Lightware MX2-8x8-HDMI20-L HDMI 2.0 Compatible Full 4K Matrix Switcher - 91310058

Product Overview

The Lightware MX2-8x8-HDMI20-L is an 8x8 standalone HDMI 2.0 matrix switcher optimized for rental and staging applications, with eight HDMI 2.0 inputs and eight HDMI 2.0 outputs, front panel crosspoint switching keys, and a compact 1RU form factor designed for repeated transport and deployment. Supporting 4K UHD at 60Hz RGB 4:4:4 and 5K ultrawide at 30Hz, the -L designation distinguishes this as the rental-and-staging edition within the MX2-8x8 HDMI20 family — providing the full-sized front panel LCD and switching keys absent from the fixed-install CA variant. AV rental companies and touring production companies specifying a 4K HDMI 2.0 8x8 matrix for live events and rental staging will find this purpose-matched to their workflows.

Product Description

The MX2-8x8-HDMI20-L operates at 18 Gbps per port across a non-blocking 8x8 crosspoint. Its compact and silent design suits temporary installations in conference venues, event spaces, and touring productions where source and display counts fit within the 8x8 frame. The full front panel LCD and direct crosspoint switching buttons allow rapid input-to-output assignment without software, reducing setup time in time-pressured live event scenarios.

The matrix supports HDCP 2.3 and HDCP 1.4 with cross-conversion, HDR and low-latency Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio at full bitrate. 5K support (5120x2160 at 30Hz 4:4:4 or 60Hz 4:2:0) accommodates ultrawide displays used in Microsoft Teams Front Row setups and high-resolution staging environments. The unit does not include analog audio I/O — audio management is handled through HDMI embedded audio only — making the signal chain clean and cable-count minimal for staging deployments.

Key Features

• Front Panel LCD and Crosspoint Keys — Full-sized front panel controls for rapid standalone operation in live event and rental contexts.
• 8x HDMI 2.0 In / 8x HDMI 2.0 Out — Full 18 Gbps per port; uncompressed video at full HDMI 2.0 bandwidth.
• 4K UHD 60Hz 4:4:4 — Up to 4096x2160 at 60Hz RGB 4:4:4 with zero frame latency.
• 5K Ultrawide Support — 5120x2160 at 30Hz 4:4:4 or 60Hz 4:2:0 for ultrawide display environments.
• Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio — Full HBR audio passthrough on all HDMI paths.
• HDCP 2.3 and HDCP 1.4 — Cross-conversion compliant for mixed HDCP source and display environments.
• HDR and Low-Latency Dolby Vision — HDR metadata passthrough for premium content distribution.
• Zero Frame Latency — No frame or line-period delay added; signals switch instantaneously.
• Silent Design — Fanless or near-silent operation appropriate for presentation and conference environments.
• Compact 1RU Form Factor — 442 x 277.5 x 43.7mm; rack mountable with removable rack ears for transport cases.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio
• All-hands room
• Auditorium
• Conference room

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the MX2-8x8-HDMI20-L and MX2-8x8-HDMI20-CA?

The -L variant is designed for rental and staging, featuring a full front panel LCD and crosspoint switching keys for standalone operation. The -CA (fixed installation) model lacks dedicated front panel switching keys but adds 2x analog audio I/O ports for embedding and de-embedding. The -CA has also achieved SDIP27 Level B certification for secure facility use.

Does the MX2-8x8-HDMI20-L support 8K signals?

No. The matrix operates at HDMI 2.0 bandwidth (18 Gbps maximum). 8K signals require HDMI 2.1 at 48 Gbps, which is not supported by this product generation.

Is analog audio embedding available on this model?

No. The MX2-8x8-HDMI20-L handles embedded HDMI audio only. For analog audio embedding and de-embedding, the MX2-8x8-HDMI20-Audio-L or MX2-8x8-HDMI20-CA models are appropriate.

What control interfaces are available?

Ethernet (TCP/IP, built-in web server), RS-232 via 3-pole Phoenix connector, and mini USB. Lightware's open API enables integration with any professional control platform.

Can this matrix be used in a fixed installation as well as rental?

Yes. The -L designation indicates suitability for rental/staging due to its front panel controls, but the matrix functions identically in permanent installations. Integrators selecting based on front panel control preference rather than portability also use this model.

Where do I purchase and get support?

The MX2-8x8-HDMI20-L is available at creationnetworks.net. Creation Networks provides commercial AV consulting, system design, and post-sale support for all Lightware products.