MXNET V2 FPGA Firmware Release Details

MXnet V2 FPGA 9.19.4 Firmware Release Details


MXnet Evolution II New Features

Applicable Products

  1. AC-MXNET-1G-EV2
  2. AC-MXNET-1G-AVDM-EV2
  3. AC-MXNET-1G-DANTE-EV2
  4. AC-MXNET-1G-EV2WP
  5. AC-MXNET-1G-DV2
  6. AC-MXNET-1G-DV2-W
  7. AC-MXNET-1G-DANTE-DV2


Overview:

To keep MXnet at the leading edge of AV over IP solutions, MXnet Evolution II endpoints are getting several new and enhanced capabilities. These updates are part of the newly released 9.19.4 FPGA firmware update which can be downloaded from this link today! 

  1. Ultra Low Latency Mode
  2. USB Share Mode
  3. Jumbo Frames no longer required
  4. Enhanced HDCP Performance
  5. Improved Video Preview Streams
  6. New API Functions
    NEW FOR 9.19.4:
  7. AES67 Audio Transmission Support (More information can be found within the Technical Overview article here.
  8. Performance Upgrades and Improvements to Existing Features
    1. Fixed a bug where DANTE-V2 devices could fail to report device information, resulting in the Control Box continuously requesting for device information or DANTE-V2 devices would lose their parameter information over time.
      1. Due to this, it is highly recommended for DANTE-V2 devices to receive this upgrade, or abnormal behavior may occur.
    2. Fixed a bug that prevented proper USB synchronization on Mac OS devices.
  9. Significantly Improved USB Maximum Bandwidth Capabilities, up to 150Mb/s increase in USB read/write speeds compared to previous software releases.
  10. V2 Devices now fallback to a link-local IP address setting if DHCP is chosen, but no DHCP server is present
AES67 Audio Transmission Support
MXnet V2 devices now integrates native AES67 transmit capability directly into the encoder and decoder platform, allowing MXnet audio to be delivered onto third-party AES67 audio networks — no external converters required. This expands MXnet's role in mixed AV environments such as conference centers, houses of worship, sports bars, and commercial installs where a dedicated audio DSP or AoIP network is already in place. More information in regards to AES67 operations for MXnet V2 products can be found within the Technical Overview guide, located here.

Ultra Low Latency Mode

Ultra Low Latency Mode (ULLM), allows Evolution II endpoints to achieve an end-to-end distribution latency of 3ms on average with 60Hz video content or 8ms with 30Hz video content. This is nearly an 80% decrease compared to non-ULLM. This performance boost allows the Evolution II’s to be a great solution for applications that require the lowest latency possible, such as live events and broadcast environments, competitive eSports facilities, or high-impact collaboration spaces such as a Teams or Zoom rooms.

USB Share Mode

Evolution II encoders can now connect to up to 7 decoders simultaneously for USB routing and extension. This allows system designs to support larger USB applications. A common example is in a collaboration/meeting space where there is a need to connect multiple USB cameras, a USB DSP, and a touch display back to a user’s computer.  There are many other uses for USB over IP such as remote desktop environments, centralized content management for digital signage and training facilities/simulation environments

Jumbo Frames no Longer Required

Jumbo Frames allow larger data packet sizes to be sent across the network, which was a requirement for MXnet Evolution II endpoints due to the security encryption method of AV streams. However, Evolution II devices will now be capable of an additional security encryption method that can be enabled which reduces packet size and no longer requires Jumbo Frames to be enabled on a switch. This enhances compatibility with a wider range of network switches and removes a configuration step during setup.

Enhanced HDCP Performance

HDCP behavior has been improved when switching sources using different HDCP versions. Now when switching between content requiring HDCP 1.4, 2.2 or no HDCP there are no delays in switching times or adverse effects, leading to a seamless end-user experience.

Improved Video Preview Streams

Users can now access a preview of video content connected to encoders and decoders. This preview stream can be accessed in both the CBOX Mentor’s user interface or via 3rd party control devices. The CBOX Mentor UI allows integrators to have real-time access to video streams during setup and configuration to enhance troubleshooting. Programmers can add these preview streams into 3rdparty control system interfaces to enhance the end-user experience. 

New API Functions

The addition of new API commands streamlines the process of parsing endpoint data and configuring matrix routes, enabling faster access to relevant information and enhancing the efficiency of information collection.



Other minor optimizations to existing features, such as Videowall processing, CEC command executions, ARC/eARC processing, and optimizations to general video/audio processing.


To update Evolution II endpoints to the latest firmware, click this link to download the FPGA Batch Updater Program and follow the update process.