Lightware MX-FR17R 17x17 Digital Crosspoint Router Frame - 91110020

Product Overview

The Lightware MX-FR17R is a 17x17 crosspoint modular digital router frame designed for professional AV installations requiring scalable, high-density signal routing. Part of the MX series — Lightware's highest-performance modular matrix platform — the MX-FR17R supports DVI, HDMI 1.4, and a broad range of signal types through hot-swappable I/O boards. It is well-suited for integration into permanent installations in broadcast facilities, control rooms, and large corporate AV systems where redundant power and flexible I/O are critical to uptime. AV engineers specifying a modular 17x17 HDMI matrix router or a scalable DVI crosspoint router frame will find the MX-FR17R a proven platform backed by Lightware's 25-year signal management track record.

Product Description

The MX-FR17R provides a 17x17 non-blocking crosspoint architecture housed in a rack-mountable frame with redundant power supply support — the distinguishing feature of the R-suffix models in the MX series. The frame accepts any combination of MX series input and output boards, covering signal types from DVI-D and HDMI 1.4 through TPS/HDBaseT, fiber optic, 3G-SDI, and analog audio. I/O boards are hot-swappable, so the signal routing infrastructure can be reconfigured or expanded without system downtime.

The MX-FR17R includes a 4x20 character front panel LCD, dedicated crosspoint switching buttons, and a built-in web server accessible over Ethernet for remote management. RS-232/422 serial control (selectable baud rates up to 115200), Lightware's Advanced EDID Management with 100 factory and 50 user-programmable EDID presets, and an integrated Frame Detector for signal diagnostics round out the control feature set. Maximum power draw is rated at 210W, and the unit meets EN 55022 Class B EMI/EMC requirements.

Key Features

• 17x17 Non-Blocking Crosspoint — Any input can be routed to any output simultaneously without bandwidth contention.
• Redundant Power Supplies — Dual PSU support (R-suffix) for mission-critical installations where power redundancy is required.
• Hot-Swappable I/O Boards — Input and output boards can be added, removed, or replaced without powering down the frame.
• Broad Signal Type Support — Compatible with DVI-D, HDMI 1.4, TPS/HDBaseT, multimode fiber, 3G-SDI, and analog audio boards.
• Advanced EDID Management — 100 factory presets and 50 user-programmable EDID slots; forces required resolutions from connected sources.
• Front Panel LCD and Buttons — 4x20 character display with direct crosspoint switching keys for stand-alone operation.
• Ethernet and RS-232/422 Control — Built-in web interface, selectable baud rates (9600–115200), and TCP/IP integration for control systems.
• Pixel Accurate Reclocking — Available on compatible output boards to eliminate signal jitter over long distribution paths.
• Frame Detector — Displays timing, scan mode, pixel clock, HDCP status, and color space of each input signal.
• RoHS and EN 55022 Class B Compliant — Meets emissions standards for installation in occupied commercial spaces.
• 3-Year Warranty — Standard Lightware warranty covering the frame and factory-installed components.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio
• Government space
• Auditorium
• Conference room
• Training room
• All-hands room

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the R-suffix designate on the MX-FR17R?

The R indicates redundant power supply capability. The MX-FR17R supports dual, independent PSU drawers for installations where power continuity is critical and a single PSU failure cannot interrupt signal flow.

Which I/O boards are compatible with the MX-FR17R frame?

The MX-FR17R accepts all MX series input and output boards, including HDMI, DVI-D, dual-link DVI, TPS/HDBaseT, multimode fiber (LC/SC/NT), 3G-SDI, and analog audio boards. The full compatibility matrix is detailed in the MX Series User Manual.

Can the MX-FR17R be controlled by third-party control systems?

Yes. The frame provides RS-232/422 serial control and Ethernet TCP/IP connectivity. Lightware publishes an open API and protocol documentation compatible with Crestron, AMX, Extron, Control4, and other control platforms.

What is the maximum resolution supported?

Resolution capability depends on the installed I/O boards. HDMI 1.4 boards support up to 4K (3840x2160@30Hz); DVI-D boards handle single-link DVI resolutions up to 1920x1200. The frame itself imposes no resolution ceiling beyond what the I/O boards support.

Is the MX-FR17R suitable for government or secure facility installations?

The MX series meets EN 55022 Class B EMI/EMC requirements. For installations with stricter emissions standards (e.g., TEMPEST/SDIP27), refer to the MX2-8x8-HDMI20-CA which has achieved SDIP27 Level B certification.

How many EDID presets does the MX-FR17R support?

The frame stores 100 factory-preset EDIDs and 50 user-programmable EDIDs, totaling 150 EDID entries. Emulation uses 256-byte Extended EDID v1.3 format.

Where can I purchase the MX-FR17R and get technical support?

The MX-FR17R is available through Creation Networks at creationnetworks.net. Our team provides pre-sale configuration assistance, compatibility verification, and post-sale technical support.