Lightware PRC-16-205 – 3RU Powered Rackmount Cage for 16 Extenders

Product Overview

The Lightware PRC-16-205 is a 3U powered rackmount cage that houses and powers up to 16 Lightware VINX-120-HDMI-ENC or VINX-110-HDMI-DEC extender units in any combination from a single rack enclosure. The cage provides 5V DC power at 2.5A per slot, drawing from a single 200W internal power supply connected to standard 100–240V AC mains, eliminating the need for individual wall adapters or power strips for each extender. AV integrators deploying Lightware VINX extender-based AV distribution systems at scale in broadcast studios, auditoriums, or all-hands rooms will find the PRC-16-205 an efficient rackmount consolidation solution. The Lightware PRC-16-205 rackmount cage for VINX extenders is available at Creation Networks.

Product Description

The PRC-16-205 provides structured rack mounting and centralized 5V power distribution for up to 16 Lightware VINX compact extender units. Each of the 16 slots delivers 2.5A at 5V DC, providing a combined 200W of available power across the full cage. Encoders and decoders can be mixed in any combination within a single cage, providing operational flexibility for installations that require a range of input and output endpoint types.

Built-in protection circuits guard against short circuits and overloads on individual output ports, isolating faults to a single slot without affecting adjacent devices. The cage accepts universal AC input (100–240V AC, 47–63 Hz), making it suitable for both domestic and international deployments without input voltage modification.

At 3U rack height and 482.4mm wide, the PRC-16-205 fits standard 19-inch equipment racks and weighs 7.8 kg when unloaded. Included accessories comprise mounting brackets, power cable, and cable ties. The unit carries CE certification and a 3-year warranty. Purchase the PRC-16-205 at Creation Networks.

Key Features

• 16-Slot Extender Capacity — Accommodates up to 16 VINX-120-HDMI-ENC encoders, VINX-110-HDMI-DEC decoders, or any combination in a single 3U chassis.
• Centralized 5V Power Distribution — Supplies 5V DC at 2.5A per slot from a single 200W internal power supply, replacing 16 individual wall adapters with one AC connection.
• Universal AC Input — Accepts 100–240V AC at 47–63 Hz, compatible with mains power standards in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
• Per-Port Short Circuit and Overload Protection — Built-in protection on each output isolates faults without disrupting other installed extenders.
• Encoder/Decoder Mix Flexibility — Encoders and decoders can occupy any slot combination, supporting asymmetric distribution topologies within a single cage.
• 3U Standard Rack Form Factor — Fits 19-inch equipment racks at 132.5mm height; compatible with standard rack infrastructure.
• Included Mounting Brackets and Accessories — Ships with metal mounting brackets, power cable (multi-region), and cable ties for immediate installation.
• CE Certified — Meets European conformity requirements for electrical safety and EMC.
• 3-Year Warranty — Covered by Lightware's standard three-year product warranty.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio
• Auditorium
• All-hands room
• Conference room
• House of worship
• Training room

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Lightware extenders are compatible with the PRC-16-205?

The PRC-16-205 is designed for Lightware VINX-120-HDMI-ENC encoders and VINX-110-HDMI-DEC decoders. Any combination of encoders and decoders can be installed across the 16 available slots, up to the 200W total power budget.

Does the cage require any configuration or software setup?

No. The PRC-16-205 is a passive power and mechanical housing. Configuration of the installed extender units is performed through their own management interfaces. The cage itself has no software, firmware, or network connectivity.

What happens if one extender in the cage develops a short circuit?

Built-in per-port protection isolates the fault to the affected slot. Other extenders in the remaining 15 slots continue to operate normally without interruption.

Can I mix encoders and decoders in the same cage?

Yes. The PRC-16-205 makes no distinction between encoder and decoder units mechanically or electrically. Any combination of VINX-120-HDMI-ENC and VINX-110-HDMI-DEC units can be installed in any slot order.

Is a specific power cable supplied?

Yes. The PRC-16-205 ships with a multi-region power cable available with JP, CH, US, EU, or CN plug types depending on destination market. Standard IEC AC inlet on the cage itself.

Where can I purchase the Lightware PRC-16-205?

The PRC-16-205 is available at Creation Networks, an authorized Lightware reseller supplying AV infrastructure products to integrators and end users in commercial installations.