What is AV over IP?

AV-over-IP (Internet Protocol) describes the distribution of audio, video and control signals over the LAN (local area network) using IP switching and configuration protocols. With the arrival and rapid advancement of AV-over-IP technology traditional AV infrastructures are being replaced with IP-based infrastructures.

The advantages of AVoIP #

The implementation of AVoIP brings a multitude of advantages to the table, revolutionizing how we approach audiovisual distribution and management. Each of the following benefits plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of AV systems in a variety of settings, by using AV over IP protocols:

Extended reach #

AV over IP leverages existing IP infrastructures, enabling audio and video applications to cover any distance within the network’s reach. This technology allows for the transmission of AV data to any network location, showcasing its expansive reach.

Quality #

AVoIP involves compression and decompression of the signal. When transmitting data, like an 18 Gigabit signal, through AV over IP, there’s an inevitable reduction in signal quality at the endpoint. However, this reduction is not as dramatic as one might expect. Thanks to modern codecs’ efficiency, the quality loss is minimal. The codecs operate with high precision, ensuring that the final quality, while slightly diminished, is still sufficiently high and acceptable for most applications.

To achieve this minimal loss of quality, it is important to choose the latest AVoIP technology allowing for 4K60 4:4:4.

Scalability #

Expanding the capacity of IP networks for AVoIP applications is simple and adaptable, thanks to the nature of existing IP infrastructure. Today’s networks can support hundreds to thousands of endpoints, providing an excellent opportunity to utilize these capabilities. The infrastructure is already equipped to handle multiple ports; in a single location, we can have 2 or 4 ports, with the potential to expand further. Each of the Ethernet switch ports can connect to either a monitor or a source, allowing for versatile configurations.

These ports have the capability to communicate with each other, adding to the system’s versatility. Moreover, the ability to cascade multiple switches greatly enhances the scalability of the solution, making it fast and easy to expand. These switches act as fundamental building blocks, allowing for a seamless and efficient network scale-up to accommodate a growing number of connected AV devices. This scalability is a significant advantage, enabling the connection of multiple AV input and output devices, and the streaming of content from a single source to various destinations; thus, creating an AVoIP network.

Flexibility #

AVoIP capitalizes on widespread technologies and infrastructure, utilizing existing cabling, and Ethernet switches, and eliminating the need for specialized wiring or Pro AV equipment. As a result, deploying AV endpoints is more straightforward – wherever there is a network port, an AV endpoint can be established.

Cost-effectiveness #

Operating on standard IT networks, AVoIP significantly reduces the cost per port, a common metric in evaluating the return on investment for AV distribution solutions.

T compatibility #

The evolving IT landscape significantly impacts the Pro AV market. Customers now seek AV solutions that their IT teams can deploy, manage, and maintain, integrating AV expertise into the IT domain. AV over IP caters to this need by providing management controls and an IT-grade security level that aligns with IT-driven administrative practices.

Who benefits from AV-over-IP? #

To put the value of AV-over-IP (Audio Visual over Internet Protocol) for today’s businesses and organisations into context, think about your smartphone. The smarter they get, the more we want our phones to do. It’s hard to believe that once the only feature we thought we needed was to make a call.
The same is true for the distribution of content. Today organisations want the capability to share the right content with the right user faster than ever before. Content, such as high definition video, is being used everywhere to better educate, engage and communicate with all types of constituents. Delivering this level of content in realtime requires robust, and scalable networks.

What can AV-over-IP do? #

Chances are that almost all of your organisation’s technology that required cabling has moved on to the network; simplifying deployment and reducing costs. That’s what AV-over-IP does for audio and video distribution.

AV-over-IP adds flexibility, scalability and simplicity while incorporating everything traditional AV does. Organisations using an AV-over-IP solution, send and receive realtime, high-quality audio and video signals at scale, with results that mirror a direct-connected experience. With AV-over-IP you have the ability to buy and design exactly what you want for just what you need. Since any port can be an input or an output, you can add rooms and endpoints one at a time. All of this flexibility makes designing simpler, scaling easier and your entire solution more affordable.

The applications of AVoIP in various industries #

AVoIP finds its applications in various industries, offering unique solutions tailored to the challenges of each sector.

Command and control centers, tasked with managing hundreds of screens and sources and requiring frequent reconfiguration, find a reliable solution in AVoIP, as well. Its scalability and ease of reconfiguration make it highly effective for these large-scale applications, offering a clear advantage over more rigid traditional AV systems.

The domain of digital signage, such as in shopping malls, also greatly benefits from AVoIP. AVoIP, with its extended reach, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility, emerges as the preferred choice for managing and updating signage content from a central control unit over vast distances.

In the setting of live events in large venues, such as concerts in stadiums, AVoIP’s ability to operate over Ethernet or fiber optics, extending its reach up to 10 kilometers, is invaluable. This extended reach capability is particularly beneficial in large venues where AV signals need to be transmitted over long distances.

And lastly, in the realm of manufacturing facilities, especially those with more than 50 endpoints, AVoIP stands out as a highly beneficial technology. These large-scale environments require the relay of information to a central control room for monitoring numerous machines across extensive areas. AVoIP excels in this context due to its networking capabilities over multiple switches, offering extensive reach and scalability.

When should you switch to AV-over-IP? Now. #

Our analysis shows that compared with traditional switching systems, AV-over-IP systems have the potential to reduce costs by up to 40%. Cost savings that are expected to grow significantly over the next several years.

Because AV-over-IP can converge multiple systems into one – IPTV, digital signage, AV – companies will realise cost savings above what they could expect to spend on separate solutions for each.