Lightware Visual Engineering announced the launch of Taurus UCX HC40, a video switcher designed to harnesses USB-C connectivity in AV installations. Taurus UCX HC40 simplifies 4K video, audio and control signal transmission, while providing power over a single USB-C connection. As with the previous UCX devices, Taurus UCX HC40 makes AV setups cleaner and more efficient, by reducing the use of cables and connectors. Moreover, with data speeds of up to 5 Gbps thanks to USB 3.1 Gen1, it ensures high-quality and ultra-low-latency of video and audio.

The new Taurus variant brings an improved USB Hub, providing faster connections and enhanced compatibility with non-compliant USB devices and extenders. It also includes a front live LED for easy status monitoring and the ability to configure internal pull-up/pull-down for Room Occupancy (OCS); more flash storage space, particularly advantageous for Lightware’s LARA; and a new vent hole design for efficient passive and noiseless cooling that keeps devices running at the optimal temperature without a whisper.

Other important features include:

• Automated room control included through GPIO ports, alongside RS-232 and occupancy sensor connectivity.
• Analog audio de-embedding.
• Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) that allows interconnected HDMI devices to work seamlessly together.
• Multiple USB 3.1 Gen 1 Connectivity that supports camera, speakerphone, touch monitor, and other USB devices.

In the 4×2 and 2×1 versions, the second USB hosts a port to USB-C (data only) to support active USB extender cables. This simplifies setups and ensures the seamless extension of AV systems.

Users who connect their laptop or other mobile devices via USB-C can charge up to 100W (120W total), thus eliminating the need to look for a wall plug and avoiding sudden meetings interruptions. Mac users can also enjoy an updated USB-Ethernet gateway for MacBook M1/M2 compatibility.

In November 2023, a Dante-version of the Taurus UCX 4×2 variant, known as the UCX-4×2-HC40D, will come with support for Dante/AES67 network connection, enabling the immediate de-embedding of audio signals from the HDMI source. These audio signals can be sent directly to a Dante/AES67 compatible external audio system.

The UCX-4×3-HC40BD product version, which will have the bidirectional Dante feature, will be available in early 2024.