Overview
Compare the video capabilities, connections, and system features available with MaxColor Series, Ultra Series, and Omega Series devices. Use this guide to narrow your product selection, then check the specifications of each Encoder, Decoder, and specialty device.
- MaxColor Series: Up to 4K60 video.
- Ultra Series: Up to 4K30 video output.
- Omega Series: Up to 1080p60 video.
For equipment selection, network design, accessories, and control planning, see Plan a Just Add Power System. View individual models on the Just Add Power product pages.
Feature availability: A feature listed for a series is not necessarily available on every model. Some features require a specific Encoder, Decoder, accessory, or specialty device. Confirm the required hardware, firmware, and configuration method before ordering.
Video Capabilities
| Feature | MaxColor Series | Ultra Series | Omega Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum video output | 4K60 | 4K30 | 1080p60 |
| HDR formats | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HLG |
| Decoder video scaling | Available | Available | Available |
| Local HDMI output on an Encoder | Selected models | Selected models | Selected models |
| Image Pull | JPG | BMP or PNG | BMP or PNG |
| MJPEG video stream | Available | Not available | Not available |
Ultra Series support for a 4K60 input does not provide 4K60 output. Verify the accepted input resolution, frame rate, and color format for the selected Encoder.
Audio Capabilities
HDMI audio pass-through, analog audio extraction, and audio downmixing are different capabilities. An analog audio port does not establish that a device can convert multichannel audio to stereo.
| Feature | MaxColor Series | Ultra Series | Omega Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI audio pass-through | Available; verify model and audio format | Available; AVP models have different audio-processing limits | Available on applicable HDMI models |
| Dolby Digital 5.1 downmixing | No | Selected AVP Encoders | Requires a compatible Ultra Series AVP Encoder; not native to Omega Series Encoders |
| Stereo audio delay and volume adjustment | No | Selected models; available adjustments vary | Selected models; available adjustments vary |
| Analog stereo audio output | Selected models | Selected models | Selected models |
| Stereo audio delay and volume adjustment | Confirm the selected model and firmware | Selected models; available adjustments vary | Selected models; available adjustments vary |
| Microphone and line-level audio inputs | Confirm the required input on the selected model | Selected models | Line-level input on selected models; microphone input requires separate model verification |
| AES67 audio integration | Requires an AES67-capable model | Requires an AES67-capable model | Requires a compatible specialty device |
Review the Dolby audio downmixing specifications before selecting an AVP Encoder. These models support stereo audio or Dolby Digital 5.1 and should not be treated as universal pass-through devices for higher-level audio formats.
For adjustable analog audio functions, see Analog Audio Features and Commands.
Connections and Control
| Feature | MaxColor Series | Ultra Series | Omega Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| RS232 endpoint control | Selected models | Selected models | Selected models |
| CEC endpoint control | Available on supported models | Available on supported models | Available on supported models |
| IR endpoint control | Verify the model's IR connection and accessory requirements | Requires a compatible IR dongle on applicable models | Requires a compatible IR dongle on applicable models |
| USB/KVM | Selected models | Selected models | Selected models |
| Wallplate models | Available | Available | Verify the specific model and its product series |
| PoE power | Selected models | Selected models | Selected models |
USB support varies by model and peripheral type. Verify compatibility with the actual keyboards, mice, touchscreens, cameras, or other peripherals required for the installation.
For source and display control, confirm both the Just Add Power device's capabilities and the control functions supported by the connected source or display.
Video Walls and Tiling
| Feature | MaxColor Series | Ultra Series | Omega Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard landscape video wall | Available | Available | Available |
| Standard portrait video wall | Available | Available | Available |
| Video tiling | Requires an MC-QX | Requires a UL-759A | Requires a compatible UL-759A configuration |
| Mosaic video wall and arbitrary video rotation | Requires an MC-QX and a compatible video wall configuration | Requires a UL-737POE Warp Engine and a compatible video wall configuration | Requires a compatible UL-737POE Warp Engine configuration |
Standard video walls, video tiling, and arbitrary video rotation have different hardware and setup requirements. Review the MaxColor Series standard video wall instructions, MC-QX specifications, UL-759A specifications, or UL-737POE specifications for the planned application.
Product Compatibility
For standard source-to-display video distribution, select Encoders and Decoders from the same product series. Although Omega Series and Ultra Series devices can technically operate together, mixing them is not recommended because Omega Series devices cannot process 4K video, which can cause issues in systems combining 1080p and 4K video.
Compatible specialty devices may provide additional functions as described above. MaxColor Series video streams are not directly compatible with Omega Series or Ultra Series devices.
2G Legacy Mode: The comparisons above do not describe operation in 2G Legacy Mode. If the project retains 2G Series hardware, review 2G Legacy Mode compatibility and capabilities before selecting additional devices.
Compare Individual Models
- Omega Series Encoder comparison
- Omega Series Decoder comparison
- Ultra Series Encoder comparison
- Ultra Series Decoder comparison
- MaxColor Series Encoder comparison
- MaxColor Series Decoder comparison
- Omega Series specification sheets
- Ultra Series specification sheets
- MaxColor Series specification sheets

