Lightware MX-HDMI-3D-IB – 8-Channel HDMI 1.4a Input Board for MX Series Matrix

Product Overview

The Lightware MX-HDMI-3D-IB is an 8-channel HDMI 1.4a input board for Lightware MX-FR series modular matrix routers, accepting up to 8 HDMI sources per board with 4K resolution support, full HDMI 3D format handling, HDCP compliance, and analog/digital audio input options. It installs in the I/O card slots of MX-FR series frames, adding 8 independent HDMI input channels per board to the matrix crosspoint. AV integrators expanding a Lightware MX series modular matrix with additional HDMI 1.4a input capacity for boardrooms, auditoriums, broadcast studios, or large conference facilities will find the MX-HDMI-3D-IB a direct-fit solution. Purchase at Creation Networks.

Product Description

The MX-HDMI-3D-IB provides 8 HDMI 1.4a input channels per board slot in Lightware MX-FR series modular matrix frames. Each input accepts DVI 1.0 and HDMI 1.4a signals with HDCP, supporting resolutions up to 4096x2160 and all HDMI 3D formats: frame packing, side-by-side, and top-and-bottom.

Audio handling on each input includes HDMI embedded audio pass-through into the matrix audio layer, plus optional analog stereo and digital S/PDIF input connectors via Phoenix connectors for local audio injection at the input point. The analog audio input section provides volume (−63 to 0 dB), gain (0–24 dB), balance, and phase invert controls, allowing per-input audio level normalization within the matrix without external audio mixers.

Professional installation features include HDCP enable/disable mode per input, Pixel Accurate Reclocking for signal integrity on each channel, Advanced EDID Management for reliable source handshaking, and a Frame Detector for signal analysis and diagnostics during commissioning and troubleshooting. Input cable equalization at 20 dB compensates for cable losses on longer runs from source equipment to the frame. The board draws 7.7W typical / 12.9W maximum from the MX frame. Purchase the MX-HDMI-3D-IB at Creation Networks.

Key Features

• 8 HDMI 1.4a Inputs per Board — Adds 8 independent HDMI input channels per card slot in MX-FR series frames, scaling total matrix input count by 8 per board installed.
• 4K Resolution Support — Accepts sources up to 4096x2160, supporting 4K sources in mixed-resolution matrix environments.
• Full HDMI 3D Format Handling — Accepts frame packing, side-by-side, and top-and-bottom 3D input signals for routing to 3D display outputs.
• HDCP Compliance with Per-Input Enable/Disable — HDCP 1.4 on each input with configurable enable/disable mode for source management in mixed-content environments.
• Analog Audio Input with Level Controls — Phoenix analog stereo inputs with volume (−63 to 0 dB), gain (0–24 dB), balance, and phase invert for per-input audio normalization.
• S/PDIF Digital Audio Input Option — Optional S/PDIF input for routing digital audio sources into the matrix audio layer at the input point.
• Pixel Accurate Reclocking — Per-input reclocking ensures signal integrity on all 8 channels without external repeaters.
• Advanced EDID Management — Per-input EDID emulation and management resolves source handshake issues automatically, including custom EDID loading for specific source equipment.
• Frame Detector — Built-in signal analysis reports resolution, frame rate, color depth, and sync on each input for installation diagnostics.
• 20 dB Input Cable Equalization — Compensates for signal attenuation on longer HDMI cable runs from source to MX frame.
• DVI 1.0 Compatible — Each HDMI input accepts DVI sources via standard DVI-to-HDMI adapter.

Typical Applications

• Boardroom
• Auditorium
• Conference room
• Broadcast studio
• House of worship
• Government space

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Which MX-FR series frames accept the MX-HDMI-3D-IB?

The MX-HDMI-3D-IB is compatible with all Lightware MX-FR series modular matrix frames, including MX-FR9, MX-FR9R, MX-FR17, MX-FR17R, MX-FR33L, MX-FR33R, MX-FR65R, and MX-FR80R. Each frame input slot accepts one board providing 8 additional HDMI input channels to the matrix crosspoint.

Can DVI sources be connected to the HDMI inputs?

Yes. Each HDMI input on the MX-HDMI-3D-IB accepts DVI signals via a standard DVI-to-HDMI adapter. The input cable equalization (20 dB) compensates for signal loss on longer cable runs from DVI or HDMI sources to the frame.

How does the analog audio input work alongside HDMI embedded audio?

Each input channel manages HDMI embedded audio independently. The optional Phoenix analog stereo input connectors allow a separate audio source to be injected at the same input point, which the matrix routes as part of that input's audio signal. Volume, gain, balance, and phase controls on the analog input allow level normalization before the signal enters the matrix audio layer.

What information does the Frame Detector provide?

The Frame Detector reports video signal parameters at each input channel — including detected resolution, refresh rate, color depth, HDCP status, and sync timing — accessible through the MX matrix management software. This enables non-intrusive signal verification at the input point without external test equipment.

Is the MX-HDMI-3D-IB compatible with the MX-HDMI-3D-OB?

Yes. Both boards operate within the same MX-FR series frame and matrix crosspoint. An MX-HDMI-3D-IB can route its 8 HDMI inputs to outputs provided by any installed MX output board, including the MX-HDMI-3D-OB, MX-DVI-4K-OB, MX-TPS-OB, or other MX output board types within the same frame.

Where can I purchase the Lightware MX-HDMI-3D-IB?

The MX-HDMI-3D-IB is available at Creation Networks, an authorized Lightware reseller for modular matrix I/O boards and MX-FR series frames.