Lightware has supplied its MX2-48X48-HDMI20-A-R matrix switcher to deliver the demanding video distribution requirements of the Koishikawa Xross Digital Museum’s new immersive theatre in Tokyo, Japan.
Developed by Toppan with project partners For-A and MTC Japan, the Xross Theater combines a 16K Crystal LED screen with Leyard LED ceiling and floor displays to create hyper-realistic, 360º visual environments. The installation sets a new benchmark for immersive experience design but presented considerable technical challenges.
Toppan required seamless 4K 60P RGB 4:4:4 video across a 64x64 matrix, with non-blocking distribution at 18 Gbps. With no domestic manufacturers able to supply a matrix meeting these specifications at the time, MTC Japan turned to Lightware.
“The lack of a 64x64 HDMI 2.0 matrix in Japan which supported 18 Gbps with non-blocking and met RGB 4:4:4 specifications posed a serious constraint,” explained Junji Matsuoka of MTC Japan. “Lightware’s MX2-48X48-HDMI20-A-R was the only solution capable of handling the data stream efficiently.”
The MX2 switcher was selected for its ability to maintain uninterrupted, high-bandwidth signal flow while integrating with control systems through Lightware’s LW2 protocol. At the heart of the system, Toppan’s PC server outputs eight signals that are routed via the MX2 to a video wall processor, before being distributed to an RGBlink X8 processor handling the 16K projection.
Yu Nakamura of Toppan added: “Lightware’s MX2, with its non-blocking switching and reliable 18 Gbps performance, played a key role in overcoming integration challenges. It gave us confidence that the video distribution would be executed.”