Lightware's 25G Hybrid Matrix at ISE 2012 Amsterdam

Lightware Visual Engineering unveiled its groundbreaking 25G Hybrid Matrix router at ISE 2012 in Amsterdam, the largest and best-attended show in ISE history. Lightware also captured the attention of InAVate, the leading online resource for Pro AV technology and integration in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, scoring a video about the new matrix switch on the InAVate website. Lightware U.S.A. is the US distributor for Budapest-based Lightware Visual Engineering.

With its 25G Hybrid Matrix, Lightware reinvents the meaning of the matrix switch, the company says. Until now systems have operated in two dimensions, with inputs and outputs; Lightware has now added a third dimension -- media layers.

Lightware's is a complete signal architecture, including a cloud that supports eight media layers: video, audio, Ethernet, USB KVM, USB 2.0, IR, RS-232, and CEC channels. All layers are supported by 25G Hybrid signal management; inside the cloud all the layers are independent for switching and extending all signal layers separately, the company says.

25G Hybrid signal architecture allows video, audio, and media layers to be transmitted over a single fiber or one CAT5 cable so AV professionals can build a very simple system, which still supports all eight media layers. The 25G Hybrid Matrix has 160 inputs and 160 outputs and a total throughput of 4TB per second. It offers 25 gigabits per second data rate switching for transporting next generation video signals, such as HDMI 1.4 and DisplayPort 1.2, and handling all future video and audio standards, including 4K resolution and stereo 3D formats.

Each video port is equipped with a separate audio input and output connector forming a 320x320 S/P/DIF crosspoint switch. It manages stereo and multichannel audio as well as high bitrate formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Optional multichannel to stereo downmixing is available.