Lightware MX-HDMI-3D-IB-A MX HDMI Input Board - 91120008

Product Overview

The Lightware MX-HDMI-3D-IB-A is an eight-port HDMI 1.4a input board for the Lightware MX series modular matrix routers, providing eight HDMI inputs with DVI compatibility, HDCP compliance, and full 3D signal format support including frame packing, side-by-side, and top-bottom. Supporting source resolutions up to 4096x2160, the board feeds the MX-FR matrix crosspoint with signals from up to eight simultaneous HDMI sources. The “-A” suffix designates the audio variant, which includes digital S/PDIF and analog stereo Phoenix connectors for local audio insertion at each input position. The board integrates Pixel Accurate Reclocking, Advanced EDID Management, and Frame Detector functions on the input stage. Available from Creation Networks for MX-FR frame expansions and system builds.

Product Description

The MX-HDMI-3D-IB-A accepts up to eight HDMI 1.4a sources and presents them to the MX-FR matrix crosspoint for routing. Each input port includes adaptive, automatic cable equalization (20 dB) to compensate for signal degradation on longer HDMI cable runs at the source end. Signals pass through Pixel Accurate Reclocking on the input stage to remove source jitter before entering the switching fabric, ensuring clean timing for any downstream processing or display. The board’s HDCP enable/disable mode allows flexibility in mixed protected and unprotected signal environments.

The audio connectors — S/PDIF digital and 5-pole Phoenix analog — allow external audio sources to be inserted at each input card position, with per-channel gain (0 to 24 dB) and volume (-63 to 0 dB) control, balance, and phase invert. The Frame Detector monitors input signal presence and format on each port, providing status information to the MX-FR system controller. The MX-HDMI-3D-IB-A operates within the MX-FR frame’s power and cooling infrastructure. It is the input-side counterpart to the MX-HDMI-3D-OB-A output board, and the two can be deployed together for a complete HDMI 1.4a matrix expansion within an MX-FR frame.

Key Features

• 8x HDMI 1.4a Inputs — Eight independent HDMI input connectors per board, DVI compatible and HDCP compliant.
• Full 3D Format Support — Accepts frame packing, side-by-side, and top-bottom 3D input signals on all eight ports.
• Up to 4096x2160 Source Resolution — Handles 4K resolutions within the HDMI 1.4a signal bandwidth.
• Adaptive Input Cable Equalization (20 dB) — Automatic compensation for HDMI cable length attenuation at the source end.
• S/PDIF and Analog Audio Insertion — Per-board digital S/PDIF and balanced analog Phoenix connectors for inserting external audio at the input stage.
• Pixel Accurate Reclocking — Removes source jitter on input before entering the MX-FR switching fabric.
• Advanced EDID Management — Per-input EDID profiles force specific resolution output from connected sources.
• HDCP Enable/Disable per Input — Flexible HDCP management for mixed source environments.
• Frame Detector — Per-port signal presence and format monitoring for system status and automation.
• Full Analog Audio Control — Independent gain (0–24 dB), volume (-63–0 dB), balance, phase invert per input channel.
• MX-FR Frame Compatible — Installs directly into Lightware MX-FR9, FR17, FR33, FR65, and FR80 matrix frames.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio multi-source HDMI input aggregation at MX-FR matrix
• Auditorium and large venue source input infrastructure
• Boardroom and conference room multi-presenter input boards
• House of worship presentation and IMAG source routing
• Government and operations center multi-source display systems

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the MX-HDMI-3D-IB-A and the MX-HDMI-3D-IB (without “-A”)?

The MX-HDMI-3D-IB-A includes S/PDIF digital and analog Phoenix audio connectors for audio insertion at each input position. The MX-HDMI-3D-IB does not include these audio connectors. Choose the -A variant when local audio insertion capability is required.

How does the 20 dB input equalization work?

The board automatically detects and compensates for HDMI cable attenuation up to 20 dB, corresponding to longer passive HDMI cable runs at lower resolutions. This is particularly useful when source devices are located several meters from the matrix frame without active cable compensation.

Can external audio from analog inputs replace the HDMI-embedded audio?

Yes. The analog audio inputs on the board can be configured to replace or mix with the HDMI-embedded audio signal in the MX-FR audio routing architecture. Specific configuration options depend on the MX-FR frame and software version.

Does the board detect signal loss automatically?

Yes. The Frame Detector feature monitors signal presence and format on each input port. Status information is accessible via the MX-FR system controller and can be used as a trigger for Event Manager actions.

Can this board be used in the same MX-FR frame as TPS input boards?

Yes. The MX-FR series supports mixed board types. MX-HDMI-3D-IB-A (direct HDMI inputs) and MX-TPS2-IB (HDBaseT inputs) boards can occupy different slots in the same frame, allowing mixed HDMI and HDBaseT source configurations.

What software is used to configure EDID settings?

EDID management is performed via the Lightware Device Controller software. EDID profiles can be loaded, saved, and assigned per input port from the software’s EDID manager interface.