VigorSwitch V1281
The DrayTek VigorSwitch V1281 is a switch designed for distributing IP video feeds from multiple sources (e.g. Set-top boxes, DVD players, media systems, cameras etc) over Ethernet/IP to multiple outputs (TVs, monitors or projectors).
It's suitable for homes, offices, pubs or restaurants or any commercial applications with multiple screens requiring easy distribution and selection.
Download the VigorSwitch V1281 Product Sheet here.
Which HDMI Senders are compatible with the VigorSwitch V1281? Check Here
Overview
On the VigorSwitch V1281 the 28 ports can each be set as either a source (input) or output and any output (screen) can then receive the video from any of the inputs. One port is always reserved for data/PC access. In the simplest configuration, you can use the V1281 as a fixed distribution system - one source distributing to up to 26 outputs (screens) but the real power and flexibility is in multiple sources and multiple outputs with each output selecting any of the sources.
A smartphone app or the switch's own web interface allows easy source selection for any of the screens or projectors. The VigotSwitch app is currently available for iOS and Android as a free download from the App/Play stores.
You can have multiple set-top boxes (cable or satellite receivers), each one tuned to a different channel so, for example, in a pub it's easy to switch different areas to different outputs or in a home environment, a user in any room can select one of many sources.
- 28 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch for A/V
- Designed to switch video feeds & data
- Uses HDMI-to-IP Extenders
- Two user modes:
- Select source for each screen or
- Select instant preset combinations
- Source selectable from browser or app
- Intuitive User interface & fast setup
- Admin & Regular User Accounts
- Applications include:
- Smart Home / AV Systems
- Hotels (Receptions, lounges, rooms)
- Pubs & Bars
- Retail & Betting Shops
- Leisure (Health Clubs etc.)
- Shopping Centres & Airports
Benefits of the V1281
- Intuitive & Fast Setup meaning less time on-site, saving valuable technician time.
- Remote access. As an IP device, you can remotely access it from anywhere to change the config or select sources/outputs.
- Easy to use app - intuitive for users without any technical knowledge.
- Scalable. Instead of buying a costly matrix big enough for the future, you buy the switch and then only the number HDMI/IP adaptors required, adding more later if needed.
- You can mix sources and screens/receivers in any combination - any port can be an input/source or output/screen.
- Future proof - With the rapid rate of change, you can replace your HDMI/IP adaptors later but keep the V1281, saving time and money.
- Combined IP data and video on one switch. The V1281 has 28 ports, so any not needed for AV can be used for data, saving the cost, space and time of installing a second switch.
- An open platform, allowing use of any 3rd party HDMI/IP adaptors.
- Users can be limited to specific sources or screen control
- API for integration with 3rd party control systems.
Source Selection
In the simplest scenario, each screen is fixed on one source but users can also switch sources from a web browser or the VigorSwitch app. Users can have rights to only control specific outputs, e.g. their own room or specific sources. The phone app connects over WiFi so your router or WiFi base needs to be connected to the V1281.
IP/CAT5 vs. HDMI
An HDMI cable has a maximum run of around 15-20 metres before the signal degrades. CAT5e/6 Ethernet cable can run well over 100 metres, it's lower cost, easy to terminate, has a smaller diameter and may be already installed.
An important component of a complete VigorSwitch V1281 setup are the HDMI to IP converters. The VigorSwitch V1281 is compatible with devices from leading manufacturers as well as our own HVE290 HDMI-over-IP adaptor.
Simplicity at its core
When designing this product, we spoke to A/V installers to understand their priorities. Beyond the core functionality of the product, ease of setup is a high priority. Being on-site and man-hours spent on setup has a real impact on efficiency and economy. The VigorSwitch V1281 makes setup very visual, intuitive and fast. To aid this, when you configure the V1281 you give each port an actual name, so a port might be called "DVD Player" or "Dining Room" instead of just "Port 1". That means, during all other configuration and user control, sources and outputs are named (e.g. Lounge, DVD-Player etc), not just numbered.
You may just want to set fixed/permanent sources and outputs but if you do want adminstrators or users to quickly switch sources for each output (screen/projector) there's a web interface or the free companion app to make it easy. A source can be selected for an individual output, or you can have presets which instantly change to complete combinations of sources and outputs. Individual user accounts allow you to set up different privileges so that different users can control only the outputs (screens) you want, or view the sources which are appropriate.
User Interface
Configuration of the V1281 is all performed from its web interface. This can be accessed locally from the LAN or remotely, if you have remote access to your network (always use a VPN or other type of encrypted session such as https when accessing remotely). On the left here you can see some of the router's screens, showing how intuitve setup is but also the at-a-glance reporting makes it easy to see what's going on. Click on any of the screenshots on the left to enlarge them.
Example Scenarios
On the right you can see schematic diagrams of just some of the unlimited applications that the V1281 can be used for, whether it's allowing individual screen viewers to control each output or a central controller to instantly select fixed presets (as in the court example). Remember that in any installation, any ports not needed for AV switching can be used for regular LAN connectivity for your PCs, printers, routers, wireless access points, IP cameras or any other Ethernet device. Click on any of the diagrams on the right to enlarge them.
Preset Selection
Rather than selecting each source individually for each screen (output), an alternative method allows the user to select preset groups, for example, switching every output to one specific source with a single press.
More sophisticated combinations are possible too, which can be useful in commercial environments where presets may contain more complex combinations.
A preset might be called "All screens watch DVD Player" or "Bar to Sky1 / Saloon to Sky2 ".
In that last example, imagine a pub where all of the screens in the main bar are switched to one receiver, and the screens in the Saloon bar are switched to another.
In other scenarios, you might want multiple screens (outputs) to be switched between various sources but not always the same - you just select the appropriate preset for each scenario.
