Overview
MaxColor Series Decoders connect HDMI displays to a MaxColor Series Just Add Power system. Both 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.
Use this article to select the appropriate Decoder for each display location. The MC-RX2 adds USB/KVM and a fiber connection to the core video capabilities available on both models.
Compatibility: MaxColor Series Encoder and Decoder models can be mixed and matched within the same system. USB/KVM requires compatible USB-equipped hardware at both ends of the USB connection.
Compare Models
The connections and power options below describe current hardware revisions. See the hardware notes for earlier units.
| Feature |
MC-RX1 |
MC-RX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended Application | Standard HDMI display with analog stereo audio extraction | HDMI display location requiring USB/KVM or a fiber connection |
| Maximum Resolution | 4K60 | 4K60 |
| Video Output | HDMI | HDMI |
| Built-In Video Scaler | Yes | Yes |
| Video Wall Support | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Audio Support | All audio formats | All audio formats |
| Audio Return Channel (ARC) | Yes | Yes |
| Analog Audio Connection | 3-pin Euroblock stereo output | 3-pin Euroblock stereo output |
| USB/KVM | No | USB 2.0; two USB-C ports |
| Network Connection | 1Gb RJ45 | 1Gb RJ45 or shared 1Gb SFP |
| Endpoint Control | CEC, RS232, and integrated IR | CEC, RS232, and integrated IR |
| Image Pull | Yes | Yes |
| MJPEG Video Preview | Up to 30 fps | Up to 30 fps |
| Image Push | Yes | Yes |
| Image Pop | Yes | Yes |
| Power | PoE only on current H3 hardware | PoE or local power supply |
Hardware Revisions
- MC-RX1 H1: Uses 3.5 mm stereo audio, IR, and RS232 connections. Supports a local DC power supply.
- MC-RX1 H2: Uses Euroblock stereo audio, IR, and RS232 connections. Supports a local DC power supply.
- MC-RX1 H3: Uses Euroblock connections and is powered by PoE only.
- MC-RX2: Earlier H1 units use 3.5 mm stereo audio and IR connections. Current H2 units use Euroblock connections.
Check the installed device and its model-specific spec sheet before selecting power supplies, emitters, or connection cables.
Selection Notes
- USB/KVM: Choose the MC-RX2 for USB peripherals at the display. Its USB-C ports operate at USB 2.0 speeds. See MaxColor Series KVM requirements, supported devices, and bandwidth limits.
- Fiber: The MC-RX2 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.
- Display resolution: Both models include a scaler. Review Decoder scaler settings and downscaling limits when combining displays with different resolution capabilities.
- IR: Both models include an integrated IR output. See integrated IR wiring and early-hardware limitations.
- Video tiling and arbitrary-angle rotation: Add an MC-QX video tiling and rotation processor to create the processed video for distribution to either Decoder model.
