Lightware MX8x8HDMI-Pro User manual

MX8x8HDMI-Pro
MX8x8DVI-HDCP-Pro
User’s Manual


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MX8x8HDMI-Pro series – User's Manual 2
Important Safety Instructions
Class I apparatus construction.
This equipment must be used with a mains power system with a
protective earth connection. The third (earth) pin is a safety feature,
do not bypass or disable it. The equipment should be operated only
from the power source indicated on the product.
To disconnect the equipment safely from power, remove the power
cord from the rear of the equipment, or from the power source. The
MAINS plug is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device
shall remain readily operable.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside of the unit. Removal of the
cover will expose dangerous voltages. To avoid personal injury, do not
remove the cover. Do not operate the unit without the cover installed.
The appliance must be safely connected to multimedia systems.
Follow instructions described in this manual.
Replacing the AC fuse
Unplug the AC power cord from the device. Locate the AC fuse on the
rear panel. Replace only the AC fuse as indicated on the rear panel.
Connect the power cord to the switcher and to the AC power source.
Make sure the switcher is working properly.
Ventilation
For the correct ventilation and to avoid overheating ensure enough
free space around the appliance. Do not cover the appliance, let the
ventilation holes free and never block or bypass the ventilators (if any).
WARNING
To prevent injury, the apparatus is recommended to securely attach to

The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that


be placed on the apparatus.
CAUTION AVIS
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR 
Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment
WEEE
This marking shown on the product or its literature,
indicates that it should not be disposed with other
household wastes at the end of its working life. To
prevent possible harm to the environment or human
health from uncontrolled waste disposal, please
separate this from other types of wastes and recycle it
responsibly to promote the sustainable reuse of material
resources. Household users should contact either the
retailer where they purchased this product, or their local government
            
environmentally safe recycling. Business users should contact their
supplier and check the terms and conditions of the purchase contract.
This product should not be mixed with other commercial wastes for
disposal.
Common Safety Symbols
Symbol Description
Alternating current
Protective conductor terminal
Caution, possibility of eletric shock
Caution
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MX8x8HDMI-Pro series – User's Manual 3
Symbol Legend
The following symbols and markings are used in the document:
WARNING! Safety-related information which is highly
recommended to read and keep in every case!
ATTENTION! Useful information to perform a successful procedure;
it is recommended to read.
INFO: A notice which may contain additional information. Procedure
can be successful without reading it.
DEFINITION: The short description of a feature or a function.
TIPS AND TRICKS: Ideas which you may have not known yet but can
be useful.
Navigation Buttons
Go back to the previous page. If you clicked on a link previously,
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Document Information
Allpresentedfunctionsrefertotheindicated products.Thedescriptions
have been made during testing these functions in accordance with the

Item Version
Lightware Device Controller (LDC) software 1.23.1
Lightware Bootloader Software 3.3.3
 2.5.0
 1.0.8
 2.3.5
Built-in Web Server 1.1.6
Built-in Web Content 1.4.1
Motherboard hardware revision 1.1
Slot 1 hardware revision 1.1
Slot 2 hardware revision 1.2
Control Panel (CP1) hardware revision 2.1
Document revision: 3.0
Release date: 30-08-2018
Editor: Laszlo Zsedenyi
About Printing
Lightware Visual Engineering supports green technologies and
Eco-friend mentality. Thus, this document is made for digital usage
primarily. If you need to print out few pages for any reason, follow the
recommended printing settings:
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TIPS AND TRICKS: Thanks to the size of the original page, a border
around the content (gray on the second picture below) makes
possible to organize the pages better. After punching the printed
pages, they can be placed easily into a ring folder.
123
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MX8x8HDMI-Pro series – User's Manual 4
1. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................6
 ...................................................................................6
 ................................................................................6
..................................................................7
2. INSTALLATION.....................................................................................8
.......................................................................................8
..........................................................................8
3. PRODUCT OVERVIEW ........................................................................9
.....................................................................................9
.....................................................................................10
.............................................................................. 10
 ...................................................................... 10
..............................................................11
.............................................................................. 11
................................................................................ 11
....................................................... 11
............................................................................ 11
 ........................................................................... 11
4. OPERATION .......................................................................................12
................................................................................12
 .............................................................12
..................................................................... 12
..................................................................... 13
............................................. 13
............................................................................ 13
 ..................................................................................... 14
..................................................................................... 15
........................................................................................ 15
............................................................................ 15
 ..............................................16
.................................................................................. 16
................................................................................... 16
 ....................................................................................... 17
 ....................................................................... 17
...........................................................17
5. SOFTWARE CONTROL – USING THE BUILT-IN WEB ....................18
 .....................................................18
 ..................................................18
6. SOFTWARE CONTROL - LIGHTWARE DEVICE CONTROLLER ....19
 ...................................................................19
..........................................................................19
...................20
..................................................................21
.......................................................................................... 21
 ......................................................................................23
.......................................................................................... 24
 ................................................................................. 24
 .................................................................... 24
 .......................................................... 25
................................................................................ 25
 ............................................................................................. 26
....................................................................................27
 .............................................................................. 28
 .................................................................. 28
 ................................................................................ 29
.............................................................................. 29
.............................................................................30
............................................................................ 30
................................................................... 31
 ........................................................................................ 31
 ............................................................................................ 31
............................................................................. 32
 ........................................................................32
7. PROGRAMMERS' REFERENCE .......................................................33
.................................................................33
 .....................................................................33
........................................................................... 33
 ................................................ 33
......................................................................... 34
................................................................................... 34
...................................................................... 34
................................................... 34
 ........................................................................... 34
 ....................................................................... 34
 ......................................... 34
 ....................................................... 34
.......................................................................... 35
 ................................................................. 35
 .............................................................................35
 ..................................................... 35
 ..................................................... 35
 .................................................................... 35
................................................................ 35
 ............................................................................... 35
............................................................................ 36
.................................................................... 36
 ............................................................. 36
...................................................................................... 36
.................................................................................... 36
 ....................................................... 36
................................................................................ 36
 .................................................................................. 37
 ............................................................................... 37
 ....................................................................... 37
 ......................................................................... 37
....................................................................... 37
 ...................................................... 37
......................................................... 37
...................................................... 37
..............................................................38
 ................................................ 38
................................................. 38
 .................................................................. 38
...............................................................38
 ..................................................................... 38
.............................................................. 38
............................................................. 38
................................................ 39
............................................................... 39
 ........................................................................... 39
 .............................................................. 39
.................................................................. 39
................................................ 40
 ..............................................................40
 ............................................................................. 40
........................................................................... 40
 ................................................... 41
 .......................................... 44
................................................. 45
................................................... 45
 .......................................................... 46
Table of Contents
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
MX8x8HDMI-Pro series – User's Manual 5
 ...............................47
8. FIRMWARE UPGRADE ......................................................................49
 ....................................................................49
.................................................................49
9. TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................52
10. TECHNOLOGIES..............................................................................53
 .....................................................................53
................................................................ 53
....................................................... 53
....................................................................54
 ............................................ 54
.................................................. 54
 ......................................................54
11. APPENDIX ........................................................................................55
 ...........................................................................55
.........................................................56
......................................................................56
 ...............................................................57
.................................................................58
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1. Introduction MX8x8HDMI-Pro series – User's Manual 6
1
Introduction
Thank You for choosing Lightware’s MX8x8HDMI-Pro series standalone matrix

the most important features in the below listed sections:
Ý
Ý
Ý
Box Contents
Matrix switcher
UTP cross-link cable
IEC power cable
Safety & warranty info,

Safety and
Warranty
Info
Quick
Start
Guide
9-pole D-sub male to
female cable
Description
MX8x8HDMI-Pro digital video router is the most advanced HDMI
router that supports DVI 1.0 HDCP 1.3 and even HDMI 1.3 deep
color standards. This highest performance routing switcher offers 8
inputs and 8 outputs with HDMI connectors. The built-in sophisticated

integrated solution for AV professionals and high end home theatre
applications. Any input can be switched to any or more outputs
without switching delay or frame latency.
Supporting HDMI 1.3 36 bit deep color standard, it can be connected
even to the latest Blu-ray players, set top boxes, AV receivers.
Advanced HD audio transmission and sample rate conversion proves
the compatibility with previous generation products whilst handling

HDCP signals can be seamlessly integrated in any AV system using
Lightware MX8x8HDMI-Pro.
All inputs are equalized and reclocked for up to 60 meter long DVI
copper cable, and all outputs of the matrix router are reclocked for
stable, jitter free signal transmission. The unit can be controlled either

Model Denomination
About the Serial Number
Lightware devices contain a label indicating the unique serial number
of the product. The structure is the following:
MX8x8HDMI-Pro
8x video inputs Type of the video connectors
Matrix Switcher 8x video outputs Local RS-232 control
7A000941
Year of the manufacturing (3-9, A-Y):
7=2017, 8=2018, 9=2019, A=2020, etc...
6-digit running sequence number
Month of the manufacturing (1-9, A-C):
1=January, 2=February, ..., C=December
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1. Introduction MX8x8HDMI-Pro series – User's Manual 7

Advanced EDID Management
The user can emulate any EDID on the inputs
independently, read out and store any attached
monitor's EDID in 100 internal memory locations,

Controller software.
Pixel Accurate Reclocking
Each output has a clean, jitter free signal, eliminating
signal instability and distortion caused by long cables


The exact video and audio signal format can be
determined such as timing, frequencies, scan mode,
HDCP encryption, color range, color space and audio
sample rate.
Zero frame delay

HDCP-compliant

on the digital video inputs can be disabled when non-
protected content is extended.
Non-blocking cross point matrix architecture
The router allows any input to be switched to any
output or more outputs simultaneously.
VISION
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio
The matrix has Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio
support.
1080p
HDTV Supports all HDTV resolutions
720p, 1080i, 1080p 2K etc. HDTV signals up to 225
MHz pixel clock frequency regardless of the actual
resolution passed through the router.
60m
Input
cable
60 meter input cable compensation
Using 22AWG high quality DVI or HDMI cable, the inputs
are automatically compensated for up to 60-meter
cable length at 24bpp, which extends installation
possibilities even at the highest HDTV or computer
resolutions.
LCD menu control
Control the device locally with using the navigation
buttons and the 2 line high LCD menu.
RS-232
RS-232 / RS-422 controlling
Unit can be controlled over serial data communication
with standard RS-232 or RS-422.
Ethernet control

with a simple ASCII-based protocol for controlling,

RGB
YCbCr
Color space and color range conversion
Video signals can be converted between RGB, YUV
4:4:4 and YUV 4:2:2 signals in all directions. Converting
between limited and full range is also possible.
Deep Color support and conversion
It is possible to transmit the highest quality 30-bit or
36-bit video streams for perfect color reproduction.
The signal can be converted freely on each output so
you can get the best possible quality on every display.
DVI/HDMI conversion
The router is able to convert between DVI and HDMI
signals so that you can watch HDMI videos on your
computer display without audio.
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
2. Installation MX8x8HDMI-Pro series – User's Manual 8
2
Installation
The chapter is about the installation of the device and connecting to other
appliances, presenting also the mounting options and further assembly steps.
Ý
Ý
Mounting
The housing of MX8x8HDMI-Pro series matrix contains built-in rack ears with mounting holes for the easy
setup in rack-mount enclosures and any rack environment.
The matrix is 1U high rack sized.
ATTENTION! To ensure the correct ventilation and avoid overheating let enough free space around the
appliance. Do not cover the appliance, let the ventilation holes free on both sides.
Connecting Steps

source(s) to the input port(s) of the matrix.

sink(s) and the output port(s) of the matrix.
Audio
    
connect the audio cable(s) between the


RS-232
Optionally for serial extension: connect a
controller device (e.g. touch panel) to the
RS-232 port.
CATx
Optionally connect the matrix to a LAN in
order to control the device.
Power
Firstly connect the power cable to the AC
input connector on the matrix, then to the
AC power socket.
      
output ports.
192.168.254.254
P10001 09220235
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
TTAAKKEE
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TTAAKKEE
AAUUTTOO
LLOOAADD
PPRREESSEETT
LLOOAADD
PPRREESSEETT
SSAAVVEE
PPRREESSEETT
SSAAVVEE
PPRREESSEETT
PRESENT
SIGNALSIGNALSIGNAL
PRESENTPRESENT
EDIDEDIDEDID
CCOONNTTRROOLL
LLOOCCKK
LLOOCCKK
OOUUTTPPUUTT
192.168.254.254
P10001 09220235
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
TTAAKKEE
AAUUTTOO
TTAAKKEE
AAUUTTOO
LLOOAADD
PPRREESSEETT
LLOOAADD
PPRREESSEETT
SSAAVVEE
PPRREESSEETT
SSAAVVEE
PPRREESSEETT
PRESENT
SIGNALSIGNALSIGNAL
PRESENTPRESENT
EDIDEDIDEDID
CCOONNTTRROOLL
LLOOCCKK
LLOOCCKK
OOUUTTPPUUTT
Power Amplifier
HDTV PC
Touch panel Ethernet
Audio
HDMI / DVI
RS-232 CATx
PowerHDMI / DVI
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
3. Product Overview MX8x8HDMI-Pro series – User's Manual 9
3
Product Overview
The following sections are about the physical structure of the device, input/
output ports and connectors
Ý
Ý
Ý

MX8x8HDMI-Pro and MX8x8DVI-HDCP-Pro
1Control Lock button Locking the front panel operation. Button lights red when the function is
enabled. For more details about this function see the Control Lock section.
2Sources buttons Input selector buttons have two functions: to select an output, or to view the
selected output’s state.
3Take / Autotake
button
Button has two functions: displays the actual switching mode of the router
(TAKE mode or AUTOTAKE mode) or executes switching in TAKE mode. For
more details about these modes see the  section.
4Load Preset button Loads and executes a previously saved preset; see the Preset Operations
section.
5Save Preset button Stores the crosspoint state of the matrix; see the Preset Operations section.
6LCD display 2x16-character LCD display for menu operations; see the Front Panel LCD
Menu Operation section.
7Navigation buttons UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, ENTER buttons for menu navigation.
8Status LEDs LEDs give feedback about the actual status of the matrix.
CPU LIVE dark: the device is not operational.
blinks: the device is in normal operation.
POWER dark: device is not powered.
lights: device is powered on.
9Output Lock button Locks and protects one (or more) outputs. It inhibits accidental input
changing on protected outputs.
qDestinations
buttons
Output selector buttons have two functions: to select an output, or to view
the selected output’s state.
wEDID button Switches the LCD to EDID menu allowing EDID switch, EDID save, etc. For
more details about this function see EDID Mode section.
eSignal Present
button
Displays live sources and attached sinks on source and destination buttons.
rReset button Hardware reset button. It resets the whole router, however saved settings,
presets and EDIDs will be preserved.
1 72
9 q
6
43 5 8
w e r
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
3. Product Overview MX8x8HDMI-Pro series – User's Manual 10
Rear View
MX8x8HDMI-Pro
1AC power connector Standard IEC power connector. The router works with 100 to 240
Volts, 50 or 60 Hz power sources.
2RS-232 connector D-sub connector for the serial communication controlling the device.
3Input ports and status
LEDs 8x HDMI 1.3 connectors for the sources and status LEDs for each
inputs.
4Input Card Active LED LED gives feedback about actual status of the input card.
5LAN port Standard RJ45 connector for Ethernet connection controlling the

6Output ports 
HDMI outputs.
7Output Card Active LED LED gives feedback about actual status of the output card.
Input port status LEDs
HDCP LED +5V LED
off: input signal is not HDCP-encrypted. off: source is not connected or not
powered.
on: input signal is HDCP-encrypted. on: Source is connected and powered.
HDMI LED Input and output card activity LEDs
off: input signal is DVI. off: card is not active.
on: input signal is HDMI. on: card is active and operational.

off: video signal is not detected.
on: valid video signal is detected and
sync can be extracted.
1234
5 6 7
MX8x8DVI-HDCP-Pro
1AC power connector Standard IEC power connector. The router works with 100 to 240
Volts, 50 or 60 Hz power sources.
2RS-232 connector D-sub connector for the serial communication controlling the device.
3Input ports
8x DVI-I 1.0 connectors for the connection of the sources.
4Input Card Active LED LED gives feedback about actual status of the input card.
5LAN port Standard RJ45 connector for Ethernet connection controlling the

6Output ports 8x DVI-I 1.0 connectors for the connection of the destinations.
7Output Card Active LED LED gives feedback about actual status of the output card.
Input and output card activity LEDs
off: card is not active.
on: card is active and operational.
1234
5 6
7
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