Lightware MX-FR33R 33x33 Digital Crosspoint Router Frame

Product Overview

The Lightware MX-FR33R is a 33x33 crosspoint modular digital router frame from the MX series—Lightware's legacy high-performance DVI and HDMI matrix platform with modular I/O boards. The FR33R frame accommodates up to 33 input and 33 output ports through a combination of interchangeable I/O boards, supporting DVI-D, HDMI 1.4, HDBaseTT, SDI, fiber optical, and TPS signal types depending on the boards installed. The R suffix denotes a rear-I/O configuration. With a built-in 4x20 character LCD front panel, front-panel crosspoint keys, and support for Ethernet, RS-232/422, and USB control, the MX-FR33R is suited for broadcast studios, large operations centers, and university AV infrastructure where signal type flexibility and expandability are more important than a fixed HDMI 2.0 port count.

Product Description

The MX-FR33R frame provides a 33x33 non-blocking crosspoint with a wide selection of compatible I/O boards including HDMI 1.4 boards with 4K and 3D support, DVI-D and dual-link DVI boards, HDBaseTT (TPS2) boards with PoE, 3G-SDI boards, fiber optical boards for multimode and singlemode runs up to 2500m, and standalone DVI/HDMI twisted pair extension boards. EDID management stores 100 factory presets and 50 user-programmable profiles using 256-byte Extended EDID v1.3 emulation. The frame runs on IEC standard power at 110/220V with a maximum consumption of 400W. Ethernet is auto-sensing 10/100Base-TX with a built-in web interface. RS-232/422 baud rate is field-selectable from 9600 to 115200. EN 55022 Class B and RoHS compliant with a 3-year warranty.

Key Features

• 33x33 non-blocking crosspoint — any input to any output, modular I/O board configuration
• Wide board compatibility — HDMI 1.4 (4K/3D), DVI-D, dual-link DVI, HDBaseTT, 3G-SDI, TPS, fiber optical
• EDID management — 100 factory presets and 50 user-programmable profiles, 256-byte EDID v1.3 emulation
• Front-panel LCD — 4x20 character display with crosspoint control keys
• Ethernet control — 10/100Base-TX auto-sensing, built-in web interface
• RS-232/422 selectable — 9600 to 115200 baud, field-selectable
• Fiber optical board support — up to 2500m multimode or singlemode extension
• HDBaseTT board support — up to 120m (HDBaseT) or 170m (Long Reach) via CAT5/6/7
• 3G-SDI board support — SDI embedded, S/PDIF, and AES/EBU audio
• PoE support — available via TPS2 boards with Power over Ethernet
• EN 55022 Class B and RoHS compliant
• 3-year warranty

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio
• Government space / operations center
• Auditorium
• House of worship
• Training room
• All-hands room

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What I/O boards are compatible with the MX-FR33R frame?

The MX-FR33R accepts the full MX series I/O board library including HDMI 1.4 (with 4K, 3D, and Deep Color), DVI-D, dual-link DVI, DVI-I (VGA/YUV/DVI/HDMI), HDBaseTT single and dual CAT, TPS2 with PoE, 3G-SDI, and fiber optical boards for multimode and singlemode fiber in LC, SC, ST, and Neutrik OpticalCON connectors.

What is the difference between the MX-FR33R and the MX-FR33L?

The MX-FR33R (rear I/O) has all I/O connectors on the rear panel, which is the standard rack installation configuration. The MX-FR33L (left I/O) has connectors on the left side panel, suited for specific installation orientations. Both use the same boards and crosspoint architecture.

Can this frame be mixed with HDMI 2.0 signals?

The MX series boards support HDMI up to version 1.4 with 4K resolution. For HDMI 2.0 at 4K60 4:4:4, Lightware recommends the MX2 standalone series or MX2M modular series.

How is the frame controlled?

Control is via Ethernet (built-in web interface, TCP/IP), RS-232/422, and front-panel buttons with the 4x20 LCD display. The baud rate for serial control is field-selectable between 9600 and 115200 baud.

Where can I purchase the MX-FR33R?

Available directly from Creation Networks at creationnetworks.net.