Traditional interfaces, switchers, splittes and matrix switchers are all centralized products. They have the following shortcomings and limitations:

Hundreds of models with different input/output numbers and formats are needed for wide varieties of applications; a logistic nightmare for manufacturers and resellers.

Fixed number of inputs and outputs and fixed signal format makes it impossible for future system expansion and upgrade.

All the input and output cables need to run to a single location to connect to the switching or distribution device; it's difficult to run a bunch of thick cables to one room.

Each input and output cable is long; this is even more challenging for today's high bandwidth digital signals like HDMI.

Tx and Rx pair (balun) is needed for each input or output with long cable and/or digital signal.

Signal converter (scaler) is needed for each input or output with different signal format than the switcher/splitter format.