Lightware MX-FR80R 80x80 Crosspoint MX Modular Digital Router Frame - 91110006

Product Overview

The Lightware MX-FR80R is the largest frame in the MX Series modular matrix router lineup, providing an 80x80 crosspoint capacity for DVI and HDMI signal routing in professional AV installations. As a modular chassis, the MX-FR80R accepts the full range of Lightware MX and MXD input and output boards — spanning HDMI, DVI, TPS (HDBaseT), fiber optical, SDI, and analog audio board types — giving integrators the flexibility to configure a custom routing system scaled to exact project requirements. The frame includes Lightware's proprietary technologies including Pixel Accurate Reclocking, Advanced EDID Management, zero frame delay switching, and full HDCP key management. This modular HDMI DVI matrix router is built for broadcast facilities, large operation centers, performing arts venues, and any installation where high port counts and long-term expandability are required.

Product Description

The MX-FR80R is designed around Lightware's Hybrid Modular Design concept: the frame itself provides power, control processing, crosspoint switching, and I/O slot infrastructure, while all signal-specific capabilities are delivered through field-installable I/O boards. This architecture allows a single frame to simultaneously host HDMI input boards, fiber optical output boards, HDBaseT (TPS) boards, 3G-SDI input boards, and analog audio output boards — without requiring separate hardware for each signal type. The frame supports up to 80 inputs and 80 outputs across its I/O board slots, and HDCP-capable and non-HDCP boards can be mixed within the same chassis. The MX-FR80R is RoHS compliant, EN 55022 Class B certified for EMI/EMC, and has a 3-year warranty. It is compatible with third-party video processing systems including Vista Spyder and Barco Encore, which is significant for live event and broadcast production environments.

Control is handled via built-in Ethernet (TCP/IP), RS-232, and USB interfaces, with a front panel LCD (4x20 characters) and dedicated buttons for direct crosspoint management without a connected computer. The built-in web interface provides full configuration access, and firmware upgrades are handled over Ethernet — eliminating the need for physical access to the frame during maintenance. Crosspoint configurations can be saved and recalled as named presets, supporting multi-room and multi-event AV workflows where rapid reconfiguration is needed.

Key Features

• 80x80 Crosspoint Capacity — The largest MX Series frame, supporting up to 80 inputs and 80 outputs across all compatible I/O board types.
• Hybrid Modular I/O Design — Accepts the full range of Lightware MX and MXD I/O boards including HDMI, DVI, TPS/HDBaseT, fiber, 3G-SDI, and audio boards.
• Mixed HDCP Board Support — HDCP-capable and non-HDCP I/O boards can coexist in the same frame without signal conflicts.
• Pixel Accurate Reclocking — Proprietary Lightware signal conditioning eliminates jitter on all routed outputs regardless of source quality.
• Advanced EDID Management — 100 factory-preset and 50 user-programmable EDID profiles with 256-byte Extended EDID v1.3 emulation per port.
• Zero Frame Delay Switching — Instantaneous crosspoint switching with no video latency introduced, suitable for live production and broadcast environments.
• HDCP Key Management — Includes HDCP key counter, key caching, red screen alert, and per-port enable/disable for granular content protection control.
• Front Panel LCD and Buttons — 4x20 character LCD with dedicated front-panel buttons allows crosspoint control without a network connection.
• Preset Configuration Save/Recall — Full crosspoint configurations can be saved as named presets and recalled instantly for rapid system reconfiguration.
• Vista Spyder and Barco Encore Compatible — Verified interoperability with major video processing and presentation switching platforms.
• Bi-directional RS-232 Extension — RS-232 pass-through across I/O boards enables serial control signal distribution alongside video routing.
• Ethernet Firmware Upgrade — Firmware updates are deployed over the network, eliminating the need for on-site physical access to the frame.
• Multiple TCP/IP Connections — Supports simultaneous control from multiple IP clients for systems with distributed control room access.
• EN 55022 Class B and RoHS Compliant — Meets European EMI/EMC and environmental compliance standards for commercial and government installations.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio and live event production routing
• Large enterprise operation centers and command and control facilities
• Government and defense AV distribution infrastructure
• Performing arts auditoriums and multi-purpose event venues
• University and training facility AV backbone routing
• High-end boardroom and executive conference room signal distribution
• House of worship production and IMAG routing

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What I/O boards are compatible with the MX-FR80R?

The MX-FR80R is compatible with all MX-series and MXD-series input and output boards from Lightware. This includes HDMI boards (MX-HDMI-3D-IB/OB), DVI boards (MX-DVI-4K-IB/OB), TPS/HDBaseT boards (MX-TPS2, MX-4TPS2-4HDMI), fiber optical boards, 3G-SDI input boards, and analog audio output boards. Contact Creation Networks for a full compatibility matrix.

Can I mix HDCP and non-HDCP boards in the same MX-FR80R chassis?

Yes. The MX-FR80R explicitly supports mixing HDCP-capable and non-HDCP I/O boards in the same frame. The frame's HDCP key management system handles cross-port HDCP compliance, including key caching and per-port enable/disable controls.

Is the MX-FR80R sold as a standalone frame without I/O boards?

Yes. The MX-FR80R (SKU: 91110006) is sold as the frame unit only. I/O boards are purchased separately and installed into the frame's slots. This allows integrators to configure the exact mix of signal types needed for their installation and add capacity over time.

How is crosspoint switching controlled in the field?

The MX-FR80R includes a front panel with a 4x20 character LCD and dedicated crosspoint control buttons, allowing local operation without a network connection. Full control is also available via the built-in web interface over Ethernet, RS-232/422, and USB. Third-party control systems communicate via TCP/IP or RS-232.

What is the power consumption of the MX-FR80R?

Maximum power consumption is 1500 W. The frame includes active fan cooling and is designed for continuous operation in rack-mounted environments with standard 19-inch rack infrastructure.

Is the MX-FR80R compatible with Vista Spyder and Barco Encore?

Yes. Lightware confirms verified compatibility with Vista Spyder and Barco Encore video processing and presentation switching platforms, making the MX-FR80R a direct fit for live event production and broadcast switcher environments.

Where can I purchase the Lightware MX-FR80R?

The MX-FR80R is available through Creation Networks at creationnetworks.net. We provide technical pre-sales consultation, I/O board selection guidance, and integration support.