device reads EDID device stores EDID TV removed device emulates TV  

Now the source still thinks a TV exists.

Their Intended Setup   Media Player      ?      ? HDMI      ? Thor HDMI Matrix / Switch      ?  ???????????????????  ?   ?             ? SB1 SB2 SB3 SB4  (soundbars)    

Controlled via RS-232 using Q-SYS.

They want to switch soundbars instantly.

Why They Mention Q-SYS

Q-SYS is an automation system.

They will control the switch like:

    QSYS → RS232 → Thor Device  

So when a customer presses a touchscreen:

    Play on Soundbar #3  

The switch changes automatically.