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According to Jim Reinhardt, U.S. sales manager for PlexusAV, the Pro AV industry is undergoing a significant transformation, as network-based video and audio become the backbone of modern systems. One of the biggest drivers of this shift is the growing adoption of open standards, particularly IPMX, which was launched as a certifiable standard for AV over IP transport at ISE 2026.
IPMX is gaining momentum in the industry, largely because the protocol promises something the industry has been asking for: brand interoperability. As systems become more complex and organizations deploy AV across larger networks, customers are demanding solutions that work across multiple manufacturers.
Article continues belowThe long-term vision goes even further. As IPMX continues to gain traction, more AV devices such as projectors and flat-panel displays are expected to include native IPMX support. Eventually, the need for separate decoding hardware and extra HDMI connections will gradually fade, simplifying system design and allowing video to exist entirely on the network.
For PlexusAV, that open approach is central to its strategy. Reinhardt explained that the company is focused on building an ecosystem not only around AVoIP endpoints, the devices that encode and decode signals across a network. “There are different parts and pieces to a Pro AV solution, whether that’s traditional baseband or even AV over IP,” he said. “But it has to start somewhere.”
Of course, designing AVoIP solutions is never just about moving signals between points. Engineers must constantly balance three critical factors: video quality, latency, and bandwidth. Reinhardt described this balancing act as a “codec triangle.”
Achieving the highest performance across all three metrics is technically possible, but it’s very costly because it may require uncompressed networks that are impractical for most installations. Think 100 Gb networks—when the Pro AV market mostly lives within a 1 Gb network infrastructure. By optimizing performance within those 1 Gb constraints, PlexusAV aims to deliver high-quality video while keeping systems manageable for IT teams responsible for maintaining the network.
While not part of the codec triangle, another important factor is flexibility. Every deployment has unique requirements, and those requirements can vary depending on the use case. Some applications demand ultra-low latency, while others prioritize video quality or network efficiency. PlexusAV supports multiple compression technologies, giving integrators the ability to tailor installations based on the requirements of the end user, Reinhardt noted.
Beyond video distribution, the company is also expanding its product line through software and new hardware categories. One example is the Stream Conversion Gateway, a software-based “bridge” that converts various protocols from various sources (such as IPTV and NDI cameras) into IPMX-compatible streams for interoperability between all sources on one network. As a result, new and legacy equipment throughout a corporate or college campus can work together.
Audio is also becoming a bigger part of the equation. PlexusAV has unveiled a family of IPMX-enabled speaker solutions, including in-ceiling, pendant, and surface-mount models. These speakers leverage established audio networking standards like Dante and AES67 but use IPMX as the backbone for distribution.
Other new products include the PlexusAV HDBaseT 3.0 Wall Plate that delivers uncompressed, zero-latency video. With HDMI and USB-C inputs, it provides intelligent auto-switching as well as optional manual control for legacy and modern devices. Plus, the PlexusAV ChargeLink is a USB-C connection hub for small and medium-sized meeting spaces. A true one-cable solution, a single USB-C cable provides network access, data transfer, video sharing, and up to 100W of power delivery.
Looking ahead, PlexusAV is investing heavily in research and development. “Listen to the market, embrace the change of what the market’s looking for,” Reinhardt said. Customers will see the fruits of that labor later this year at NAB and InfoComm.
