Overview

MaxColor Series Encoders connect HDMI sources to a MaxColor Series Just Add Power system. Models support video up to 4K60 with 4:4:4 color and up to 36-bit color depth, including HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision. Connections, audio support, and hardware features vary by model.

Use this article to select the appropriate Encoder for each source location, including standalone, rackmount, and wallplate installations.

Standalone Encoders

Feature	MC-TX1	MC-TX2	MC-TX3
Recommended Application	Standard HDMI source	HDMI source requiring USB/KVM, a fiber connection, or a local HDMI output	HDMI source requiring AES67 audio integration and USB/KVM
Maximum Resolution	4K60	4K60	4K60
Video Input	HDMI	HDMI	HDMI
Local HDMI Output	No	Yes	Yes
Audio Support	All audio formats	All audio formats	Up to 8-channel LPCM
Analog Audio Connection	3-pin Euroblock stereo output	3-pin Euroblock stereo output	3-pin Euroblock stereo output
AES67	No	No	Yes; dedicated AES67 network port
USB/KVM	No	USB 2.0; one USB-C port	USB 2.0; one USB-C port
Just Add Power Network Connection	1Gb RJ45	1Gb RJ45 or shared 1Gb SFP	1Gb RJ45
Endpoint Control	CEC, RS232, and integrated IR	CEC, RS232, and integrated IR	CEC, RS232, and integrated IR
Image Pull	Yes	Yes	Yes
MJPEG Video Preview	Up to 30 fps	Up to 30 fps	Up to 30 fps
Power	PoE or local power supply	PoE or local power supply	PoE or local power supply

Hardware revisions: Earlier MC-TX1 and MC-TX2 units use 3.5 mm connections for stereo audio, IR, and RS232 instead of the Euroblock connections shown above. Check the installed hardware and its model-specific spec sheet before selecting cables.

Rackmount and Wallplate Encoders

Feature	MC-TX1-RACK	MC-TXWP1
Recommended Application	Three HDMI sources located together in an equipment rack	Accessible HDMI source connection at a wall
Form Factor	1 RU; three independent MC-TX1 Encoders	2-gang wallplate
Maximum Resolution	4K60 per Encoder	4K60
HDMI Inputs	Three; one per Encoder	One
Local HDMI Output	No	No
Audio Support	All audio formats	All audio formats
Analog Audio Connection	Three 3-pin Euroblock stereo outputs; one per Encoder	No
USB/KVM	No	No
Network Connection	Three 1Gb RJ45 ports; one per Encoder	1Gb RJ45
Endpoint Control	CEC, RS232, and integrated IR per Encoder	CEC
Image Pull	Yes	Yes
MJPEG Video Preview	Up to 30 fps per Encoder	Up to 30 fps
PoE	Yes; each Encoder requires its own PoE connection	Yes

Rackmount planning: The MC-TX1-RACK contains three independent Encoders. Allow three configured Encoder switch ports and three network cables when using all three source inputs.

Video Tiling and Rotation

The MC-QX video tiling and rotation processor combines Decoder and Encoder functions in one unit. It receives video from MaxColor Series Encoders, processes it, and distributes the resulting video to MaxColor Series Decoders.

• Video tiling: Combine up to four 4K60 or lower-resolution sources into one video layout.
• Video rotation: Rotate a single 4K60 or lower-resolution source through 360 degrees.
• Network connections: Five 1Gb RJ45 ports: four Decoder connections and one Encoder connection.
• Local display: Includes a local HDMI output.

Select the MC-QX when the system needs a processed video layout or arbitrary-angle rotation. The source devices still connect to their own MaxColor Series Encoders.

Selection Notes

• USB/KVM: Select USB-equipped hardware at both ends of the USB connection. USB-C identifies the connector; these models use USB 2.0. See MaxColor Series KVM requirements and bandwidth limits.
• Fiber: The MC-TX2 provides a shared 1Gb SFP connection as an alternative to its RJ45 data connection. Include a supported SFP module and a power source when planning the installation.
• IR: Models with an integrated IR output do not require the Omega Series or Ultra Series IR Dongle. See integrated IR wiring and early-hardware limitations.
• Separate USB or audio endpoints: Consider the MC-USB USB 2.0 Encoder/Decoder for a dedicated USB connection or the ST1 stereo audio Encoder/Decoder for an audio-only location.