Lightware MX2-8x8-HDMI20-CA HDMI 2.0 Compatible Full 4K Matrix Switcher - 91310059

Product Overview

The Lightware MX2-8x8-HDMI20-CA is an 8x8 standalone HDMI 2.0 matrix switcher optimized for permanent fixed installations, supporting 4K UHD at 60Hz RGB 4:4:4, analog audio embedding and de-embedding, and Tempest SDIP27 Level B certification for high-security government and defense applications. The -CA designation identifies this as the compact, fixed-install variant of the MX2-8x8 HDMI20 family — without front panel crosspoint keys (control is via the front LCD menu and external interfaces) but adding two analog audio input and two analog audio output ports. AV integrators specifying a HDMI 2.0 8x8 4K matrix for secure government installations or a fixed-install HDMI matrix with analog audio for corporate AV will find the CA model purpose-matched to its intended environments.

Product Description

The MX2-8x8-HDMI20-CA operates at 18 Gbps per port with a non-blocking 8x8 crosspoint. Its SDIP27 Level B certification — a Tempest emanation standard for classified facility AV infrastructure — is unique among Lightware's HDMI 2.0 matrix switchers and positions this model for intelligence, defense, and secure government AV applications. Two 5-pole Phoenix analog audio inputs allow embedding external audio (microphone outputs, room audio systems) into the HDMI stream; two Phoenix audio outputs enable de-embedding for amplifiers or DSPs.

HDCP 2.3 and HDCP 1.4 cross-conversion, HDR with Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio passthrough are all supported. The front panel LCD menu provides navigation-based configuration; crosspoint routing is managed through the built-in web server (Ethernet), RS-232, or USB interfaces. 5K support (5120x2160 at 30Hz 4:4:4 or 60Hz 4:2:0) accommodates ultrawide collaboration displays. Form factor is 1RU at 442 x 277.5 x 43.7mm with removable rack ears.

Key Features

• SDIP27 Level B Certified — Tempest emanation certification for classified government, defense, and intelligence facility AV installations.
• 8x HDMI 2.0 In / 8x HDMI 2.0 Out — Full 18 Gbps per port; non-blocking 8x8 crosspoint.
• 4K UHD 60Hz 4:4:4 — Up to 4096x2160 at 60Hz RGB 4:4:4 (600MHz pixel clock).
• 5K Ultrawide Support — 5120x2160 at 30Hz 4:4:4 or 60Hz 4:2:0.
• 2x Analog Audio Inputs + 2x Analog Audio Outputs — Balanced 5-pole Phoenix for audio embedding and de-embedding at the matrix.
• HDCP 2.3 and HDCP 1.4 — Cross-conversion between HDCP versions for mixed source-display environments.
• HDR and Low-Latency Dolby Vision — HDR metadata passthrough throughout the signal path.
• Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio — High-bitrate audio at full HDMI 2.0 embedded audio bandwidth.
• Zero Frame Latency — No frame or line-period delay; switching is instantaneous.
• Silent Design — Appropriate for office and conference environments without acoustic impact.
• Front Panel LCD Navigation — Configuration and status display without dedicated front panel switching keys.

Typical Applications

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

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the SDIP27 Level B certification mean?

SDIP27 Level B is a Tempest emanation standard that certifies the device controls electromagnetic and electrical emissions to levels acceptable for use in classified government and defense environments. This certification is required for AV equipment used in facilities processing sensitive or classified information. The MX2-8x8-HDMI20-CA is the only Lightware 8x8 HDMI 2.0 matrix that holds this certification.

Does the CA model have front panel crosspoint switching keys?

No. The CA model uses an LCD navigation menu for on-screen configuration. Crosspoint routing for the CA is typically managed via the built-in web server (Ethernet), RS-232, or USB. The -L variant includes dedicated front panel crosspoint keys for rental/staging use.

What is the analog audio configuration on the MX2-8x8-HDMI20-CA?

Two 5-pole Phoenix connectors at the input side allow embedding analog audio into two HDMI input streams. Two 5-pole Phoenix connectors at the output side allow de-embedding audio from two HDMI output streams for external amplifiers or audio systems. Volume is adjustable on the output side.

Is the MX2-8x8-HDMI20-CA suitable for corporate boardrooms without classified content requirements?

Yes. While the SDIP27 certification is specifically required for classified facilities, the matrix operates identically in standard corporate environments. The compact design, silent operation, analog audio I/O, and HDMI 2.0 4K60 capability make it appropriate for any fixed-install boardroom or conference room application.

Can the volume of the analog audio outputs be adjusted?

Yes. The audio output volume is adjustable through the Lightware Device Controller (LDC) software. This enables level matching to different amplifiers or audio systems without an external volume control.

Where can I purchase the MX2-8x8-HDMI20-CA?

Available at creationnetworks.net. Creation Networks specializes in commercial AV for government and corporate environments and can assist with security documentation requirements.