Lightware MX2-8x8-DH-4DPi-A Full 4K Matrix Switcher with Mixed DisplayPort and HDMI Input Ports - 91310066

Product Overview

The Lightware MX2-8x8-DH-4DPi-A is an 8x8 standalone matrix switcher with four DisplayPort 1.2 inputs, four HDMI 2.0 inputs, and eight HDMI 2.0 outputs — a configuration that addresses real-world AV environments where workstations with native DisplayPort outputs must share a matrix with HDMI 2.0 source devices. Supporting 4K UHD at 60Hz RGB 4:4:4 at 18 Gbps, this is a practical fixed-install solution for corporate AV, higher education, and government spaces where source connectivity is mixed but all displays use HDMI. AV integrators specifying a mixed DisplayPort HDMI input 4K matrix switcher with HDMI outputs will find this model addresses the most common real-world I/O mismatch in modern AV deployments.

Product Description

The MX2-8x8-DH-4DPi-A operates at 18 Gbps per port across its non-blocking 8x8 crosspoint. The four DP 1.2 inputs handle native DisplayPort connections from workstations and laptops (including Thunderbolt 3 via passive adapters) without requiring active DP-to-HDMI conversion at the source. The four HDMI 2.0 inputs accommodate standard AV sources — media players, cameras, collaboration codecs, and room systems. All eight HDMI 2.0 outputs drive displays at up to 4096x2160@60Hz. Two analog audio output ports (5-pole Phoenix) are provided adjacent to two HDMI output positions for audio de-embedding.

HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision passthrough on HDMI paths, along with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, are supported. Pixel Accurate Reclocking, Advanced EDID Management, and Frame Detector signal analysis are integrated. Control is available via front panel crosspoint keys, Ethernet web server, RS-232, and mini USB. Note: DP MST, Dual-mode DP++, Adaptive-Sync, FreeSync, and HDR on DP inputs' output paths to DP displays are not applicable since all outputs are HDMI.

Key Features

• 4x DisplayPort 1.2 + 4x HDMI 2.0 Inputs — Handles mixed DP and HDMI sources in a single 1RU matrix without per-source adapters.
• 8x HDMI 2.0 Outputs — All outputs at full HDMI 2.0 bandwidth (18 Gbps); consistent output standard across all displays.
• 4K UHD 60Hz 4:4:4 — Full resolution and color fidelity for demanding video content.
• 5K Ultrawide Support — 5120x2160 at 30Hz 4:4:4 or 60Hz 4:2:0 on HDMI outputs.
• 2x Analog Audio De-embedding — 5-pole Phoenix connectors adjacent to two HDMI output ports for analog audio integration.
• HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision — Full HDR metadata handling on HDMI paths.
• Pixel Accurate Reclocking — Ensures clean HDMI handshake at every connected display.
• Advanced EDID Management — Manages EDID negotiation across all four DP and four HDMI inputs independently.
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio — HBR audio passthrough maintained through the switching path.
• Front Panel Crosspoint Keys — Direct routing control independent of Ethernet or serial connectivity.

Typical Applications

• Boardroom
• Conference room
• Training room
• Government space
• All-hands room

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the audio configuration on the MX2-8x8-DH-4DPi-A?

Two analog audio output ports (5-pole Phoenix, stereo balanced) are provided adjacent to two of the eight HDMI output positions. These allow de-embedding of HDMI audio for connection to external amplifiers or audio DSPs. The remaining six HDMI outputs carry embedded audio only.

Can I route a DP source to any of the eight HDMI outputs?

Yes. The non-blocking 8x8 crosspoint allows any of the four DP inputs or four HDMI inputs to be routed to any of the eight HDMI outputs simultaneously.

Is there a model with more DP inputs?

Yes. The MX2-8x8-DH-8DPi-A has eight DisplayPort 1.2 inputs and eight HDMI 2.0 outputs. The MX2-8x8-DH-8DPio-A has eight DP inputs and eight DP outputs. All are available from Creation Networks.

How is EDID managed across mixed DP and HDMI inputs?

Lightware's Advanced EDID Management handles EDID negotiation independently for each input port type. DP sources see the EDID configured for the DP input; HDMI sources see the EDID for the HDMI input. The administrator sets the EDID from the 100+ factory presets or custom user EDID profiles.

Does this matrix support Thunderbolt 3 MacBook sources?

Yes. Using a passive USB-C to DisplayPort cable, Thunderbolt 3 MacBooks connect directly to the four DP 1.2 inputs without active conversion.

Where can I purchase this and get support?

Available through Creation Networks at creationnetworks.net. We offer system design assistance and technical support for all Lightware matrix installations.