LIGHTWARE · Project

Fiber-Optic System Sends Uncompressed 4K/8K Video Up to 10 Km Without Delay

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Imagine you have an amazing ultra-high-definition video feed — say from a live concert or a surgery room — but you need to show it on a screen that's kilometres away. Regular cables lose the signal after just a few metres, and compressing the video adds annoying delays. Lightware built a fibre-optic system that can push 40 gigabits of raw video data up to 10 kilometres with zero lag. Think of it like replacing a garden hose with a fire hydrant — same water, but it reaches much further, much faster.

By the numbers

40 Gbit

Optical transmission bandwidth

10 km

Maximum signal extension distance

130

Company headcount

€10 million

Annual company revenue

40+

Countries with distribution presence

120 Hz

UHD video refresh rate supported

The business problem

What needed solving

Professional AV installations — from stadiums to surgical theatres — need to send ultra-high-definition video over long distances without any quality loss or delay. Current copper-cable standards (DisplayPort, HDMI, SDI) max out at just a few metres, forcing users to either compress the signal (adding latency and artefacts) or accept severe distance limitations. There was no product on the market capable of extending uncompressed UHD 120Hz 3D video signals over meaningful distances.

The solution

What was built

Lightware developed a 40Gbit fibre-optic extension system consisting of three components: a fibre-optical standard for latency-free UHD and UHD-2 signal extension, physical extension devices for DisplayPort 1.2 signals covering up to 10 km, and a 40 Gigabit matrix switcher platform. A physical demonstration device was built for showcasing at roadshows and exhibitions.

Audience

Who needs this

Broadcast production houses needing long-distance uncompressed UHD feedsHospital AV integrators routing surgical video to remote viewing roomsLive event companies managing large-venue video distributionMuseum and exhibition designers building immersive multi-screen installationsDigital cinema operators extending projection signals across facilities

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Live Events & Broadcasting

mid-size

Target: Broadcast production companies and live event AV integrators

If you are a live events or broadcasting company dealing with the challenge of sending uncompressed UHD video signals across large venues or between studios — this project developed a 40Gbit fibre-optic extension system that transmits video up to 10 km with zero latency. For stadiums, concert arenas, or broadcast centres where copper cables simply cannot reach, this replaces costly workarounds and eliminates compression artefacts.

Healthcare & Medical Imaging

enterprise

Target: Hospitals and surgical centre AV system providers

If you are a hospital or medical AV integrator struggling to deliver high-resolution surgical video feeds from operating rooms to lecture halls or remote consultation rooms — this project developed an optical signal extension that maintains full image quality over distances up to 10 km. In surgical settings where every pixel matters and latency can disrupt real-time guidance, compressed video is not acceptable.

Museums & Immersive Exhibitions

any

Target: Museums, exhibition designers, and immersive experience studios

If you are an exhibition designer or museum dealing with the problem of routing ultra-high-definition or 3D content across large venue floors — this project developed a 40Gbit matrix switcher platform and fibre-optic extenders that carry uncompressed UHD signals up to 10 km. Interactive exhibitions and 3D projection installations need lag-free, pristine video, which copper cables and compressed solutions cannot deliver at distance.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What does this system actually cost compared to existing solutions?

The project data does not include specific pricing. Lightware is an established manufacturer with €10 million annual revenue and distribution in more than 40 countries, so commercial pricing is likely available through their existing sales channels. Contact the company directly for quotes.

Can this scale for large installations like stadiums or broadcast centres?

Yes. The system is designed for professional-grade installations. The 40Gbit matrix switcher platform enables routing multiple signals, and the fibre-optic extension covers distances up to 10 km. The company already serves the professional AV market with a headcount of about 130 persons.

What about intellectual property and licensing?

This was an SME Instrument Phase 2 project with a single partner — Lightware itself — meaning the company retains full IP ownership. The product website already exists, suggesting the technology has moved to commercialisation. Licensing terms would need to be discussed directly with Lightware.

Which video standards does this support?

Based on the project objective, the system supports DisplayPort 1.2 video signals and is designed to handle UHD 120Hz 3D and UHD-2 (8K) content. The standards mentioned include HDMI 2.0 and SDI 6G as reference points for current copper-based limitations that this system overcomes.

How mature is this technology — is it ready for deployment?

A physical demonstration device was built during the project for showcasing at roadshows and exhibitions. The company already manufactures and sells professional AV equipment globally through offices and distributors in more than 40 countries, providing a ready commercialisation pathway.

What makes this different from compressed video-over-IP solutions?

The key differentiator is zero compression and zero latency. The 40Gbit optical link transmits the full uncompressed signal, unlike video-over-IP which introduces encoding delay and potential quality loss. For applications like live surgery, broadcasting, and real-time 3D projections, this latency-free approach is critical.

Consortium

Who built it

This is a single-company project — Lightware Ltd., a Hungarian SME with about 130 employees and €10 million annual revenue. As the sole consortium partner, they retain full control over the technology and IP. The company is already an established player in the professional AV market, manufacturing DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort matrix switchers and signal extenders. They have commercial offices and distributors in more than 40 countries across Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada, and the US. For a potential business partner, this means you are dealing with a proven manufacturer — not a research lab — with existing production capacity, global sales channels, and direct customer support infrastructure already in place.

LIGHTWARE VETITESTECHNIKAI KORLATOLT FELELOSSEGU TARSASAGCoordinator · HU

How to reach the team

Lightware Ltd. is based in Hungary. Contact details can be found through their commercial website or SciTransfer can facilitate an introduction.

Order a report on this consortium See LIGHTWARE VETITESTECHNIKAI KORLATOLT FELELOSSEGU TARSASAG profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore how Lightware's 40Gbit optical extension technology can solve your long-distance video challenges? SciTransfer can arrange a direct introduction to the team and help you evaluate the fit for your specific use case.

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