Lightware Launches Taurus UCX HC40

Lightware Visual Engineering has launched Taurus UCX HC40, a groundbreaking video switcher carefully designed with AV integrators in mind.

This state-of-the-art equipment harnesses the potential of USB-C connectivity, bringing a transformative edge to AV installations.

Taurus UCX HC40 simplifies 4K video, audio, and control signal transmission, while providing power over a single USB-C connection. As with the previous UCX devices, Taurus UCX HC40 makes AV setups cleaner and more efficient, by reducing the use of cables and connectors. Moreover, with data speeds of up to 5 Gbps thanks to USB 3.1 Gen1, it ensures high-quality and ultralow-latency of video and audio.

The new Taurus variant brings an improved USB Hub, providing faster connections and enhanced compatibility with non-compliant USB devices and extenders. It also includes a front live LED for easy status monitoring and the ability to configure internal pull-up/pull-down for Room Occupancy (OCS); more flash storage space, particularly advantageous for Lightware's LARA; and a new vent hole design for efficient passive and noiseless cooling that keeps devices running at the optimal temperature without a whisper.

Other important features are:
Automated room control included through GPIO ports, besides of RS-232 and occupancy sensor connectivity.
Analog audio de-embedding.
Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) that allows interconnected HDMI devices to work seamlessly together.
Multiple USB 3.1 Gen 1 Connectivity that supports camera, speakerphone, touch monitor, and other USB devices.
In the 4x2 and 2x1 versions, the second USB hosts a port to USB-C (data only) to support active USB extender cables. This simplifies setups and ensures the seamless extension of AV systems.

Users who connect their laptop or other mobile devices via USB-C can charge up to 100W (120W total), thus eliminating the need to look for a wall plug and avoiding sudden meetings interruptions. Mac users can also enjoy an updated USB-Ethernet gateway for MacBook M1/M2 compatibility.

In November 2023, a Dante-version of the Taurus UCX 4x2 variant, known as the UCX-4x2-HC40D, will come with support for Dante/AES67 network connection, enabling the immediate de-embedding of audio signals from the HDMI source. These audio signals can be sent directly to an external audio system that is Dante/AES67 compatible.

The UCX-4x3-HC40BD product version, which will have the bidirectional Dante feature, will be available in early 2024.

lightware.com