Lightware MX-CPU2

MX-CPU2 board is a direct replacement of the original CPU board of our MX Hybrid Modular matrix frames. It has been upgraded with several unique features to help improve our new range of digital video/audio routing and extension systems.

Additional input and output ports fully support DVI and 3D HDMI signals with or without HDCP encryption. The test input and preview output ports turn an existing 16x16 matrix to a 17x17 and an existing 32x32 to a 33x33. Upgrading an existing router with MX-CPU2 is a simple board replacement, with only two screws to undo.

Frame Detector and Input Signal Analysis are uniquely available in Lightware matrices for all input boards when using MX-CPU2. This function determines the exact video format that is sent by the source and therefore helps to identify many potential issues. The signal analyzer displays detailed information regarding an incoming video and audio signal such as timing, frequencies, scan mode, HDCP encryption, color range, color space and audio sample rate. In the Frame Detector window the parameters are displayed on an intuitive graphical interface.

Advanced EDID Management, Lightware’s proprietary technology, has been further upgraded. It stores more than 100 user EDID files and offers various factory preloaded versions including all standard DVI resolutions. HDMI EDID with various audio channels and codecs are also supported, plus analog VESA and non-standard analog VGA EDID formats. Dual-Link DVI resolutions including the latest 4K projector’s requirements are also incorporated. With the supplied Lightware Device Controller software, which includes our Advanced EDID Editor option, users can create their own EDID file, send by email, upload to any Lightware product or modify existing EDID data read from any projector or monitor. It supports .bin, .dat and .edid file formats allowing system engineers to generate EDID files for 3rd party manufacturer’s AV products.

Pixel Accurate Reclocking is available on all inputs and outputs, including the test input and preview output ports on the MX-CPU2 board. This provides an exceptional signal regeneration capability. The circuitry cleans the signal from noise and jitter caused by long cable runs, which makes the output signal stable with sharp transitions and accurate timing.

HDCP compatibility: all Lightware matrix router frames and relevant I/O boards are compatible with HDCP encrypted sources and displays. Installing a complex AV system with both HDCP and non HDCP components becomes easy and with our non-blocking architecture, HDCP and non-HDCP boards are now compatible within the same chassis.

A red screen alert is shown when protected content is switched to a non-compliant display. Lightware Visual Engineering is a legal HDCP adopter, and has developed several functions that helps to solve HDCP related problems:

HDCP key caching is the technique introduced in early 2009 that validates all the display keys in an AV system during system boot up and keeps them constantly available for sources. This method eliminates an HDCP handshake at every switch and keeps all sources sending uninterrupted signals. Similar to fixing an EDID on input ports, the whole video and audio system will be free from black displays, 5..8 second blinking screens and dropped signals that are all too common in many switching and distribution products.

HDCP enabling/disabling function turns off HDCP capability on individual input ports while keeping other inputs HDCP compliant. Some computers choose to encrypt their output even when unprotected content is displayed, such as desktop images or presentations. This function forces the source to send an unencrypted signal if the content itself is also unencrypted.

Various Control options have been introduced to ease system control, setup, maintenance and troubleshooting. A ruggedized Ethercon connector proves a reliable connection to the LAN allowing multiple TCP/IP and WEB controls simultaneously and RS-232 connector is provided for 3rd party systems.

Incorporated Lightware Proprietary Technologies

Frame Detector and Input Signal Analysis

• Advanced EDID Management
• Pixel Accurate Reclocking
• HDCP compatibility:

1. red screen alert
2. HDCP key caching
3. HDCP enabling/disabling function

• Frame Detector (analyze detailed video timings)
• Additional DVI-HDCP input and output
• EtherCON ruggedized LAN connector
• Supports several embedded audio formats (including PCM, Dolby Digital and DTS)
• HDCP enable/disable function on input
• HDMI 1.3, HDCP 1.1 and DVI 1.0 compliant
• Combine non-HDCP and HDCP capable I/O boards in the same frame
• Compatible with all MX-... and MXD-... I/O boards
• Advanced error handling and logging with time code
• Alarm output port
• Multiple TCP/IP connections
• Advanced EDID Management
• Save and reload full crosspoint configurations as preset
• Intuitive control software for device configuration
• Device control via USB
• Device control via RS-232
• Device control via Ethernet (TCP/IP), RS-232 and USB
• Built-in website for device configuration
• No video compression
• HDCP 1.4 compliant
• Firmware upgrade through Ethernet
• No signal latency, zero frame delay