AV over IP – What You Need To Know

It can’t be that simple can it? I mean, transporting time-sensitive data like video and audio over IP networks can’t be easy. Ensuring real-time data gets to where it needs to go, along with getting to grips with how the various technologies, protocols and transport mechanisms of Ethernet and IP networks work together can be daunting.

Well, Ethernet networks have come a long way since the days of 100Base-T and Ethernet hubs, and now do most of the heavy-lifting for you. So consider some of the new technologies on offer and see how they can facilitate time-sensitive AV transport.

Can’t hurt

George Vlismas

AV over IP is a hot topic these days. And so it should be. The days of legacy AV distribution systems using dedicated, proprietary matrix switches have had their time. Yes, they served a purpose when dedicated AV systems were pretty much the only option available if you wanted to distribute AV signals around a building, campus or area but now there is a different way. A simpler way. A more resource-efficient, system-integrated and a more centrally accessible, yet at the same time, flexibly distributed way.

And the best news is that on many site installations, the infrastructure required to deploy all this is already there. It is of course, the IP network.

This post gives an overview of AV over IP – the defining, major trend in the AV industry today. It discusses some of the popular standards and protocols it uses (e.g Ethernet, TCP/IP, UDP) their relative strengths and weaknesses, and the issues and considerations AV designers, installers and consultants must consider to support this technology.