Lightware MX2-8x8-DH-8DPio-A MX2 Series Full 4K Matrix Switcher with DisplayPort Input and Output Ports - 91310072

Product Overview

The Lightware MX2-8x8-DH-8DPio-A is an 8x8 standalone matrix switcher with eight DisplayPort 1.2 inputs and eight DisplayPort 1.2 outputs, supporting uncompressed 4K UHD at 60Hz RGB 4:4:4 with down-conversion to 4:2:2. It is the only commercially available full end-to-end DisplayPort matrix switcher of its kind, making it the definitive choice for AV integrators deploying environments built around DisplayPort sources and displays — including engineering workstations, government operations centers, and high-density visualization environments. Specifying a DisplayPort 1.2 8x8 matrix switcher or a 4K DisplayPort crosspoint router without adapters or dongles leads directly to this model.

Product Description

The MX2-8x8-DH-8DPio-A connects DisplayPort 1.2 video sources — including workstations with native DP outputs, Mini DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt 3 ports via passive adapters — directly to DisplayPort 1.2 displays without signal conversion at the endpoint. Internally, the device converts DP signals to HDMI for crosspoint switching at up to 18 Gbps per port, then outputs back to DisplayPort 1.2. The matrix handles resolutions up to 4096x2160 at 60Hz (with RGB 4:4:4 signals converted to 4:2:2 to fit HDMI 2.0 bandwidth), and passes 3D, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision.

Audio embedding and de-embedding at dedicated analog audio I/O ports (5-pole Phoenix connectors) allows audio from non-HDMI sources to enter and exit the matrix. Front panel crosspoint switching keys and a built-in web interface provide standalone and networked control. Pixel Accurate Reclocking and Advanced EDID Management are included. Note: DP Multi-Stream (MST), Dual-mode DisplayPort (DP++), Adaptive-Sync, FreeSync, and HDR on DisplayPort outputs are not supported.

Key Features

• 8x DisplayPort 1.2 Inputs and 8x DisplayPort 1.2 Outputs — Full end-to-end DP connectivity; the only 8x8 all-DisplayPort matrix on the market.
• 4K UHD 60Hz Switching — Up to 4096x2160 at 60Hz RGB 4:4:4 (with automatic down-conversion to 4:2:2 for HDR compliance).
• 5K Support — 5120x2160 at 30Hz 4:4:4 or 60Hz 4:2:0 for ultrawide collaboration displays.
• No Adapters Required — Direct DisplayPort 1.2 connection eliminates the need for DP-to-HDMI dongles at sources and displays.
• Audio Embedding and De-embedding — Dedicated 5-pole Phoenix analog audio I/O ports for inserting and extracting audio independent of the video path.
• HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision — Full HDR metadata passthrough on supported signal paths.
• Pixel Accurate Reclocking — Eliminates jitter accumulated over long cable runs before signal distribution.
• Advanced EDID Management — Stores 100+ EDID presets; forces required resolutions from DP sources.
• Front Panel Crosspoint Keys — Direct input-to-output assignment without software or control system.
• 18 Gbps Switching Backplane — Full HDMI 2.0 bandwidth at the internal crosspoint; 600MHz pixel clock maximum.
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio — HBR audio passthrough on HDMI-embedded audio signals.

Typical Applications

• Government space
• Broadcast studio
• Training room
• Conference room
• Auditorium

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the MX2-8x8-DH-8DPio-A support Thunderbolt 3 or 4 sources?

Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports are electrically compatible with DisplayPort 1.2 for video output. Using a passive USB-C to DisplayPort adapter at the source, Thunderbolt-equipped laptops and workstations can connect directly to the MX2-8x8-DH-8DPio-A inputs.

Is DP Multi-Stream Transport (MST) supported?

No. The MX2-8x8-DH-8DPio-A does not support DisplayPort MST (daisy-chaining multiple monitors from a single DP output). Each port handles a single-stream DP 1.2 signal.

What happens to 4:4:4 HDR signals on DisplayPort inputs?

Input signals at 3840x2160 4:4:4 RGB 10-bit are converted internally to 4:2:2 YCbCr 10-bit or 4:4:4 RGB 8-bit to fit within the HDMI 2.0 18 Gbps bandwidth during crosspoint switching. HDR metadata (HDR10, Dolby Vision) is preserved through the switching path.

Can this matrix be controlled by a Crestron or AMX control system?

Yes. The MX2-8x8-DH-8DPio-A provides Ethernet (TCP/IP) and RS-232 control with an open, documented API fully compatible with Crestron, AMX, Extron, and other professional control platforms.

Is this the only end-to-end DisplayPort 8x8 matrix available?

Lightware states it is the only manufacturer offering full end-to-end DisplayPort matrix switchers. Most competing products use HDMI internally or at the output, requiring adapters for true DP displays.

What audio formats does the matrix pass through?

The matrix passes Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and PCM audio embedded in HDMI signals. Analog audio embedding and de-embedding is available through the dedicated 5-pole Phoenix connectors.