Cisco TelePresence SX Series: SX10, SX20, SX80 Explained

Aug 06 , 2026 9

Quick answer: The Cisco TelePresence SX series has three models: the SX10 QuickSet (compact, small rooms), the SX20 QuickSet (integrated camera, small-to-medium rooms), and the SX80 Codec (high-end, large rooms with multi-screen 1080p60 output). All three are endpoint-based video systems — codec, camera, and screen as separate parts — and all are end-of-sale, which makes them strong used-market buys when the license keys and software are in order.

"Cisco SX series" is a search phrase that gets surprisingly little useful coverage — most pages still list models that never existed (there is no SX60), or skip straight to the SX80 without explaining the family. This guide covers the actual three-model lineup, what each one is for, how the SX family relates to the MX and C series, and what to check before buying one used.

The SX Series Lineup: Three Models, No More

Cisco's SX series (announced 2012, expanded 2014) covers small, medium, and large rooms with one consistent architecture: a codec that processes video, a camera, and an external display. The models differ in performance tier, camera, and room size:

That is the complete family. If a listing mentions an "SX60", it is either a mislabeled SX20/SX80 or a non-Cisco device — walk away or ask for the model on the rear label.

SX10 QuickSet: The Compact Endpoint

The SX10 is the smallest member: an all-in-one endpoint with an integrated camera and a compact codec, designed to sit on top of a display in an office or huddle room. It delivers 1080p video, embedded audio handling, and plugs into a standard HDMI display. On the used market it is the cheapest way into a genuine TelePresence room — but check the software version, because old CE releases are picky about modern call-control versions.

SX20 QuickSet: The Workhorse

The SX20 is the model most buyers are actually searching for when they type "SX20" or "CTS-SX20CODEC-K9". It pairs a 1080p60 integrated camera with a separate codec, supports dual-screen output, and handles most standard meeting rooms comfortably. In its day it was the default choice for mid-size conference rooms, which is why used stock is plentiful and prices are the lowest in the family. It is also the easiest SX to keep running, because parts (camera, codec, remote, PSU) are available as spares.

SX80 Codec: The Large-Room System

The SX80 is the flagship of the family — a codec-only unit (no built-in camera) for large rooms and multi-screen setups. It drives up to three displays at 1080p60, accepts PrecisionHD camera inputs, and supports advanced audio layouts. This is the SX that competes with the MX700/MX800 tier at a fraction of the used price, because you reuse your existing displays and speakers. For a boardroom on a budget, a used SX80 plus a used PrecisionHD camera is a genuinely capable setup.

SX vs MX vs C Series: Picking the Right Family

The SX series sits between two other TelePresence families, and used buyers often mix them up:

Rule of thumb: SX20 for the standard room, SX80 when you need multi-screen or 1080p60, MX when you want a self-contained system, C40/C60 when you have a camera ecosystem already.

Used-Market Reality: EOL, Licenses, Software

All three SX models are end-of-sale — Cisco no longer sells them new, and support is winding down per each model's end-of-life notice. That is not a dealbreaker; it is the normal state of the collaboration used market. What you must verify instead:

For the two models we carry, the serial documentation and test report go out with the unit — see the CTS-SX20CODEC-K9 listing and the CTS-SX80CODEC listing for current stock, condition, and indicative pricing.

What It Costs (Indicative)

Used SX pricing follows the room tier: SX10 units typically trade at the low hundreds of dollars, SX20 complete kits (codec + camera + remote) in the low-to-mid hundreds, and SX80 codecs in the mid-hundreds to low thousands depending on condition and included spares. Prices are indicative and change with stock; request a quote for the exact unit and serial.

Buying Checklist

• Model confirmed from the rear label (SX10 / SX20 / SX80 — no other SX models exist)
• EOL notice checked and last-support date known
• License keys documented and confirmed transferable
• CE software version compatible with your call-control platform
• Unit unregistered (or seller provides the reset procedure)
• Camera, remote, PSU included and tested
• Total cost vs a newer Webex Room Kit for the same room size

FAQ

Q: What models are in the Cisco SX series?

Three: the SX10 QuickSet, SX20 QuickSet, and SX80 Codec. There is no SX60 — if a listing uses that name, it is mislabeled.

Q: Is the SX series still supported by Cisco?

All three models are end-of-sale and each has an end-of-life notice with a defined last-support date. The units remain usable for years, but new support contracts are not available — check the EOL date for your specific model.

Q: SX20 or SX80 — which should I buy used?

SX20 for standard meeting rooms (cheaper, integrated camera, plentiful parts). SX80 for large rooms or multi-screen setups where 1080p60 and three displays matter.

Q: What's the difference between SX and MX series?

SX is codec + camera with an external display; MX is an all-in-one with a built-in screen. Same software platform (CE), different form factor — pick MX for a self-contained room, SX when you want to reuse displays.

Q: Do used SX codecs need license keys?

Some features do — multi-site and certain encryption options use keys tied to the codec serial number. Confirm with the seller that the keys transfer with the unit and are documented.

Q: Can an SX endpoint register to Webex or CUCM?

Yes. SX endpoints run Cisco Collaboration Endpoint (CE) software and register to CUCM or Expressway/Webex in the same way as newer endpoints, provided the CE version is compatible with your call-control version.