Lightware HDMI-OPTX-TX100A SDVoE compatible HDMI 2.0 over fiber optical link transmitter - 91535001

Product Overview

The Lightware HDMI-OPTX-TX100A is an SDVoE-compatible fiber optic transmitter that encodes and transmits uncompressed HDMI 2.0 video over a 10 Gigabit Ethernet optical fiber link. It is the source-side complement to the HDMI-OPTX-RX100A receiver, forming a complete zero-latency fiber AV extension and distribution system. Designed for broadcast studios, enterprise AV networks, and large-venue installations where long cable distances and electrical isolation are required.

Product Description

The HDMI-OPTX-TX100A accepts an HDMI 2.0 source signal at up to 4K60 4:4:4 resolution and encodes it for transmission over a 10 GbE optical fiber network using the SDVoE (Software Defined Video over Ethernet) protocol. Because the signal is transported without compression, there are no encoding artifacts or frame delay, making this unit suitable for broadcast monitoring, live production switching, real-time simulation, and any application where signal fidelity is paramount.

The transmitter interfaces with a standard 10 GbE managed switch via its SFP+ optical port, allowing one transmitter to feed multiple receivers simultaneously through the network fabric without additional splitter hardware. HDCP 2.2 is enforced from the transmitter through the entire chain, supporting protected content workflows. EDID management is handled at the transmitter, and the LW3 control protocol allows integration with building automation and AV control systems from all major manufacturers.

Key Features

• SDVoE Compatible — Works within software-defined AV over Ethernet architectures for centralized, scalable distribution
• HDMI 2.0 Input — Accepts 4K60 4:4:4 signals at full 18 Gbps for transmission without resolution or color space penalty
• Fiber Optic Link via SFP+ — Supports multimode and singlemode fiber for runs from tens of meters to kilometers
• Uncompressed Transport — No compression codec means no artifacts, no latency penalty, and no generation loss
• Point-to-Multipoint Distribution — A single transmitter feeds multiple receivers through a managed 10 GbE switch
• HDCP 2.2 — Compliant content protection from source through to display endpoints
• EDID Emulation — Manages display capability negotiation at the source to prevent handshake failures
• LW3 Protocol — Open IP control protocol for third-party control system integration
• Embedded Audio Extraction — Passes HDMI multi-channel audio including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA to receivers
• Compact 1U Half-Rack Design — Fits neatly in source equipment racks alongside media servers and playback devices

Typical Applications

• Broadcast facilities transmitting camera or playback feeds to remote production and monitoring stations
• Command and control centers sending data and video feeds to distributed display walls
• Live event production distributing program output and confidence feeds over venue fiber infrastructure
• University campuses connecting media rooms and lecture theatres via existing fiber backbone
• Corporate AV networks replacing hardware matrix switchers with software-routed IP distribution
• Simulation and training environments requiring zero-latency, artifact-free image transmission

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum distance this transmitter can send a signal?

Distance depends on the SFP+ optical module used. With multimode fiber (OM4) the typical reach is 300–400 meters. With singlemode fiber (OS2) and appropriate SFP+ modules, runs of 10 km or more are achievable, making this suitable for campus-wide distribution.

Does the transmitter require a proprietary switch or network infrastructure?

No. The HDMI-OPTX-TX100A uses standard 10 Gigabit Ethernet infrastructure. Any managed 10 GbE switch that supports IGMP snooping for multicast routing is compatible, giving you flexibility to use existing network hardware.

How many displays can one transmitter feed simultaneously?

There is no hard limit on the transmitter itself. The number of simultaneous receiver endpoints is determined by the switching capacity and multicast configuration of your 10 GbE network. Dozens of receivers can receive from a single transmitter source in a properly configured network.

Is this transmitter backward compatible with HDMI 1.4 sources?

The transmitter accepts HDMI 2.0 signals. HDMI 1.4 sources operating at lower resolutions and data rates are generally compatible as the transmitter will negotiate the appropriate signal parameters during EDID handshake.

What control system integrations are supported?

The LW3 control protocol operates over TCP/IP and is documented and open for integration with Crestron, AMX, Extron, Savant, Control4, and any other system with IP control capability.

Can the HDMI-OPTX-TX100A transmit to HDMI-OPTX-RX100A receivers exclusively, or does it work with other SDVoE endpoints?

As an SDVoE-compliant device, it can in principle interoperate with other SDVoE-certified endpoints, though Lightware recommends pairing with the HDMI-OPTX-RX100A for a fully validated and supported configuration.

Where can I purchase the HDMI-OPTX-TX100A?

The Lightware HDMI-OPTX-TX100A is available from Creation Networks, an authorized Lightware reseller for commercial AV and broadcast integration projects.