Routing Switcher

MFR-5000

Expand your 4K/8K routing freedom with 12G-SDI*1 I/O and gearbox support*2 offering the most inputs and outputs. The MFR-5000 Series is a group of multi-format routing switchers supporting 12G-SDI*1, 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, SD-SDI, ASI, MADI, AES and RS-422. Inside the 8RU case a matrix of up to 128 inputs/128 outputs can be configured. It offers expansive flexibility at the core of your system, such as tally connections with peripheral devices (video switchers and multi viewers) and automatic source name tracking.

*1 For MFR-5000 matrices, only up to 3G-SDI is supported. An input card compatible with conversion from 12G to 3G for 12G-SDI input (MFR-16SDIGB) and an output card compatible with conversion from 3G to 12G for 12G-SDI output (MFR-16SDOGB) are necessary. 
*2 Gearbox is the function to interconvert Quad Link 3G-SDI/12G-SDI and 2SI/SQD. See Gearbox Support for details.

Multi-Format Support

Video input/output card

12G-SDI, 3G-SDI(Level-A/B), HD-SDI, SD-SDI and ASI signal input/output with automatic signal type detection.

  • MFR-16SDIA/16SDIB: 16-input card enables support for 3G/HD/SD-SDI and ASI
  • MFR-16SDIGB: 16-input card enables support for 12G/3G-SDI, 4-input ports supporting 12G-SDI and Gearbox
  • MFR-16SDO/16SDOA: 16-output card enables support for 3G/HD/SD-SDI and ASI
  • MFR-16SDOGB: 16-output card enables support for 12G/3G-SDI, 4-output ports supporting 12G-SDI and Gearbox

    * For MFR-5000 matrices, only up to 3G-SDI is supported. An input card compatible with conversion from 12G to 3G for 12G-SDI input (MFR-16SDIGB) and an output card compatible with conversion from 3G to 12G for 12G-SDI output (MFR-16SDOGB) are necessary. 

Audio input/output card

Ready for a range of audio input/output cards. This allows for a combined audio/video router in a single unit along with A/D and D/A conversion, plus embedding and de-embedding.

  • MFR-16ADI: Input card for 16 AES/EBU stereo pairs with SRC
  • MFR-16AAI: Input card for 16 analog stereo pairs with A/D converter
  • MFR-16AAIEX: Input card for 16 analog audio embed to SDI signal
  • MFR-16AESI: Input card for 16 AES/EBU stereo pairs (32 channels)
  • MFR-16SDIB: Input card for 16 MADI (64 channels)
  • MFR-16AAOEX: Output card for 16 AES/EBU stereo pairs convert into analog audio
  • MFR-16ADAO: Audio output card for up to 8 stereo pairs with D/A converter (16 channels)
  • MFR-16AESO: Output card for 16 AES/EBU stereo pairs (32 channels)
  • MFR-16AESPO: Output card for 16 AES stereo pairs (32 channels) with audio mapping function
  • MFR-16MADIPO: Output card for 16 MADI with audio mapping function

RS-422 serial control I/O card

  • MFR-16DTIO: RS-422 serial control input/output card compliant with the SMPTE 207M standard

Gearbox Support

Add the MFR-16SDIGB and MFR-16SDOGB cards for conversion of video (Quad Link 3G-SDI/12G-SDI) and mapping (2SI/SQD) formats. These options open the door for equipment previously incompatible with 12G-SDI, enabling system building focused on this new specification.

Outstanding Redundancy

Since routing switchers are the core of large video systems, we have engineered a variety of features to ensure full redundancy.

Redundancy Features

  • CPU board redundancy (optional): a secondary CPU board constantly monitors the operation of the primary board. If the secondary CPU board detects any faults, operation is immediately switched to the secondary CPU to allow for continuous operation without down time.
  • Redundant power supply (optional): in the rare event of a power supply problem, the second supply takes over to avoid any interruption of router function.
  • Network redundancy (optional): a secondary Ethernet connection provides back-up for system control. With CPU redundancy, each interface can also have a backup (for details see below).
  • Direct control of main unit: the main unit has an LED display on the front. It can display settings and alarms.

Interface details

  Connector Standard configuration With redundant CPU installed
Ethernet RJ-45 2 4
Serial 9 pin D-sub (male) 1 1
Alarm output 9 pin D-sub (female) 1 1
ARCNET BNC 2 2

Configuring Matrices (up to 128 Input/128 Output)

The input/output board has 16 channels and up to 8 boards can be installed together. As a result, matrices of up to 128 input/128 output can be configured.

Various Crosspoint Control

A variety crosspoint control features are possible in addition to normal crosspoint switching.

  • Salvo function:
    (1) Button-assigned Salvo: multiple crosspoints can be assigned to any button. Separate settings can be made for each remote unit.
    (2) Main unit storage Salvo: multiple crosspoints can be stored on the main unit side and shared by all remote units.
  • Take operation: after presetting crosspoints, press the Take button to change the set crosspoints.
    (1) Mode-switching Take button: switches between take operation and usual operation (instant execution).
    (2) Always Take button: always performs take.
  • Link function: this can group and link multiple crosspoints.
  • Level operation: level switching allows separate control over different subject types.
  • Chop function: allows user to switch between two sources for a destination.
  • Monitor out: enables output of any destination source to a dedicated monitoring channel.
  • Prevention of incorrect operation:
    - Inhibit: Crosspoint, Source, Destination
    - Lock: Lock Other / Lock All / Lock Local

Matrix Partition Function

One routing switcher can be virtually partitioned to build any theoretical hierarchy, creating possibilities for use in various operations.

Examples:

  • Fully independent switching: a single unit can be used as multiple routing switchers by making multiple matrix partitions. This is effective when you wish to do multiple operations while avoiding source sharing.
  • V/Key linking switcher: allows two inputs to be linked for routing of video and key signals together.
  • 3D switcher: partition the matrix in two and control the left and right channels from a 3D source simultaneously
  • HD/SD simul-switcher: provides simultaneous control of HD and SD sources. Perfect feature for HD/SD master control switching

SNMP Support

Remote monitoring by SNMP is supported and the router can easily be integrated into an SNMP monitoring system. In this way you can monitor the status of various items including: power source, fan, CPU, presence/absence of signals, crosspoint errors and more.

Remote Control Units

We offer several types or remote control unit to suit your application. The number of units that can be connected is a maximum of 128, including the main unit. This lets you build a flexible control environment by the way you partition the matrix and make operation level settings. Please refer to MFR-RU series page for the lineup and details.

Interface Expansion Unit

The interface expansion unit lineup includes two types to suit your specific application. The number of units that can be connected is a maximum of 128, including the remote control units.

MFR-GPI: GPI Unit

Provides an interface for GPI control. This 1 RU sized unit is equipped with user-assignable GPI/O (128 channels) and 4 serial ports (9-pin D-sub male). It can be used for setting Input/Output and supports system configuration.

MFR-TALM: Tally Manager

MFR-TALM is a device for performing central management of tally and material names of the MFR main unit and peripheral devices (such as video switchers and multi viewers). In the tally linking system like the one shown to the right (Fig. 1), MFR-TALM performs the tally calculation, which were originally performed by the MFR main unit, so that the tally linking can be speeded up.

MFR-TALM: Tally Manager

MFR-RULINK: MFR Remote Relay Unit

The MFR-RULINK connects MFR main units to MFR remote control units that are located in distant locations. Operations such as Cross point switching or Lock can be performed with MFR-RULINK using MFR remote control units from a distant location. (MFR-3100EX/5000/8000 supported)

MFR-RULINK: MFR Remote Relay Unit

Supports Combinations of Multiple Remote control units

Multiple remote control units can be combined to make them function as a large scale control panel.

Combination example:

For 128 x 128 full control + system settings:
MFR-40RU x 4 + MFR-39RUA x 1

System Links with Other Products

The MFR-5000 enables tally linking with FOR-A’s video switcher HVS Series and multi viewer MV Series. And when switching between sources on the MFR-5000 side, the source name displayed by the video switcher or multi viewer can also change automatically. It supports TSL and Harris protocol, enabling linkage with 3rd party equipment.

MFR-5000_System Links with Other Products