Lightware VINX-210AP-HDMI-ENC AV Over IP Scaling Multimedia Encoder with USB K+M, RS-232 and IR - 91810009

Product Overview

The Lightware VINX-210AP-HDMI-ENC is a professional AV-over-IP encoder designed for enterprise and broadcast environments requiring high-quality 4K video distribution over standard gigabit Ethernet infrastructure. It encodes HDMI sources at up to 4K60 4:4:4 and transmits them across a managed network, eliminating the need for dedicated matrix switchers and long point-to-point cable runs. USB keyboard and mouse (K+M) extension, RS-232 serial control, and bidirectional IR are all carried on the same IP link, making this a complete AV-over-IP transmitter for complex installations.

Available at Creation Networks with expert pre-sales support and volume pricing.

Product Description

The VINX-210AP-HDMI-ENC operates within Lightware's VINX AV-over-IP ecosystem. The encoder connects to an HDMI source — presentation laptop, camera, media player — and places the encoded stream on a 1GbE network. Decoders anywhere on the same network can receive any encoder's stream, enabling one-to-many, many-to-one, or matrix-style routing through software rather than hardware. The built-in scaling engine handles mismatched source and display resolutions without an external scaler. The unit ships in a compact half-rack form factor suitable for rack-mounting or surface installation.

Control integrators benefit from the RS-232 and IR pass-through, which allows third-party control systems to reach display devices without additional control wiring. The USB K+M extension enables keyboard and mouse use at the decoder end — a key requirement for collaboration rooms and training environments where operators work at the display rather than the source.

Key Features

• HDMI 2.0 input supporting up to 4K60 4:4:4 at 18 Gbps
• H.264/H.265 encoding with low-latency mode available
• Transmits video, audio, USB K+M, RS-232, and IR over a single 1GbE connection
• Built-in hardware scaling engine — no external scaler required
• IGMP multicast support for one-to-many distribution
• Managed via Lightware Device Controller (LDC) software or REST API
• PoE-capable (IEEE 802.3at) — eliminates local power supplies where switches support PoE
• Compact half-rack chassis, rack-mountable with optional bracket

Typical Applications

• Large-venue AV distribution replacing traditional matrix switchers
• University lecture capture and campus-wide video distribution
• Corporate campus AV-over-IP networks with centralized source management
• Broadcast contribution and in-building video routing
• Digital signage networks requiring 4K content delivery to multiple endpoints
• Collaboration rooms with remote keyboard/mouse control from display positions

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the VINX-210AP-HDMI-ENC require a dedicated AV network?

A dedicated VLAN is strongly recommended to prioritize AV traffic and prevent multicast flooding on the data network, but the hardware itself operates on any 1GbE managed switch that supports IGMP snooping.

What decoder is paired with this encoder?

The VINX-210AP-HDMI-ENC works with Lightware VINX decoders in the same product family. Contact Creation Networks at creationnetworks.net for decoder recommendations based on your output count and resolution requirements.

Can the encoder scale down a 4K source for a 1080p display?

Yes. The built-in scaling engine can convert the encoded stream to any target resolution supported by the connected decoder output, so 4K-to-1080p and other conversions do not require a separate scaler.

Is the RS-232 port for controlling the encoder itself or passing commands to other devices?

Both. The RS-232 port can be used to control the encoder locally and to pass control commands from a control system through the IP link to the RS-232 port on a paired decoder, which connects to the display device.

Does it support video wall configurations?

Yes. In combination with VINX decoders configured for video wall mode, the encoder can feed a multi-panel video wall. Layout configuration is managed through Lightware Device Controller software.

What switching latency can be expected?

Latency in low-latency mode is typically under 100 ms glass-to-glass, depending on network conditions and resolution. Standard compression mode trades lower latency for higher visual quality at lower bitrates.