Pixelhue makes three families of presentation switcher — F Series, P Series, and Q8. They look similar from the outside, but they are designed for different jobs. This guide will walk you through how to pick the right one for your project, and the trade-offs Pixelhue makes at each tier.
Pixelhue switcher families at a glance
| Family | Models | Designed for |
|---|---|---|
| F Series | F4, F8 | Compact 4-input or 8-input live events, AV demos, single-screen presentations |
| P Series | P10, P20, P20-DS, P80 | Mid-size live events and fixed installations needing real 4K processing with HDMI 2.0 / 12G-SDI output and optional Dante audio |
| Q8 | Q8 flagship | High-end fixed installs and large live events that need Q8 modular input/output cards (ST 2110, 4xSFP25G, dual 4K HDMI 2.0 / DP 1.2, 12G-SDI quad, etc.) |
The decision flowchart
- Do you need modular IO cards (ST 2110, dual 4K HDMI, custom port mixes)? → Q8
- More than ~8 inputs / large fixed install? → P80
- Need Dante audio networking (broadcast, megachurch, fixed venue with Dante fabric)? → P20-DS
- Need 4K HDMI 2.0 output + 12G-SDI + fiber, but not Dante? → P20
- Project stays under 6 layers and you don't need 12G-SDI or Dante? → P10 — 4K HDMI 2.0 + bonus HDMI 1.3 aux + 10G fiber, smallest P Series compositing engine
- 4 or 8 inputs, small live event, want a compact box? → F4 or F8
The P Series in detail (P10 vs P20 vs P20-DS)
P Series is the workhorse line. All three models share the same FPGA-based image processing engine — real 4K60p 4:4:4 10-bit internal — the same 4K HDMI 2.0 program output, the same 10G OPT fiber, the same control surface, transitions (Take/Cut/T-bar, fade and cut), BKG/LOGO storage and advanced DSK, Multiviewer over HDMI 1.3, AUX outputs, dual Gigabit Ethernet control, and Genlock. What changes between them is layer count, an extra HDMI 1.3 aux output on the P10, and the broadcast features (12G-SDI + Dante) on the P20-DS.
- P10 has 4 inputs (4x DP 1.2 / HDMI 2.0 + 2x 12G-SDI) and 8 HDMI outputs split 2x HDMI 2.0 (4K) + 6x HDMI 1.3 (HD). 10G OPT fiber is included. The layer engine handles up to 3x 4K@60Hz (or 2x 4K + 4x 2K). Multiviewer is not included. Net weight 7.9 kg. Pick the P10 for small-to-mid events where most destinations are HD displays and you only need a couple of 4K program feeds.
- P20 doubles the I/O: 8 inputs (8x DP 1.2 / HDMI 2.0 + 4x 12G-SDI) and all 8 HDMI outputs are HDMI 2.0 (4K). Layer engine grows to 4x 4K@60Hz (or 3x 4K + 4x 2K) with downstream keying plus Luma and Chroma keying. Integrated multiviewer included. 10.2 kg. Pick the P20 when you need every output 4K-capable, more sources, more layers, and operator multiviewer.
- P20-DS is the P20 plus broadcast features: a 12G-SDI program output (copies HDMI, ST-2082/2081/424/292) and full Dante audio networking — 32×32 channels at 48 kHz, AES67-compliant, dual redundant Gigabit Dante ports, audio embed/de-embed on every input and output. DS = "Dante Standard." Pick this for broadcast facilities, megachurches, and fixed venues with a Dante audio fabric or downstream SDI gear.
If you only remember one rule: P10 vs P20 is about port count and 4K coverage on the outputs; P20 vs P20-DS is about adding 12G-SDI program out and Dante audio.
Q8 is a different animal
The Q8 is the only Pixelhue switcher with truly modular input/output cards. You can populate its chassis with combinations like 4×HDMI 2.0, 4×DP 1.2, 4×12G-SDI, 1×ST 2110 (4×SFP25G), 4×quad HDMI 1.4, or 2×dual-4K HDMI 2.0 + DP 1.2. If your project needs a specific IO mix — especially ST 2110 IP video for broadcast, or unusual port counts — Q8 is the answer. Otherwise, a P-series switcher will get you there for less.
F Series: the small jobs
F4 and F8 are compact 4-input and 8-input switchers using the same processing engine as the P Series. They sit below the P Series in capability and price, aimed at small live events, AV demos, training rooms, and single-screen presentations.
Common questions we get
- Can I retrofit a P20 to add Dante later?
- No — Dante is a hardware option on the P20-DS variant only. Order the right SKU upfront.
- Does the P20 work without 4K screens?
- Yes — it downconverts to HD over HDMI 1.3 if needed. But if you'll never use 4K output, the P10 saves you significantly.
- Is the Q8 worth it over a P80?
- Only if you need modular IO. If you can satisfy your IO with fixed P80 ports, save the budget.
- What about the Multiviewer — is it usable as a main output?
- The Multiviewer is HDMI 1.3 only (1920×1080@60Hz default) and intended for operator confidence, not as a program output. Use HDMI 2.0 / 12G-SDI / OPT for program.
How to buy from Olympian LED
Call 321-747-3220 or use the contact form. Tell us:
- How many sources you need to switch (HDMI, SDI, DP)
- Output resolution your screens need (HD, 4K, 8K?)
- Whether you need Dante audio
- Whether the install is fixed or touring (affects flight-case sizing)
We'll match you to the right Pixelhue SKU, quote price + lead time, and ship same day on stock from our Florida warehouse.