Do you have legacy AV equipment that is still earning its keep? Does your organization have a combination of hardware and software from different manufacturers, and does interoperability sometimes pose an issue? Is your AV/IT department full speed ahead with AV over IP, the cloud, and AI-enabled systems?

No matter which end of the AV or IT spectrum your systems reside, these 25 industry thought leaders share insights into the transition to IP, trends in The State of AV/IT today, and predictions for the next few years.

CATHERINE KOUTSARIS
Product Marketing Manager at Matrox Video

For many organizations, the biggest hesitation in modernizing AV systems is the belief that moving forward means ripping everything out and starting from scratch. In reality, most end users don’t need or want to replace entire systems. What’s more practical and sustainable is keeping the elements that still work well and bridging them with newer technologies. This approach reduces staff retraining and avoids waste. Teams can then evolve at their own pace.

That’s where interoperability comes in. Today’s AV/IT environments often resemble technology islands—ecosystems that work well independently but don’t always communicate with one another. End users may value their existing cameras or video walls, but when new requirements emerge, incompatibility becomes a real obstacle. AV gateway products are a great way to bridge between older systems and newer technology, allowing both to be used in the same installation.

Standards-based solutions provide the clearest path forward. Open standards like IPMX and SMPTE ST 2110 make it possible to mix equipment from multiple manufacturers and reduce the risk of vendor lock-in. In practice, this can mean running day-to-day conferencing over a corporate 1GbE network while seamlessly shifting to a 10GbE broadcast workflow for high-end production—all with the same underlying infrastructure. Organizations gain freedom from vendor lock-in and proprietary constraints.

The advice for end users is to focus on flexibility. Prioritize systems that integrate with what you already have and embrace open standards. This approach ensures that today’s investments remain relevant, while giving you the freedom to adopt new technologies and build AI-over-IP systems that can grow with you on your own terms.

RICHARD JONKER
Vice President Marketing and Business Development at NETGEAR Enterprise

The most successful organizations are shifting their mindset from, “What AV equipment do we need?” to, “How can we create experiences that drive business results?” This approach means your AV investments should solve specific business challenges rather than simply upgrade hardware.

The proof is in your meeting rooms. Setup time has dropped from seven frustrating minutes to under twenty seconds. This translates to improved productivity and employee satisfaction.

Behind the shifting mindset are four key technologies reshaping how you’ll interact with AV systems: AV over IP, cloud solutions, artificial intelligence, and extended reality (XR/AR). These represent fundamental changes, creating practical benefits for organizations willing to evolve.

AV over IP leads this transformation by using your IP network infrastructure instead of dedicated AV cabling. This means you get to benefit from all the advantages of the network world: easier scaling when adding endpoints like speakers, microphones, or displays; when you need remote troubleshooting by IT teams without the need for room visits; better integration with existing security tools; and the flexibility to reconfigure spaces as needs change.

As your AV systems become networked, artificial intelligence transforms infrastructure management through automated configuration and intelligent power optimization. However, connectivity introduces security vulnerabilities requiring proactive protection. Modern solutions now integrate AI-driven network simplification with built-in cybersecurity capabilities, creating inherently secure, intelligent systems that adapt to threats while simplifying operations.

At NETGEAR, we believe that organizations investing in these transitions today—and focusing on experiences that solve specific business challenges—are positioning themselves for significant advantages as the market evolves.

SAM SABET
Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Shure

The simple answer for any customer looking to invest in new AV technologies today, whether for upgrading or otherwise, is to consider a flexible, adaptable platform. Today’s AV world is characterized by rapid and constant changes. These changes are evident both in the environment—workspaces, collaboration modes, and the balance between RTO and remote work—and in features and technologies such as AI, feature deployment speed, and processing power.

When choosing a platform, it’s imperative to keep in mind the ease of adaptability to evolving changes. Consider the flexibility of configuration and provisioning, as well as the longevity of the platform. Shure’s ecosystem of MXA and collaboration solutions, supported by software infrastructure like ShureCloud and our advanced DSP and AI algorithms, provides a perfect platform. It can automatically adapt and grow with our end users’ needs.

EMMA EAGLE
Manager of Marketing at Hall Research

When it comes to evolving AV systems, whether you’re replacing legacy gear or updating something relatively new, the key is to plan for what’s next—not just what’s now. AV and IT are no longer separate worlds. Your AV strategy should be as scalable, secure, and manageable as the rest of your IT infrastructure.

Don’t get stuck on spec sheets. Instead, ask: Will this system grow with us? Can it integrate with cloud platforms? Is it simple enough that anyone can use it without frustration? Because at the end of the day, simplicity drives adoption, and adoption drives ROI.

The next few years will bring even more AV over IP, smarter automation through AI, tighter cybersecurity requirements, and an increased demand for sustainable solutions. Organizations that embrace these shifts will be in the best position to maximize both their technology and their people.

My advice? Evolve with intention. Choose solutions that are scalable, secure, and user-friendly. That’s how you future-proof your AV/IT investments.

MAX RITCHER
Co-Founder and Vice President of Marketing at Insta360

The AV/IT industry is at a turning point..

We’re moving from static, hardware-first setups to flexible, cloud-connected ecosystems that are easier to manage and adapt to how people really work. Three forces are driving this shift: the cloud, AI, and interoperability.

Cloud platforms now sit at the center of modern AV, making it possible for IT teams to monitor and update systems across campuses or offices from one place. This reduces complexity and takes the burden off on-site staff.

AI adds another layer, turning AV from something reactive into something proactive. We’ve seen this in the evolution of Insta360’s enterprise tools. We came from humble (yet ambitious!) origins with the Link AI webcam. This was our first entry into the industry, already sporting smart tracking. We’ve now moved onto the Connect video bar for larger rooms, and our latest release, Insta360 Wave. As an AI speakerphone, we’ve crafted something that is adaptive and resilient, designed to work together with our other products as a seamless experience.

But none of this potential can be unlocked without interoperability. Proprietary systems have long slowed progress by creating silos and forcing users into narrow ecosystems. That’s why open standards matter. By supporting initiatives like OpenAV Cloud and pushing for shared APIs, the industry can break down barriers, give organizations more choice, and ensure systems can grow together instead of being locked in.

The convergence of cloud, AI, and interoperability is shaping the future of AV. We’re beyond just releasing flashy tech for its own sake. We’re building smarter, more reliable systems that actually make work easier and more connected for everyone.

OLIVER VAN CAMP
Product Director, Meeting Experience at Barco ClickShare

Today’s meeting room technology must do more than connect devices; it needs to enable seamless, inclusive collaboration for all meeting room users. That’s why Barco ClickShare and Microsoft are re-imagining hybrid collaboration through smarter, more human-centric meeting experiences.

ClickShare provides a secure, scalable meeting room system that lets room participants conference, collaborate, and present with just one click, with no technical hassle, no cables, and no delays. Intuitive and easy to use, ClickShare ensures the meeting experience is consistent and seamless across any space—from huddle rooms to large boardrooms—and is designed around how people truly work.

In a Microsoft Teams environment, this experience becomes more intelligent and user-friendly. AI-powered features like speaker recognition, automatic camera framing, and smart content sharing create meetings that feel more natural and engaging, whether participants are in the room or remote.

AI is now doing even more to support the flow of work. Features like speaker attribution (knowing who’s speaking), facilitator agent (a virtual assistant capturing next steps and deadlines), and interpreter agent (allowing everyone to speak in their native language) benefit both in-room and remote participants. These tools help overcome proximity barriers, reduce administrative tasks, minimize miscommunication, and integrate smoothly into everyday workflows—even as they are still emerging.

ClickShare brings wireless collaboration solutions into the meeting room, empowering companies to run AI applications locally and in real time via the ClickShare Base Units. This unlocks smarter, faster interactions—from live speaker recognition and automatic camera framing to translation and real-time note-taking—enhancing every interaction to keep users productive, engaged, and focused. Together, ClickShare and Microsoft are redefining hybrid meetings: secure, smart, scalable, and made for people.

RYAN WALLENBERG
AIMS Member and Vice President of Engineering at Cobalt Digital

Whether AV systems are for rich experiences in venues or for managing signals on campuses like businesses or universities, they often involve equipment from different tech categories. For example, in many organizations it is not rare to see mixtures of two or all three of the following things: media processing equipment, signal extension and switching equipment, and IT department equipment.

There are many factors that have made it possible to accomplish any task that previously required hardwired cables to be achievable using packetized IP. The most challenging thing left to overcome while migrating from hardwired cables to IP is dealing with mixing different equipment types, equipment classes, and vendor solutions with interfaces such as HDMI.

The two most important things that have happened to address this final challenge is the emergence of open standards and specifications—such as SMPTE ST 2110, AES67, NMOS, and IPMX—and the emergence of IP-to-IP gateway converters of many types to help deal with conversions of media profiles within the media options of the standards and between different media and protocols including proprietary options.

End users looking to evolve legacy or even newer AV systems should consider IPMX-compliant solutions that offer smooth plug-and-play integration. An optimized hybrid infrastructure will leverage interoperability for high-quality audio, video, and data for SMPTE ST 2110 transport across common networks. Organizations should be able to add capabilities at their own pace while avoiding vendor lock-in and giving them the flexibility to build infrastructures that grow with them. Several vendors have always offered modular and standards-based technologies that adapt to real-world challenges, and they are now embracing IPMX integration.

SKYLER BOWDEN
Senior Marketing Manager at Mersive

In today’s hype-heavy tech climate, AI gets most of the headlines. Promises of 10x productivity and AI-driven transformation abound—but for AV/IT professionals managing real systems, real spaces, and real users, it’s essential to cut through the noise.

The truth? AI will shape the future of collaboration—but it won’t fix broken workflows or magically modernize outdated AV infrastructure. Productivity gains only happen when technology is aligned with how people actually work, connect, and communicate. This is especially true in education, healthcare, and enterprise environments, where every decision has to balance performance, cost, security, and usability.

What’s often overlooked in the rush to optimize is a critical factor: the human experience. Meaningful technology doesn’t just improve business outcomes; it impacts how people feel about their work. When meetings are more efficient and tools actually support connection instead of complicating it, your teams regain focus, time, and energy. That’s where real value emerges: better engagement, clearer communication, and a healthier work-life balance.

The most exciting AI potential isn’t about replacing people; it’s about revealing insights. Meeting analytics can surface engagement trends, highlight contributor impact, and track follow-ups so no one flies blind. Instead of attributing all tasks to the in-room device, imagine a system that accurately reflects every participant’s input and commitments—remote or on-site.

So what’s the takeaway? Don’t get distracted by magic wands. Invest in technology that is secure, scalable, and user-friendly—solutions that create space for the innovation your teams are primed to deliver. Then, let AI help you fine-tune how your teams meet, share, and succeed—without forcing in one-size-fits-all tech that misses the mark on deeper challenges like process gaps. AI will naturally optimize efficiency, but not overnight and not without an intimate understanding of how your teams do their best work.

BLAKE ABIG
Director of National Sales at Full Compass Systems

In my role, I spend much of my time listening to colleges, universities, and corporations as they rethink how their AV systems support teaching and collaboration. One of the most common concerns I hear is that rooms feel inconsistent. A professor might walk into one classroom and everything works smoothly, then step into another and struggle to get the system started. The same frustration shows up in corporate offices. Consistency is one of the simplest ways to improve user confidence and adoption.

Another challenge customers raise is the pressure on lean support teams. Higher ed IT groups may be responsible for hundreds of classrooms, while corporate AV staff cover global meeting spaces. I often hear, “We can’t be everywhere at once.” This is where centralized, cloud-based monitoring really makes a difference. When teams can see issues in real time and push updates remotely, they spend less time firefighting and more time enabling productivity.

Clients are also curious about how artificial intelligence fits in. What I tell them is that AI works best when it disappears into the background. Cameras that automatically follow a presenter, microphones that remove noise, and live captions that improve accessibility all make the experience smoother without adding complexity.

Finally, one theme that comes up again and again is equity for remote participants. Whether it is a student joining from home or a colleague dialing in from another office, people expect to be seen and heard clearly. That is no longer optional; it is the baseline.

The most successful AV strategies I see are the ones that put people first. When systems are reliable, intuitive, and supportive of everyone in the room and beyond, the technology simply enables better outcomes.

MITCH RAUCH
U.S. Sales Director at Powersoft

As AV systems grow more complex and distributed, spanning corporate campuses, higher education institutions, and dynamic multi-use facilities, the role of the integrator is evolving just as quickly. Success in today’s audiovisual environments requires more than just great sound and video; it also depends on smooth, seamless integration with the broader IT infrastructure.

Legacy rack rooms and point-to-point signal paths are giving way to decentralized, IP-based infrastructures. AV-over-IP is no longer a trend—but the very foundation. In this environment, amplifiers are active, networked components capable of intelligent signal routing, system synchronization, and real-time control. As a result, integrators are becoming more involved in network design, such as IP addressing, VLANs, QoS, and switch configuration, which are as essential as gain structure and speaker coverage.

Cloud integration is accelerating the evolution of network-based devices. Remote monitoring and system management capabilities are quickly becoming indispensable. Whether diagnosing issues, pushing firmware updates, or fine-tuning performance from a distance, cloud connectivity empowers integrators to deliver faster, more efficient support, often before the client even notices a problem. The shift to cloud integration can save time, reduce site visits, and pave the way for recurring service models.

Through these advancements, our mission at Powersoft remains to deliver transparent, intelligible audio without distraction. We’ve embraced this evolution with platforms like Unica and Nota 142. Both Unica and Nota 142 are purpose built for decentralized, IT-friendly environments, and combine robust performance with smart design and native cloud connectivity. Unica and Nota 142 highlight our commitment to helping integrators meet today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s demands by bridging the worlds of AV and IT with powerful, future-ready solutions.

JAKUB KOLACZ
Manager Product and Commercialization, Business Communication at Sennheiser

As AV systems become increasingly networked, end users are grappling with how to evolve their environments without creating disruption. Legacy software, fragmented device tools, and rising IT security expectations often slow progress—yet the demand for simpler, more scalable management is only growing.

Now is the time for end users to prepare for this new era of AV/IT convergence. The priority is ease of deployment and configuration. Complex setup processes not only consume valuable IT/AV resources but also increase the risk of errors. Solutions that enable devices to be onboarded quickly, with minimal dependencies, free teams to focus on higher-value tasks.

Next, interoperability and centralization are key. While many organizations still rely on a patchwork of vendor-specific tools, the future lies in platforms that embrace open standards and integration. By consolidating device management into a single, standardized platform, teams gain a clearer view of their systems and reduce friction across locations and departments.

Security remains non-negotiable. With AV fully part of the enterprise IT landscape, encryption, authentication, and role-based access are essential to protect both data and devices.

Finally, consider ongoing performance. Management shouldn’t stop at installation. Proactive monitoring, real-time alerts, and predictive maintenance help teams spot issues before they escalate, keeping collaboration spaces available and reliable.

IT and AV pros should consider feature-rich, cloud-based device management platforms offering them all of the above services and more, with room to scale as systems become even more complex in the future. Providing a centralized hub for devices ensures not only improved on-site or remote management, but also the ability to react quickly to any issues at the time they occur.

Looking ahead, the convergence of AV and IT will continue to accelerate. End users who prioritize simplicity, interoperability, and proactive management today will be best placed to evolve their systems tomorrow, without sacrificing security or reliability.

ART WEEKS
Project Manager at ZeeVee by Kramer

We’re at an inflection point where both integrators and end users are rethinking AV system design. The old rack-full-of-boxes model is giving way to multi-function components that combine switching, DSP, and control. The motivation isn’t just fewer devices; it’s lower total cost of ownership over the life of a system.

By consolidating functions, projects install faster, take up less rack space, draw less power, and reduce the number of potential failure points. That translates to fewer service calls, easier remote management, and reduced labor costs across the system lifecycle. Realistically, integrators can save thousands per room, per year, while giving clients a cleaner, more reliable experience. It also helps projects get approved faster because decision makers can see long-term savings rather than just the upfront price tag.

At the same time, high-performance environments—like large lecture halls or mission-critical control rooms—are pushing adoption of AVoIP. End users want ultra-low latency and the flexibility to scale on standard networks. Today, that often means choosing between 1Gb and 10Gb deployments, but we’re seeing more forward-thinking firms pre-install CAT-6a cabling even when starting at 1Gb. That future-proofs the space, making it easier and cheaper to upgrade when higher bandwidth is needed.

In short, the state of AV/IT today is about simplification without compromise, and the next few years will be defined by scalable networked video paired with systems designed to reduce complexity, cost, and risk.

JOHN KRUSE
Senior Field Solutions Architect at ViewSonic

The convergence of AV and IT is reshaping how organizations design and manage their technology ecosystems. For end users modernizing legacy systems—or even optimizing newer ones—the goal is no longer just to add AV, but to create connected, intelligent environments that align with enterprise IT strategies.

There are a number of important considerations that go into achieving this. First, interoperability is foundational. Proprietary silos, especially technology-based ones, are becoming less viable, so end users should prioritize solutions certified across major platforms—Teams, Zoom, Google Meet—and integrate these with control systems to ensure long-term flexibility.

The second consideration is keeping the cloud as your control layer. Cloud-enabled management is shifting from optional to essential. Remote monitoring, analytics, and centralized updates improve uptime, lower service costs, and scale across campuses and enterprises.

Third, consider that AI is moving mainstream. AI features are already raising user expectations—from camera framing and noise suppression to predictive diagnostics. The differentiator in the coming years will be how seamlessly these features enhance collaboration and reduce friction.

Fourth, remember that budgets are tight, so sustainability and ROI are under more scrutiny than ever. End users should look for solutions that extend product lifecycles through firmware updates, modular upgrades, and energy efficiency instead of requiring rip-and-replace strategies.

And finally, as AV lives fully on the network, alignment with corporate IT security standards is critical. Device-level protections and encrypted data handling must be built in—not bolted on.

The state of AV/IT today is one of acceleration—driven by interoperability, cloud-first management, and AI intelligence. End users who embrace openness, scalability, and sustainability will not only protect their investments but also position their organizations for smarter, more adaptable experiences in the years ahead.

PAUL HARRIS
CEO at Aurora Multimedia

For end-users looking to evolve their AV systems, I recommend attending industry trade shows like InfoComm, ISE, and NAB, among others, which provide a neutral platform to explore new technologies. Ignore the marketing, and what size booth, and who throws the best parties. Do not be a “zombie” tradeshow walker either. That is where you walk aimlessly and get sucked in by the pretty shows people put on, but miss what is right in front of you that can make a difference. Dealer and distributor local shows can work well, just understand the limitations and combine them with other research, as many of these shows will only show you what they sell and are aligned with, leaving out many other brands and new technologies.

If you really want to do what is right for your company, due diligence is everything. Talk directly with a variety of manufacturers and test the products yourself to see if they meet your requirements. Nothing is better than a good old-fashioned shootout between brands, especially if the end user is in control of it to make sure everything is on a proper playing field. All manufacturers are guilty of making their products sound as good as possible. That is simply marketing at its best or worst, for that matter.

Ask questions like what makes your technology better than the competition, what is your warranty, where is it made, what is the life span of the product, do you make the product (yeah, many companies just slap their name on OEM and pretend it is theirs, support, education, TAA compliant, and roadmap. Don’t fall into the AI trap where companies make it sound exciting from a buzzword. See that it really does what they say, regardless of the tag line. At the end of the day, you are solving a problem, and it does not matter what fancy wrapper it comes in; does it simply do what is advertised, and does it do it well?

ADAM SOWERS
Senior Manager, Business Development at Sony Electronics

As organizations evolve their AV systems, the integration of interoperability, cloud solutions, and AI is paramount. AV systems aren’t just about hardware anymore; now, it’s all about being open, smart, and working together seamlessly. Even the newest legacy systems must catch up with the demands of hybrid work, smarter buildings, and AI-powered experiences. How would this actually get done? By embracing interoperability.

For anyone choosing platforms, I’d recommend looking for those that support open architectures and APIs. This is because open systems make it much easier for all your devices and services to communicate with each other. Think of it this way: By choosing solutions that can grow and adapt, you’re making sure your tech keeps up with the times as best as possible and is set up to evolve as quickly as possible. If you haven’t yet, check out initiatives like OpenAV Cloud, of which Sony Electronics is a member, to help you stay ahead.

Additionally, we’re all aware of the impact AI is starting to have. For example, virtual assistants and service bots are not just for demos anymore. Tools like predictive maintenance and smart troubleshooting mean less downtime and happier users. Virtual attendants can automate routines, personalize rooms, and manage schedules with minimal fuss.

Over the next few years, the efforts to unite disparate systems to create holistic solutions will finally come together. To prepare for that, think about going for modular, cloud-native solutions that are ready for AI and can grow with your evolution path. And partner with brands—like Sony—that believe in interoperability and open standards.

NICOLE CORBIN
Vice President of Product at Utelogy Corporation

As AV and IT continue to converge, the future belongs to organizations that embrace interoperability, automation, and intelligent systems. From cloud control platforms to AI-driven workflows, the industry is moving into an era where your technology estate shouldn’t just be about how it’s managed, but about how it’s orchestrated (ideally remotely and automatically).

Legacy and even modern AV systems weren’t designed to support the kind of dynamic, scalable, and data-driven operations today’s enterprises demand, but that’s changing fast.

At Utelogy, we’re seeing end users evolve by connecting AI agents across their IT/AV environments to support services that manage device health, power scheduling, room utilization, and even energy-saving measures. But these agents need a toolkit to work—a platform that provides control, telemetry, configuration, and automation in real-time. That’s where the Utelogy Platform comes in, delivering innovations like Agentic AI on our MCP Server to solve these challenges.

Agentic AI brings a conversational interface to the heart of AV/UC operations. Issue a command like, “Restart all devices in Building B with recent alert history,” and the system not only executes it, but recommends how to turn that action into a self-healing event going forward. This is AI for productivity, not just novelty.

Our advice? Don’t be afraid to integrate. Whether you’re managing a few rooms or thousands of devices across campuses and continents, the right tools let you reduce manual effort, increase uptime, and make smarter decisions using the data you already have.

In the coming years, the winners won’t just be those who adopt the newest tech, but those who build agile, interoperable systems that allow humans and machines to work together. The future of AV/IT isn’t siloed; it’s smart, connected, and cloud-enabled.

JATAN SHAH
President at QSC

My advice to end users looking to evolve their AV systems is to focus on flexibility, scalability, and intelligence. Technology is moving quickly, and the most future-ready solutions are those that adapt as your needs change while simplifying day-to-day experiences.

One of the biggest shifts in the industry is the move toward full integration of AV, IT, and building systems. AV is no longer a standalone function; it’s becoming deeply embedded in the workplace and experiential design. This means organizations should seek out open platforms that can seamlessly integrate into broader ecosystems rather than locking into closed or siloed technologies.

Another important trend is the rise of AI and data-driven automation. Instead of just enabling meetings or presentations, AI is becoming the eyes and ears of the room, driving context-aware actions like presenter tracking, speaker detection, and intelligent room adjustments. This shift makes technology more intuitive, reduces friction for end users, and helps deliver consistent, high-quality experiences.

Scalability also plays a critical role. End users should think not only about solving today’s challenges, but also about whether their AV approach can expand across multiple spaces or campuses while continuing to deliver measurable outcomes. Collecting and analyzing data from connected systems will become essential for optimizing utilization, proving ROI, and informing future planning.

Ultimately, the future of AV/IT is about creating smarter, more connected environments that support collaboration and innovation. By prioritizing open, data-driven platforms, organizations can ensure they’re not just keeping up with change but actively shaping spaces that are efficient, adaptive, and human-centered.

KATHRYN TAUB
Senior Product Marketing Manager at Audinate

Over the past decade, AV over IP has become central to professional systems, with nearly every major manufacturer offering networked products. And yet, interoperability across brands remains uneven, and customers expect systems that are easy to deploy, adaptable, and capable of integrating devices from different vendors.

The main challenge is that many products are built on unique implementations that work within a single brand but don’t extend beyond it. Such closed systems may be reliable, but hinder specialized features, gradual upgrades, or integration with existing investments. Open standards offer a pathway toward compatibility, but progress is slow and adoption is uneven, usually limited to basic transport of media across the network. Licensable platform solutions have become a widely adopted alternative. Backed by dedicated engineering teams, they extend beyond basic transport to provide APIs, stronger security, monitoring, and cloud-based tools that work consistently across multiple manufacturers.

Interoperability is what ensures AV-over-IP systems meet expectations in practice. Reliable audio and video depend on devices working together without added latency or quality loss, regardless of brand. As networks grow from single rooms to campuses, interoperability allows them to scale without fragmentation or costly redesigns. Shared APIs and common control frameworks make management practical by giving integrators the visibility they need to simplify support. Security underscores the same point: A system is only as strong as its weakest device, and without network-wide encryption or access control, interoperability is incomplete. Systems must balance performance and flexibility so they can meet the distinct demands of any environment.

The future of AV over IP depends on interoperability. With common protocols, consistent testing, and manufacturer-agnostic design, the industry can build networks that scale and adapt with ease. Interoperability safeguards current investments while opening the door to the innovation and growth that will define the next generation of AV systems.

BRAD HINTZE
Executive Vice President of Global Marketing at Crestron

Ultimately, convergence is all about scale. While organizations grow and their services expand, every system has to evolve to support new demands. This doesn’t mean simply upgrading individual components; instead, it requires a strategic approach and selecting platforms that are built on scalable standards that can grow with an organization over time. This scalability isn’t enough on its own, though. The platforms must also offer flexibility to accommodate a diverse range of spaces and room configurations to address smaller huddle rooms and multifunctional boardrooms alike. When choosing solutions that balance both of these components, organizations can future-proof their environments while maintaining consistency and performance.

Just as important is the user experience, as the expectations of end users are rising rapidly.

Today’s employees walk into a room with a clear vision for how they want the space to operate. Basic connectivity and audiovisual capabilities are no longer sufficient. Organizations must enable people to use the room with an easy-to-use system that offers AI features such as transcription and notetaking—just like they have come to expect from their individual workspaces.

Success lies in selecting technologies that scale with your organization while enhancing the experience of every individual who interacts
with them.

KEITH YANKE
Vice President of Product & Solutions Marketing at Sharp Imaging
& Information Company of America

The AV/IT landscape is rapidly evolving, shaped by AI, cloud interoperability, and new display technology. For end-users upgrading legacy or newer AV systems, it’s important to consider scalability, security, and sustainability.

AI is transforming display intelligence. From content triggering based on audience behavior to predictive diagnostics and remote monitoring, AI makes systems smarter, more responsive, and easier to manage. Paired with cloud-based management, AV networks can be centrally controlled, ensuring updates are applied, standards upheld, and devices remain secure throughout their lifecycle.

As systems grow more interconnected, interoperability introduces both opportunity and risk—making security foundational. AV systems must be designed with lifecycle security in mind, including firmware and software support beyond deployment. With that, manufacturers will be expected to maintain robust protocols throughout a product’s life.

As display technologies evolve alongside AI and cloud, LED displays continue to gain momentum with chip-on-board (COB) and smaller pixel pitch options becoming more affordable. When paired with cloud-driven control, LED provides scalable, high-performance displays that integrate seamlessly into AV/IT ecosystems.

Immersive experiences—from simulation to projection mapping—are expanding as AI simplifies both content creation and the mapping process. Tasks that once required niche expertise now have easier learning curves, making immersive environments more accessible to broader markets and applications. Combined with cloud-based platforms, interoperable AV systems can deliver these experiences in ways that are seamless, adaptable, and scalable.

Sustainability has also become a decisive purchasing driver. Beyond efficient hardware, cloud interoperability supports smarter lifecycle management—optimizing usage, reducing waste, and extending product longevity. Combined with durable displays, this proves that performance and sustainability can align.

Looking ahead, AV/IT systems will be defined by their ability to adapt, connect, and contribute to intelligent, secure, and sustainable workplaces across industries.

EFFI GOLDSTEIN
President of the HDBaseT Alliance

Whether upgrading legacy installations or enhancing newer deployments, end users would be best served by adopting a strategy centered around proven, reliable standards.

Modern AV systems are expensive, and organizations need to be sure that today’s investment will support tomorrow’s requirements. Building on established protocols like HDBaseT helps teams avoid getting locked into a single vendor’s ecosystem, resulting in greater and faster access to equipment than when relying on one source. This flexibility is especially important when it comes to maintenance, replacement, and time-sensitive system expansion.

Another key factor that must be taken into consideration is maintaining full functionality of the interfaces being used. For example, USB-C has become ubiquitous in modern devices, but not all connectivity solutions support the same bandwidth, creating hidden bottlenecks. For example, when connecting a USB 3.0 camera, you don’t want it to be downgraded to USB 2.0 because a system’s connectivity infrastructure can’t handle the higher data rates. Quality standards ensure your investment performs at the level it was intended to.

An additional advantage of standards-based systems is their ability to support upgrades in stages rather than being forced into complete overhauls. HDBaseT’s backward compatibility means you can reuse existing components and upgrade others as needs evolve incrementally—all while staying within budget. This offers dual benefits: It’s more economically friendly for the organization, and it supports sustainability initiatives by extending equipment lifecycles.

PETRO SHIMONISHI
Director of New Business Development at Panasonic Projector and Display Americas

AV/IT convergence not only poses an opportunity to streamline workflows, but it also exposes the need for flexible, interoperable, and easy-to-use solutions. Delivering end-to-end workflow solutions is essential to empowering AV professionals to focus on what matters: creating shared experiences. Effective, efficient workflows allow users to deliver stronger results with fewer resources to maximize the value of AV systems.

We’ll continue to see more integrations between hardware and software providers to streamline workflows and give customers the ability to design, create, and manage applications with more ease than ever before. For instance, at Panasonic Projector and Display Americas, we recently partnered with XTEN-AV to develop an integration that allows AV professionals to specify the correct lens for their Panasonic projector. Corporate AV/IT teams can confidently create system designs, reducing guesswork and speeding installation of interchangeable lens projectors.

Another market trend we anticipate will continue is the evolution of simplicity in installations. Universities upgrading lecture halls or other spaces often require additional hardware to manage streaming, content sharing, and network integration. This can increase system complexity, which becomes challenging for tight spaces. Panasonic’s displays and projectors feature SDM card slots and our partnership with Matrox Video gives AV professionals the freedom to choose the AVoIP standard that best meets their needs, with a clean system design that’s flexible for the future.

The migration of AV system workflows to the cloud is accelerating. This transition will help power seamless, engaging content as siloed, proprietary systems inhibit integration and innovation. As a founding member of OpenAV Cloud, Panasonic aims to accelerate this transition by supporting OpenAPI standards and working with the association to create a cloud-to-cloud communication standard that drives easy, cross-platform collaboration.

JOE ANDRULIS
Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at Biamp

AI continues to transform the audiovisual landscape, integrating into both legacy and contemporary AV systems. For end users, this ongoing evolution represents an unprecedented opportunity to enhance meeting experiences while also simplifying system management and support.

Beyond traditional configuration and provisioning, AI is fundamentally reshaping how end users experience corporate meetings of all types, whether participants are in person, remote, or in a hybrid setting. The most remarkable aspect of this transformation is its invisibility. Participants benefit from sophisticated, AI-driven enhancements without ever sensing the technology working behind the scenes. This seamless integration is crucial for creating truly effective meeting environments that prioritize simplicity, speed, and unwavering reliability.

Modern conferencing solutions exemplify this invisible intelligence. All-in-one conferencing bars, for example, demonstrate how AI can elevate user experiences through intelligent features such as beamtracking technology, which actively monitors and intelligently mixes conversations to ensure remote participants feel fully engaged. Coupled with AI-powered noise reduction algorithms, these systems deliver crystal-clear voice reproduction that eliminates distractions and maintains professional communication standards.

Visual intelligence further enhances the experience through electronic pan-tilt-zoom cameras paired with auto-framing technology, ensuring all participants remain perfectly positioned regardless of their location or movement. This technology keeps everyone front and center, creating an inclusive environment where physical location becomes irrelevant to participation quality.

The impact of AI also extends into operational excellence, benefiting end users in other ways they may not realize. For technical support teams, AI provides unprecedented insights into system performance, enabling rapid problem identification and resolution. This enables support teams to implement predictive capabilities to address potential issues before they impact end users, transforming reactive support into proactive system optimization. This paradigm shift ensures that mundane technical issues are resolved automatically, while more complex challenges are anticipated and prevented, creating a seamless, uninterrupted meeting experience for all participants.

OMER BROOKSTEIN, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder at Xyte

For enterprise end users looking to evolve their AV systems, the most important step is ensuring a foundation that’s open and adaptable. Proprietary silos slow innovation and increase costs, while open APIs provide the flexibility to integrate best-in-class solutions and scale as needs change. That’s why OpenAV Cloud—an industry initiative focused on standardizing open, cloud-based APIs and fostering cross-platform collaboration—is so critical.

The value of choosing an OpenAV solution is clear: It delivers vendor-neutral flexibility, easier integrations and scalability, and faster support and troubleshooting—all while future-proofing AV/IT investments with the backing of industry leaders. With this foundation in place, enterprises can not only streamline today’s operations but also prepare for the intelligent automation that’s rapidly reshaping the industry.

The real opportunity today, however, lies in how AI will transform the way AV systems are supported, maintained, and experienced. AI-powered teammates are emerging as a force multiplier for IT and AV teams.

Autonomous issue resolution means that if a microphone drops mid-call, AI detects it and reboots or reroutes before users notice. With proactive scheduling and monitoring, AI forecasts failures from usage patterns and environmental data, then books service windows automatically. Context-aware support in hybrid meetings allows AI to adjust audio, cameras, and layouts to match participants and context. And finally, with self-service for end users, employees can resolve minor issues with AI-guided instructions, reducing IT workload.

AI in enterprise AV isn’t about replacing humans; it’s about augmenting teams with intelligent assistants that deliver resilience, efficiency, and better user experiences. Future-ready AV means building for both interoperability and intelligence—without one, the other cannot succeed. And with AI teammates stepping in to resolve issues, anticipate needs, and empower users, organizations that embrace this shift now will set the pace for the entire industry.

STEPHANE TREMBLAY
President of the SDVoE Alliance

Today, we’re recognizing that many integrators, IT managers, and end users are seeking solutions that deliver high-quality performance without requiring a complete rip and replace of existing infrastructure. As a result, AV over IP has emerged as a viable solution. By shifting AV distribution onto standard Ethernet networks, it enables organizations to harness the power of their current infrastructure while unlocking new levels of flexibility, scalability, and reliability. Unlike traditional systems that often depend on proprietary hardware and cabling, AV over IP integrates seamlessly into IT environments.

A key advantage of AV over IP, and particularly Software-Defined Video over Ethernet (SDVoE), is its ability to deliver high-performance video and audio with the reliability and interoperability that IT teams expect. With SDVoE technology, audiovisual functions become software-defined, meaning updates, enhancements, and even new features can be deployed through firmware rather than hardware replacement. A software-based approach offers significant future proofing, delaying obsolescence and protecting investments. In an era where supply chain disruptions and budget pressures remain real challenges, that flexibility matters.

Higher education, corporate facilities, houses of worship, and other verticals need standardized, interoperable solutions that scale to large spaces without compromising user experience. In higher education, for instance, AV over IP enables classrooms, lecture halls, and collaborative spaces to run on a consistent backbone, easing IT management and improving reliability.

Looking ahead, AV and IT continue to converge more closely. AV is no longer siloed, but treated as another service on the network, and is subject to the same demands for uptime, security, and scalability. Ethernet’s continued evolution, coupled with AV over IP’s flexibility, suggests that over the next few years, organizations will increasingly standardize on 10G Ethernet backbones. As a result, AV systems will become more reliable, interoperable, and adaptable to future needs, ensuring end users can keep pace with changing expectations without constant reinvestment.

In recent years, a new goal for the management of AV and IT systems has emerged, striving toward a “single pane of glass” for monitoring and management. The goal, of course, is to aggregate systems information to a centralized location to ensure optimal uptime and top-tier systems management.

Whether you are managing a large enterprise, house of worship with a relatively modest system, or MSP monitoring many customer installations, having insight into daily system functions can make all the difference. It could easily differentiate between a frenzied call before a critical event or being able to proactively resolve issues before they affect end users.

The single pane of glass vision is entirely contingent on the broadest definition of interoperability. Universal connectivity requirements demand that all devices communicate using common protocols and standards without vendor-specific bottlenecks. Seamless data exchange must occur regardless of manufacturer origin, with consistent behavior across all network-connected components.

Unified management imperatives require that a single control interface access all device parameters through standardized discovery and configuration processes. Common monitoring and diagnostic capabilities must be complemented by synchronized status reporting and alert mechanisms. Without true interoperability, the single pane of glass becomes fractured, defeating its fundamental purpose and value proposition.

Freedom of Choice

The Dante platform has become a critical piece of the single pane of glass initiative. By ensuring device connectivity and interoperability, the Dante platform, expandable through API connectivity, provides the essential glue that brings signal transmission, device data aggregation, control, and management to Pro AV installations and workflows.

True interoperability facilitates freedom of choice in vendor selection, allowing system designers to choose products from any manufacturer without ecosystem constraints. This approach avoids forced upgrades of entire systems while leveraging competitive pricing and functionality improvements across multiple suppliers. Investment protection comes through future-proofing against vendor discontinuation and market changes.

The technology evolution advantages are equally compelling. True interoperability enables integration of new innovations, preserving existing investments while enabling new capabilities. Systems can scale organically as requirements evolve, adapting to changing client needs without starting over. This flexibility transforms AV installations from static implementations into dynamic, evolving platforms.

Ethernet-based audio and video networking has replaced analog constraints with standard network infrastructure that supports audio, video, control, and monitoring simultaneously. PoE eliminates additional cable requirements, while gigabit speeds accommodate even the most demanding high-channel-count applications.

By adopting standard network protocols, AV systems can now take advantage of any off-the-shelf network hardware. Layer 2 and Layer 3 compatibility across broad network infrastructure, QoS prioritization, and VLAN support ensure easy setup and consistent, reliable performance of an AV network. Software tools for management, monitoring, and control ensure optimal network connectivity and performance.

No Programming, No Hardware

Automatic discoverability eliminates configuration complexity. For example, Dante devices automatically announce their presence upon network connection using standard discovery protocols that enable immediate device recognition.

Pro AV systems must function without programming requirements that create barriers to implementation and ongoing management. Easy routing and monitoring with freely available software must enhance automatic discovery and mapping, all of which is essential for maintaining the single pane of glass vision.

Configuration must be with easy routing options, such as a visual matrix without the complexity of command-line programming. Automatic resolution of clock leaders and followers, latency compensation adjustments, and setting other critical parameters is a must for easy adoption.

True interoperability leverages standard network infrastructure rather than requiring dedicated switching hardware. Any high-quality managed switch can support Pro AV networking requirements, allowing existing IT infrastructure to accommodate AV without additional specialized equipment. Network convergence can reduce both equipment and maintenance costs while providing scalability through established networking principles.

Open APIs and comprehensive SDKs enable integration flexibility. This essential developer-level access enables the creation of custom controls and data integrations to meet the single pane of glass initiatives.

Integration capabilities extend to third-party control systems that can access all device functions without limitations. Custom user interfaces can reflect specific workflow requirements, while building management systems integrate AV network status with other facility systems. Mobile applications enable remote monitoring and control, extending system management capabilities beyond traditional boundaries.

Enterprise-grade encryption is desirable in many corporate, governmental, and educational applications. This protects AV content and system integrity. To be most effective, encryption efforts must be easily applied across multiple manufacturers and systems. Encryption within only a single manufacturer ecosystem limits hardware and software selection and stands in the way of true interoperability.

A centrally managed, certificate-based encryption strategy enables the fast deployment of encryption across AV systems. By managing security certificates on a central server, configuration is not only easier, but the updating and rotation of keys ensures a higher level of security than static endpoint credentials. These security measures are integrated transparently without compromising ease of use or system performance.

Broad OEM adoption provides the ecosystem depth necessary for choice and innovation. For example, in the Dante ecosystem, there are currently more than 4,000 Dante-enabled products from more than 600 manufacturers, with continuous growth in device variety and capability. This drives competitive innovation and feature advancement across manufacturers, giving integrators and end users the ability to select products that best fit both need and budget.

Interoperability Is Critical

For integrators, objective interoperability standards reduce project risk while increasing profitability through predictable compatibility that eliminates costly system integration failures. Standardized training and support reduce operational overhead while client confidence grows through consistent, reliable results. The business case is clear: True interoperability directly improves project margins and client satisfaction.

For OEMs, interoperability expands market opportunities without requiring massive ecosystem investments. Standard compliance reduces development costs and time-to-market, while customer loyalty increases through freedom of choice rather than artificial lock-in strategies. The focus of innovation shifts to product excellence rather than proprietary barriers, creating sustainable competitive advantages.

The reality is that subjective or proprietary "interoperability" can create hidden costs that may not meet the long-term goals of AV systems. In contrast, interoperability benefits are seen across ecosystems like the Dante platform. End users get the best-of-breed products to use daily, integrators gain ease of implementation, manufacturers gain a sustainable and future-proof business model, and service providers benefit from effective service, data reporting, and collection.

The Dante platform demonstrates that true interoperability is not just technically possible but economically essential. When interoperability is objective, measurable, and uncompromising, the entire industry benefits. Integrators deliver better projects faster and more profitably, AV professionals manage complex systems with confidence and ease, and OEMs compete on innovation and quality rather than proprietary lock-in strategies.

Join us on Wednesday, August 21 at noon Eastern for a roundtable discussion on The State of Networked AV. 

There's no looking back; AVoIP, AVoIT, or AVoX, "on the network," is becoming part of the fabric of every enterprise. Nearly every company that started as a traditional AV manufacturer has a full suite of networked AV/IT solutions.

This panel defines Networked AV, addresses barriers to entry such as existing infrastructure, major AV equipment that hasn't reached the end of its lifecycle, and how to overcome interdepartmental resistance and help plan for the future.

We will discuss:
+ How Networked AV simplifies provisioning, management, deployment, and monitoring
+ How Networked AV enables ease of use, scalability, and flexibility
+ Understanding the AV network
+ What you need to know about networked AV and security
+ AV over X

Bring your questions and share your experiences. 

Register Now!

Join us on Monday, March 25 at 2:00 p.m. ET for an informative and engaging roundtable discussion on How to Easily Provision, Manage, and Monitor Hundreds of Displays

Whether a worldwide enterprise or higher ed campus, a retail chain, government, or healthcare service, this roundtable discusses how provisioning, managing, and monitoring hundreds or even thousands of displays can be seamless.

You’ll hear from the EVP and Co-Founder of HealtheMed who has more than 300 displays in the field with 150 more in provisioning, and it’s all being done using Sony’s Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) and Device Management Platform (DMP). Ease of use and scalability will allow the company to scale to thousands of displays in the field as the company grows.

Hear from AVI-SPL, one of  Sony’s largest partners, on how ZTP and DMP are creating a paradigm shift in the deployment and management of networked displays.

Lessons learned on why consumer displays don’t ever make the grade.

Attendees, bring your questions for Sony engineers, AVI-SPL, and HealtheMed.

REGISTER HERE!

Five years ago, it was estimated that only 30 percent of corporate enterprises and institutions of higher education had adopted AV on the network. Today, AV/IT managers have embraced the conversion, and most have led their respective organizations to flexible and scalable networked AV products and systems.

“The state of networked AV and control today is at the intersection of innovation and practicality, where the demand for seamless integration of AV systems and control solutions is rising,” said Scott Norder, Chief Operating Officer at RGB Spectrum. “As technologies like 4K and 8K video, AI-driven analytics, and IoT integration become more prevalent, the demand for robust networked solutions will continue to rise.”

AV solutions are playing a growing role in the visibility of ever-increasing data sources that require monitoring and action, said Bjorn Krylander, Chief Executive Officer at Datapath. “Whilst the integration of software applications, including cloud-based services, enables better data visibility, the growth in requirements would be impossible to manage without the increased use of large-scale distribution and visualization systems.” 

Paul Krizan, product manager of Networked AV at Atlona, added, “Manufacturers have stepped in with training and certification programs that educate on AV-over-IP and control technologies, providing the background required for dealers, integrators, and end users to successfully deploy networked AV projects.”

“Instead of viewing existing infrastructure as a liability,” David Muzinic, senior product manager of AV and Connectivity Products at Black Box said, “See it as a foundation to build upon. Integrate newer technologies with legacy systems through middleware, or use adapters to bridge technological gaps.”

Networked AV and control have come a long way over the years, said, Paul Harris, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer at Aurora Multimedia. “With the latest codecs delivering high-quality, low-latency 4K60 4:4:4 over 1Gbps Ethernet, existing Cat5e, 6, or 6a will suffice. These same codecs will be usable into 8K using NBase-T at 2.5Gbps or 5Gbps.”

Michael Tuohy, technical support manager at Just Add Power, offered this advice, “Harvest the power of an AV/IP solution in order to allow flexible adaptation to the needs of the project. Make sure your solution has multicast AV traffic management, and releases FW updates that enhance features over time.”

“This is a wake-up call for AV managers to take note of open standards,” warned Rob Moodey, manager of Strategic Partnerships at Matrox Video. “The IT network throughout your facility is common currency.”

Ultimately, AV/IT systems need to be easy to use. Bob Michaels, Chief Executive Officer at ZeeVee said, “End users and integrators have made it clear that they want all aspects of the most complex AV-over-IP integrations made simpler. This applies to intuitive control, security, and a preference for open platforms and open-source-based systems.”

The AVoX Products

Matrox Video’s ConvertIP SRST

Matrox Video’s ConvertIP SRST single-channel HDBaseT-to-IP gateway makes it easy to move HDBaseT content onto and off of an IP network. With this compact stand-alone transmitter/receiver, users can scale up their existing HDBaseT network without the additional cost and hassle of upgrading current equipment or infrastructure. Rather than “rip and replace,” they can deploy the ConvertIP SRST to leverage a 1G network and transmit full-4K video at 60 fps over IP in near-real time, or truly uncompressed content on networks up to 25G. 

RGB Spectrum’s Zio Recording and Media Server 

RGB Spectrum’s Zio Recording and Media Server caters to mission-critical applications. It handles various visual data types and offers multiple recording and playback streams with customizable storage. The system features a First In, First Out (FIFO) architecture for continuous 24/7 recording. Users can designate content to avoid auto-deletion. Key features include single video clip playback, synchronized group playback for improved decision making, advanced playback controls for quick incident analysis, and seamless video clip export via the internet or telephone networks. The server supports playback on various devices as part of the Zio AV-over-IP platform.

Datapath’s Aligo TX100 AVoIP 4K Transmitter 

Datapath’s Aligo TX100 AVoIP 4K Transmitter is highly scalable, and can ingest a single 4K source, or up to four independent HD sources for IP distribution to any suitable endpoint in its multi-award-winning Aetria solution. Each source also has a dedicated USB connection for independent KVM control. Alongside the visually lossless stream of each connected source, Datapath’s SQX technology provides a simultaneous compressed stream for transmission across low-bandwidth networks, integration with third-party systems, or archiving. Routing up to four independent HD sources over the TX100’s 10 Gb connection reduces the cabling and switch ports required.

Atlona’s OmniStream 2.0 

Atlona’s OmniStream 2.0 AV-over-IP firmware adds support for 4K60 video with 4:4:4 color sampling alongside better bitrate efficiency and integrated multiview processing. OmniStream 2.0 features the new VCx codec that delivers less than one frame of latency from encode to decode, enabling 4K60 4:4:4 streams with artifact-free presentation of computer-generated content and fast-motion video. Increases in coding efficiency enable additional HD streams over 1 Gigabit Ethernet networks, multiple 4K streams over 10 Gigabit switch-to-switch uplinks, and simultaneous 4K and HD over Gigabit Ethernet. OmniStream 2.0 also enables simultaneous display of multiple sources from OmniStre

Black Box’s MCX

Black Box’s MCX utilizes SDVoE technology to deliver the video quality high-end AV applications require to display eye-catching content. MCX installs behind the scenes to distribute and extend true 4K60 Hz 4:4:4 uncompressed video and crystal-clear audio over IP and over your 10 Gbps (high-speed) network to an unlimited number of displays with zero source-to-display latency and seamless switching, without sacrificing bandwidth. Add ControlBridge to enable operators to trigger MCX and control room systems via an intuitive touch panel GUI or even mobile devices. In control rooms, since IP is easy to deploy, MCX reduces cabling and breaks distance limitations of proprietary solutions. 

DVIGear’s DisplayNet

DVIGear’s DisplayNet capitalizes on the latest SDVoE ASIC technology to offer the most innovative AVoIP products on the market today. The highly versatile DN-300 provides 4K60 4:4:4 video distribution with limitless scalability, zero-frame latency, and zero image artifacts. This ultra-compact, low-profile unit provides both transmitter and receiver functionality, 10G copper and fiber network interfaces, and myriad advanced features, including lossless compression, POE+, auxiliary H.264 output streams, advanced security, powerful control software, and integrated video wall and multiview engines. The DN-300 is available for immediate delivery at a remarkably low price point that redefines the industry standard for value.

Just Add Power’s MaxColor 4K60 Series 2 

Just Add Power’s MaxColor 4K60 Series 2 transmitter and receiver provide integrators with an affordable and scalable 4K UHD distribution platform to natively support today’s 4K source content, with high frame rates over existing network infrastructures. MaxColor offers high frame rate, deep color, and 4:4:4 chroma support to ensure that what is seen at the capable screen matches the output of the source with no subsampling or downscaling. The series delivers zero detectable latency, instant and seamless switching, 4K up and downscaling, and HDR management, and supports all lossless audio formats and HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision for the best viewing experience. Additional features include image pop, push, pull, and integrated control.

Yamaha Unified Communications’ RM-WAP-16 Wireless Access Point

Yamaha Unified Communications’ RM-WAP-16 Wireless Access Point for remote conferencing makes micing a large conference room, boardroom, or meeting space twice as easy. The new Dante-enabled RM-WAP-16 doubles the number of connectable wireless channels from eight to 16 on one device while utilizing the latest DECT technology. With its increased channel count, the RM-WAP-16 offers greater flexibility, saves installation space and required PoE ports, and is more cost-effective for systems where a higher number of wireless channels is required. Yamaha UC’s new RM-WAP-16 is shipping and available now.

Sennheiser’s Control Cockpit

Sennheiser’s Control Cockpit is the central software for easy handling, control, and maintenance of the entire SpeechLine Digital Wireless system, as well as many of the TeamConnect family of products and the EW-DX wireless system. The easy-to-use interface provides a dashboard overview and control of an entire campus-wide device setup at all times. It shows all status information at a glance, including remote access to all device settings and workflows, making setting adjustments for one or multiple devices at the same time very easy.

Panasonic’s KAIROS Live Production Platform

Panasonic’s KAIROS Live Production Platform gives professionals unlimited control to deliver rich content for broadcast, large screen displays, and live streams. A variety of video inputs and outputs are available with KAIROS to support not only baseband signals such as SDI but also IP signals like SMPTE ST 2110, NDI, and SRT to enhance remote live video production and streaming. The next-generation KAIROS Core 2000 mainframe boosts functionality and video processing performance, with 200 percent more inputs and outputs, and enhances file-storage capacity, giving users access to more sources than ever for complex effects. 

Ross Video’s Ultrix

Ross Video’s Ultrix allows every screen to become a destination and every laptop, camera, media player, or Zoom/Teams meeting to become a routable source. Ultrix is the ultimate routing and signal processing platform for sports and broadcast studios, and it can also be used in any venue or workplace. As the only software-defined platform, it provides significant cost, space, and power efficiencies with unparalleled flexibility and agility. With Ultrix, you can support SDI, fiber, and IP signal I/Os so you can focus on workflow, not on transport.

Hall Technologies’ HIVE Touch

Hall Technologies’ HIVE Touch is an intuitive, capacitive touch panel interface that seamlessly connects with the HIVE Cloud. It renders the HIVE’s control panels natively to deliver a dynamic user experience. HIVE Touch provides access and asset management to devices that are connected to the HIVE Cloud. HIVE Touch acts as a control system for all IP devices on the network, and with the addition of HIVE Node, it can communicate with devices via IR, RS-232, and contact closure. With built-in and wireless connectivity, the HIVE Touch can be easily integrated into a wide range of applications.

Legrand | AV’s C2G AV Controller

Legrand | AV’s C2G AV Controller is a full-featured solution to provide centralized control for AV equipment in classrooms, conference rooms, and lecture halls. Simple installation, programming, and operation reduce frustration, while the centralized control and innovative features provide complete control of the room through eight backlit buttons that control up to five devices. All buttons can be programmed to send bi-directional infrared, RS232, and RS485 commands simultaneously to control third-party devices. The AV Controller provides the features needed without the cost and complexity associated with higher-end solutions. Multiple options for programming ensure installations are quick and scalable to accommodate even the largest deployments.

NETGEAR’s M4350 Series

NETGEAR’s M4350 Series provides the Pro AV community with a product purpose built for their needs. Designed for the most demanding AV-over-IP installations of up to thousands of endpoints, the M4350 brings all the simplicity of the M4250 AV Line packed in more enterprise-class hardware, with redundant power supplies and larger fabrics with 25G and 100G uplinks. The revolutionary NETGEAR AV user interface and Engage Controller contain pre-configured profiles for all major audio, video, and lighting protocols. 

WyreStorm’s NHD-CTL-PRO v2 Network Controller

WyreStorm’s NHD-CTL-PRO v2 Network Controller is small, easy-to-use, and designed to meet diverse consumer needs. Its award-winning design includes features such as device auto-discovery and pre-configured I/O routing, simplifying system deployment through WyreStorm’s intuitive seven-step setup wizard. This device promises seamless integration with third-party systems, offering an optimal solution for both commercial and residential AV distribution. WyreStorm is at the forefront of AV over IP and the future of audio and video distribution, having substantially invested in NetworkHD’s design and development to become the market leader in this technology. The NHD-CTL-PRO v2 Network Controller is the central component of this system.

Crestron XiO Cloud Platform 

Crestron XiO Cloud Platform optimizes technology operations and maximizes room uptime efficiently at scale. It is the unifying operations management tool built into Crestron products and many third-party devices, so you have control over every room without additional hardware or software. Plus, using the Crestron XiO Cloud Gateway, you can integrate other Ethernet-connected devices, web services, and web applications for even greater visibility and efficiency. Crestron XiO Cloud accelerates support services, increases user satisfaction, and automates technology operations. 

Bose Professional’s PowerShareX Power Amplifiers

Bose Professional’s PowerShareX Power Amplifiers provide the flexibility to channel power wherever needed. With onboard DSP, seamless integration with ControlSpace Designer software, and proven Powersoft engineering, they’re an ideal match for Bose Professional sound systems. PowerShareX four-channel amplifiers feature innovative power-sharing technology—a central power reservoir that can allocate evenly or asymmetrically across each output. Dynamically shift power based on the load—no bridging required—with no loss of channel count when powering Bose Professional loudspeakers. With peak power capability; Dante connectivity; and easy integration with Bose Professional DSPs, loudspeakers, and the entire ControlSpace ecosystem, designing, configuration, installation, and operation are simplified.

Christie’s Hedra Video Wall Processors

Christie’s Hedra Video Wall Processors, your team can display, arrange, and operate multiple sources in order to make quick, informed decisions—whether for mission-critical operations or monitoring broadcast feeds. With Hedra, you get a control room in a box for secure, real-time access to your data from virtually anywhere, ensuring seamless collaboration and sharing of critical information.

Audinate’s Dante Studio

Audinate’s Dante Studio is a suite of software tools, comprising Dante RX, Dante TX, and Dante Video Viewer, that brings Dante AV video directly into a PC from Dante AV Ultra or Dante AV-H cameras, encoders, or other computers running Dante Studio on the network. Receive Dante video flows into applications, capture and send your PC’s display, or quickly monitor video on the network. As part of the Dante AV family, Dante Studio utilizes Dante Controller for video routing and is instantly compatible with Dante-enabled devices. Dante Studio makes adding video to your AV workflow easy.

AtlasIED’s Dante-Enabled Loudspeakers

AtlasIED’s Dante-Enabled Loudspeakers are PoE-powered with built-in DSP capabilities that allow for level and EQ adjustments, sound masking applications, and speaker tuning. Dante is the networked audio solution of choice for the commercial sound and AV industry, offering flexibility, scalability, and interoperability in designing sound system solutions. The loudspeakers are accessible remotely via the AtlasIED Discover application and connect via Ethernet cables to various AtlasIED Dante-enabled devices, including amplifiers, digital mic stations, stand-alone DSPs, announcement control, and public address systems. The AtlasIED Dante series is ideal for existing Dante installations.

Extron’s NAV SD 501 Pro AVoIP Scaling Decoder 

Extron’s NAV SD 501 Pro AVoIP Scaling Decoder receives ultra-low-latency 4K60 video with 4:4:4 chroma sampling, audio, Ethernet, and USB signals over 1G Ethernet networks at efficient bitrates. Extron Vector 4K scaling technology ensures critical image quality and enables WindoWall video wall capabilities. The NAV SD 501 also supports advanced features such as SmartGlide KVM auto-focus switching. NAV supports AES67 audio over IP for flexible integration with Extron and third-party DSP processors. Purpose-built to support demanding professional AV applications, the highly scalable and powerful NAV platform enables secure deployment of AV signals to thousands of endpoints.

Biamp | Evoko’s Naso Room Manager

Biamp | Evoko’s Naso Room Manager is a cloud-based top-tier room booking panel that makes it easy to find and book a free space to have a meeting. The bright colors surrounding the display, together with an intuitive interface, allow for a smooth booking experience. Place it outside any collaboration space to improve the workflow within your organization and avoid double-bookings and interrupted meetings. The panel is integrated with Microsoft O365, keeping everything up to date and in sync with the room booking displays. The complete cloud suite is a scalable solution neatly packaged and designed—all to bring you an extraordinary workplace experience.

Mersive Technologies’ Solstice Pods

Mersive Technologies’ Solstice Pods are innovative, software-driven devices that allow users to connect with one another from any computer or tablet, in any space, anywhere in the world. Connect a Pod to any display to enable wireless screen sharing, video conferencing integration, dynamic digital signage, and video routing capabilities without the need for expensive IT investments or additional hardware like HDMI cables, dongles, or switchers.

Kramer Control 

Kramer Control delivers advanced, user-friendly control in any space, quickly and easily. A cloud-based, enterprise-class AV control platform with an on-premises option, Kramer Control transforms the entire control experience. Going beyond the traditional boundaries of AV, it enables control of any in-room AV and automation devices, from anywhere. The rich library of control templates, intuitive drag-and-drop creation of the control interface, and instant deployment to multiple spaces make deploying and making changes to AV control a breeze—no programming needed. End users can easily operate any room through the simple touch interface. This is AV control the way everyone wants it.

PPDS’ Wave Cloud Platform 

PPDS’ Wave Cloud Platform provides advanced and effortless control and management capabilities for professional displays on a local and international scale. Available globally, Wave ensures faster, more cost-effective installation and service times, with the ability to securely provision and monitor hundreds of thousands of units on a simple and intuitive interface. AV/IT managers can view status, and access or assign precise information, details, and controls to each display. Firmware and software updates, debugging screens, adjusting settings, adding basic content, receiving alerts, and anticipating issues are just some of the evolving features. Philips SoC signage displays, including Q-line, D-Line, T-Line, and C-Line digital are supported, with more being added shortly. 

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Christian Young, Pro AV Product Manager at ATEN Technology

The selection of one type of transmission technology over another is based on the type of application. AV over IP (or AVoIP) is ideal for when video, audio, and other types of signals need to be shared across different buildings, campuses, and even geographical locations. AVoIP offers many advantages, such as limitless flexibility and scalability, easy IP setup, daisy chaining capabilities for multiple displays, and convenient integration and installation. With careful planning and coordination, there are no major obstacles to applying this technology nowadays.

AV over IP hardware is not very expensive when compared to traditional AV infrastructures of video matrixes and extenders. Companies buy the number of encoding and decoding devices required at that moment and expand in the future as needed, a network switch to handle the signal from the encoder to the local area network, and high-grade (CAT 6a or CAT 7) or fiber optic cables.

However, because AVoIP can use the existing IT network in the company, bandwidth is a key consideration system integrators and AV/IT managers need to plan for in advance—and this can be very expensive. What would the load of data be in three or five years? What type of data will the video signal have? What type of image quality and latency is acceptable for the application? How many locations will the data need to be sent in the future? These are just a few questions that should be asked/considered when implementing a future-proof infrastructure.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Richard Bugg, Digital Products Solutions Architect at Meyer Sound

Adapting to the future never has been easy. The speed at which users adopt new technology depends on more than just “it’s a better solution.” Consider the move from the typewriter to the word processor. Early machines were expensive and required technical knowledge beyond most in the “typing pool.” The full potential was not unlocked until users realized that they no longer had to start again to make one simple change.

Frequently, early adopters are those who have a task that cannot be accomplished easily with existing technology. Unless the cost of the new technology is trivial, deployment is slow until production increases and prices fall. Likewise, the availability of those who can install and use new technology is limited. And sometimes, “bold new things” just don’t work out. How does a responsible manager spot long-term success among all the possibilities?

Cost is key, but it is important to identify all of the acquisition, installation, operation, and lifetime costs. With an existing infrastructure, what will be the repair and replacement costs next year, or five years from now? Aging infrastructure in installations is a place to start. Where are you in the life cycle of your wiring, and can it support existing and emerging technologies? In the past, designing network infrastructure for transporting media was challenging. Simply working out what might be required often led to “over-provisioning” during the design phase. Now the level of traffic required for systems to “just work” has risen so high that over-provisioning becomes impractical and expensive. 

In this context, technologies and systems that provide deterministic, guaranteed, performance provide an advantage that should be sought out.

So the answer is that it’s complicated, but looking at all of the real costs will help determine when a proposed change in technology will provide a significant advantage.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Frank Santos, Director of Product Knowledge at Vanco

I’d really love to see the industry get past the idea that AVoIP is expensive. There’s a persistent belief that AVoIP solutions aren’t cost-effective unless you’re operating at a really large scale.

That’s just not true anymore. Once a system is big enough to require an 8x16 matrix, you can deploy an AVoIP solution for an equal or lesser cost, and that’s just the initial outlay. When it comes to maintenance and expansion, AVoIP has a big advantage over traditional AV. You can expand the system easily and keep it cost-effective by just adding more switches, and you don’t have to worry nearly as much about distance limitations; the content can go wherever the network does. There are also hidden savings in terms of labor. With remote monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities, you don’t have to roll trucks every time there’s a problem, and a single skilled technician can manage a sprawling system.

I’m a big believer in buying boxes for today and putting in infrastructure for tomorrow. Maybe you’re not ready for 10-Gig switches now, but you should pull cable like you are. Even legacy gear can benefit from a robust, structured cable plant, using devices that convert and extend the AV signal over CAT cable or fiber. Getting that infrastructure in place is the first step towards a fully networked system, and you benefit immediately.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Fred Morgenstern, Vice President of Technology at Neutrik Americas

Neutrik comes at networked AV and control from a different angle than most companies. First, we ask whether it needs to be rugged? Is the environment unpredictable, with the possibility of accidental disconnection? Only after those questions have been answered does Neutrik get involved. If ruggedness is required, then the Neutrik portfolio is broad enough to encompass everything from RS232 signaling all the way up to and beyond 100 Gb/s fiber optic transmission. That whole range of speeds is active now in the AV market. At the slow end, simple switch signaling remains necessary. On the extreme other end of the speed spectrum, the connective requirements between UHD OB trucks, for example, are simply massive.

Our product sales tell us that IP technologies are challenging and often displacing DMX and AES/EBU signals; that audio, video, and lighting are ever more commonly converging onto shared-switch architectures; that 10 Gb/s Ethernet is becoming the standard both for current requirements and for future-proofing (even for such slower-speed requirements as multichannel digital audio, which currently operates quite happily on CAT 5e networks); and that the appetite for discrete fiber strands is only growing in tandem with increased sophistication in the broadcast realm, ranging from sports broadcasting, to government facilities, to houses of worship. 

The one word that comes to mind when I think of AVoIP/AVoIT trends is “more.” Everyone is demanding more: more integration of formerly disparate signaling, more transport options, more speed, more storage, more leading-edge products, and more interoperability. Neutrik leads that movement in the ruggedized connectivity space. Responding to those customer demands for more is integral to our product development roadmap.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Jamie Trader, Vice President at AMX HARMAN Professional Solutions

AV/IT managers are being tasked with creating multi-functional meeting spaces with incredible capabilities for enabling both local and remote collaboration. Room requirements include diametrically opposed features such as simple, standardized user interfaces and flexible, sophisticated BYOM support. Software-based video conferencing technologies from Zoom, Microsoft, Cisco, and others continue to usher in new ways to work and learn and are making meeting spaces more functional and collaborative than ever before. What’s more, the shift to remote work and distance learning is forcing technology upgrades to be instantiated just as suddenly.

Rare is the instance when an AV/IT manager can perform a wholesale redesign of a space without the requirement to reuse some existing equipment or infrastructure. The relentless advancement of technology has always made the process of updating existing audio video systems a non-trivial exercise. And due to the increased significance of software integrations, the rapidity of technology change has increased significantly. Technology managers don’t have the luxury of replacing every single system component every time enhanced capabilities are desired. New products need to fit with old, enable better experiences, and be adaptable to tomorrow’s technologies yet to be identified.

At AMX, our mission has always been to simplify how users interact with technology while delivering solutions that are reliable and secure. But adding to that now is immense focus on open interoperability; making sure that now more than ever an institution’s current investment in technology can be extended and augmented—versus displaced. Open APIs, third-party app support, interoperable video codecs, and a vastly reduced need for proprietary training are just some of the underpinnings of new products we’re launching in the months to come. 

Because you shouldn’t have to undermine your past decision-making or limit future potential every time you wish to improve your collaboration and learning spaces today.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Robert Bird, Product Marketing Manager at Atlona

Network infrastructure is a key consideration when designing or deploying AV-over-IP systems. 1G systems offer solid performance and video quality, and can run on switches and cabling common in most modern networks. 10G systems typically do less compression and have lower latency, but compatible switches and infrastructure are more expensive and less common. AV/IT managers should carefully evaluate the video content they plan on supporting with the system. 

1G systems will serve nicely for most business communications such as PowerPoint presentations, document sharing, and website navigation. For more fine-detail applications such as medical imaging, detailed CAD drawings, or complex spreadsheets, 10G may be more appropriate. 

Much of the AV equipment installed in the last several years has HDMI connections, which are supported by virtually all AV-over-IP systems. Depending on their vintage, the gear may support a mix of 1080p and 4K resolutions, but both can be accommodated by scaling or smart EDID management. AV-over-IP is also in a great position to support legacy equipment and can handle new devices as systems grow. 

While it is not realistic to build a system that is entirely future-proof, AV-over-IP comes close. Its scalable nature means that inputs and outputs can be added or moved as needs change. Many systems are also backward compatible. That means it is very likely that the equipment added in the future will work with existing components and support new standards.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Chris Mertens, Vice President of US Sales, B2B Displays at Samsung Electronics America

It’s not uncommon for AV equipment to show its limitations before end-of-life. Users can begin to experience usability challenges that impede operations and the desired returns on investment.  

At the Stevens Institute of Technology, its multimedia services team had invested in digital whiteboards to connect in-person and remote students for hybrid learning. But in addition to being expensive, the whiteboards required intensive setup and back-end infrastructure. Professors became frustrated by a significant lag time when writing on the boards, which disrupted the pace of learning.

Stevens’ multimedia team evaluated interactive displays as a more optimal solution. The displays were easy to set up and use, and were affordable. Importantly, they came with built-in videoconferencing and a responsive, realistic writing experience—which were critical to the hybrid classroom. Instead of being frustrated with technology, teachers and students now enjoy more immersive, collaborative learning. Seeing these successes, Stevens’ multimedia team is planning to install interactive displays across its entire campus.

Stevens’ story offers several takeaways for AV/IT managers who are considering updates to existing equipment:

First, develop a detailed plan, including installations and a budget for hardware and software. Consider the total cost of ownership of new solutions, including initial purchases and projected costs over time. Second, involve end users in the purchasing discussions. Listen to their ideas and concerns, and check in regularly following deployment. Ensure that you’re providing proper training and ongoing support for their success. And third, have strategic measures of success, including quantitative benefits like anticipated cost savings. Consider qualitative goals, such as how Stevens’ leaders wanted to raise productivity and improve engagement in a new hybrid learning environment. 

By planning with budget, total cost of ownership, and targeted outcomes in mind, you can make smarter IT decisions and demonstrate the value of new investments.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Samuel A. Recine, AIMS Pro AV Working Group Chairperson; Vice President of Sales AV/IT Group, Americas and Asia Pacific at Matrox Video

Academically, everyone understands the benefits of moving to networked media over IP; there is an infinitely better distance story and many more devices can be supported concurrently. Additionally, the performance is now well-proven. The possibility of gaining synergies and leveraging new converged workflows by combining data, communications, and rich media on the network is very alluring. 

AV and IT teams also still need to get things done, however. Things must be secure, and we need end users to be able to access the technology in a way that’s either familiar to them or whereby learning something new is easy and has a noticeable, immediate benefit.

Individual rooms and projects are different problems, compared to system design, when it comes to managing a very large group of assets and organizational goals through time. AV and IT are going through the same system design considerations that broadcasters are going through with the migration from SDI to IP. The work done over the last 10 years that has been influenced by a nuanced balancing of end user needs with manufacturers' realities and the evolving capabilities of services providers is finally paying off with open standards such as SMPTE ST 2110 and IPMX. Some system-wide new architectures with scale and scope and a healthy ability to keep evolving into the future are now in use and providing huge gains in workflow efficiencies, new abilities, and asset management.

It is reasonable for stakeholders to balance between short-term needs and long-time system evolution. Stakeholders are getting better every day at understanding the moving parts and building their strategies. With remote work thrust into focus by the pandemic, the use of high-reach technologies are balanced versus goal-driven rich experience technologies. Whether the missions are high-impact live operations, organization-wide communications, teaching/learning, or entertainment—there are few cases of one-size-fits-all, and many cases where there are a high number of options for assembling solutions and reaching organizational goals. Both IT and AV skills are being flexed in new ways.

Like other organizations contributing useful ingredients to IP-based systems, Matrox provides hardware and software to help capture, store, process, transport, share, and secure audio-visual media over IP, and fuse IT/PC-based workflows with pro AV workflows.

Whether operating at the high-stream-density end of the Matrox portfolio or the high-performance end of it, Matrox espouses the values of Zero Trust in cybersecurity and open standards in media asset management. Among many others, this also includes Matrox’s products that are designed to support and evolve with SMPTE ST 2110 and IPMX.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Dan Holland Marketing Manager at IHSE USA

These days organizations may need to be able to bridge multiple KVM matrices over existing IP networks that may be as near as the next room or as far as a corporate office across the world. 

When it comes to planning for the future of the network, the biggest barriers that can slow down productivity are security risks and the inability to easily access remote sources. As AV/IT managers look to make AV-over-IP upgrades, prioritize security alongside remote accessibility. That means the system will need to be flexible and ensure great performance for users but with the security requirements IT demands to protect from increasing cybersecurity risks. A high-performance system will allow users to connect to far-flung IP-based systems effortlessly, and to interact with them in real time with no delays or detectable artifacts—as if they were in the same room. An effective countermeasure to cybersecurity attacks is a system that separates the matrix from the IP network. This prevents direct access to data and maintains the integrity of the KVM system throughout the session. Together, organizations will have the best of both worlds—flexibility and security!

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Taft Stricklin, Sales Team Manager at Just Add Power

We’re in unprecedented times: There’s an explosive demand for transmitting 4K signals over the network at a time when equipment and chip shortages are making it difficult to fully realize project goals. Traditionally, this would have been a barrier, but now it can be a great opportunity. In the past, for example, not being able to get your hands on exact equipment models might have meant being locked into a specific, extremely limited, and expensive AV matrix—or alternatively, a transmitter/receiver set that didn’t have all the right features.

Now, AV/IT managers can future-proof their AV-over-IP system with agile and modular components. Modularity delivers the capacity for growth and can benefit organizations in two ways: one, at the system level, where organizations can easily add more screens and sources of any resolution at unlimited scale by simply adding a receiver to a display and/or a transmitter to a source; and two, at the hardware level, with transmitter and receiver models that can be deployed to meet network system needs now but upgraded in the field for new features later. In either case, the project can go on without sacrificing features or throwing away money on hardware that will have to be ripped and replaced.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Michael DiBella, Director of Commercial Product Marketing at Crestron

Honestly, I think the biggest barrier is one of mindset, given the technology we’ve developed. There’s a resistance to migrating from a processor—a piece of hardware, a device one might perceive as easier to manage and control—to a network that can expand.

If there’s a determination that a company is willing to entertain a software solution, there’s another variable: Is it on-premises or off? I’d be willing to bet that most IT professionals would be more comfortable with an on-premises software solution; it’s less of a “giant step,” especially given the importance of data integrity, security, and so on. 

I think that once one understands the benefits of a software solution, it’s an easier sell. These solutions come with incredible cost savings in terms of the ongoing management of that control system. Instead of managing tens, if not hundreds, or even thousands of individual processors across individual rooms, floors, and buildings, now you’re managing a few servers (or even just one) controlling hundreds or even thousands of rooms.

It’s vastly easier to update that single server with a general software update than pushing out firmware updates to all of these different processors as well. Additionally, with the right software, one can integrate existing hardware into the overall solution.

Here’s an example: We’re seeing more and more deployments of video walls and signage. You might have an existing Crestron control processor in a conference room, but now you want to interact with that video wall. You could now use a solution such as VC-4, Crestron’s virtual control; it’s easier to deploy, and as that processor hits the end of its life, you merely buy an additional license for that room and retain all the functionality.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Jennifer Crotinger, Product Manager at C2G

AV integrators may have a little hesitation moving toward networked solutions because network switches are traditionally an IT play. However, as distance and resolution requirements increase, the need to use a networked AV system increases. AV integrators need to look ahead to where video is going and embrace the change, understanding that you don’t need to be a network expert to successfully deploy an AV-over-IP system.

How do we do that? AV-over-IP systems are less costly than traditional matrix switches and easier to manage through moves, add-ons, and changes. By connecting encoders and decoders to a network switch, you can infinitely add additional sources and monitors. Maintenance on a networked AV system, like firmware updates, can be done at the controller and pushed out to all the connected endpoints. You no longer need to go out to each endpoint and update individually.  

Many different AV protocols are available depending on the application. Some systems such as H.264/265 or JPEG 2000 run over a 1G Ethernet switch. These types of systems tend to have fewer bandwidth requirements, but compress the image more than other systems. These types of AV-over-IP systems are good for applications where you want to stream content over the internet. H.264/265 systems have a bit more lag than a JPEG 2000 system. You would choose a JPEG 2000 system if you are doing live broadcasting such as a concert or a sporting event, where you are watching live but also streaming to monitors throughout the stadium. You can’t afford much delay in these cases because you want to be sure the screens match what’s happening in the moment. 

The growing need for higher resolution and increased bandwidth to achieve the desired experience compels AV professionals to consider all these factors when specifying systems that can use existing infrastructure as well as leave room for future developments.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Tzahi Madgar, President of the HDBaseT Alliance

Aside from cost, bandwidth—or a lack thereof—is right up there as a primary barrier to entry for AV/IT managers working with networked AV and control. Even before the wider-spread adoption of hybrid learning and work-from-home arrangements, enterprise backbones were already heavily stressed. Now factor in a seemingly insatiable demand just for video conferencing and it’s easy to see how your network can quickly become maxed-out. 

With that in mind, being able to unburden your IP network by not using AVoIP when unnecessary can pay dividends for your installation as a whole. This can be accomplished by utilizing point-to-point technology such as HDBaseT in-room, where you get the highest quality of video and fully uncompressed 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 with zero latency locally, while at the same time keeping the devices on the network for management and control purposes and offloading the video payload from it. Another bonus of implementing an HDBaseT-enabled solution is its plug-and-play nature, which doesn’t require lengthy setup or costly ongoing service and maintenance, thus eliminating yet another familiar barrier that has long plagued AV/IT managers. Plus, as more system designers recognize the need for hybrid AVoIP and HDBaseT installations, new bridge solutions now in the market help remove yet another barrier of moving video payload on and off the IP network easy and seamlessly.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Andrew Starks, Director of Product Management at Macnica and Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS) Board Member, and Marketing Working Group Chair 

Today, the biggest obstacle to the adoption of AV-over-IP technology is a lack of interoperable, open standards. With so many proprietary solutions out in the field, the obvious downside is not being able to send or receive video flows from the disparate systems that customers end up owning, either due to legacy or to the need to accommodate use cases that aren’t covered by one solution, such as live production and meeting room presentations. 

The lack of interoperability exasperates this situation, resulting in the duplication of networks and exploding complexity at the control layer. For example, a multi-site organization that upgrades their systems over the course of years is likely to have multiple islands of AV-over-IP ecosystems with no clear path to creating a unified, manageable system from a user experience or maintenance perspective. As a result, everything becomes a special case for the IT department and the support desk gets swamped. 

Thankfully, there is hope on the horizon. The group of companies supporting IPMX, (Internet Protocol Media Experience) through the non-profit AIMS (Alliance for IP Media Solutions) is rapidly expanding, with companies such as Panduit, Barco, Lumens, Sencore, and AV Pro Global recently announcing their support. As this set of standards moves towards ratification and adoption, we can begin to see a world where video on the network is “just video” and the transport technology quietly fades into the background as it supports an incomprehensible number of use cases, many of which have yet to be dreamed. 

Just as it should be.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Paul Vander Plaetse, CEO of VuWall

While AV-over-IP is trending and will continue to do so, there are many hurdles to overcome for AV/IT managers to have full control of their visualization system, which can include any number and type of screens, sources, and formats. 

First, the migration to IP isn’t necessarily a straight line. There may be devices that still need to be accessed but may not be network compatible. One reason for this might be as simple as not yet wanting to replace old but otherwise fully functioning equipment since upgrading AV sources to IP demands a large investment in time and hardware that can rarely be done all at once. Another reason is for security purposes. In either case, interoperability is key here.

By deploying solutions that are backward- and forward-compatible with installed assets and having the software to manage an entire visualization system, AV/IT managers can develop a seamless, productive, and intuitive workflow to oversee any part of the system. In this way, organizations can systematically make upgrades as their budget and requirements allow while still operating a cohesive ecosystem that accommodates traditional AV sources (HDMI set-top boxes and DVI signals from PCs, et cetera), any IT sources (web pages, cloud applications, VNC, and KPI dashboards), as well as the latest AV-over-IP equipment (IP cameras and encoders). With a modular, scalable, and interoperable system, AV/IT managers can be prepared for anything.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Rich Ventura, Vice President of B2B at Sony Electronics

As AV/IT managers plan for the future with limited resources and rigid infrastructures, both proper planning and establishing goals at the onset of a project help keep things on track from a timeline and budget perspective. AV/IT managers should also take advantage of the copious benefits available from manufacturers, such as integrated solutions, warranty programs, and bundles.  

Companies including Sony are providing more transparency to the community by providing important resources such as field-based sales support engineers, technical product documentation and key product specifications, building information modeling (BIM) content, CAD drawings, case studies and white papers, among others. These valuable resources provide a more accessible way to inform, plan, specify, and integrate a project. AV/IT managers should also consider flexible technologies that can accommodate various infrastructures and installation methods. Additionally, scalable technologies that can grow with the customer—through software and firmware updates to unlock new capabilities—allow users to get the most out of their technology without paying for unnecessary features. Selecting trusted, dependable manufacturers that provide compatibility among key partners is also critical to ensuring a seamless installation and longevity. 

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Brad Price, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Audinate

AV networking technology offers flexibility, scalability, and ease of use, becoming the standard protocol for high-quality installations in almost all verticals. In the early stages, however, the adoption of networked AV was slowed by two challenges, the tendency for integrators to stick with familiar, legacy solutions, and the requirement for video signals, which carry more data and require a higher bandwidth in comparison to audio signals. That said, the AV industry has made massive progress in a short period of time to overcome these barriers. 

For those who were reluctant to change, the pandemic showcased the downsides of relying on legacy audio products. For example, at-home recording studios became more important than ever, and adopted audio over IP as a logical step. An IP-driven approach allowed the capture of multi-track audio directly on computers with no need for additional conversions or adapters. This investment in network infrastructure is a safe way for customers and end users of AV systems to smartly future-proof installations. The barriers to entry for networked video came down with the introduction of Dante AV. Dante AV allows complete end-to-end IP workflows encompassing both audio and video, making content more accessible and useful while providing IT-level management and scalability. Dante’s multi-vendor approach delivers true interoperability with low latency and precision timing, even over 1G networks.

To plan for the future, AV and IT managers should look to software-based solutions. Key semiconductor component shortages have accelerated a shift towards the adoption of software solutions in audio and video products. The decreasing costs, increasing computational power, and improving flexibility of the software approach have enabled developers to deploy networking technology such as Dante into a plethora of next-generation AV products, opening up more opportunities for end users.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Justin Kennington, President of the SDVoE Alliance

AV over IP is a fast-growing market. The need for solutions that can support 10 Gbps and deliver true 4K is driving the adoption of IP-based solutions. The rapid innovation of IP-based solutions has disrupted the industry, with different approaches to AV over IP being introduced, leading to a mashup of IP-based solutions that do not deliver a unified solution. The IP mashup has caused immense barriers to entry due to the lack of interoperability. This will only become more complex and create even more significant disruption unless it’s addressed head-on. 

Fortunately, the SDVoE Alliance continues to address today’s AV over IP discrepancies with a completely interoperable full-stack solution. The SDVoE Alliance is the only solution to provide an interoperable solution. Other platforms are either vendor-proprietary or fail to meet full-stack requirements, leading to future interoperability challenges. 

Together, the SDVoE Alliance’s members provide over 700 solutions designed to integrate seamlessly and flexibly to provide system integrators, designers, consultants, and installers with a reliable, sustainable solution. SDVoE technology provides an end-to-end hardware and software platform for AV extension, switching, processing, and control through advanced chipset technology, common control APIs, and interoperability. SDVoE’s off-the-shelf capabilities eliminate the need for manufacturers and users to patch together solutions from many pieces, and, as a result, eliminate traditional barriers to entry for professional AV applications.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: John Storey, CTO and R&D Director at Datapath

The past few years have shown how essential it is to collate and share accurate data. Critical decisions are based on information available, so it makes absolute sense to make these decisions with as much relevant information as possible—whether that’s from camera feeds, news sources or other dedicated information sources.

Being able to instantly transform any video wall display for different emergency situations is now a standard practice in many mission-critical and emergency control rooms, but simply having a rigid display on a video wall is underutilizing what is possible for maximum efficiency. As media has become more routable—and that’s very much thanks to AV over IP—you can bring information together in front of operators in many different ways. And with those advances in display technology, a lot of that can now be shared at operator workstations, and beyond if necessary.

To meet the needs for the growing complexity in control room environments, Datapath has brought to market a platform that is as suitable for modest control rooms as it is to large, multi-source and multi-site organizations—able to design, manage, and monitor entire systems from a single interface. 

Named Aetria, this platform provides a central interface for all configuration and control, bringing numerous benefits to efficiency, reliability, and the ability for full and fluid collaboration. Datapath has developed a solution that allows these workstations to operate as their own personal video wall, displaying any content as they see fit, as well as being able to share anything to any display in the control room environment, or even externally.

Datapath has developed a world-first technology that allows optimum quality video to be shared over 1Gb and 10Gb networks simultaneously, with no visual impact on latency and image quality. A 4K video source can be viewed and shared, as both 4K and HD, on a 10Gb network, while also being transferred more widely on a lesser 1Gb network, for example.

It also brings significant security and deployment considerations. Squeezing sources over an IP network brings visual quality considerations, and perhaps most importantly for command and control, and latency issues. Unless the use of encoded video streams (typically H.264/5) for the primary control aspect is immediately written out, the high encoding latency makes real-time control clunky and difficult to use in practice. The commoditization of 10Gb networking components now allows uncompressed or visually lossless compression techniques to be employed that don’t incur the same latency penalty.

Clearly, data security in the control room is vital, and end users need to know that their systems are as safe as possible. With Datapath’s Aetria solution, security is built in. All connections are secured with enterprise-grade AES encryption, and user sessions and APIs are secured with TLS encryption. Finally, the role-based user rights management functionality can be used standalone or integrated with an existing enterprise identity and access management platform.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Gina Cunsolo, Content Marketing at Yamaha Unified Communications

Throughout the years, AV’s shift to the network has been repeatedly met with resistance. Though the benefits to AV over IP or hybrid workflows seem obvious—remote controls, time saved, more capacity for routing—the transition can be tricky. For one, reliability and network security are common concerns among IT managers. 

Many companies must also consider whether an AV-over-IP or AV-over-IT approach could function within their existing environment, or whether it’ll require overhauling their legacy infrastructure. If the latter, then decision-makers must assess a wide number of competing methodologies on how to implement the transition. AV and IT managers quickly realize that a successful switch can be a lengthy process, including staying up to date on the latest industry protocols, establishing standard feature priorities based on projects, choosing the right codec, justifying the cost increase, and establishing a protocol for troubleshooting post-transition.

However, in spite of the barriers to entry, companies are increasingly realizing that the hybrid workflow is making a switch to the network essential for their business. One way that AV and IT managers can overcome limited resources and plan for the future is by looking for new technology that can easily interact with existing older AV gear, such as existing codec, AMPS, USB, and speakers. It’ll also be wise to find solutions that can operate on an organization’s existing IT infrastructure, separate from original AV pathways

Finding Dante-enabled products that leverage simple cable Ethernet standards will eliminate frustrating wiring and integration. Lastly, choosing an all-encompassing solution with a simple setup will require little technical knowledge to deploy and own, resulting in far fewer troubleshooting calls to the IT department.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Peter Herr, Director of Global Integrated Systems Marketing at Shure

The adoption of networked AV systems promises enhanced audio quality, more flexible signal routing, and the efficiency of using the organization’s existing network infrastructure. Together, these benefits make networked AV an attractive choice for corporate, education, and government organizations that need to deliver superior audio and video in a wide variety of room types and respond to changing configurations and needs.

But realizing the benefits of AVoIP requires organizations to have a firm grasp of their network’s topology and configuration. Especially at smaller and mid-size organizations, the time and expertise required to optimize the network to run AV alongside other enterprise applications efficiently and securely places an added burden on IT departments who are responsible for managing the network.

This creates a hurdle that may discourage some organizations from adopting networked AVoIP or prevent them from reaping the full benefit of it. The fundamental value of AVoIP should be attainable without extensive configuration of AV or networking components. In addition, these systems should be easy to deploy in both smaller and larger settings, and provide seamless interoperability that does not demand time-consuming trial and error. There’s no room for experimentation; networked AV needs to work right the first time.

Fortunately, AV system providers have rapidly enhanced the interoperability between AV components and the network switches that provide the platform for them to work. This has greatly simplified the installation and commissioning process, enabling system integrators and IT departments to make rooms conference-ready in less time, and with less effort.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: John Henkel, Director of SMB Product Marketing at NETGEAR

AV over IP has become more mainstream over the past few years following a decades-long discussion about the transition from analog to digital to IP. While AVoIP offers many advantages for pro AV users, there remain some challenges.

With the ability to scale as needed, the flexibility of using standard networking infrastructure, and a wide range of products for any application, AV over IP solves many problems in today’s commercial and residential installations. However, complicated, time-consuming configurations and stringent IT demands are creating unneeded barriers to installation.

The requirements of AV on a network are very different from standard IT environments, bringing far more complexity. For instance, not all types of AV over IP require the same configuration. Each must be set up correctly so you don’t get audio pops or dropped video frames, for example. Setting up these systems perfectly every time requires either a highly trained AV engineer with an IT background or a network switch built for the AV industry with an easier way to configure reliably and consistently.

Adding to the barrier of adoption, most AV people don’t speak IT fluently. There needs to be a bridge in which certain terms can be jointly understood to allow better communication between AV and IT teams. More IT-based training for AV people and vice versa is required to help both sides understand the unique needs of the other.

AV over IP is here to stay and for good reason, so finding ways to take away the complexity surrounding its technology is essential. And while revamping your IT network infrastructure to fit AV needs may seem like a costly expenditure, it doesn’t have to be. AV/IT managers should look for products that tailor specifically to AV for all kinds of budgets while offering the same enterprise-level functionality and security.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

As we begin 2023, some of the challenges created in 2020 seem like a distant memory, with many having adapted to working and living during a pandemic. A greater need for networked AV/IT endpoints, appliances, and systems continues.

While in recovery mode, the chip and part shortage got manufacturers, integrators, and AV/IT managers thinking outside the box—sometimes quite literally. Although software-defined AV had been discussed and solutions presented well before 2020, there’s hardly a product engineer, technology consultant, or CTO who isn’t now taking a much harder look at the overall ecosystem.

The barriers to entry for the full adoption of networked AV haven’t gone away and likely won’t for the foreseeable future. Interoperability and security issues remain high on the list for most IT departments. Let’s face it, IT folks like standards and want anything touching the network—even on its own VLAN—to be secure and to continuously work.

[ 31 AVoIP and Networked AV Products that Set the Standard ]

The AV industry has been diligently working towards creating standards and protocols. With AES67 being the most widely known standard for audio over IP and the Dante protocol being used in more than 3,000 products, interoperability between those like-minded devices is ensured.

Perspectives

“Realizing the benefits of AVoIP requires organizations to have a firm grasp of their network’s topology and configuration,” said Peter Herr, director of Global Integrated Systems Marketing at Shure. “Especially at smaller and mid-size organizations, the time and expertise required to optimize the network to run AV alongside other enterprise applications efficiently and securely places an added burden on IT departments who are responsible for managing the network.”

Ken Eagle, vice president of Technology at Hall Technologies, added, “In nearly all cases, the existing AV solutions can be configured to work with the IP network. This will involve adding some type of encoder and decoder to provide the bridge between AV and IP solutions, so tech managers should be investigating and testing these kinds of solutions.”

Making an argument for investing in new technologies can be a challenge. Taft Stricklin, sales team manager at Just Add Power, suggested, “AV/IT managers can future-proof their AV-over-IP system with agile and modular components. Modularity delivers the capacity for growth and can benefit organizations.”

AV over IP is here to stay and for a good reason, added John Henkel, director of SMB Product Marketing at NETGEAR. “So, finding ways to take away the complexity surrounding its technology is essential,” he said. “And while revamping your IT network infrastructure to fit AV needs may seem like a costly expenditure, it doesn’t have to be. AV/IT managers should look for products that tailor specifically to AV for all kinds of budgets while offering the same enterprise-level functionality and security.”

And if you had to hedge your bets, Paul Harris, CEO at Aurora Multimedia, offered this definitive statement: “Cable is the key to everything. Equipment comes and goes, but cable is the costliest for labor as it is buried in walls, ceilings, and floors. It is the most worthwhile investment and can stay around for decades if chosen correctly.”

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what these industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV.

Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS) 

AMX HARMAN

ATEN Technology

Atlona

Audinate

Aurora

C2G

Crestron

Datapath

Hall Technologies

HDBaseT Alliance

IHSE USA

Just Add Power

Matrox Graphics

Meyer Sound

NETGEAR

Samsung

SDVoE Alliance

Shure

Sony

Vanco

VuWall

Yamaha Unified Communications

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Ken Eagle, vice president of Technology at Hall Technologies

Networked AVoIP is a good news/bad news scenario for most enterprises. The good news is that the majority of networks today support gigabit Ethernet traffic. This is still sufficient for most corporate data and for many AV applications.

But now for some not-so-good news; as more AV applications migrate to the network, existing infrastructure will need to be modified or upgraded to support the increased load demands put on the network. In some cases, 10-gigabit network paths could be required. And almost universally, data traffic will need to be segmented on the network for security and management purposes.

In nearly all cases, the existing AV solutions can be configured to work with the IP network. This will involve adding some type of encoder and decoder to provide the bridge between AV and IP solutions, so tech managers should be investigating and testing these kinds of solutions. A robust solution should accommodate the network needs beyond the short-term and be scalable for the years ahead.

The simplest way to overcome limited resources is for AV and IT managers to leverage the manufacturer’s assistance. Most manufacturers have highly educated engineers and design staff, and some even have training and education programs to help with rollout, integration, training, and support functions. Your manufacturer will partner with you to create the best design for your system, taking into account both immediate and future needs, as well as your business objectives.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Paul Harris, CEO of Aurora Multimedia

When existing infrastructure is involved, the cabling is everything, as it will determine the bandwidth of the AV over IP and the distance it can travel. At a minimum, CAT 5e will allow 1G AVoIP to achieve a resolution of 4K60 4:4:4 100m (330ft) with very good quality of image and with as little as a frame of latency. The higher the grade cable, the better the bandwidth. CAT 6A cabling allows for 100m of 10G at 4K60 4:4:4, but where the higher-grade cable will make the bigger difference is for installs that want 8K 4:4:4 or 4K120, as the compression will be minimal and so will the latency.

The higher the grade cable, the better the bandwidth. CAT 6A cabling allows for 100m of 10G at 4K60 4:4:4, but where the higher-grade cable will make the bigger difference is for installs that want 8K 4:4:4 or 4K120, as the compression will be minimal and so will the latency. Fiber is no different. If the install has OM2 it will be lacking by today’s standards, but OM3 or OM4 can allow 10G and 40G to go a good amount of distance, and for far distances single mode will go 20km or more. The only downside to fiber is no PoE, so local power will be required. The network switch is the second piece to the puzzle, as an old switch can limit switching speeds and overall capability. Modern switches today will support IGMP, VLAN, auto-stacking, AVB, and more. This will be necessary to deliver the AVoIP effectively from one part of the network to the other. Finally, there is the AVoIP equipment itself. While it is ideal to use standards, it is difficult these days as there is not one single standard that stands out. Because of this, I tell people to evaluate their application and purchase what is right for the application, knowing there is a high probability that an upgrade will be required in five to 10 years. Therefore, cable is the key to everything. Equipment comes and goes, but cable is the costliest for labor as it is buried in walls, ceilings, and floors. It is the most worthwhile investment, and can stay around for decades if chosen correctly.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what these industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV.

On AVoX, the Intro

Aurora

Hall Technologies

(More will be posted in the coming days)

Whether you are all-in on networked AV or just starting to explore your options, the following products provide a snapshot of the latest offerings from 31 manufacturers. 

Shure's Microflex Ecosystem

Shure’s Microflex Ecosystem offers a complete portfolio of networked audio solutions that can be tailored to the needs of the end user. The Microflex Ecosystem offers unmatched ease of deployment, less complexity, and remote management.

Shure has partnered with NETGEAR to further streamline AVoIP deployments that incorporate both Microflex Ecosystem products and NETGEAR switches. This enables integrators to save time configuring rooms while continuing to provide consistent, best-in-class audio for their customers. The NETGEAR switch comes pre-installed with two Shure profiles, allowing integrators to optimize switch settings and customize VLANs for control and audio when deploying Microflex Ecosystem devices.

Datapath’s Aetria 

Datapath’s Aetria is an integrated platform for the design, management, and control of command and control room applications. Also suitable for any multi-source/multi-end-point application, Aetria brings all elements of AV management into a single interface, with AVoIP industry-first developments that deliver an unprecedented level of power and flexibility.

The comprehensive, in-built Aetria Designer software ensures a hassle-free project from the very start, allowing integrators to fully specify their project, complete with schematics. Following installation of hardware, Aetria Command Center provides a comprehensive, unified interface to manage, configure, and monitor the control room. 

As you would expect from Datapath, this ability to adjust and update content anywhere in real time comes with full access protocols and secure user rights management.

Just Add Power’s 718KVM and 749KVM Transmitters 

Just Add Power’s 718KVM and 749KVM Transmitters will replace the out-of-stock 718AVP and 749AVP indefinitely. Like the AVP models, the new PoE transmitters encode a 4K or lower-resolution source device into an IP signal and send it over the network with ultra-low latency and instant switching; support HDCP 2.2 and USB 2.0; and feature image pull, stereo audio output 3.5mm with adjustable delay, and RS-232, IR, and CEC control of sources. Once available, the upgrade will enable Dolby DSP, re-encoding Dolby Digital 5.1 as Dolby Pro Logic II for HDMI distribution to both multi-channel and stereo audio zones, and provide two analog audio inputs that are mixable with HDMI audio.

Hall Technologies’ VERSA-4K Extenders 

Hall Technologies’ VERSA-4K Extenders deliver stunning digital signage in any configuration. Using an economical Gigabit LAN, VERSA senders and receivers come together to create a dynamic virtual matrix, capable of delivering HDMI video up to 4K anywhere across the network. The VERSA’s built-in video wall processor allows for customizable video wall displays, from 2x2 up to 16x16. Bidirectional IR and RS-232 are used to remotely control sources and displays. Super-low video latency and USB extension give further flexibility to create responsive interactive displays or give full remote KVM access for IT departments. Versa-4K supports web-based control over signal routing from any web-enabled device.

Yamaha’s ADECIA 

Yamaha’s ADECIA solution is a complete and customizable conferencing solution for the office or the classroom. ADECIA automatically detects components and optimizes them for the room environment, accounting for speaker and microphone location, reverberation, and echo behavior. Room setup is completed via system configurator in four effortless steps. The solution includes the RM-CR remote conference processor, the VXL1-16P Dante/PoE-compatible line array speaker, and Yamaha’s SWR2311P-10G PoE network switch. It is available with three Dante-enabled microphone types—tabletop, ceiling, and wireless—and is packed with Yamaha’s innovative audio technologies such as human voice activity detection, dereverberation, noise reduction, echo cancellation, and automatic gain control.

Opticis USA’s HDFX-500/700 Extenders 

Opticis USA’s HDFX-500/700 Extenders provide connectivity in tightly spaced areas, and continue the company’s legacy of providing state-of-the-art signal management products for the AV industry.

HDFX-700 and HDFX-500 represent a zero-latency, secure format to move HDMI signals far longer than copper. Both units support HDMI2.0 and extend 4K (4096x2160) 60Hz up to 200 meters (656 feet) over one LC multi-mode fiber. Both support HDR 10/12 bit within maximum bandwidth of 18 Gbps, and comply with CEC, EDID and HDCP 2.2/1.4. In addition, both units support ARC up to 200 meters. Fiber optic extensions provide the fastest, most secure form of signal transmission available in today’s environment.

VuWall’s PAK Video Wall Node

VuWall’s PAK Video Wall Node, recipient of the ISE 2022 and InfoComm 2022 Best of Show awards, can operate as a standalone device or be stitched with other PAK nodes to build an IP-based video wall of any size. A cost-effective and compact appliance, PAK simplifies video wall deployments by reducing the number of connections and eliminating a single point of failure, reducing project risk and improving system reliability. Powered by VuWall’s TRx software, PAK supports variable outputs and features multi-format decoding of up to 32 HD streams per device, including H.264, NDI and remote desktops, or virtualized browsers using VNC. 

Sony’s BRAVIA 4K HDR Professional Displays

Sony’s BRAVIA 4K HDR Professional Displays, which feature an SoC platform and superior image quality, also provide extensive integration and control options. From IP control for easy installation to integrated screen mirroring from a mobile device, the displays are also compatible with industry standard platforms and protocols, including Crestron Connected and XiO Cloud, Kramer Control, and TSItouch, making them a turn-key solution for viewing, sharing, customizing, interacting with, and controlling content.

Atlona’s OmniStream AV-over-IP Systems 

Atlona’s OmniStream AV-over-IP Systems are simple to set up and manage for everything from single classrooms and meeting spaces to entire corporate and education campuses. Most deployments start with OmniStream networked encoders and decoders, such as Atlona’s OmniStream 111 single-channel encoder and OmniStream 121 single-channel decoder. The OmniStream 111 supports HDMI sources up to UHD@60Hz and HDR, plus embedded audio and RS-232 pass-through. It features visually lossless video compression technology and achieves extremely low, sub-frame latency when paired with an OmniStream 121 decoder. OmniStream 121 benefits include simple scalability, audio de-embedding, and broadcast-quality 4K performance with visually lossless decoding.

Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Ceiling 2

Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC2) is trusted by thousands of customers around the world to deliver world-class performance in both in-person and hybrid meetings and lectures. Our ceiling microphone with TruVoicelift combines ease of installation, setup, and configuration with incomparable sound quality and control. TCC2 is also compatible with various ecosystems like Q-SYS ecosystems and Crestron’s control system platform, enabling remote access to the microphone’s audio parameters. While we’ve all faced supply chain challenges, Sennheiser continues to rely on the consistency of German engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain management to serve our customers—today and into the future.

ZeeVee’s ZyPer Management Platform 

ZeeVee’s ZyPer Management Platform is regularly cited by customers as a key differentiator in choosing their company’s products. It is designed to provide intuitive control of the company’s ZyPer4K (SDVoE, uncompressed 4K, 10 Gbps) and ZyPerUHD (JPEG2000, compressed, 1 Gbps) AVoIP encoders and decoders. Content from up to 19 sources can be simply dragged and dropped onto video wall displays via an intuitive onscreen interface to present immersive visual experiences. In addition, switching between display configurations is easier than ever before, enabling the seamless creation of video walls of configurations up to 15x15 without any additional equipment.

DTEN’s Mate 

DTEN’s Mate is a multi-purpose, award-winning touchscreen tablet purpose built to manage and enhance Zoom meeting experiences. DTEN Mate will interface with any manufacturer’s existing Zoom Rooms hardware. Start a meeting, control the camera, admit participants, and more; DTEN Mate seamlessly supports Zoom Rooms Controller (ZRC) through its 10.1-inch LED high-capacitive touchscreen.

Adding to its versatility, DTEN Mate also supports Zoom Rooms Scheduler (ZRS) to reserve spaces, check room availability, and streamline bookings. Both wireless and PoE versions are available; optional mounting and security hardware are included. 

C2G’s Extender System

C2G’s Extender System features a decoder, encoder, and network controller, and offers HDMI over IP in 4K resolution to stream outstanding-quality video over the network. Perfect for retail, corporate, security, and education environments—the extender system provides integrators with multiple HDMI-over-network configurations, ensuring the flexibility to support a digital signage system; a video wall; and point-to-point extension, including multiview capabilities. H.264/H.265 technology has exceptionally low bandwidth requirements, allowing streaming of audio/video content over a local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi, and the internet for distributed installations. The system is easy to install, easy to configure, and easy to expand.

Kramer’s KDS-7 Series

Kramer’s KDS-7 Series are high-performance, highly scalable AVoIP streaming solutions for anywhere low-latency and high-quality 4K60 4.2.0 video presentation is required. KDS-7 offers a full range of encoders and decoders to support up to 1,000 video devices, simple and fast deployment, and scaling to suit any size network AV installation. Available immediately for deployment; however, delivery is subject to shipment timing.

kvm-tec’s Multiviewer and Extender 

kvm-tec’s Multiviewer and Extender solutions satisfy the demands of companies who are continuing to understand the full capabilities of integrating KVM over IP systems, as it is becoming increasingly clear that supporting low-latency and up to 4K resolutions weighs heavily on buyer decisions.

The scalable line is a KVM multiviewer system supporting up to 16 sources that can be combined and scaled to fit on a 4K monitor. Features included PiP, picture overlap, video wall functions, and image cropping. The media4Kconnect is a Displayport 1.2 extender, supporting 4K resolutions up to 4096x2160@60Hz or ultra-wide 5K resolutions up to 5120x1440@60Hz.

Crestron’s VC-4 Virtual Control 

Crestron’s VC-4 Virtual Control platform enables organizations to unify and control a growing number of devices intelligently and efficiently. VC-4 complements industry-leading Crestron hardware control systems, bringing together all the functionality of Crestron industry-leading hardware control systems with more efficient scalability. Capable of supporting up to 500 spaces on a single server, VC-4 enables mass deployment of customized or standardized configurations with the press of a button, delivering significant savings of time and labor costs while dramatically increasing the overall control platform lifecycle. Crestron Control integrates all aspects of in-room technology into a single touch screen or keypad for a consistent, simple end user control experience.

PTZOptics’ Move Pro

PTZOptics’ Move Pro features simultaneous output capabilities for SDI, HDMI, USB, and IP. This PTZ camera has native NDI|HX capabilities and is capable of 4K at 60fps (1080p at 60fps over SDI), with up to 30x optical zoom. The Move Pro can be deployed in any production environment, from state-of-the-art networked systems to applications in the midst of an AVoIP transition, to plug-and-play USB video conferencing. It has beamform-driven auto-tracking capabilities, an upgraded optical lens, a whisper-quiet motor, an onboard LED showing the camera’s video resolution and IP address, and a built-in tally light for multi-camera deployment.

Poly’s Room Solutions for Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows

Poly’s Room Solutions for Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows deliver a simple, clutter free user experience with brilliant video and audio features for rooms of all sizes. All-in-one video bars free up the conference table surface, especially in smaller rooms, while the tabletop touch controller connects to the dedicated collaboration PC securely stowed in the cabinet or on the wall with a single cable. Poly AI-driven technologies such as Poly DirectorAI equalize physical distances in the meeting room and ensure that everyone in the room is seen clearly with automatic camera framing technology. Audio innovations such as Poly NoiseBlockAI and Acoustic Fence technology intelligently block out unwanted noise.

DVIGear’s DN-300 Series

DVIGear’s DN-300 Series is the newest and most versatile member of DVIGear’s DisplayNet product line. Based on the latest SDVoE ASIC technology, the DN-300 delivers an unprecedented level of functionality and versatility in an ultra-compact, low-profile product. This single unit provides switchable transmitter and receiver functionality, copper and fiber 10G network interfaces, auxiliary H.264/5 video outputs, PoE+ support, plus a myriad of other advanced features. It also includes software-defined multiviewer and advanced video wall engines that can efficiently enable a wide range of applications. The DN-300 is available now, at a remarkably low price point that defines a new industry standard for value.

PPDS’s Wave Cloud Platform

PPDS’s Wave Cloud Platform provides advanced, effortless control and management capabilities for professional displays. Wave ensures faster, more cost-effective installation and service times, with the ability to securely provision and monitor hundreds of thousands of units on a simple, intuitive interface.

AV/IT managers can view status; and access or assign precise information, details, and controls to each display. Firmware and software updates, debugging screens, adjustable settings, additional basic content, alerts, and anticipating issues are just some of the evolving features.

Philips SoC signage displays with Android 7, including Philips Q-Line, D-Line, T-Line, and C-Line digital are supported, with dvLED, interactive, and video wall displays and professional TVs to be added.

QSC’s Q-SYS Core Nano 

QSC’s Q-SYS Core Nano is built on the same technology as the other Q-SYS processors, but the Core Nano is designed for lower network channel capacity and/or targeted processing requirements. You can unlock the processor’s full potential with Q-SYS scaling licenses. 

The Core Nano offers a purely network AV&C processing and can process and route up to 64x64 network channels and include 8x8 channels of software Dante (with the option to license up 32x32 Dante channels). Optimized for collaboration spaces, the Core Nano features USB integration with all major web conferencing applications, eight channels of acoustic echo cancellation, and a full-featured control engine for third-party device integration.

Christie Terra

Christie Terra, with its based on off-the-shelf 10G Ethernet components, allows for the design of simple, flexible, and highly scalable system architectures that deliver great performance and user experience at a drastically lower total cost of ownership. With a lineup of transmitters, receivers, as well as processing and control hardware and software, Terra solutions include everything required to design and integrate complete Software Defined Video over Ethernet (SDVoE) systems for applications that demand the ultimate in performance and quality.

LynTec’s XPC Series

LynTec’s XPC Series remote relay modules extend the reach of the company’s relay panels and motorized circuit breakers. They can be placed anywhere equipment is located, eliminating the expense of bringing electricity all the way back to the main panel. The family includes 20- and 30-amp relay modules and 20-amp and 80-amp rack sequencers that simply connect to a power source and the network, and then to the equipment. Using LynTec’s IP-based GUI, users can set up and customize the control and sequencing for each device. The XPC controller offers LynTec’s trusted RPC control solution in a standalone 1RU rack-mounted enclosure.

Extron’s NAV Pro AV over IP

Extron’s NAV Pro AV over IP not only delivers perfect, 4K60 video with 4:4:4 chroma sampling and ultra-low latency, but also provides powerful Vector 4K scaling and SmartGlide KVM workstation technology, enabling a broad range of dynamic applications. From the classroom to the boardroom; from workstation to the operation center; the NAV Series creates breathtaking WindoWall video walls and powerful pro AVoIP workstations with SmartGlide KVM switching. The NAV Series has many IT-friendly features, such as 802.1X admission control, standard IGMP V2 or V3 multicast, and SRTP protocol with AES encryption.

ATEN Technology’s VE8900/VE8950/VE8952 AVoIP Series 

ATEN Technology’s VE8900/VE8950/VE8952 AVoIP Series provides an effective, easy-to-use, and economical solution with many unique features that directly address the challenges system integrators encounter when implementing AV over IP systems. Engineered to meet the demands of today’s large-scale, multi-display 1080p/4K signal transmission requirements, the VE8900/VE8950/VE8952 is suitable for use in a wide range of environments—point-to-point as well as multipoint-to-multipoint—including trade shows, airports, university campuses, conference centers, and shopping centers. An easy-to-use control app allows the user to configure the sources/displays and scheduling for these extenders.

Vanco’s EVO-IP HDMI-over-IP System

Vanco’s EVO-IP HDMI-over-IP System allows installers to manage, transmit, and receive AV signals and control hundreds of devices over a local network. Fully customizable and easy to install, the award-winning EVO-IP transmits virtually lossless 4K@60Hz or 1080p@60Hz, 4:4:4, HDR, HDCP 2.2 video, audio, and IR/RS232 control. The EVO-IP is perfect for point-to-point AV distribution, matrix video distribution, video walls, digital signage, and more. A built-in scheduling mode allows users to automate switching for sporting events and meetings. The EVO-IP can be controlled from anywhere with a native web-based GUI, iOS and Android control apps, or third-party control integration.

Black Box’s MCX G2 Series Multimedia Distribution and Management System 

Black Box’s MCX G2 Series Multimedia Distribution and Management System features the performance of the original S9 and S7 series but adds several market-leading features, including best-in-class, source-to-screen latency (less than 18 microseconds), a video loop-through connection, USB-C and three-port USB 2.0 connectivity, and PoE capability. These features provide a more flexible solution, faster design/implementation, and lower overall cost. The Black Box MCX takes advantage of SDVoE and modern 10 GbE infrastructure to allow AV and data payloads. Rather than deploy an entirely new network, users can take advantage of the software-defined solution to leverage existing infrastructure for delivery of better-quality audio and video.

Covid’s 8K HDMI 

Covid’s 8K HDMI Cables are engineered for performance and reliability, allowing pro AV installers to design and deploy state-of-the-art 8K systems. The cable supports Deep Color and x.v.Color, HDR10, eARC for Dolby ATMOS and DTS-X 5.1/7.1, lossless Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD surround sound, as well as CEC extension commands and functions, HDMI Ethernet channel, and ARC features. Integrators can design for up to 32 audio channels (LPCM) and 21:9 aspect ratio. Solidly constructed and ultra-flexible, the cable’s aluminum housing features a gold-plated HDMI connector with a low-profile aluminum head, which is perfect for tight spaces.

Blackmagic Design’s ATEM Constellation HD

Blackmagic Design’s ATEM Constellation HD is a new family of live production switchers that include powerful broadcast features. ATEM 1 M/E Constellation HD as 10 3GSDI inputs, ATEM 2 M/E Constellation HD   has 20 3GSDI inputs, and ATEM 4 M/E Constellation HD   has 40 3GSDI inputs. All models include full standards conversion on every SDI input, four ATEM advanced chroma keyers per M/E row, up to four DVEs depending on the model, media players, larger media pool, and much more. ATEM Constellation HD can be connected to a computer network for more powerful control.

Artel Video Systems’ SMART openGear Platform

Artel Video Systems’ SMART openGear Platform is a software-defined, four-channel, auto-sense SD-SDI/HD-SDI/3G/4K-over-IP multifunction gateway. SMART OG supports the family of JPEG compression engines, including those specified in VSF TR-01, TR-07, and TR-08, onto the openGear platform. With SMART OG, users can deploy hardware once and easily change the gateway functionality via software selection. The SMART OG may be adapted for a growing array of functions such as encoding per JPEG2000, JPEG-XS, SMPTE ST 2110, SMPTE ST 2022-1/2/5/6/7, H.265, or other functions yet to be specified. The gateway provides four BNCs for SDI or ASI input/output and two 10GbE SFPs for trunking and aggregation.

TSL’s Universal Control Panels

TSL’s Universal Control Panels can be tailored to a range of AV applications, from controlling a single device to more complex operations. As a standalone, compact control system, commands can be programmed directly into TCP/serial message strings to highlight status information, customize text, and trigger events. An event can be a single device parameter or commands such as dimming the lights, turning on the projector, and switching the audio. The control panels are adaptable, powerful, easy to set up and maintain, and come in a number of shapes and sizes to suit any installation.

Periodically, you might need to investigate why a connection from one of your devices to an internet-based service is underperforming. Figure 1 shows such a hypothetical situation. The server at XYZ Company has an address of 10.13.14.15 and is providing a service such as banking, streaming audio, or email. The service is intended for your PC at 192.168.3.13. Let’s also suppose the service is slow but not stopped. You decide to contact your ISP because you are suspicious that their network slowness is the culprit. Here is a list of typical questions and steps your ISP could suggest.

● Do you have an IP address? Check by using cmd ipconfig.
● Are you able to ping the server? Try typing ping 10.13.14.15 in the command window and hitting enter.
● Is DNS working? In the command window type ping www.google.com.
● Reboot and repeat steps 1-3.

None of these steps is likely to give you any additional information about improving the performance of the service. The ISP helpdesk agent is likely to be following a script that is used with all callers. Here are some of the reasons why this won’t be helpful.

● You already have an address since the service is working, albeit poorly.
● The ping command request packet will never reach the server. The server is using a private IP address and is in a private network. The ping might reach the XYZ gateway but it will certainly be dropped, and you won’t know that it has been dropped.
● DNS might be slow, but it is currently working. Otherwise, you would have no connection to the service.

Slowness in an IP WAN connection is generally much more difficult to diagnose and repair than can be remedied by answering a list of question or implementing a few steps. Here is short list of possible causes of slowness categorized by the transport protocol the server may be using.

THE SERVER IS USING UDP:

● There is an overburdened link in the path to the server. If one of the links is wireless, it might easily be oversaturated or operating at well below its nominal speed.
● Your network has a high level of background traffic.

THE SERVER IS USING TCP:

● The round-trip time (RTT) to the server is high. This reduces TCP throughput.
● An excessive number of packets are being dropped. This also decreases throughput.
● Your network has competing TCP traffic. TCP servers and clients try to share the bandwidth with other devices. If too many devices are sharing, throughput decreases for all of the devices.

In addition, many services now require continual re-authentication. Such authentication is often slower than it should be.

Most of the five causes on the short list can be investigated with network performance tools or Wireshark. However, they may require a higher level of skill than is available from the ISP helpdesk.

Using the words “smooth transition” when it comes to implementing networked AV might be a stretch if there is a lack of communication between the AV and IT departments. 

The AV and IT departments of many corporate companies and institutions of higher education have joined forces as one. However, it’s clear that almost as many have not, and communication between them is at best, a challenge.

If you want to avoid the dreaded four words, “not on my network” it will help to understand some IT needs and terms when talking to the head of the department.

The Language Barrier Between AV and IT

There’s a language barrier that isn’t helped by the fact that there’s not a published common set of AV standards. The IT world, on the other hand, references a 3-inch-thick book of standards from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

It is incumbent on AV manufacturers to provide and support the AV team with the language needed for IT to see that a product is compliant. For instance, a manufacturer should be able to confidently state that a product supports 802.1X, an IEEE standard for port-based Network Access Control (PNAC). This provides an authentication mechanism to devices wishing to connect to a LAN or WLAN.

AV Starting Points for Talking to IT

Paul Zielie, consulting solutions architect at AVCoIP LLC recommends starting with an accurate scope of the project, and answer these questions first:

1. What is the business value, including the internal sponsorship the project brings?

2. How many devices need to be added to the network, and where they will physically reside?

3. Where will network traffic be required? Will admin or user computers need to access the devices? Will the devices need to get to the internet or the wide area?

Brushing up on the language of an IT networking professional so you can fluidly communicate with them can help. Remember, you are playing in their sandbox, and they are responsible for protecting the data of your enterprise, and every device that goes on the network is a risk.

Phil Hippensteel, an instructor at Penn State Harrisburg, said AV managers should have a good understanding of the following before going to the IT department:

1. How variable subnet masks work, e.g., 255.255.255.224

2. The differences between TCP and UDP traffic

3. How ARP, DNS, and DHCP work.

[ Glossary of AV/IT Terms ]

Be Ready to Articulate Why

An IT manager knows the network benefits of communications systems such as email and VOIP, as well as access to servers and printers. A convincing case for why AV belongs on the network will sell the “why” to the IT folks.

“There are two primary benefits to using networked AV products,” said Zielie. First is the scalability and cost efficiency of using existing, standardized infrastructure to implement AV services. Second is reducing the operational costs and decreasing incident response times associated with the AV application by leveraging the ability to remotely access AV equipment and perform troubleshooting and maintenance. Standardized infrastructure and reducing operational costs are familiar IT concepts, so you’re speaking their language.

At the basic level, having networked AV products allow for centralized and streamlined control capabilities. Having each device on the network allows for easy deployment of code, firmware, and troubleshooting of devices.

[ AMX Networked AV Solutions at Forefront of Swedish Restaurant Chain's American-Style Sports Bar Experience ]

Preparing for a Constructive AV on the Network Conversation

Helpful information you should bring to the IT department to have a constructive conversation include:

• A basic network diagram of what you are trying to accomplish
• Network ports that need to be open on the network for proper communication
• Necessary VLAN configurations in order for proper isolation of communication protocols
• Bandwidth requirements necessary at the local network switch and between network switches
• A network risk assessment document detailing the security protocols of the various equipment being placed on the network
• Is any special network hardware required? For instance, in the case of AVB, particular network switches must be used to handle the AVB traffic
• An IP scheme concept for the equipment and an understanding of what devices are capable of doing. For instance, can a DNS name be set? Is the device capable of being set to a static IP address? How must other devices communicate with this device?

Navigating

“You need to be able to understand and describe where the network traffic needs to go,” said Zielie. Think of where the network traffic will be required—just between devices? Will admin or user computers need to access the devices? Will the devices need to get to the internet or the wide area?

“VLAN and multicast route requirements come out of the understanding of where network traffic will be required, possibly combined with the need for security or bandwidth control,” Zielie said. “Your network people should be able to help you come up with the right combinations.”

During a live virtual event on February 16th, QSC announced the NM Series tabletop network microphone and the NL Series network loudspeakers for the Q-SYS cloud-manageable audio, video and control platform. Powered by the Q-SYS OS, these new products join the recently introduced Q-SYS NC Series conference cameras and Q-SYS TSC Series Gen 3 network touch screen controllers to provide a complete suite of native IP-based Q-SYS collaboration products for designers, consultants, integrators and IT end users.

[ Exclusive Interview: QSC Creates Two Independent Divisions ]

Q-SYS NM Series network microphones

The Q-SYS NM Series NM-T1 is a tabletop PoE network microphone that features advanced beamforming technology with four software-configurable zones and up to 360° coverage, allowing designers to minimize noise and refine intelligibility for optimal collaboration experiences. The NM-T1 enables users to easily manage meetings with a fully programmable RGB LED light ring for visual indication of microphone mute state. For touchless operation, it includes an integrated proximity sensor that is activated with a simple hand wave over the microphone.

All processing on the NM-T1 is centralized on the Q-SYS Core processor, providing processing flexibility and headroom for additional field-deployable microphone enhancements via software now and into the future. For example, the new Q-SYS Collaboration Bundle scaling licenses for the Q-SYS Core Nano or Core 8 Flex enables users to scale up and scale out their Q-SYS installation unlocking processing resources to allow for additional NM-T1 microphones and/or other software-based features.

Q-SYS NL Series network loudspeakers

The NL Series loudspeakers for Q-SYS offer three enclosure types, all delivering optimal speech and music reproduction to any modern collaboration space. As the first QSC soundbar, the Q-SYS NL-SB42 is a 4-inch, two-way network PoE soundbar optimized for front-of-room audio in either horizontal or vertical orientations. The Q-SYS NL-P4 is a 4-inch full-range pendant-mount PoE network loudspeaker to accommodate open-ceiling installations, and the Q-SYS NL-C4 is a 4-inch ceiling-mount PoE network loudspeaker for blind-mount finished ceiling applications.

 [ QSC Roadmap 2022 ]

The NL Series models feature sleek, elegant designs with complimentary sonic characteristics making it possible for users to mix-and-match form factors to fit the unique needs of any space. In addition, integrators can utilize QSC’s Intrinsic Correction™ to simplify the tuning process using built-in custom QSC loudspeaker voicings delivered by Q-SYS. All NL Series models are PoE and PoE+ capable, delivering audio data, power and control over a single network connection, greatly reducing traditional cabling infrastructure costs and complexity while expediting deployment.

Q-SYS Call Sync

As native Q-SYS Products designed to work seamlessly together, the NM Series microphone, NL Series soundbar and TSC Series Gen 3 touch screen controllers benefit from the new Q-SYS Call Sync technology. This automatically syncs mute state, call controls and LED status indicators across compatible Q-SYS Products, major UC platforms and calling systems (VoIP/POTS) enabling a simplified collaboration experience without the need for complicated programming. Q-SYS Call Sync will be available in the upcoming Q-SYS Designer Software v9.5.

“These introductions continue the expansion of the Q-SYS portfolio towards more IT-friendly solutions that deliver a true end-to-end IP based Q-SYS system for virtually any dynamic collaboration space,” said Josh Arnold, Senior Product Manager, QSC. “The idea was to deliver flexibility and simplicity for integrators and end users alike, while leveraging the unique software-based power of the Q-SYS OS to drive a truly unique approach to the collaboration space and allow system flexibility as room needs change and evolve.”

[ QSC Names Jatan Shah President and Chief Operating Officer ]

Check out the opening remarks to the QSC’s virtual event, and all new product releases:

[ QSC's President and COO Opens Live Virtual Event Where 15 New Products Were Unveiled ]

[ First Network Microphone and Loudspeakers Native to Q-SYS ]

[ Network I/O Expanders for Q-SYS ]

[ Q-SYS Scaling Licenses ]

[ QSC Premium Outdoor Landscape Loudspeaker System to its AcousticDesign Series ]

Modulo Pi is introducing a new hardware revision for the Modulo Player and Modulo Kinetic series of media servers. The new hardware boosts the media servers’ performance and capabilities.

[Modulo Pi Updates Modulo Kinetic Media Server]

Shipping this month, the new hardware includes a series of improvements including vastly increased RAM, doubled bandwidth with PCIE 4.0, ultra-fast NVMe disks and additional slots for optional live input boards.

[Modulo Pi Paves the Way for Accessible XR Events with Modulo Kinetic]

The hardware revision also comes with new server motherboards, as well as new generation processor and GPU. The new hardware specifications depend on the media server model. Further information is available on www.modulo-pi.com.

Amid a challenging 18 months, the control room market is one that has managed to repel any significant damage from the COVID-19 pandemic. With data management now a key requirement for large organizations, as well as the traditional emergency services and government roles, control room technology is now more in demand than ever before.

Here, Systems Contractor News speaks to Matthew Tibbitt, product manager at Datapath, a company that has been bringing innovative control room solutions to the market for nearly 40 years.

SCN: Let’s begin with the basics: How, where, and why is AV being used in control rooms? Is there a particular area where control rooms are breaking new ground in their use of AV?

Matthew Tibbitt: AV is the critical information system that allows control room operators in charge of infrastructure, environments, and networks to monitor, manage, and maintain the core functionality of the businesses they are involved in.

Distributing the visual data from outputs of key systems physically located elsewhere directly to the operator allows the efficient, effective review of the data. The immediacy of the data means that the operator always has the latest view of their operational environment. Content is now expected to be generated and viewed in high-resolution 4K; equipment suppliers need to take these bandwidth requirements into account when planning their control room environments.

[ Taking Command of Control Room Displays ]

The innovation that AV has to bring to this space is in the distribution and display, both locally at the operator workstation and to various monitors around facilities of the visual data. AV needs to ensure that the content is routed in the shortest amount of time to those who need it, making it available at the press of a button.

It could be argued that it is in control rooms that AV is playing its most important role. From a technology perspective, what goes on behind the scenes of the control room? What are the key AV attributes and technologies that support and deliver control room operations?

Modern control room designs are now primarily concerned with the AV over IP distribution technologies. 10G networking is now requested and required more than ever to meet the needs of the amount of data required at the operator stations. A distributed solution of disparate content sources all being brought into networked environment also requires technology that can keep track of all of the endpoints, and centralize them within an interface that allows operator access to any and all appropriate sources, layout files, templates, etc.

[ Moving Forward with the Adoption of AV over IP ] 

Obviously, there is a fair degree of complexity to the integration process. Can you talk us through what happens to this data on its journey from its source to the eyes and ears of the operators?

Once the control room network is installed, the delivery of data and the control of the sources should be invisible to the operators. The system should be seamless and easy for them to use. Of course, it takes a lot of planning to get to “seamless.”

The content generated by the sources—whether they be cameras, computers running SCADA, or a PC that’s capable of monitoring equipment—all get ingested into the system. In 10G networks, the AV, which is often delivered via HDMI, is received into 10G receivers. These can then packetize the data for sending over the network to receivers. The quality of the transmitters and receivers will determine how much latency gets added into the system, but customers should be aiming for a latency of no more than a few lines of delay between source and screen.

Network considerations should not be taken lightly, either. It is possible to deploy a fully functioning AV over IP system that is completely distinct and secured away from other networks. However, control room designers and administrators need to consider whether operators will need to access external websites, access corporate e-mail, etc., and if they do, they need to be able to address the relevant networks accordingly.

[ Datapath Launches Fully Integrated Control Room Platform ] 

From an end user’s standpoint, what are control room owners’ main requirements from their AV technology? What key issues and challenges do they face, and how do they address them?

On the whole, it is the ability to deploy a system that gives each and every operator the content that they need and the ability to control that content effectively. The system must be robust, offering redundancy where appropriate. Also high on the list of priorities, the system must be easy to manage, monitor and configure.

The three key components for an effective control room are ease of use, reliability, and security. Here at Datapath, we’ve got a lot of experience providing systems to governments and organizations around the world. Technology never stops and, as you’ll see at our InfoComm 21 booth in Florida, neither do we.

More About Control Rooms

Datapath Video Wall Powers Operations at Electric Cooperative • Alabama-based Pea River Electric Cooperative is using advanced audiovisual tools for critical monitoring in its headquarters in Ozark, AL.

Decentralizing Command and Control • An organization’s mission-critical personnel gather in command and control centers to access the real-time data they need to manage situations ranging from normal day-to-day operations to emergencies. But when people must remain distanced from each other because of pandemic precautions, forcing many to work remotely, how can command and control stay relevant?

Taking Command of Control Room Displays • In a command and control room environment, flexibility—and the immediacy of it—is nothing short of essential.

Resorts World Las Vegas, the first ground-up resort to be built on the Las Vegas Strip in over a decade, sits on the grounds of the former Stardust Resort and Casino, boasting 3,506 guest rooms and suites in three distinct hotels, over 40 world-class food and beverage outlets, a 5,000-capacity theatre, a two-story dining and retail promenade and state-of-the-art connectivity with an AV-over-IP system featuring Visionary-powered networked audio and video.

 “Resorts World Las Vegas has built what is probably the largest AV-over-IP network of its kind,” says Scott Freshman, chief operating officer for Visionary. “It encompasses almost every portion of the property, with more than 2,000 endpoints and growing. The size and scope of the project brought together multiple AV integrators, each of whom took on specific areas of the massive venture. It’s unique to have this many integrators who were once competitors coming together to put this wonderful project together.”

Technology West Group of Las Vegas was selected to oversee the project, including designing and implementing the overall AV system and property-wide network specifications. Richard Reisig, vice president for Technology West Group, worked directly with Resorts World Las Vegas to facilitate the design of the low-rise section (known as “the podium”), the west tower, The District and all outdoor areas. “A critical component in a network AV system in the network. The network at Resorts World Las Vegas includes over 2,000 PacketAV endpoints and 2,000 QLAN channels,” said Reisig. “The number of endpoints continues to grow as we build out the system. It’s a very large, purpose-built network designed to supply one gigabit of non-blocking bandwidth, end to end, to any location on the property with less than a millisecond of latency.”

“Technology West Group was chosen for the design phase and, at the time, the project was very fluid,” noted Reisig. “The final piece in the design was selecting a video solution. We chose a network-based video solution because Resorts World Las Vegas wanted to connect anything on the property to any location. Ultimately, we selected Visionary because they provided us with a reliable solution that filled each of the gaps. A key reason we selected Visionary was because of their robust network capabilities.”

Unique to Visionary, the PacketAV endpoints offer internal device VLAN tagging. Due to the complexity of the network and the different protocols, including video, QLAN, Dante, AES67, DMX and control, it becomes critical to segregate the traffic for effective network management. Reisig added, “With the size and complexity of the network,” Reisig added, “VLAN tagging was critical for us. Especially at the scale that we’re hitting, you can’t have 2,000 devices on a single VLAN network and just hope it works.” 

In another significant milestone for the project, Visionary rose to the occasion to create an innovative Bluetooth-enabled wall plate encoder implemented throughout the system. Reisig: “Visionary had an HDMI wall plate encoder with VLAN tagging. We reached out to Visionary and said, ‘that’s great, but we don’t need analog audio; instead, we need Bluetooth.’ Visionary was very collaborative--they jumped in and offered to make us a custom wall plate that incorporated Bluetooth audio. Their flexibility changed the game for us. It enabled us to reduce port counts, switches, power consumption and overall costs by integrating two distinct products into one.” 

Visionary’s PacketAV Duet Wall Plate Encoder with Bluetooth is the first of its kind, according to the company. The Duet Wall Plate Encoder combines powerful 4K UHD video and Dante/AES67 audio embedding and de-embedding over a single gigabit Ethernet port. Using Bluetooth 5.0 for extended range, faster data throughput and reliable connections, the Duet Wall Plate Encoder supports bi-directional smartphone connectivity for soft-codec web conferencing AV integration to eliminate the need for separate bridging hardware.

The new $4.3 billion property was developed to bring an elevated experience to the modern Las Vegas traveler seeking luxury, value and variety. Resorts World Las Vegas was designed as one of the largest AV integrations on the Strip. Resorts World Las Vegas can transmit a signal from anywhere on the premises and distribute it to the 100,000-square-foot LED screen (one of the largest LED building displays in the United States), the theater, the casino or anywhere else on the property, and vice-versa.

Each guest room in the resort’s three hotel brands—Las Vegas Hilton, Conrad Las Vegas and Crockfords Las Vegas—features an intuitive AV system designed by One Touch Living. “The scope of the project was to design the technology in the rooms to enhance the guest experience,” says Corey Brushia, president of One Touch Living. “Our goal was to create an environment that enables guests to interact with the rooms and the property. Visionary eliminated the need for a conventional HDBaseT matrix. Visionary allowed us to network from anywhere to anywhere. For example, we can take content from an executive suite, connect it with a meeting room or ballroom, or stream a special event into a villa. The possibilities are endless.”

National Technology Associates, a Las Vegas-based technology integrator, was selected for the integration in the resort’s first-floor common areas—including the hotel lobbies, registration, casino and gaming areas and underground levels. Shane Snell, project manager for National Technology Associates, said, “One of the largest challenges of this project was the scale. The property has nearly 2,000 video endpoints and thousands of loudspeaker channels. I’m not sure it’s possible to distribute those components in any way other than networking. Every system can now reach each other because the audio and video integration are on the same network. We’ve standardized Visionary and QSC to streamline the communication between the technology components.”

Resorts World Las Vegas features a state-of-the-art, 5,000-capacity immersive theatre. Global music stars Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan will become the founding headliners for the venue. Scéno Plus, a Montreal-based theater design firm, was enlisted to create the design, and Solotech was selected for the technology integration. 

François Blais, vice president of technology and specialized equipment for Scéno Plus, said, “We have worked for 35 years to build theaters around the world. As theatre designers, our job is to make sure that everything is coordinated. We want artists to perform in this venue and say to us, ‘This is one of the finest venues we’ve ever played, and we want to return again.’ Visionary enabled us to rapidly and efficiently manage this large-scale installation.”  

Sébastien Larose, AV designer for Scéno Plus, added, “We have over 150 televisions in the theaters. The ability to put the content onto the network and run a single Cat 5 cable allows us to simplify the system. We have Visionary endpoints almost everywhere because Visionary allows us to take a signal from any location and transmit it to anywhere on the property.” 

Solotech was selected for the design-build for Resorts World Las Vegas’s Zouk Nightclub, Ayu Dayclub and the accompanying restaurants and lounges. “We have a mixture of displays throughout the restaurants, cabanas and bungalows in the dayclub and nightclub. We’ve integrated Visionary’s endpoints in all of those areas to enable simplified control for the guest to choose between sources and have content delivered to those endpoints,” explained Aaron Beck, business development manager for Solotech. “The overall capability for Visionary to deliver the technology for these endpoints to be connected on one global network is incredibly impressive.” 

Visionary's efficient endpoints use standard PoE power. This distinguishing feature ties directly into Resorts World Las Vegas’s sustainability initiatives. “Resorts World Las Vegas is focused on corporate social responsibility efforts that allow both the community and the environment to win,” noted Reisig. “We can use fewer products with Visionary’s Duet Wall Plate Encoder because it integrates multiple solutions into one. The solution also utilizes significantly less power than the competition because it runs off standard PoE.”  

Snell adds, “From a design and engineering perspective, standard PoE makes things very easy, whereas things that require PoE+ or even PoE++ makes it very difficult to work with. It adds an additional layer of cost and maintenance.” By integrating standard PoE power, Resorts World Las Vegas can reduce energy consumption and the correlated environmental impacts along with the added benefit of saving tens of thousands of dollars per year--for the life of the project.

Visionary's AV-over-IP technology has enabled Resorts World Las Vegas to achieve total flexibility to perform any video and audio routing. Visionary's standard PoE, a technology unavailable ten years ago, has enabled Resorts World Las Vegas to deploy this immense networked AV matrix at a fraction of the cost of traditional AV distribution methods. There are no matrix switchers anywhere on the property—they do not exist at Resorts World.

When it comes to transporting AV signals over the network, it’s audio that’s been leading the way. But with this pervasive deployment of networked audio comes concerns of security. This was the subject of the AV Network Nation panel “Securing Your Networked Audio,” which tackled the many ways systems can become exposed, and what you can do to keep them locked down. 

Moderated by AVNation’s Tim Albright, panelists included Bradford Benn of Advisist Group, Bob Ehlers of Audinate, Rebecca Sullins of Pro Media Audio Video, and Ronald Rousseau of Shure.

The panelists agreed that the biggest hurdle to overcome in a secure system is the users. “The first thing is being able to have an educated user and support base that knows about network management from top to bottom,” said Audinate’ Ehlers. “It doesn’t do any good for us to talk to people about security when they don’t really understand what good security hygiene is.” 

Benn agreed: “The first thing I would say is that security starts with the user. It’s way before any of these layers that get put on top of it; that’s the good hygiene. If everyone has the same password, if everyone has the same login name, your security is pretty broken.”

Human error extends to the person setting up the tech, as well. “Be aware of everything you’re putting on the network and how it can be accessed,” said Sullins. “And that even gets down as far as buildings that don’t allow wireless microphones, because that audio can be intercepted. It starts with understanding the level of physical securities for the design before you even get into encryption certificates, passwords, and the like.”

Beyond user training, it’s also key for integrators and tech managers to have a better understanding of the technology. “I think we need to have certification training around network administration and security,” Ehlers said. “There is a level of base understanding that everyone should have and we [Audinate] try to impart that in the training that we do.”

“We really care about education,” Shure’s Rousseau echoed, urging AV techs to reach out to vendors to inquire about their educational offerings. “You’d be surprised the quality of training they have,” he said. “And it’s from people who either developed the product or product managers, so those people can not only tell you how it works, but why we’ve decided to make it work that way.”

Benn argued that the best kind of understanding is higher level: “Learn the concepts, not the commands,” he said. “I do not know how to configure a Cisco switch, an HP switch, or a Netgear switch; however, I know to tell people ‘I need to go in and set up quality of service, we need advanced encryption standards.’ I made sure I understood what the acronyms meant and how they were being used.”

In addition to a lot of discussion over acronyms, other topics included balancing the tradeoffs between security and ease of use, and using Wireshark to understand network traffic. 

“One thing I stress is that this doesn’t have to be difficult,” Benn said. “If we start talking with the IT partners and working with them, we can solve a lot of these issues.”

All of the AV Network Nation content—including the exhibit hall—is available on demand for the next four weeks. To learn more, visit avnetworknation.com.

The State of AV over IP

Whether AV over IP, SDVoE, or another flavor, the shift to AV on the network has had a slower uptake than the industry had expected. By some accounts, not even 30 percent of businesses, organizations, government, or higher education have made a full transition.

Walk the InfoComm trade show floor (when we used to be able to do that), and you won’t find a company without a full suite of networked AV/IT solutions. Is there a disconnect, or are barriers to entry such as existing infrastructure, or major AV equipment that hasn’t reached the end of its lifecycle, and limited resources holding this back?

Or, is the that IT department still not having it because there’s not an agreed-upon standard, and interoperability between different vendors can be dicey?

We know this topic is full of strong convictions, so we asked thought leaders from several of the industry’s top AV companies to share their perspective on the state of AV over IP and provide a glimpse of their roadmap. 

AJA Video Systems: Bryce Button, Director of Product Marketing

Parallel to broadcast, the professional AV industry is experiencing a period of transition from traditional cable transport to AV over IP or hybrid workflows. While compelling AV-over-IP benefits include denser routing opportunities, remote control, and the ability to transport signals almost anywhere within a network, critical new concerns like reliability and security arise. 

AV over IP and other trends in 2020

A range of competing methodologies for optimal AV-over-IP transport also present a challenge for integrators seeking to overhaul legacy environments. In response to the continual widespread use of traditional audio and video connectivity, new technologies are being developed to bridge conventional modes of transit with AV over IP.

Adoption of NewTek’s NDI open protocol for IP production workflows has proven successful, which supports AJA’s KONA, Io, and Corvid product families. In the audio sphere, companies like Audinate have achieved success with the emergence of Dante as a leading networking system for high-density, low-latency, high-resolution audio transport. AV-over-IP benefits of simpler cabling and remote control of feeds has also spurred an uptick in IP-driven video signals fed to multichannel displays in AV environments.

While the adoption of hybrid approaches advances, and discussions on traditional SDI or HDMI cable transport versus AV over IP continues, it’s critical for AV professionals to stay informed on the latest industry protocols, including NDI, HDBaseT, SRT, and ST2110 with AV considerations in mind and consider integrating agnostic products that support a range of standards, or choose a path that best suits the choices presented by each particular project and its attendant priorities—do you need uncompressed vs. compressed video, how important is latency, is security paramount or unnecessary? During this transition, AJA will remain at the forefront of pioneering versatile production technologies that bridge traditional workflows with the latest IP protocols.

Arista Corp.: Paul Shu, President

The shift to AV on the network is, indeed, taking longer than many of us in the industry expected, and this is the result of several factors. Presently, there are numerous codecs—among them SDVoE, H.264/H.265, JPEG2000, TICO, and others. For the clients and their technical managers, this creates confusion and the prospect of choosing a codec that falls out of favor is enough to cause many people to take a wait-and-see approach.

Secondly, the cost of the products and their implementation can be another prohibitive factor. This leads to yet another concern that routinely arises: “How much better is a networked AV approach going to be than our present setup, and does this justify incurring the necessary expense?” Education is important in this regard, and presently, I believe that aspect of the overall sales process still requires fine tuning. As a result, the process of making the transition to networked AV has been slower than expected and we really cannot expect users to adapt faster than they are comfortable with.

Embracing IT innovations for AV applications

Ultimately, the process of merging one’s IT network with their AV network will prove beneficial—and more cost effective. Arista Corp. offers a full suite of networked AV solutions capable of addressing a wide range of projects. In due time, I believe the benefits of networked AV will become more apparent and the pace of the transition will accelerate.

ATEN Technology: YT Liang, Senior Product Manager

With AV over IP and HDBaseT, each has its own set of benefits/advantages depending on the application. To decide which is best, look at the main phases (design, installation, service) of your project and ask yourself these questions:

Design phase—which technology is best? What’s the project scale? If smaller (within eight sources/displays), a 1U video matrix can work. For 25 displays, AV over IP is better. What are your compression and latency considerations? If no compression is accepted (e.g. medical review), HDBaseT is recommended. If visually lossless compression is required (e.g. digital signage), AV over IP is better suited. How comfortable are you with network-based solutions? Are you up to date with the most relevant network knowledge (multi-case, IGMP, jumbo frames)? Ideally, go with a manufacturer that offers both types of solutions; they will have a technical team in place to provide recommendations and can assist with installation and support.

Installation phase—How can I reduce installation times? Easy configuration is key. Extender solutions with IDs and push buttons allow for switching without knowing the IP addresses. Additionally, extenders with built-in web servers allow configuration of all extenders at once.

Service phase—How to troubleshoot? With HDBaseT, it’s easier; but with AV over IP, data goes through the network switch, which means you’ll need help in showing the direction to do the troubleshooting. For example, ATEN has LED lights on our extenders that show if there’s a network, power, or HDMI issue.

AtlasIED: Gina Sansivero, VP of Marketing and Corporate Communications

The sheer number of competing protocols is having a direct impact on the networked AV market. With so many options to explore, manufacturers often play a game of “wait and see.” They wisely watch standards shake out before committing, consequently resulting in a slower than anticipated adoption rate. At AtlasIED. we base our decisions on the deployment of networked AV solutions—not on the latest buzz and technological developments, but what our dealers tell us they need to drive business. Case in point: our IP Endpoints. To our dealers, the functionality of the AV network is more important than the technology behind the signal distribution, so we focus our energy on developing and delivering products that enhance their networked AV projects with tangible end-user benefits that are simple to configure and install. While we understand the importance of protocols, our stance has been to base our decisions both on the maturity of the technology and our dealers’ input.

Atlona: David Shamir, Director of Product Management

Although adoption rates have quite accelerated to initial industry forecasts, rates have consistently increased. The speed of that adoption varies with each quarter, but there is no doubt that the AV-over-IP transition will continue.

The majority of AV consultants, system integrators, and AV/IT administrators understand the benefits of AV over IP for the pro AV market. There are several factors that have slowed AV over IP from complete “domination” when it comes to AV distribution.

In some cases, AV over IP can be overkill based on the venue’s realistic requirements. Smaller meeting rooms and huddle spaces, for example, do not require the infinite scalability and powerful feature set of AV-over-IP solutions. Instead, they require intelligent solutions that are easy to use, and move audio and video to a limited number of destinations. A smaller matrixed solution with a dedicated set of inputs and outputs will suffice in these spaces, and require a minimal investment to get the job done.

AV-over-IP installations also require IP networking knowledge. While an increasing number of systems integrators and tech managers have acquired this knowledge, the learning curve continues for the global AV industry. Many still prefer to stick with the technology they can take full advantage of today as they continue to learn everything that AV over IP offers.

Read more about how AV and IT must collaborate for successful IP network convergence.

A price comparison between circuit-based and IP systems can be significant, and that often influences integrators to develop hybrid systems that reduce overall costs. This is often a useful approach, as AV within a meeting space can be driven through circuit-based technology and switching, while AV over IP is embraced for exporting and importing content to and from external locations.

Audinate: Brad Price, Senior Product Marketing Manager

Audinate has seen consistently rapid growth of audio over IP for 14 years, and expects that trend to continue for the foreseeable future. From our perspective, much of the growth in Dante has been a direct result of design decisions that provide extensive automation and easy-to-use toolsets that allow the widest range of people to use the product effectively.

We have seen barriers to adoption of AV over IP steadily coming down and product counts increasing. But it would be fair to say that this growth has not been evenly distributed, particularly in the area of video distribution (the V in AV). Much of the reason for that lies with our moment in time: as of 2020, 1Gbps networks are ubiquitous for reasons other than AV. In contrast, networks running 10Gbps or higher that might support large amounts of video are relatively rare and relatively expensive. The requirement for video codecs is in marked contrast to the world of audio, which requires no compression and is hence agnostic to a wide range of devices and uses.

For that reason, we elected to design our new video offering (Dante AV) to work on 1Gbps networks using compression. This allows a Dante-based video system to provide excellent quality on existing networks. We anticipate that over time, networks will become inevitably faster and video codecs will be winnowed down to the most suitable for IP transport. At that point, legacy AV technologies will take their final bow.

Advantages of a 1Gb Ethernet network backbone.

Aurora Multimedia: Paul Harris, CEO, CTO

Aurora has been solving this issue two ways. First, we created a system called Simplify, a preconfigured AV-over-IP solution. The way it works is the customer sends us the spreadsheet with the encoders’ and decoders’ location labeling and IP address. They will also send a diagram of how the network switch will be connected and which units are located on which switch. From this, we will preprogram and label all the units from our factory including the network switch, as we are a platinum distributor for Netgear (which also makes us into a one-stop-shop). When the package arrives, it is all plug and play and ready to go. This in turn speeds up the installation and assures a higher probably of success. Second, we are working on hybrid solutions combining familiar technologies like HDBaseT with SDVoE, so there is more plug and play, smaller port count switches, and less IP addresses utilized. The HT Pro Series by Aurora is the start of this new age of hybrid technologies.

When it comes to AV over IP, the main issue with transition is there was no transition. With the way the systems are designed, it is a total typology change compared to what the typical AV integrator is used to. Especially when it comes to the network switch, it can require a certain level of expertise at times and can become especially complicated when there is more than one switch or multiple IP technologies that want different methods to propagate correctly through the switch.

Barco: Christopher Klepacz, Strategic Alliance Manager, Control Rooms

At first glance, the control rooms market may appear static, but the market has continued to evolve in recent years. The increase in available data sources is one example of this evolution. As is so often the case, change is the source of innovation, and the critical control rooms market is positioned to grow. Technological change, new solutions, and the experience and expertise of market leading companies are driving the change.

Technology innovations are driving change in the growth of critical control rooms. In the pro AV segment, AV over IP is experiencing significant growth with increased video quality and bandwidth. Other enablers such as the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) offer additional data sources from sensors and other devices, providing key insights to end users. Software solutions are improving control room operator experience by improving operations and reducing stress through intuitive, ergonomic design principles. Public and private clouds are creating new economic models for hardware deployment adding flexibility and cost savings to traditional on-premise computing environments. Artificial intelligence and advanced analytics are driving business insights and visualization technologies improve awareness and understand across the enterprise. Taken together, critical control rooms are well positioned to take advantage of these and other investments being made in organizations augmenting and improving situational awareness.

Bringing all of this together requires a partner that understands how to design and implement critical control room solutions that take advantage of the available technology. It starts with an in-depth understanding of the end customer requirements, and the knowledge and experience to deliver. This often includes having the right technology alliance to bring a “whole solution” and a robust ecosystem of channel partners to deliver. This requires advanced skill sets and a knowledge base that can be leveraged globally and delivered consistently and at scale.

Biamp: Joe Andrulis, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development

For a long time, the adoption of networked AV was slowed by the natural tendency of people to stick with familiar solutions and the learning curve faced by both AV integrators and IT departments as they transitioned AV to the network. As an industry, we’ve made a lot of progress overcoming these barriers. At this point, networked AV is a comfortable option for most deployments, but networked AV isn’t always the best approach—at least not networked AV as many of us originally envisioned.

Not all AV needs to be on the corporate network. AV that is local to single rooms or other small areas is often much easier and cheaper to design and install using traditional point-to-point connections or small matrix switchers. Sometimes even these small spaces will use networked AV, as Biamp does with its TesiraCONNECT TC-5D, which simplifies conferencing installations by providing power and media over a single category cable and connects range of AVB and Dante devices, including Tesira DSPs, USB extenders, PoE+ amplifiers, and microphones. In these instances, the TesiraCONNECT TC-5D may connect in a local AV network without connecting to the corporate network, so people may not consider it as “AV over the network”—but that’s simply a deployment choice. There’s also plenty of networked AV that looks a little different than we might have originally expected. Systems like unified communications, streaming media hosts like YouTube and Vimeo, and digital signage are all non-traditional approaches to creating AV outcomes that are all network-based. Overall, the uptake of networked AV is quite healthy and growing quickly.

Black Box: Jonathan McCune, Director of Product Management, AV and Infrastructure

The matrix switch is dead—the industry has reached a tipping point where technologies like SDVoE in our MCX platform really do kill the matrix switch. SDVoE is the only technology platform that provides all of the matrix switch capabilities, like ultra-fast switch time and 4K60 video, plus advanced video processing like scaling, video walls, and multiview.

IT administrators can configure, deploy, manage, and monitor systems enterprise wide, creating predictable performance in technology-transparent environments that are fully scalable and replicable. Unlimited number of inputs and outputs means no longer limiting the total count of connected devices. For modular solutions, MCX/SDVoE is plug and play once configured, and what’s more, all SDVoE-enabled solutions auto discover for simplified setup.

Live event providers can offer zero-latency video that is fully interoperable with projectors and sources enabled with the solution and no longer need to invest in very expensive matrix switches and additional extensions for those solutions. In applications like medical, MCX/SDVoE is the perfect solution providing both video and audio as well as USB connectivity over fiber with truly best-in-class image replication.

Bose Professional: Adam Shulman, Market Category Lead, Installed Systems

The adoption of protocols like Dante vary by the application type, the level of benefits gained from using an AV-over-IP solution (versus a more traditional infrastructure), and whether it is isolated or part of a larger network. In an audio system for a live venue, it is often on its own network. Here, adopting a protocol such as Dante is beneficial as it reduces the amount of infrastructure needed to build the system while increasing reliability as well as routing flexibility. In these situations, we see the adoption of AV-over-IP accelerating as more audio teams become familiar with various protocols and the associated benefits.

An audio system found in hotel event spaces may not be on an isolated network but instead reside on the hotel or hotel chain’s network, which is managed by the in-house IT team. Most likely the network is required to support much more than just the room’s audio system. These are the types of applications that are slower to adopt AV over IP.

Our industry needs to continue to understand the IT manager’s needs and how to play by the larger IT industry’s rules. This means we need to continue to improve how AV devices impact a network’s performance and management. We need to be less AV-centric in our thinking and demonstrate increased awareness that our products are used alongside non-AV products, and thus must obey certain conventions and rules—often where audio is not the highest priority. The term “AV over IT” may be more appropriate and demonstrate that we understand that, as an AV industry, we do not always own the infrastructure we are riding on. Improving this will improve more widespread adoption of AV-over-IP technologies and their applications.

Crestron: Alex Peras, Technology Manager, DigitalMedia

In the past, AV solution providers and IT professionals have not always communicated with each other, which has been a challenge in shifting AV on the network. Understanding the application, deciding what needs to be accomplished, and delegating roles in these projects are essential to having a successful infrastructure. Crestron encourages these conversations with IT professionals and leads the market by offering education and training that helps them understand information and anticipate their questions. Crestron has trained our dealers in AV-over-IP and DigitalMedia HDBaseT courses, while continuously providing updated materials.

Crestron recognizes that AV rooms of the past are now changing to become unified communications (UC) enabled, and AV will be the piece that ties the room together. Matrix routing technologies are now AV over IP, providing solutions that are fully flexible, scalable, and manageable. Crestron ensures all devices support out-of-the-box functionality, meet the network and security requirements of IT professionals, and work on existing Cat 5e infrastructure. Crestron XiO Cloud is driving this next wave of the transition. With all devices on the network, organizations can easily monitor and manage them. In addition, AV over IP allows organizations to tie audio, video, and USB together on the network.

As trends continue around touchless and socially distanced spaces, having a flexible and scalable infrastructure will be important in accommodating an organization’s needs. Solutions like XiO Cloud give organizations more control over their devices, allowing them to view their entire ecosystem through a single interface at any time, from anywhere.

DVIGear: Matthew Pulsipher, Product Manager

The AV-over-IP market is in a state of coalescence. From the many competing platforms, a few have begun to take leadership as they mature and proliferate. Like many new things, much of the fear regarding AV-over-IP solutions is about the risk of the unknown, especially the fear of proprietary products that are “walled gardens.” No one wants to risk being an early adopter of a platform that isn’t fully mature or is at risk of being dropped by its manufacturer a few years after purchase.

As the AV market converges with the IT world, it will benefit from the more standardized approach that has enabled new platforms to gain universal acceptance for decades. In the IT world, the proliferation of interoperable standards is what drives adoption of a new technology. USB and Ethernet are excellent examples of this: if you buy a device with USB, it is a given that it will be compatible with a standard PC, regardless of the manufacturer. Further, this standards-based approach helps ensure a clear, orderly progression of the technology over time. For example, consider how USB and Ethernet have evolved over the last 20 years.

Of the AV-over-IP platforms currently available, SDVoE is the only solution to provide a completely interoperable full-stack solution. Competing platforms are either vendor-proprietary, or fail to define the entire stack, which leads to interoperability issues down the line as vendors implement their own technologies to fill the missing layers. This isn’t to say that interoperable platforms cannot foster vendor-specific innovation. Of the SDVoE solutions available, DisplayNet is by far the most dynamic, as it deeply embraces the software-defined approach of the SDVoE platform. In the five years since it was launched, DisplayNet has added a multitude of innovative features to our platform, all while maintaining full cross-vendor interoperability.

Extron: Joe da Silva, Director of Product Marketing

AV-over-IP systems are becoming more commonplace and we continue to see lots of interest in the technology from our customers. One of the challenges to the adoption of AV over IP is education. Most solutions rely on multicast streaming, which is a somewhat specialized skillset among IT professionals. We knew that education and support would be vital to the success of AV-over-IP technology, so we created a team within Extron called the Network Technology Support Group that is staffed with network engineers who are skilled in designing, deploying, and commissioning networks. This team is focused on supporting our AV-over-IP deployments to ensure the end user has the best experience possible with Extron NAV Pro AV-over-IP products.

Another aspect that is influencing the adoption of AV-over-IP technology is the debate between 1Gb and 10Gb networks. Many end users want to leverage their existing network infrastructure. This typically means deploying on a 1Gb network that is also supporting additional business-critical services. Other end users require pristine image quality and deploy a 10Gb network to minimize or eliminate compression, but this usually means standing up a separate network infrastructure. Through the use of the patented PURE3 compression technology, Extron is uniquely positioned with our NAV Pro AV-over-IP products to have the features needed for deployment on enterprise-class networks as well as solutions to deliver pixel-perfect video on discrete 10Gb networks while delivering complete interoperability between the two architectures. We look forward to what the future holds!

Hall Research: Josh Petru, Business Development Manager, Central Region

Adoption of AV over IP has been slower than initially forecasted. One likely reason may be the learning curve for a lot of AV dealers. That being said, not every application needs a large networked solution. Take the K-12 classroom or small to medium conference room as an example: the users don’t need to switch from room to room, but just within the room’s input sources themselves. So, a dedicated video switching and extension solution may be all that they need. But even in those situations, it makes sense to control and manage the AV system over the network. At Hall Research the products that we target for small venues integrate embedded Web GUI or include GUI software for configuration and control. A nice benefit of control-over-IP is that AV managers are able to assist instructors or users from outside the classroom, if required.

Education and corporate customers are also per-room price sensitive and typical AV-over-IP systems and associated network switches are costlier than point-to-point direct implementations. In the future as the price and usability improves, that may change.

For now, the best use of AV-over-IP technology is in large digital signage installations found in hotels or other hospitality venues. AV-over-IP systems also work well in municipalities or courtrooms.

The network is the future of AV and as manufacturers start bridging the gap between the learning curve, ease of install, and system control, we expect the adoption rate for AV-over-IP within the pro AV channel to accelerate.

HDBaseT Alliance: Gabi Shriki, Senior Vice President, Audio-Video, Valens

While AV over IP marketing is in full swing, the technology has not gained much traction so far and we don’t see AV over IP getting considerable traction even over the next five years. There are several key reasons for that.

One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of a single, unified standardized technology. AV over IP is implemented differently depending on the CODEC technology (H.264, H.265, JPEG2000, VC-2, proprietary, etc.), and the actual IP network bandwidth available (100Mbps/1Gbps or 10Gbps).

AV over IP is not solving the small-scale and point-to-point use cases as well as alternative technologies such as HDBaseT in terms of cost, power consumption, video quality, latency, etc.

The wide-distribution, multiuser AV distribution is often solved using WAN-based technologies, such as cloud collaboration systems, making the need for high quality AV-over-IP solutions limited to specific use cases.

It is important to understand what the customer problem is that we are trying to solve. Different technologies bring different benefits/values—there is no single technology that solves all customer issues. Often, combining several technologies brings about the best results. HDBaseT and HDMI are and will remain the main technology used in small-scale installations, as they deliver uncompressed distribution, lower cost, and simplicity. (In fact, the trend toward smaller meeting rooms is going to further limit the deployment of AV-over-IP solutions in the corporate market.) AV over IP will be used for very large-scale networks or to interconnect between “HDBaseT rooms.”

When considering AV over IP, integrators must understand customer requirements, IP network limitations, specific use cases the customer is aiming to solve with AV over IP, etc. For example, when considering a campus-level distribution or in-between-cities distribution, an H.264/H.265 solution is suitable. It will be impossible to use SDVoE-like technology (as the requirement for 10Gbps network is impractical in this case) and even the typical 1Gbps-based AV-over-IP solution with JPEG2000 like CODEC consumes 70-80 percent of the bandwidth for one AV stream.

Just Add Power: Taft Stricklin, CEO and Founder

From our perspective, the state of AV over IP is quite strong. There are a lot of other companies in the space now, but we’ve been leading the way for 11 years. We’ve distinguished ourselves from the crowd by listening to our dealers and introducing new features and hardware based on their needs. So that puts us ahead of the curve and we’re doing things others aren’t, like adding compatibility with Dante and AES67 audio networks. We can also beat other manufacturers on price. For example, our Warp Engine isn’t the only product on the market that allows installers to rotate HDMI, but you won’t find a more cost-effective one. We’re also well known for building robust products that last for decades. So instead of constantly creating new products that will be obsolete in a year, we give new features through firmware updates. Furthermore, all models in the Just Add Power lineup integrate seamlessly with any generation of our products. What this all means is that we aren’t seeing any barriers at all to entry. Year after year, all we see is a steady uptick in the adoption of AV over IP across all markets—from retail and hospitality to entertainment complexes and airports.

Kramer: Chris Kopin, Executive Vice President of Technology

People are slow to change. At Kramer, however, we know that AV over IP has the staying power and versatility to win people over—as long as everyone is willing to participate.

When considering a transition to AV over IP, it’s not just a matter of training the person who creates the drawing; it’s the engineer, it’s the installer, it’s the end user. Controlling AV over IP from a control system is not the same as controlling the network switch as you would in a matrix environment.

As a whole-solutions manufacturer, Kramer can facilitate standard AV over IP, but it can also create a hybrid system which may employ HDBaseT in a room, and then an encoder will grab a piece of the signal and send it to another room for distance or time-delay learning. When all invested parties are on the same page, AV over IP is far from a one-size-fits-all solution, but instead a flexible and invaluable tool for keeping organizations connected in a world where we are increasingly encouraged to stay distanced.

When it comes to 1Gb and 10Gb, companies are usually in one camp or the other, but Kramer is in both. We have a couple of SDVoE installations, but 1Gb is where we are selling.

We’re a whole solutions manufacturer, so we don’t have just one piece of the puzzle. We don’t have to be just AV over IP and we don’t have to be traditional; we can be one or the other or give you a hybrid.

Matrox: Sam Recine, Vice President of Sales, Americas and Asia Pacific, AV/IT Group

When you look at HDMI, a product from vendor one works with a different product from vendor two. Perhaps there are exceptions with versioning, but, by and large, there is a published standard that multiple vendors put into products that do many different things.

Right now, the benefits of AV over IP are so strong, that already 30 percent of the market is willing to bite the bullet even if they have to stuff everything from a single vendor into their infrastructure.

Customers are tapping into longer distances, more nodes on managed infrastructure, better asset management, and new applications of converged data, live multi-party communications, and performance audio-visual content of a common media.

It is normal that organizations that can afford to hold back for more open and more interoperable stuff are going to delay while they can. Meanwhile, they are putting extreme pressure on prices for baseband stuff they know they intend to replace shortly. And they are buying their first round of AV-over-IP products for real immediate needs, not adding the next 10 years’ worth of capacity, because they know there is a fair to good chance they will see next-generation AV-over-IP products that are less invasive and far, far less proprietary.

AV over IP will see two more stages in the very near term that will add significant flexibility to end users and systems integrators: hardware and software products based on open standards that work across different brands and different product types, and a new software economy for AV-over-IP software applications that strictly focus on adding value to existing hardware from many disparate brands in the market and improve features such as setup, live operation, security, and far richer ecosystem capabilities.

Meyer Sound: Richard Bugg, Digital Products Solutions Architect Pro AV Segment Chair, Avnu Alliance

We at Meyer Sound believe that there is a significant advantage to delivering audio and control over standard network infrastructures. Audiences are expecting more from their AV experiences and while AV over IP has been possible for a long time by the technically astute, today’s industry needs to focus on delivering a solution that is easy to use, scalable, and can adapt to future needs.

Connecting computers used to require proprietary solutions from each manufacturer. This was an impediment to innovation that was removed by the development of a common network standard. It was with the realization that an open Ethernet standard for a high-quality, high-reliability, and low-latency transport protocol for moving media and control would similarly benefit everyone connecting professional AV equipment that resulted in the formation of the Avnu Alliance to promote the use of the IEEE AVB/TSN standards. Further work was done by a group of professional AV equipment manufactures within Avnu to further optimize AVB for interoperability between pro AV devices. The result was “Milan.”

Milan was created to provide a deterministic network protocol for professional quality media transport that is easy to use, future proof, scalable, and capable of delivering a convergence between audio, video, control, and non-time sensitive data on one network.

Avnu Alliance certification guarantees any certified device will interoperate with all other Milan devices. Interoperability is assured. Milan devices will work together at new levels of convenience, reliability, and functionality. The network transportation of audio and control should not be a bottleneck to innovation; it should just work.

MuxLab: Peter Justiz, Canadian Sales Manager

AV over IP was designed as a flexible, expandable, and inexpensive solution to provide data connectivity through an ethernet LAN network (1Gb version) with the use of encoders (transmitters) and decoders (receivers). However, the market has become so crowded with many AV manufacturers having families of products to complement different formats—Motion JPEG, JPEG 2000, H.264/H.265, etc. What are the right manufacturers, products, and formats to choose from?

With AV-over-IP equipment in the pro AV 1Gb space, there are limited equipment standards in that you can’t mix and match encoder, decoder, and controller products from the different manufacturers to gain maximum results. Some compatibility exists with H.264/H.265 encoders and decoders, but again, not with the controllers to manage these devices. With the SDVoE Alliance standard, the encoders and decoders designed by different manufacturers can be mixed and matched. Also, in the broadcast industry, AV-over-IP encoders and decoders follow a well-documented ST-2110 standard, which supports interoperability and other enhanced features. However, the LAN switches required for SDVoE and ST-2110 based products are 10Gb, which adds significant costs to the infrastructure. Also, PoE (power over Ethernet) ability is negated versus a 1Gb structure due to the system design.

With the current work- and learn-from-home environment, two key elements have captured the AV segment: videoconferencing and live streaming. Live streaming possesses a clear advantage in reaching more people at once. It enables you to reach hundreds, thousands, or more potential recipients quickly with just a few clicks. AV-over-IP becomes an inexpensive proposition for this. Houses of worship are now utilizing this concept to live stream services over YouTube and Facebook in lieu of social/physical distancing.

Business has now changed since March 2020. MuxLab and others in the AV segment are adapting and innovating to remain at the forefront in the new current format. AV-over-IP will be a proponent for inexpensive change and information sharing.

NewTek: Will Waters, Head of Global Product Management

When AV over IP was introduced, it was quickly seen that connecting devices more easily would enhance and expand capability and accelerate efficiency. Efficiency alone, however, cannot move an industry. Even as we promoted the benefits of infinite connections, the adoption seemed a bit slow. At least until the onset of global forces—such as a pandemic.

What is most familiar to us is always easier to continue with than wholesale change, even if the benefits are staring us in the face. The move to IP must be more than changing the type of wire. It may be that the signals flow across networks using packets instead of dedicated cabling, but many AV systems still require dedicated chipset and proprietary hardware devices to sit at the edges of networks. This slows adoption because, fundamentally, workflows and use cases are similar to what has been familiar.

At NewTek, we see this very differently. The AV world is ready for those edge devices to move to software. That software runs on commoditized hardware that is easy to maintain and not dependent on formats, frame rates, and circuits designed for a single purpose. We believe in this so strongly that we developed a free protocol called NDI to realize that future.

The next phase will see integrated software products that take advantage of bi-directional communication on a network, enhance presentations, improve communication, and expand creativity, all while being transparent. This is what is required to deliver on the promise of AV over IP.

Opticis USA: David Delgado, Senior Manager, Business Development

AV integration has taken many paths, at least for me in the last 15 years. From 78-inch-high rack stands requiring their own enclosed rooms to racks fitting in a closet drawer. From fixed to configurable card-slot matrix switchers to the favored, higher bandwidth IP switchers, and with the coined phrase in our time, we are in a “Warped Speed” transformation era.

For some customers today, the cumbersome addition of shoe-size encoders and decoders to an IP solution may not be worth the investment. If their existing AV system can be retrofitted to support 4K today, they will wait for the next rollout of 8K displays with IP systems along with sources having built-in encoders and destinations with built-in decoders.

Limitations with IP systems still exist, specifically with 10Gb bandwidth transmission. True 4K resolution at 60Hz 4:4:4 sampling rate requires at least 18Gb. The trend will be, for example, in mission-critical visualization applications such as neurosurgery with its 4K/3D microscopes, to transmit true 4K detailed clinical images. Also diagnosing cancer through remote collaboration between the surgeon and pathologist will mandate precise, accurate visualization.

Scrupulous cybersecurity protocols and standards have also softened the market growth with AV over IP when you compound wireless video transmission functionality.

Before AV over IP proliferates in the market, there are expectations for pricing to fall as well. Notwithstanding, fiber optic extenders will continue to be integrated with the AV-over-IP system, especially between source and encoder or between decoder and destination over long distances. Whether they are HDMI, DP 1.2, HD-SDI, or DVI, these video and data transmission over fiber components deliver uncompressed images with no latency, immunity to EMI, and long distances up to 100 meters.

The future is bright with lightning speed technologies like DP 2.0 at 77.4 Gbps from the fiber optic and IP world. We can also expect exciting times ahead in visualization, remote collaboration, and endless connectivity.

Renkus-Heinz: Matt Czyzewski, President

The consensus at Renkus-Heinz is that the adoption of AV over IP has been a bit slower than expected. However, that statement comes with a caveat: in the past two years, we’ve seen a substantial uptick in the number of networked products sold.

It’s our belief we have now hit the inflection point for adoption of AV over IP, where the majority of new installs are seeing AV over IP as the norm, not the exception. Thus, the growth being discussed in the space is well placed—and that is why you’ll see manufacturers ensuring they offer that full suite of networked solutions.

With that said, because we recognize the curve is still trending upward—and not at 100 percent adoption—the Renkus-Heinz roadmap is to ensure we continue to offer solutions for both types of installations—analog and networked. We will do that in a way that doesn’t require completely altering the product. Most of our new offerings in the near future will be introduced as twins—not identical, but similar enough that they provide the same ability to place sound exactly where you want it, no matter of the connection you choose to use.

What will drive adoption during the years to come will be the ability to offer easier integrations in AV-over-IP environments. That’s why we’re focusing on supporting technologies that make design, installation, setup, and support of AV-over-IP systems as frictionless as possible. And when we make life easier for the integrator, the results are improved for everyone in the AV world!

RGB Spectrum: Andy Thompson, Vice President Marketing

AV-over-IP market adoption initially ramped up slowly, but is now accelerating as infrastructure, education, and product ease of use catch up with traditional baseband video.

While AV over IP brings many benefits, it requires new expertise in IP networking for integrators and site administrators, and a willingness to build out networks to support these products. AV over IP is ideal for new sites or expanding video distribution capabilities across the enterprise. It’s harder to sell into sites that already have baseband infrastructure or aren’t growing. For administrators and users, AV-over-IP systems are becoming easier to use, as limited control interfaces are replaced by drag-and-drop GUIs that provide flexible content distribution, remote monitoring, user access controls, and much more.

RGB Spectrum’s Zio AV-over-IP platform builds on our 30-plus years of experience to deliver an enterprise-level solution, using open standards to efficiently deliver video over gigabit LANs, global WANs, and mobile devices. It includes an extensive array of AV-over-IP devices including encoders, decoders, multiviewers, and video wall processors. Zio supports H.264/265 signals from third-party IP cameras and other sources distributed across the enterprise. An intuitive browser-based user interface features live video thumbnails and drag-and-drop simplicity, with no software installation. A smartphone app supports content distribution to a mobile workforce.

Establishing new workflows enabled by AV over IP requires more than just technology. Education and changes to operations take time. As governments and enterprises shift to distributed workflows, AV over IP will grow increasingly important. With these activities firmly underway, enterprise AV-over-IP adoption is picking up speed and will continue.

SAVI Controls: John Dorsey, CEO

Today, more than ever, businesses rely on audio-video experiences to communicate, sell, market, entertain, educate, train, and support their customers and differentiate their customer experience. As more of the economy reopens and offices, campuses, entertainment venues and other businesses rebuild, companies must rethink their AV/IT needs.

Traditionally, the pro AV industry has been challenged with complex networking and a lack of device compatibility, as well as an overabundance of cords, boxes, and connectors to bring the entire experience together—offering installers a fragmented ecosystem that increases install complexity and cost, and can take weeks or months to program. In a post-COVID world, functionality such as displays, control, security, and signage are drastically changing and must get less expensive, simpler to program, and easier to use. It is even more critical that the integrator community has access to solutions that reduce the time and expenses spent on a project, particularly as customer needs shift as businesses rebuild. AV systems, especially control, must be designed around the network, rather than shackled to antiquated technology platforms. At SAVI, this is top of mind for us. We’re hard at work getting ready to unveil something that will disrupt this old-school cycle to streamline and simplify AV/IT control in an installation.

SDVoE Alliance: Justin Kennington, President

It’s true—we are not yet living in an “all-IP world.” I admit that I myself have even been caught by surprise that the tipping point hasn’t quite arrived. Or has it? You never quite know until you have the benefit of hindsight. I’ve come to realize that the holdup is, ironically, the IT department. You see, the AV industry has forever been a place where standards don’t exist—where manufacturers building walled gardens is the norm. This is definitely not how the IT department likes to do business. Can you imagine trying to sell Dell laptops to an IT director, and explaining that he will have to throw out his fleet of HP laptops, because emails won’t work between Dell and HP? Of course not! It’s a ridiculous thought, and yet it’s how AV sales work every day. Is it any wonder that we aren’t succeeding when the IT department drives purchasing decisions?

The SDVoE Alliance is attacking this problem at its source, by offering the only interoperable standard for AV over IP. Today the Alliance comprises more than 50 member companies shipping over 200 products, all of which are full interoperable with one another, to deliver matrix-switch performance over off-the-shelf, low-cost Ethernet networks.

Sennheiser: Kai Tossing, Head of Product Management, Business Communication

We have seen the rise of AV-over-IP solutions over time. There were times when the amount of AV-over-IP technologies and incompatibilities rather confused customers to choose the “right” one. Now, the situation is much clearer. In the area of higher education or corporate, we see Dante and AES67 being the de facto standards offered in all current products.

But AV over IP is just one aspect of modern system design; it is also about remote monitoring and control of devices. A networked device is available anywhere on the network providing audio signal, data insights, and remote control.

The pace of adopting the benefits of AV over IP is dependent on pain of installation and maintenance, budget, and skillset. The bigger the installation, the larger the pain installing and maintaining hundreds of devices and their connectivity; hence, the more it makes sense to have connected devices that you can centrally monitor and control. In small installations there may not be a need for interconnectivity and central management, so classic analog AV may still be fine or good enough.

We see new installations going straight into digital networked designs embracing AV over IP. Retrofit projects and projects limited in budget still can benefit from analog connections. That’s why the latest Sennheiser solutions like TeamConnect Ceiling 2, our most advanced dynamic beamforming ceiling microphone, and SpeechLine Digital Wireless, our dedicated-to-speech wireless microphone family, come with all options: dual-Dante connectivity, AES67, and support of latest IT standards such as IEEE802.1x, but also analog connections for seamless integration and to support every system design. 

Shure: Chris Lyons, Senior Manager, Integrated Systems Global Marketing

AV-over-IP is a growing trend in the industry and Shure continues to evolve with the needs of the market. In fact, Shure just globally launched IntelliMix Room—the first audio processing software for Windows 10 PCs that is fully optimized for use with Shure networked system microphones.

Shure’s customers seem ready to embrace the benefits of networked AV: reduced costs, easier deployment, and remote management. In smaller rooms especially, a networked microphone and software-based DSP minimizes the footprint required, making premium AV conferencing a practical alternative to a basic speakerphone or soundbar.

The transition to AV networking isn’t being driven by one type of product as much as by the fact that all of the different pieces of the audio ecosystem are now talking to each other. It is much faster to configure a new installation (with software like Shure Designer) and to “copy and paste” that setup to additional rooms. Networked audio components also can be checked and managed remotely (with SystemOn software).

The audio ecosystem approach allows systems integrators to install more rooms more easily, more consistently, and more cost-effectively than traditional solutions. And it’s not just for small rooms; with up to 16 channels of comprehensive audio processing, IntelliMix Room can handle applications like training rooms and lecture halls.

The move to AV over IP is gaining traction quickly because the benefits are attractive for both the integrator and the AV/IT manager. Shure is prepared to make this transition as effortless as possible.

Vaddio: Paul Cords, Director of Product Management and Sales

We’ve all heard the term “analog sunset,” or the gradual obsolescence of analog high-definition devices. But remember that that sun didn’t set overnight! In many ways, the adoption of AV over IP is following a similar arc. Adoption is slowed by many factors, including the alphabet soup of proprietary formats like NDI, Dante, AVB, and our EasyIP along with standards like SMPTE 2110, SDVoE, PoE, Telnet, and H.264. It doesn’t all quite “just work” as one big happy family of interchangeable devices.

Surely there are compelling reasons to make the leap to AV over IP. The ease and speed of installing systems that use a single Cat-6 cable is convenient. Flexibility in design, for example, in multi-purpose or combine-divide rooms, can be a big advantage. And let’s not forget the ability to use existing infrastructure for transport.

Vaddio continues to embrace the shift to AV over IP with our EasyIP professional AV ecosystem and Dante-enabled products. We are helping customers reap the benefits of this “AV-over-IP sunrise” by investing in educational materials on networking best practices and teaching sessions on configuring our Luxul network switches. It is no longer just about the AV endpoints like cameras and microphones, it is about setting up networked systems that pass the IT department’s security requirements. The reality is that we no longer live in our known pro AV bubble, but rather are equipping our dealers and integrators with tools to successfully win opportunities in the IT world’s domain (pun intended).

WolfVision: Michael Lisi, National Distribution Manager

To create an IP video matrix, installers simply connect Cynap-powered workstations to a local area network and then use an intuitive drag-and-drop interface to create a visual floorplan of the meeting space. Within minutes, users can begin routing signals between workstations simply by connecting the dots on the newly created digital floorplan. Multi-day implementations are now taking only hours and projects are being completed for a small fraction of what they once cost.

Our experience is that the commercial AV industry is embracing and swiftly adopting networking technology as a standard part of system design. However, it could be that some integrators are reluctant to deploy network-based solutions, perhaps because they aren’t confident in their ability to set up, configure, and manage IT networks, or they haven’t invested the time to learn the intricacies of a certain vendor’s solution. vSolution Matrix is unique in that it doesn’t require network expertise or custom programming to set up and configure. This makes it easy for integrators to use vSolution Matrix to leverage IP-based video distribution and compete successfully on larger projects.

When considering cost and ease of installation, WolfVision’s vSolution Matrix solution is a game changer because it eliminates the need to purchase and install matrix switchers, signal extenders, encoders, and decoders. It also uses standard, cost-effective network infrastructure to operate and eliminates the need for custom programming and third-party control systems. All of this makes it surprisingly simple to set up and manage. The end-user experience provided also hails a dramatic change for the industry by forsaking traditional control panel design to deliver an intuitive new drag-and-drop control experience that works on any browser-enabled device or touchscreen.

Yamaha Unified Communications: Holger Stoltze, Senior Director of Technical Sales and Marketing

Yamaha’s products have successfully supported AV-over-IP for years. We have observed strong use cases in events and corporate settings. Event usage is driven by the need to simplify complicated setups and reduce the time spent setting up equipment. Simple setup is also a prevalent requirement in corporate environments. However, the adoption of AV over IP in that vertical has been held back by the limited availability of components that support AV over IP, integrate easily, and are priced reasonably. This is now changing.

We will see greater adoption of corporate AV-over-IP implementations with the development of easy-to-install, fully integrated solutions. These plug-and-play solutions rely on IP networking instead of AV-specific wiring, which allows IT departments to help in the installation and management of AV solutions. AV over IP is a necessary prerequisite for this step.

For the time being, these AV-over-IP solutions will remain standalone for two reasons: One, closed solutions remain easier and faster to implement because they don’t necessitate an AV design that fits them into a complete system. Second, IT departments at this time do not allow sources creating an unknown amount of highly rated QoS data onto their network until they clearly understand and have proof of the impact that each device has on other services.

As Yamaha moves ahead, all integrated audio devices under development will support AV over IP.

ZeeVee: Bob Michaels, CEO

There are several factors holding AV over IP back from wider implementation, particularly in the U.S. For one, there is still a need for greater levels of education on this technology on the part of both integrators and end users. Integrators that are unable to provide factual answers—particularly to knowledgeable and experienced IT professionals confronted with a proposed AV-over-IP system—may face fierce resistance to putting AV on a customer’s network. In addition, integrators who have not approached networked AV with an open mind to see the obvious benefits may decide the traditional matrix system model is not broken, so why fix it?

We are big boosters of supporting the channel through education. We have started a dual-tracking webinar series with SIGNAL Sessions that explore best practices for AV distribution in key market segments (such as enterprise, higher education, hospitality, etc.) and Certified Solution Partner Trainings that dig deep into SDVoE and AV over IP and award participants with AVIXA CTS credits. In addition, we are a founding member of the SDVoE Alliance and support the organization’s SDVoE Academy, its training and education programs.

We believe that once the benefits are better understood, the prospect of transitioning from traditional matrix systems to networked AV will be normally aspired to, rather than feared.

Zigen: Ed Dellalyan, President & Lead Engineer

The industry has been slow to move to the SDVoE 10Gb network while it has adapted to installing the 1Gb AV-over-IP solutions quite well. There are several reasons for this. The main reason is lack of understanding about bandwidth requirements, compression, and their effects on installations. The industry has done a great job marketing 4K solutions and content, but has failed to educate about what is necessary to pass through true 4K60 4:4:4 content from source to display.

Traditional 1Gb solutions add roughly 64:1 compression, and that makes high-bandwidth 4K60 4:4:4 content look like 4K30 4:2:0 at best. This compression creates artifacts, granularity, and limits feature sets like HDR. Therefore, when an integrator mistakenly thinks 1Gb solutions have enough bandwidth to pass through true 4K60 4:4:4 content and that the content that is passed through is “good enough,” why would they push their clients to the more expensive 10Gb solutions? We haven’t done our job as an industry to educate about the feature sets of 10Gb (SDVoE) solutions. 10Gb solutions have the bandwidth for true 4K, instant switching, virtually zero latency, tiling, and flexibility to grow the ecosystem over time, and won’t be antiquated anytime soon. The higher cost is balanced out as updating and adding on to the system in the future will cost significantly less than having to install an entire new ecosystem.

The latest AV-over-IP products

Adder ADDERLink XDIP

Well suited for small to medium businesses looking to remotely manage and multicast critical computers or a video distribution network, the ADDERLink XDIP is a high-performance IP KVM matrix and point-to-point extender designed to bridge the gap between KVM and AVoIP. The XDIP delivers the advantages of enterprise-grade IP KVM without the unnecessary complexity and cost. Recent enhancements to the XDIP platform comprise of an expansion for the receiver to access 16 sources and the transmitter to broadcast to 256 receivers, the introduction of secure remote control via a RESTful API or web browser, and support for power over Ethernet (PoE) in the United States.

AJA Io IP

Transition to AV-over-IP with the AJA Io IP, a portable Thunderbolt 3-enabled ingest and playback device for professional video and audio over IP. Io IP supports HD and UltraHD SMPTE ST 2110 and SMPTE 2022-6/7 uncompressed video IP standards with redundant signal reliability, enabling users to bridge 10 GigE to the most popular NLE, and live production software applications. Io IP offers flexible monitoring, allowing users to edit, playback, and deliver remotely from virtually anywhere within a network. Flexible architecture ensures that as IP protocols advance, workflows are future-proofed for compatibility with the latest IP standards via firmware updates.

Arista RS-124-31 Series

With six models—the RS-124-A31-TX01, RS-124-A31-TX02, RS-124-A31-RX01, RS-124-B31-TX01, RS-124-B31-TX02, and RS-124-B31-RX01—Arista’s IP Flash Caster family changes the dynamics of the pro AV industry by letting installers and system integrators replace proprietary AV matrix switches with off-the-shelf Ethernet switches that deliver higher performance, flexibility, and scalability. Arista’s RS-124 Series is a 1U rack-mount AV-over-IP product that can be configured with either dual SDVoE encoders/decoders with copper or fiber interface and a variety of different video signal format inputs and outputs. The IP Flash Caster RS-124 Series provides numerous configurations and functionalities to meet changing pro AV requirements.

AtlasIED IPX

The IPX networked mass communications platform expands existing VoIP or SIP communications systems by enabling the integration of IP endpoints, such as speakers, paging stations, and digital displays. Adding these devices to the IPX network improves the effectiveness and coverage of messaging for routine, daily use and emergency situations.

ATEN VE66DTH

Delivering uncompressed, close-to-zero-latency digital audio signals across a standard IP network, ATEN’s VE66DTH is a Dante-enabled six-input/six-output audio interface with HDMI. Audio inputs can support line input and dynamic and condenser microphones. With built-in PoE, the VE66DTH can be powered through Ethernet cable. It provides flexible audio capabilities with de-embedding and embedding and can de-embed and embed audio signals to HDMI. The VE66DTH is tailor-made for a wide range of environments that require implantation of Dante-based professional audio devices for extended and flexible networked AV applications.

NewTek TriCaster Mini 4K

The TriCaster Mini 4K is a complete, compact live multicamera video production system that comes with features like Live Story Creator and LivePanel, designed to make the production of network-quality shows even easier for lone producers or small teams—whether they are beginners or seasoned video professionals. By utilizing the free-to-use NDI network protocol, the ability to send AV signals over standard 1Gb networks empowers creators to turn any spare room or office—or, perhaps, living room, garage, or basement—into a professional studio reflecting the identity or brand of any business, house of worship, school, or agency.

Atlona AT-OMNI-112

Atlona’s AT-OMNI-112 (OmniStream 112) is a single-channel networked encoder within the OmniStream Pro AV over IP family. OmniStream 112 processes two channels of encoding in a single, half-width rack enclosure, offering cost-efficient, high-density integration. Operational benefits include enterprise-level/campus-wide scalability, built-in security and network error resilience, and broadcast-quality 4K performance with visually lossless compression. OmniStream 112 also maximizes uptime with automatic failover and recovery when deployed in redundant configurations, and in alignment with IT systems and best practices.

Zigen IP-Logic

IP-Logic is Zigen’s premier AV-over-IP product to extend, distribute, and convert 4K video in a scalable platform for deploying an almost unlimited number of HDMI sources and displays. Utilizing 10GBase-T networks, IP-Logic will stream any HDMI source to any display with no compression (or visually lossless 1:4 compression of 4K60 4:4:4/4:2:2 HDR) and virtually zero latency. The Encoder and Decoder units come equipped with autonomous EDID management and independent scalers to allow seamless video distribution in mixed-display environments. Employing the latest SDVoE and AES67 standards, IP-Logic is well suited for commercial, residential, broadcast, military, and government applications.

Black Box MCX

The new Black Box MCX multimedia distribution and management system takes advantage of SDVoE and modern 10GbE infrastructure to allow AV and data payloads to exist on the same IT networks. Through advanced chipset technology, common control APIs, and interoperability, SDVoE technology ensures zero latency and uncompromised video while offering significant cost savings along with enhanced system flexibility and scalability. While enabling truly converged network AV, Black Box MCX ensures almost zero latency, instantaneous switching, bandwidth efficiency, and high-quality video and audio. MCX simplifies and accelerates the process of consolidating AV and data on a single network, enabling organizations in virtually any industry to reduce network management time and costs, as well as total cost of ownership. Users can take advantage of the software-defined solution to deliver better-quality audio and video, which can translate to greater customer satisfaction and faster time to revenue.

Biamp Tesira

Tesira is the world’s only integrated, networked audio and video processing and distribution platform, according to the company. Sophisticated, adaptive DSP is the core of what Biamp does and what Tesira delivers. Tesira SERVER and SERVER-IO are configurable I/O DSPs, while TesiraFORTÉ devices are fixed I/O DSPs available in different models optimized for specific applications. Rounding out Tesira DSPs are the TesiraLUX video encoders and decoders. All Tesira products can be configured and managed using Tesira software, helping to create dynamic, efficient AV systems.

Audinate Dante AV

Dante AV is a solution for manufacturers that allows any 1Gb codec to be used to send and receive video and eight channels of Dante audio over a standard network. It employs the same well-known control software and tools as Dante audio. Dante AV consists of a hardware module that handles networking aspects of a product, while the included Dante AV Product Design Suite provides a complete hardware and software design for implementation of Rx and Tx products using the included JPEG2000 codec, optimized for low latency and high fidelity. Dante AV allows manufacturers to jump into the AV-over-IP space with confidence in performance and user acceptance.

Bose ControlSpace EX

Bose ControlSpace EX is a family of digital signal processors with an open-architecture, single-rack-unit design with analog I/O, Bose AmpLink outputs (for use with Bose amplifiers), and up to 64x64 channels of Dante I/O. ControlSpace Designer software simplifies the setup process with drag-and-drop programming. ControlSpace EX has the features to support installed systems of various sizes and the flexibility to meet future needs, and with new Dante Domain Manager compatibility it increases the IT team’s ability to manage Dante-enabled devices. The EX-1280C, EX-12AEC, and EX-40C variants are also available for conferencing applications, adding acoustic echo cancellers (AEC), VoIP, and PSTN support.

ClearOne VIEW Pro

VIEW Pro is a professional multimedia streaming solution for existing IP networks, with ultra-high-quality 4:4:4 (4K30) and 4:2:0 color space, and 24 bits per pixel. The system supports high resolution—4K SKUs support up to 4K60 DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives) and 4K60 UHDTV (Ultra High Definition TV). It is a highly efficient codec with lossless compression and ultra-low bandwidth, and has low glass-to-glass latency for 1080p streams, typically below 60ms. VIEW Pro supports RTSP/UDP standard transport protocols for compatibility with third-party products such as cameras, PCs, and more.

Meyer Sound Galileo GALAXY

Among the first products to receive Milan certification is Meyer Sound’s Galileo GALAXY Network Platform, including GALAXY 816, GALAXY 816-AES3, and GALAXY 408. Milan certification ensures that Galileo GALAXY processors will offer seamless interoperability with all other Milan-certified devices in the signal chain, regardless of function or manufacturer. GALAXY can connect to other GALAXY processors and can also serve as a master FOH processor by connecting to third-party, Milan-certified array processors or processor-amplifiers, either directly or through a certified network bridge. GALAXY also can connect via Milan to a certified mixing console without the need for its own network switch.

HDBaseT Spec 3.0

HDBaseT Spec 3.0 is the only solution that enables uncompressed, long-distance distribution of HDMI 2.0 (4K60 4:4:4), for superior quality and zero latency, according to Valens, creators of the technology standard. Valens’ Stello family of chipsets is the basis of Spec 3.0, including integrated on-chip features and HDBaseT port duality, enabling the same chipset configuration as either transmitter or receiver for significant cost reduction. It also enables convergence of several native interfaces over the same HDBaseT link, simplifying installations, and guaranteeing interoperability and full backward compatibility with previous HDBaseT specs.

d&b audiotechnik Milan DS20

The DS20 is d&b audiotechnik’s first product offering for connecting its loudspeaker systems to the open-standards-based Milan protocol. The Milan is a deterministic network that inherits all the technical benefits of Audio Video Bridging (AVB) technology: improved reliability, optimum synchronization, and hassle-free network setup. Integrating seamlessly as part of a d&b system, the DS20 Audio network bridge interfaces between Milan networks and AES3 digital audio signals, while also providing distribution of Ethernet control data.

Panasonic KAIROS

KAIROS, Panasonic’s new IT/IP video processing platform, offers an open architecture system for live video switching with maximum CPU/GPU processor utilization for virtually unlimited ME scalability, resolution, and format independence.As a native IP, ST 2110 system, KAIROS supports transitions to live, uncompressed IP workflows and can eliminate the constraints of dedicated hardware. KAIROS creates new production opportunities involving a mosaic of IT ecosystems with a variety of COTS components from vendors in multiple industries.

Matrox Maevex

The Matrox Maevex family of encoders and decoders deliver AV infrastructure over IP capabilities that balance security, latency optimization, features, quality, open standards, and bitrate management for low invasiveness on existing capacity. When using Maevex encoders to Maevex decoders, the included Maevex PowerStream Plus software provides an out-of-the-box experience. But Matrox believes that AV-over-IP products need to be good citizens on networks of interoperable products. This is why, in addition to the supplied software, Matrox provides different APIs and developer tools to allow for integration with third-party hardware and software. This interoperability is not limited to the command and signal management. Even the high-performance content payloads can work with third-party products. For even deeper developers, Matrox also provides tools to personalize user experiences and create workflows that best serve customers.

RGB Spectrum W4000

The W4000 video wall processor is the latest addition to RGB Spectrum’s Zio AV-over-IP platform, a suite of hardware and software products optimized for enterprise-class video distribution. Enterprise AV-over-IP accelerates collaboration by sharing information-rich visual displays across the enterprise and between organizations. Zio distributes video from baseband and IP sources across LANs, WANs, and to mobile devices. Integration with Zio enables the W4000 and other video sources across the enterprise to be managed through a browser-based interface. The W4000 is the first full-function video wall processor fully integrated with an enterprise class AV-over-IP platform.

Kramer KDS-6 Series

Part of the Kramer AV-over-IP family of solutions, the Kramer KDS-6 Series are scalable, cost-effective, end-to-end AV-over-IP solutions designed for IT. Users can build any size AV distribution system on their existing IP network with Kramer KDS-6 encoders and decoders (including built-in scaling and control signaling with RS-232, IR, and USB), and manage it all from Kramer Network, Kramer’s enterprise management platform. Regardless of latency, resolution, or compression requirements, the Kramer AV-over-IP lineup of devices pairs value and versatility with uncompromising quality.

Opticis IPVDS-700-ED

The Opticis IPVDS-700-ED is a 4K HDMI IP Video Wall Control solution for playing multiple sources of audio-video on a video wall and other displays simultaneously. It also splits a high-quality video into multiple videos and plays it on the video wall and other displays. IPVDS-700-ED provides the optimal solution for large video wall systems in control rooms, security, and traffic control; it can be also be used in general fields like conference, education, or presentation rooms. The PC program can be used for host allocation and previewing, equipped with drag-and-drop operation with simple mouse use. Users can easily merge, split, overlay, and clear for host allocation.

Extron NAV

NAV is an AV-over-IP solution for distribution and switching of ultra-low latency, high-quality video, audio, and USB 2.0 signals over an Ethernet network at low bitrates. Utilizing Extron’s patented PURE3 codec, it delivers high performance with real-time, lossless video over IP at resolutions up to 4K60 with 4:4:4 chroma sampling and ultra-low latency. The NAV Series can be deployed as an IP-based video and audio matrix, combining the flexibility of an IP-based system with the integration-friendly video and audio switching features found in conventional Extron matrix switchers.

L-Acoustics P1

The multifunctional P1 AVB processor and measurement platform has established itself as an indispensable tool for many audio pros. Designed from the very start to be compliant with Avnu Alliance’s new Milan interoperability protocol, P1 became one of the very first two products on the market to officially receive Milan certification through Avnu Alliance as a fully compliant Milan device earlier this year, according to the company.

EvertzAV NUCLEUS Platform

EvertzAV recently introduced three new additions to the NUCLEUS platform. The UXP-TRXS-USB2-P is a transceiver with video (HDMI/SDI), audio, serial, USB HID, and USB 2.0 capabilities. The UXP-TXS transmitters and UXP-RXS receivers are cost-effective, single-channel HDMI gateways with serial functionality. In addition to being compact and quiet standalone devices that can be remotely powered using PoE+, all three gateways support resolutions up to 4K and can be deployed on 1GbE and 2.5GbE networks.

Hall Research POLARIS-1

The Hall Research POLARIS-1 is an IP controller with internal web servers to support up to 32 users simultaneously. Designed for GUI control of large AV-over-IP installations, it enables administrators to create various zones or rooms and assign displays to each zone. Display names and video source names are programmable. Layouts or maps can also be uploaded to aid users in identifying the physical position of the displays in each zone. Each specific user can be assigned the zones that they are allowed to view and control. Users can access the controller using any browser from any smart device.

DVIGear DisplayNet DN-150-TX-Quad

The DisplayNet DN-150-TX-Quad is an HDMI SDVoE Input module for the Netgear M4300-96X network switch. Compatible with all SDVoE systems, this module adds four HDMI input ports to the Netgear M4300-96X network switch, enabling lossless, zero-frame-latency matrix switching for 8-bit 4K60 signals with 4:4:4 color sampling. The DN-150-TX-Quad delivers excellent value, and is equivalent to four standalone DN-150-TX units, at half of the cost per port, and with significantly higher physical density. DisplayNet Manager SDVoE Controller software enables easy access to advanced SDVoE features, with a web-based user interface and transparent access to the DisplayNet API.

Just Add Power Warp Engine

Just Add Power’s Warp Engine is a 1RU transmitter/receiver that allows installers to easily deploy video walls with eye-catching designs featuring mixed-and-matched display models mounted at any angle. With the Warp Engine, installers can rotate any HDMI source—cable boxes, media players, game systems, cameras, and more—in a Just Add Power matrix in 0.1-degree increments in real time to achieve incredibly low latency. The rotated image can then be sent to an unlimited number of receivers in the network, allowing for the creation of massive artistic video walls using a single Warp Engine.

Vaddio EasyIP

Vaddio’s EasyIP Ecosystem includes AV-over-IP solutions that are designed to be easy to use, easy to install, and provide industry-leading video quality. EasyIP products send audio and video over IP, eliminating the need for more expensive video switchers, controllers, and extension systems. Joining the EasyIP Ecosystem in summer 2020 are the all-new EasyIP Mixer and EasyIP CeilingMIC D. 

Neutrik Milan

As an open standard and collaborative effort, Milan is continuously evolving, and members are focused on finding new ways to make the protocol an even better solution for end users. A Milan Module certification program was recently developed, for example, and made available for manufacturers that wish to implement a Milan-certified module into their device and submit for certification, without having to go through the full certification testing. This will help speed the adoption and growth of certified product availability.

SAVI Controls SAVI 3

Coming in August, SAVI will debut its next-generation system, SAVI 3. Built with deep commercial AV expertise, SAVI 3 streamlines installation, programming, and expense with simple programming tools, intuitive end-user software to manage the system on site, and a whole new line of hardware. To unveil this system, SAVI will host SAVI.Connect on August 26, a virtual event that will showcase demonstrations and online booth tours for a hands-on, immersive look at the cutting-edge SAVI 3 system.

WolfVision vSolution MATRIX

vSolution Matrix is a unique AV-over-IP solution for active learning classrooms, meeting spaces, and courtrooms that is designed to be cost effective, easy to install, intuitive, and enjoyable to use. Multiple WolfVision Cynap and Cynap Core presentation and collaboration appliances can be deployed to stream video and audio between screens, using a unique and highly intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes controlling multiscreen working and learning environments with up to 40 individual workstations easier than ever before.

ZeeVee ZyPer

The ZeeVee ZyPer product families provide a market-proven solution for the distribution and management of AV over IP, including support for uncompressed 4K, UHD, and 1080p in a variety of form factors and input types. Evolved from decades of experience in video encoding and IP networking, ZyPer enables AV and IT integrators to rapidly deploy AV solutions of unlimited scale, unsurpassed performance, and unrivaled reliability over industry-standard IP networks. A robust feature set includes built-in support for video walls, multiview, zones, signal transport over cable or fiber, and a network management platform that speeds and simplifies system setup and expansion.

The merging of AV technology with IT and IP has occurred at a pace few could have predicted. This rapid evolution has created a wide disparity of skills and abilities among AV integrators with regard to overlapping into traditional IT territory. Some have adapted and are moving forward, others are struggling, but most are somewhere in the middle. Still, many would agree that global adoption of AV over IP has been slower than expected.

Speeding adoption and management of proposed technology solutions creates an environment in which the best and most sustainable solutions for the enterprise can be the driving factor in technology selections. The technology, rather than ability, can be the driver in these decisions, and AV over IP challenges can be turned into opportunities.

There are a few general principles that are preventing wholesale implementation of an AV and IP convergence. In exploring what is keeping us apart, we can begin a conversation, and maybe define concrete actions that can draw us together and deliver more cohesive results.

Understanding and Adopting IP/IT Practices

AV professionals often do not understand the basics of how IP protocols work, or how to address issues and concerns that reside within the IT department. Conversely, the IP focus is completely different than the AV focus, and too often both sides struggle to reach across the aisle, so to speak. But AV and IT must collaborate for successful IP network convergence.

“Actually understanding and adopting IP and IT practices to enterprise and industry-standard levels have delayed true adoption, in my mind,” said Derrick Kelly, director of technical service operations at Whitlock.

Kelly suggested more robust cross-training between areas where there is overlap. At Whitlock, many senior managers have altered their hiring practices to develop blended teams with different areas of expertise. In understanding one another’s goals, capabilities and limitations, both AV and IT teams become better trained on what works and what doesn’t in terms of both AV technology and IP protocols.

Bandwidth issues are probably the largest point of contention between the two departments. As long as AV is pushing 4K (and beyond!) through the network, there will be bandwidth restrictions. IT is not very happy when the AV group comes in making demands. So if both groups have a better understanding of the needs and abilities of the other, they are more likely to work together for the good of the final product.

IP network convergence requires that AV pros gain IT networking skills

Territorial Confusion

As AV and IT continue to merge, it can be challenging to determine where one department’s responsibilities end and another’s begin. If hardware takes up too much bandwidth on the system, who is responsible for resolving that? In reverse, some AV hardware requires sophisticated programming to maximize efficiencies. Who will do that and ensure it works with existing interfaces? What is the best way to communicate what’s needed and how to prioritize the work?

Mark Coxon, sales director at Tangram, insists it’s essential to move away from a siloed view of the world and toward one that allows for collaborative work among IT, AV, furniture, architecture, customers, on-site tech managers, and anyone else whose expertise contributes to a better outcome. The more complex the project, the more critical this collaboration becomes.

“By looking at the whole instead of the parts and working toward partnerships with customer IT teams/end users/decision-makers and all of the important elements of a customer’s team—both internal and external—allows for a holistic approach to the customers’ needs. The more protected and siloed groups are, the less likely true adoption and growth will occur.”

“Some of that does mean checking egos and biases at the door, and going in with an open and willing mindset to provide the best solutions,” Coxon explained. “That attitude removes barriers and allows for better adoption. The more collaboratively delivered projects and systems that there are, the better the products, work and adoption will be.”

It’s important to remember that each side of the equation has a knowledge base that is critical for success.

Partnership Mentality

Partnerships create wins. Kelly explained how the teams at Whitlock have adopted a partnership mentality that has led to success.

“We believe strongly that the customer’s IT team is a partner in our technology deployments instead of a hurdle or adversary,” Kelly commented. “In the past, people avoided certain conversations because the climate was always more of ‘us versus them.’ Now our goal is always working toward the strongest partnership possible for the deployment. There will always be situations where that doesn’t work, but those should the exceptions, not the rule.”

By necessity, that process and relationship-building means taking a longer-term view of the sales cycle, design, and project deployment expectations. Kelley added that at Whitlock, this approach has proven beneficial in providing solutions in line with the current technology, as well as keeping future expectations in mind.

“It’s tempting to fall back to what is comfortable and just wanting to get things completed as quickly as possible—and sometimes with good reason,” Kelly said. “But that continues the cycle of slow adoption. We have to push ourselves beyond our comfort zone on a daily basis.”

Dollars and Sense

Coxon agrees that many integrators have limited IT skillsets, but he adds that margin protection is also driving their mindset. “Some integrators lack the needed skillsets to configure layer 3 managed switches or to determine QOS settings,” said Coxon. “On the other end of the spectrum, many firms shied away from AV over IP—especially the ‘V’ part—because the gross profit dollars of a proprietary matrix switch are much higher. They need to protect product margins to support their business models.”

The basics of AV over IP infrastructure

Making a Change

To smooth the transition of AV over IP, integrators look to senior members of their respective teams to set direction and model the right approach. Depending on the culture of each company, this may be a rapid change or a slow evolution.

“Whitlock has always made choices to look for appropriate foundational adjustments to our offerings,” Kelly pointed out. “Sometimes that involves organizational or structural changes, and the shift to a broader skill set and product offering falls right in line with that philosophy. Innovation is talked about in multiple stages—short term, mid term, long term, etc. A focus on long-term relationships with both customers and manufacturers allows the ability to discuss current and future trends. This, in turn, allows us to work on pain points for us, our customers, and our manufacturing partners. That process helps us understand where we need to adjust and how quickly. If we listen and partner correctly, the shift to new technologies, options, and processes becomes much easier.”

Tangram has focused on developing the needed skill sets in-house, and even leveraging the internal corporate IT department. “We have found strategic partners like Access Networks that have already undergone AVoIP certification with leading manufacturers,” Coxon said. However, he cautioned that it’s important to partner with organizations that share your corporate values. “Access Networks, like Tangram, offers white glove service to help design, configure, and manage networks. With a similar approach to business, it’s proven to be great partnership.”

Communication Is the Driver

Within the company, look to specific subject matter experts to discover which parts of the company understand certain things better, and then shine a light on their capabilities. The team should work together to make sure that the right people are involved in customer and internal conversations, design/sales opportunities, and deployment needs. In this way, there is true relationship development and continual refinement of processes to incorporate AVoIP into day-to-day business practices.

“Communication will help everyone become very familiar and comfortable with IP protocols, managed networks, and timecodes,” Coxon said. “But even more important is the idea of transitioning to a services-based industry as opposed to a product sales-based industry. That will take time and effort.

Future Predictions

The debate between open platforms and proprietary platforms continues to rage. Coxon predicted that AVoIP will see proprietary ecosystems fade.

“From an audio perspective, AVoIP is already gaining traction, with products like Dante, AES67, and Q-SYS,” Coxon noted. “Similarly, on the video side, we need more cross-platform devices. A video extender should work with any video receiver, regardless of brand. The proprietary ecosystem and secret sauce models will only last in the short term. Just like the world wide web’s strength was that it was an open platform given freely to all, we need AVoIP protocols that do the same to create one sandbox and encourage the kids to play nicely together.”

The promise of AV over IP for the pro AV market

Kelly also shared his take on what lies ahead: “Long term, there will continue to be a consolidation toward consistent interfaces, processes, and protocols. A good percentage will adopt standard IT methods and may move beyond AV integration or design firms for delivery and focus.

“If the products continue to become easier to deploy and become familiar to IT teams by adhering to their standards, it will be harder for AV teams to silo themselves from IT or other technology providers,” Kelly added.

True service will continue to be a differentiator within this AVoIP space. In fact, services could well be the differentiator in building successful long-term relationships.

“With services attached, capabilities and flexibility will become the true path forward and the differentiator for the AV integration and design firms over the expanded competitive base of IT and technology providers,” concluded Kelly.

The adoption of AVoIP is only going to grow, so identifying areas where your team needs to better embrace this shift is a great place to start. Education is key, so as training sessions are offered by manufacturers, get all the right players involved so the team can move cohesively toward what lies on the horizon.  

New AV over IP Products

DVIGear DisplayNet AV Distribution

Powered by SDVoE technology, DisplayNet provides flexible AV distribution with zero frame latency, artifact-free image quality, and near-infinite scalability. DisplayNet leverages 10GbE technology to switch, extend, and distribute lossless HDMI signals with zero frame latency at resolutions up to 4K/60Hz. The advanced video processing features in the DN-200 Series offer instantaneous signal switching, a customizable multiviewer mode, and advanced video wall functionality, in addition to integrated USB 2.0 routing.

Hall Research 4K Video Plus USB Extension—Point-to-Point and Over LAN

VERSA-4K can extend and switch multiple HDMI video and USB data signals to a virtually unlimited number of receivers on a simple gigabit network. Bidirectional IR, RS-232, and auxiliary stereo audio can also be extended. Advanced features include low-latency video and audio, CEC, Serial over IP, video wall processor, video rotation and flipping, USB device filtering, automatic KVM switching, Telnet and WebGUI control, and PoE (power over Ethernet). Four USB ports are on the receiver.

Aurora Multimedia IPX-TC3 Series

Aurora says its IPX-TC3 Series is the only 10 Gbps SDVoE transceiver to offer redundant fiber and selectable copper fiber in a single unit. Aurora also claims it is the first company to utilize PoE with 10G. Aurora has worked with Ethernet switch companies to develop and ship 10G PoE switches, paving the way for cleaner installations. Seamless switching, USB 2.0 (480 Mbps), Dante/AES67 8-channel (another Aurora claims as a first), 1 Gbps Ethernet, and control are some additional core capabilities.

SDVoE Academy

As the AV industry inevitably transitions to IP-based solutions, education is paramount, and a primary mission of the SDVoE Alliance. Through the SDVoE Academy online platform and mobile app, users can work at their own pace, anywhere and everywhere, to discover just how simple it is to enjoy the flexibility and scalability of Ethernet while benefiting from the performance of a matrix switch—4K video without compromise, without latency, and without image artifacts. It’s all free, and there’s even a track that leads to SDVoE Design Partner certification.

Atlona OmniStream

The OmniStream AT-OMNI-122 (OmniStream 122) is a dual-channel AV decoder with networked redundancy from the OmniStream Pro AV over IP family. OmniStream 122 supports HDMI signals up to 4K/UHD @ 60Hz plus HDR formats, along with embedded Dante/AES67 audio and RS-232 or IR control pass-through. As with all OmniStream products, the OmniStream 122 streamlines integration with 1 Gbps managed network switch compatibility, accelerating deployments and simplifying migrations from circuit-based systems. Users also benefit from built-in audio de-embedding, multichannel audio downmixing, and local or PoE powering.

Silex Insight VC-2 HQ

The high-quality profile and low-delay syntax of VC-2 is used to achieve low compression ratio, typically up to four times visually lossless. The algorithm is lightweight and works without external memory (operates without the need of DDR memory), allowing cost-effective implementation, according to the company. The VC-2 High Quality codec has ultra-low latency due to its slice-based processing. 4K 60p real-time encoding and decoding takes just 0.0593 milliseconds.

Black Box MCX Multimedia Distribution and Management System

The newest addition to Black Box’s AV product portfolio, the MCX multimedia distribution and management system, takes advantage of modern 10GbE infrastructure to enable AV and data payloads to exist on the same IT networks. Enabling converged networked AV, MCX delivers up to 4K60 4:4:4 uncompressed video over 10GbE with industry-low latency and switch times. The system eliminates any compromise between latency, bandwidth, and video quality, as well as the need to maintain dual networks to support AV and IT data independently across the enterprise.

Netgear M4300 Switches

Netgear’s M4300 family of switches offers up to 10G networking with an out-of-the-box, zero-touch installation. The company says these products offer a substantial cost savings when compared to HDBaseT matrix switchers. The M4300 switches offer multicast that is already configured for plug-and-play. In addition, the switches offer both fiber and copper connectivity for short- and long-haul distribution.

Harman AMX N2400

AMX’s SVSI N2400 4K60 4:4:4 encoders and decoders support streaming video resolutions up to 4096 x 2160 and HDCP 2.2, with latency so low that they are able to support sensitive applications like live action events and interactive presentations. Product features include AES67 digital audio support, power-over-ethernet, KVM support, the ability to easily adjust bandwidth and resolution, LocalPlay content, a network-attached windowing processor, networked video recorder, 802.1x authentication, Active Directory support, SSL/TLS encryption, and more.

RGB Zio D3000 Series

The Zio D3000 Series provides a full-function video wall for IP signals up to 4Kp60 resolution. The D3064 model shown supports signal decodes and display over four monitors, each up to 4K resolution, covering the popular 1x2, 1x3, 1x4, and 2x2 arrays. The Zio D3000 Series is part of RGB Spectrum’s AVoIP family of products that provides enterprise networked video distribution across LANs, WANs, and even mobile networks.

Having watched the AV-over-IP landscape expand over the past few years, it’s easy for integrators to understand the growing capabilities of AVoIP systems, but it’s been satisfying to see end users realize what these systems can do, according to Jim Mauger, senior systems designer at integration firm Spinitar.

“I get excited to see the end user’s perspective shift when they see a system finally up and running,” he said. “You can do a lot to explain it, to sell them on the pluses of doing it this way, but when they can see the convenience of it? How flexible things can be? It’s cool to see their eyes open when they realize how much capability they have, which is something they may not have quite realized at the concept stage.”

Ben Dandola-Grubb, assistant vice president of engineering services at integration firm Verrex, has seen an increase in AVoIP adoption, which has provided more choices in available technology as well as more opportunities for projects that integrate them. “There’s been more attention across the board, whether it’s manufacturers developing their products or clients interested in all the marketing, or us as integrators just wanting to be involved in working with AV over IP,” he said.

Potential for Growth

Though the technology has been improving, making for faster, more efficient systems, there’s still room to grow. According to a recent AVoIP market analysis by Futuresource Consulting, 10G solutions are still struggling to gain traction, with 1G installations continuing to make up the majority of projects. But we’re getting there.

1Gb vs. 10Gb Ethernet: Which is right for your AV network?

“The products, and really the whole concept—it’s certainly grown a good bit,” Mauger said. “It pretty much started out with one company breaking the ice, so to speak, and now all of a sudden we’ve got lots of choices. Competition in the industry has helped a lot from a design standpoint. My bag of tricks now has different products for different situations.”

Charles Dobson, director of development at the SDVoE Alliance, agrees that the options have improved and it's easier than ever to embrace IT innovations for AV applications. “Network-based AV signal distribution offers more design choices at the outset and greater flexibility to adapt and grow with client needs over the life of the system,” he said. “Added to this is the superior value end users derive from investments in standards-based infrastructure compared to classic proprietary AV systems.”

Still, he pointed to a bigger issue that needs to be resolved before AVoIP systems are as useful as they can be for both integrators and end users: the “hodgepodge of solutions based on a wide range of competing technologies.” SDVoE is working to standardize the adoption of Ethernet to transport AV signals in professional AV environments, but it’s a work in progress.

“Nearly all of these are proprietary or proprietary implementations,” Dobson said. “This means that products from vendor A do not talk to those from vendor B or C. This is inefficient for the industry and confusing for customers. The SDVoE Alliance, of course, is here to help foster this development and establish a common, standards-based approach to AV over IP.”

At the end of the day, though things have improved to make it much easier to design AVoIP systems, that doesn’t always mean it’s the right solution for every install.

What's the status of the AV over IP transition?

“We’re still by no means putting AV over IP in every room—far from it—but it gives us flexibility for future expansions, future growth,” he said. “But I don’t want a client to waste money. It’s still really important that you sit down at the beginning and figure out their needs.”

Working with IT

Time has improved the technologies and evolved the process of working with client-side IT staff. As these projects become more common, IT is becoming familiar with network requirements and what an integration team will expect from them. Still, there can be some friction. Dandola-Grubb stresses that communication that starts early is key to a good working relationship with IT staff who may be involved in the project.

“We’ve been trying to get in contact with the IT folks as early as possible, and maintain that contact throughout the process,” he said. “Most IT folks know what they’re doing and know what they’re talking about, but sometimes it’s difficult gaining access to them early enough in the process.”

Mauger agreed, noting that one of the biggest challenges in a project is simply deciding where to put things. “Are the end users or their IT or network folks ready, willing, and able to embrace it?” he said. “For us, that’s been improving quite a bit lately. The IT folks are definitely embracing more and more.”

AV and IT must collaborate for successful IP network convergence

Providing IT staff with a basic document that outlines what the project will require from the network and how you plan to configure things can go a long way in communicating needs and getting ahead of any questions that may arise, Dandola-Grubb said. “They still may ignore it until the last minute, but at the very least we can say, ‘Hey, look guys, we talked about this.’ We tried. And that’s tremendously helpful.”

Dobson agreed that clear and early communication between integrator and IT staff is important, but said that part of that relationship being successful is also up to the manufacturers. “Manufacturers need to be designing products and solutions that are good network citizens, meaning that they look and feel like typical interoperable, manageable, and secure devices.”

The basics of AV over IP infrastructure

The Road Ahead

As adoption rates for AVoIP increase, the professional AV community has the chance to grow along with it, noted Dandola-Grubb.

IP network convergence requires that AV pros gain IT networking skills

“I like to think of it as an opportunity for us all to learn something new,” he said, noting that Verrex has assembled a suggested list of training opportunities for staff to explore, which is particularly useful now, as technicians have less opportunity to work in the field. “AV over IP is where we’re going, and we’ve been heading this way for a long time.”

Of course, it’s important to remember that what the future looks like is as much up to the integrators as it is to the manufacturers and end users.

“You could say that this is the end of the beginning, that the benefits of making the move to the network are clear, and that signature deployments have shown that a solution can meet and even surpass expectations,” Dobson said. “The next phase will see an explosion of creativity as designers and their customers really start to define the kind of workflows these systems make possible. Google, Alexa, and Siri are telling us all loud and clear: Everyone wants more content, more control, and more automation. It’s up to us to bring it to them.”

New AV over IP Products

RGB Spectrum Zio W4000

The Zio W4000 video wall processor supports both baseband video sources (HDMI, DisplayPort, SDI) and AV-over-IP video sources (H.264) to deliver the best of both worlds for in-room and enterprise-wide video distribution. The W4000 simplifies complex visualization by simultaneously displaying multiple high-quality video sources on any size video wall with up to 64 displays. The Zio W4000 supports both video and web content.

Zigen IP-Logic

Zigen’s AVoIP platform, IP-Logic, allows audio (AES67) and video (SDVoE) to be distributed on the same managed switch—traditionally, it is required to segregate AES67 and SDVoE on separate network switches. Zigen has eliminated the need for additional switches, audio bridges, and other proprietary products to increase the customer value proposition. Zigen says its AVoIP platform stands above the competition and that, with IP-Logic, the possibilities are endless.

Xilica Solaro QR1

Xilica’s Solaro QR1 is a modular DSP that offers discreet, low-profile applications for networked AV/IT environments in a quarter-width frame. According to Xilica, the Solaro QR1 offers exceptional audio quality, along with outstanding performance through a dual-core Linux backbone. Its modular design provides integrators with flexible options, allowing customers to buy the frame, choose the appropriate cards, and configure to exacting specifications. Users can later reconfigure the QR1 with field-swappable cards to serve changing needs.

Christie Terra Controller, Available Through Synnex

The Christie Terra Controller provides reliable, highly secure operational control and management of SDVoE systems in mission-critical environments. Its intuitive web-based programming interface makes the Terra Controller easy to learn and use, simplifying the installation, configuration, programming, management, and operational tasks of SDVoE systems. With an expanding lineup of processing and control hardware and software, Christie Terra solutions include everything required to design and integrate complete SDVoE systems.

Hall Research Polaris-1

The Hall Research Polaris-1 is a powerful IP controller with internal web servers to support up to 32 users simultaneously. Designed for GUI control of large AVoIP installations, it enables administrators to create various zones/rooms and assign displays to each zone. Display names and video source are programmable. Layouts or maps can be uploaded to aid users in identifying the location of displays in each zone, and the controller can be accessed from any smart device.

DVIGear DN-150 Series

The DN-150 Series represents the best value in SDVoE matrix switching products, according to DVIGear. These units provide support for HDMI 4K/60 signals at 8-bit (4:4:4) and 10-bit (4:2:2) with zero frame latency and zero loss in signal quality. DN-150 Series endpoints utilize ultra-compact fanless enclosures. DN-150-TX-Quad is a plug-in module for the Netgear M4300-96X network switch that offers four HDMI input ports at half of the cost of four dedicated DN-150-TX units.

Atlona AT-OMNI-122

Atlona’s AT-OMNI-122 (OmniStream 122) is a dual-channel networked decoder within the OmniStream Pro AV-over-IP family. OmniStream 122 processes two channels in a single, half-width rack enclosure, offering cost-efficient, high-density integration. Operational benefits include enterprise-level/campus-wide scalability, built-in security and network error resilience, and broadcast-quality 4K performance with visually lossless compression. OmniStream 122 also maximizes uptime with automatic failover and recovery when deployed in redundant configurations, and in alignment with IT systems and best practices.

Black Box MCX

MCX is Black Box’s next-generation AV-over-IP solution that distributes 4K 60Hz video and audio over IP. It is designed for modern 10G network infrastructures. This robust video distribution system delivers the video quality high-end AV applications require to display eye-catching content. MCX eliminates any compromise between low latency, low bandwidth, and high video quality, as well as the need to maintain dual networks to support AV and IT data independently across the enterprise.

As AV and control manufacturers evolve from hardware to software providers—and in some cases offer cloud-based service platforms—we asked thought leaders from various companies to share their insights about what the evolution might look like, and to give us a peek into their company’s near- and long-term roadmaps. Read on as a broad selection of manufacturers discuss what you need to know about AV over IP.

1 Beyond: Rony Sebok, Vice President and Co-Founder

There’s a reason everyone is now talking about AV over IP. It’s no longer hype; it’s becoming reality. And there are many good reasons why.

1. Simplicity: simplifying wiring and routing of audio and video signals. 2. Cost: reducing the cost of equipment and installation. 3. Upgradability: adding features is easier when it’s a software upgrade and not a new piece of hardware. 4. Technology advancements: emerging standards that are able to transmit high-quality audio and video over standard network cables.

It wasn’t that long ago when you needed to connect four cables to use a PTZ camera: one each for power, control, high-quality video, and low-res stream. Now this can all be done over a single Cat 5 cable. Check out our new AutoTracker 3 with NDI camera. Better, yet, the cable can be connected to the nearest network switch and any device on the network has access to the video. It’s no longer necessary to think ahead and install specialty wiring to locations that might need access to the signal. All that is needed is a standard network connection at the location.

The same has been true for a while now with Dante audio. I can’t tell you how much easier that has made life for us. We can route audio from microphones to DSP and speakers and to our Automate VX voice-activated video switcher for recording and conferencing with Dante controller software.

Cost savings come because we don’t need to design in fancy XLR plugs or SDI connections on the system. Everything comes through the network—and software upgrades provide new features.

Read more about the status of the AV over IP transition.

AMX by Harman: Jamie Trader, Vice President, GPLM Video and Control

The premise that AV and control are moving “toward software solutions” might be accurate for some manufacturers, but it’s a flawed assertion from Harman’s perspective. Not incorrect—just flawed. It’s flawed because we’ve always been software-driven, software-defined. The best user experiences we’ve delivered to market are cultivated through software-enabled experiences. Whether we’re talking about DSP management, live sound mixing/recording, IP-based video distribution, enterprise resource control and management, or collaboration technology—all of this is underpinned by software. Software derived from obsessive focus on user needs and user behaviors.

The question is really about where software lives. Does it live on dedicated or general-purpose computing devices? Does it run on FPGA or SoC? Does it run on ARM or x86 processors? Does the software have a relationship between a purpose-built device and a general computing device? The answer to all of these questions is about application. Mission-critical applications often depend on purpose-built, solid-state reliability. Some applications rely on dedicated processing power that is difficult—or unreliable—to predictably harness from a shared computing device. On the other hand, many applications can leverage shared resources, and require both redundancy and standard IT-administered support that dedicated devices can’t satisfy.

The point of this is that the Harman roadmap outlines a continued commitment to delivering software-defined experiences across the best computing technologies fit for each application. Cloud plays a massive part in our AVL-integrated future. And which computing devices cloud will interact with will be both varied and meaningful.

Aurora Multimedia: Paul Harris, CEO and CTO

Aurora Multimedia’s near- and long-term solution is called ReAX, which is based on JavaScript and HTML. The advantage is the huge amount of resources and education available for a platform based on web standards. Most everything about ReAX is open architecture and non-platform specific. Using Node.js as its core, ReAX can run on embedded platforms, computers, and virtual machines using Windows, Linux, and Android. It can run locally in a facility or in the cloud, providing ultimate flexibility.

Aurora provides tools for drag-and-drop code development and WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) interface creation; however, programmers can use code development software tools of their choice since ReAX is standards-based. The ReAX organization allows multiple manufacturers to use the technology. AV products utilizing the ReAX engine can eliminate the need for standalone hardware. It also allows for a variety of hardware and software to interoperate. Displays, media players, AV over IP, and more can run a ReAX engine. For the first time, in addition to protocols, source code, IR libraries, and macros can be shared between manufacturers. End users and integrators will no longer be held hostage by proprietary control system companies. ReAX is making a better and friendlier AV industry with its open-architecture technology.

Read more about AV over IP distribution for commercial integrators. 

Black Box: Jonathan McCune, Director of Product Management, AV and Infrastructure

Black Box has a track record of providing reliable, long-lasting AV distribution and remote-access solutions. Our key focus for the future is to continuously develop AV, KVM, and control platforms that are future-proof. Rather than force customers to replace their entire system architecture, we will ensure that they can upgrade or enhance their existing systems with IP-based or virtual machine access-enabling components. This approach secures customers’ IT investments while providing them with a migration path to new technology.

Our current and future development roadmap includes AV-over-IP distribution systems that securely share data payload and high-resolution AV signals on the same infrastructure. These include high-speed, IP-based KVM extension and switching solutions that provide access to physical and virtual machines in data centers, as well as pioneering software-based KVM that replaces physical KVM receiver units. All of these solutions reflect a basic value: ease of use, even as technology evolves. Black Box solutions provide administrator-friendly management interfaces that keep up with the speed of changing technology by providing secure access over an IP network or even the internet, plus a high degree of system scalability and support for future system enhancements.

Crestron: Daniel Jackson, Director, Enterprise Technology

Crestron is focusing on building the complete integrated solution for our customers. If our customers ask for something, we want to build it. Not because we want to build everything, but we want to build in areas where it makes sense, and design solutions to work together as opposed to being cobbled together after the fact.

We want to own all the pieces to provide a better experience to end users. Alternatively, if an integrator has to go to different manufacturer each time a customer asks for something, it becomes a huge hassle, not just from the end-user perspective but from the management, support, and training perspective as well. Unified communications is a great example of this, because UC has become a big part of what customers want in their rooms, so we built that into our portfolio to provide a seamlessly integrated system.

End users are starting to demand more technology in every room, as opposed to just high-end or specialty rooms. A lot of what is driving that demand is the fact that you can now get very inexpensive video systems. We sell a very developed Flex solution at a radically low price point. That is causing people so say, “Wow, I should probably go add video to these rooms.” And now, all of a sudden, you can get video in these rooms for peanuts. This is also driving massive scale.

People often ask if Fusion is going away and being replaced by XiO Cloud. No, Fusion will be around for at least the next decade and we’re still doing future development.

XiO Cloud and Fusion are different solutions. Fusion is for customers that want to do complex, custom designs—but that comes at the cost of some simplicity. XiO Cloud gives you simplicity and allows enterprises to easily scale.

XiO Cloud does certain things out of the box like zero touch. Because our devices know how to reach out to XiO Cloud, they’ll pull down all their configurations and settings and it will automatically record the analytics off the devices.

We’ve found that nobody wants to run servers in their own data centers anymore. If the customer needs a dedicated cloud, we have Fusion Cloud, which is our hosted solution. We effectively provide a dedicated virtual machine, but it’s in a cloud, so you don’t have to set up your own infrastructure. XiO Cloud is truly a cloud-native platform—it’s designed from the ground up.

DVIGear: Matthew Pulsipher, Product Manager

I think the key opportunity for embracing IT innovations for AV applications is in software-defined hardware. There are a lot of IT-based standards for streaming audio and video, many of them very good. But the software-first approach that they take comes with unacceptable compromises in the context of professional AV, where quality must be uncompromised, and latency must be absolutely minimal. That’s why we decided on SDVoE as a platform: with SDVoE, you have a standardized cross-vendor hardware platform that is entirely controllable (and expandable) by software.

Even though they are ultimately delivered by hardware, DisplayNet-exclusive features such as Advanced Video Wall exist entirely in software. SDVoE hardware is standardized, with minor differentiation between vendors. Any SDVoE solution can perform basic AV routing (and even some control of advanced features) as well as any other, but the SDVoE platform is flexible enough that significant improvements can be made within the control software.

Since launching the DN-200 Series in 2017, we have been able to add a wide range of new features and functionality through continued development of DisplayNet Manager and by embracing enhancements made to the SDVoE platform. With SDVoE, the internal circuitry used for processing signals is software-defined, and firmware updates can change the configuration of the hardware to enable improved performance and additional features. I fully expect that we will be able to deliver continued performance enhancements and new features for years to come on our existing hardware—and that any new hardware we release will serve to extend that platform.

Extron: Joe da Silva, Director of Product Marketing

The demands placed on technology in the modern workspace are constantly evolving because of AV over IP and other trends in 2020. One example is how technology managers are being asked to support flexible and scalable solutions that can deliver real-time, high-quality communication for presentations as well as collaborative interactions throughout an office, building, or campus.

Using the network for distribution of video and audio signals is garnering a lot of attention. Using encoders and decoders, we can stream these signals across an infrastructure that is potentially used for more than one purpose. The flexibility and scalability that AV over IP affords gives technology managers a greater range of interoperable options for deploying systems of nearly any scale. By integrating control as a native technology within the AV-over-IP ecosystem, it is now possible to leverage a common deployment workflow for small systems like you’d find in a huddle room to enterprise-wide distribution you’d encounter across a campus of buildings. Moving forward, we are excited to leverage the strength of our configurable and programmable control platform with the scalability of our AV-over-IP video distribution products. These solutions allow users to enable new features as the requirements of the applications change over time through simple software keys. This degree of flexibility ensures our customers are not limited by technology as the business needs of their organization change.

Hall Research: Sathvik Gaddam, Senior Embedded Systems Engineer

Distribution of video and audio over IP not only provides scalability, but also end-to-end control. AVoIP has transformed the way traditional audio and video is transmitted from point to point on a direct, wired connection such as coax or Cat-5 into distributed nodes and services utilizing IP technologies such as IGMP and Multicasting. This approach not only allows a sender to distribute content to a group of receivers, but also allows a receiver to subscribe to a given service from a sender. This flexibility allowed IP-based control systems to control and monitor AV distribution.

Moreover, AVoIP is no longer confined to just video and audio; expanding to applications in the medical and education fields, AVoIP has evolved to provide many services such as USB 2.0 (USBoIP), IR control (IRoIP), serial control (SoIP), and IP control along with audio and video. So far, AVoIP is confined to a Local Area Network (LAN) because of its bandwidth-intensive nature; however, control systems to manage AV are rapidly connecting to the cloud to give live status and control over the system, which is often the ideal case. While the technology to stream AV directly to a cloud server is already available, it’s not surprising that it is not widely adopted because of its expensive infrastructure and latency issues.

While AVoIP technology itself has evolved to satisfy present and future AV needs, deploying the AVoIP solution based on customer needs has become a major challenge for integrators as they must take the customer’s IT infrastructure into consideration before designing the solution. This was not a major concern before. Deploying AVoIP to existing infrastructure is even more challenging, as in most cases, customers’ IP networks are not configured to handle AV. Because of the tradeoff between network bandwidth, image quality, latency, and infrastructure costs, manufacturers offer numerous AVoIP solutions, which can become challenging for users to select the right solution.

Kramer Electronics: Clint Hoffman, CEO

AV over IP is a great alternative to HDBaseT for bigger installations. When it comes to the AV/IT end user, this is what they are familiar with. They’re not familiar with HDBaseT, or HDMI, EDID, and proprietary highways and matrix switchers. It’s an easy discussion because they understand managed services and the cloud.

We have three different primary solutions at Kramer. Kramer Control is a cloud-based control solution. The beauty of a cloud-based control solution is that you don’t have to roll a truck on site and send the program route with it to go make a change to the system.

Another benefit of Kramer Control is that from the minute you have deployed it, we use smart drivers for a display or a source. Kramer Control is completely about analytics. It captures all the activity from the day you turn the system on and is available to be analyzed. How often are my rooms being used? What’s being used in my rooms? It’s all available immediately and forever, because it lives on the Amazon Web Services server farms. You don’t need to have a coder who writes programs to get information out of your system.

Kramer VIA is a wireless collaboration and presentation solution. Then VIA Site Management allows you to do a multitude of things across your network, whether you’ve got 100 or 1,000 VIAs. You can check their status individually or push a firmware update to all of them.

Kramer Network is a tool for managing AV hardware that’s connected to a network, and it’s also a virtual matrix switcher for AV-over-IP encoders and decoders.

We have an AV over IP solution for every point in the market. We have the H.264/265, the M-JPEG, which is currently the most popular, and we also now have the SDVoE. And, we have 4K as well. No matter what the application is, we have solution for it, including traditional hardware. (For example, there's a Kramer AV over IP system running the digital signage at Tulalip Resort Casino.)

Our roadmap is to take these solutions and make them all seamlessly integrated and look and feel like they’re one.

QSC: Martin Barbour, Product Manager, Q-SYS Platform and Cloud Software

For almost 15 years, QSC has been developing its AV&C technology in a fundamentally different way than nearly every other AV company. In order to provide significantly greater performance and deeper integration capabilities, we chose to leverage mainstream IT stalwarts such as Intel, the IEEE, and Linux as the base technologies for Q-SYS. This approach allows us to define the product by the software we run with these well-known and trusted technologies. As a result, we can look at Q-SYS as an AV&C operating system.

This software-defined application layer gives us agility to offer Q-SYS on the most suitable platform for the application. Whether that’s partnering with an industry leader such as Dell for large-capacity, centralized deployments (with the Q-SYS Core 5200), or building our own appliance for smaller spaces (the Q-SYS Core 110f), or moving applicable capabilities to the cloud. Q-SYS embodies the fact that ongoing software development continues to define and evolve the product.

While QSC is increasingly becoming a software developer rather than a hardware manufacturer, there is still a need to manufacturer endpoints such as amplifiers, cameras, and other physical devices that cannot be virtualized. Beyond that, we don’t need to manufacture multiple hardware processors (audio DSP, control processor, video switcher, etc.) to tie those systems together. All of those functions can live at the software layer, and therefore, coexist in the same single device or software application.

As a software provider, the next logical steps (as evidenced by the IT industry) are virtualization and cloud deployment. The jury is still out on whether real-time signal processing in the cloud makes practical sense for the majority of use cases, but the technology certainly exists. What we do know is the convenience and improved efficiency offered by global visibility through cloud-connected devices. Q-SYS Reflect Enterprise Manager extends the Q-SYS Ecosystem by moving applicable technology pieces to the cloud for centralized, remote management and monitoring of your entire AV&C system including Q-SYS peripherals and third-party, non-QSC devices, from anywhere in the world.

RGB Spectrum: Scott Norder, Chief Operating Officer

We think about three main categories of AV content: live/capture video, time-sensitive computer-generated (think video games), and time-insensitive recorded/streamed content (web pages, video content servers). Each presents unique challenges in migrating to a software/cloud-hosted platform. The main factors of cost, performance, data transmission speeds, and bottlenecks balanced against quality, reliability, and ease of use are already producing a variety of solutions. Solutions for recorded/streamed content are approaching full maturation, yet there is still room for innovation in technology and business models.

Clearly, there will continue to be edge devices for the creation/capture of AV content and for the presentation of that content back to users.  It is the area between these two functions where our opportunity exists. Whether you think of it as conversion, translation, encoding, or ethernet enablement, it is the cost-effective processing and packaging of the AV content that must happen in order to move the AV content across the network from the edges. Implementing standards-based solutions in this area—such as H.264/HEVC or JPEG2000—provides maximum leverage of interoperability, reliability, and cost reduction, and is clearly being favored by the marketplace.

RGB Spectrum is focused on the challenges of getting time-sensitive content distributed, processed, and displayed across wide user bases by leveraging best-in-class AV codecs, networking, and distributed control. Our solutions provide everything needed to get AV content onto your network and distribute it not just within a room, but to every room, building, campus, or facility around the world.

Utelogy: Frank Pellkofer, President

As the demographics in the workplace change, many organizations need to meet the enhanced expectations of a new breed of technology users. The new AV/UC deployments are driven by a desire to make life simple for their customers whose daily life is to maximize productivity through workplace technology. The need for efficiency and to create an environment that is attractive to recruit new staff and retain existing employees is now of paramount importance as many organizations focus more on the value of their people.

We’re seeing a proliferation of huddle spaces (small meeting rooms) that need simple, inexpensive, and easily deployed and configured solutions that provide a first-class user experience. These include intelligent soundbars with integrated microphones and cameras, intelligent cameras/displays that provide actionable intelligence (people counting etc.), wireless presentation devices, and sensor technology to automate the control of the space.

Our roadmap is focused on ensuring our solution is enterprise-grade, network-connected, secure, able to be managed and monitored, and able to provide IT/enterprise levels of service. We are seeing a change in the types and volumes of rooms that are being installed and also the way that the technology is being consumed, with the IT-style “as a service” model starting to be adopted.

ZeeVee: Steve Metzger, Co-Founder, VP, Hardware and Operations

This is an exciting time for the AV industry. Within the last decade we have seen AV distribution grow from analog patch fields through digital HD over RF, matrix switching, HDBaseT, and now, into Ethernet and the internet for distribution. That’s probably the fastest rate of change for any industry outside of micro-processing and silicon storage technologies.

While AV over IP and internet-based serving of video are hot areas of development—and we fully participate in it with cutting-edge products and services—it is but one answer to one type of challenge. As with any high-tech area, there is a continuum of technology and solutions best suited to each customer’s problem.

There is no single solution that is going to work for all customers universally. If you have medical operating theaters or control room applications, the requirements are stringent in terms of video quality and latency, and the price paid is bandwidth and network capacity. School systems tend to be more budget focused. Sub-frame latency may not be as important, so compressed solutions fit the bill. We have leading solutions for those applications as well.

As a customer-focused vendor, our job is not to shoehorn anyone into the technology du jour. Our job is to provide the breadth of solutions that can cover any of our partner and end-user needs—but more importantly, the knowledge, interest, and passion to learn about those needs and apply the very best-suited solution to best cover them.

SDVoE Alliance: Justin Kennington, President

There is a hidden challenge to the convergence of AV and IT: Networks originally designed to serve traditional IT needs are not well-suited to carry AV traffic. These networks are heavily oversubscribed. That is, their peak data-carrying capacity is low compared to their aggregate traffic over time. This is an IT best practice, because oversubscription lowers infrastructure costs and has little performance impact for IT users (web browsing, email, file transfers). But oversubscription is the enemy of AV over IP, because AV data must be delivered on time, every time, without delay or network retries.

Practically, this means that the idea of using AV-over-IP endpoints on your existing infrastructure is a lie. Adding any major new service to your network requires planning, design, and expansion. AV over IP is no exception. Therefore, we expect to see an evolution toward new and expanded networks that break the traditional IT design mold and account for the increased peak bandwidth demands of AV over IP.

A strong recent example of this evolved thinking is at Yale University’s Sterling Law Building. Integrator North American Theatrix worked with Yale’s IT staff to integrate a new segment into their existing network with multiple 100Gb links between switches. This new network segment offers peak bandwidth capabilities far beyond that of a traditional network design. The resulting network connects all AV for more than a dozen classrooms, while also providing IT service to the building.

The latest AV-over-IP products from leading companies

1 Beyond AutoTracker 3

The 1 Beyond AutoTracker 3 is now available with NDI, one of the emerging AV-over-IP standards for video. It can be decoded with software and many software products support it. The AutoTracker camera automatically follows a teacher walking and speaking. With NDI encoding built into the AutoTracker, only a single Cat 5 cable to the camera is required. The Panopto system in the Smart Display has Wi-Fi access to the video, anywhere in the room. 1 Beyond Automate VX voice-activated switching solution also supports NDI for input and output. It was shown at InfoComm with 9 NDI sources being switched automatically.

Aurora RXT Series

Aurora has introduced a variety of IP control interfaces and control units based on ReAX technology. The RXT Series are 7- and 10-inch Android wall-mount and desktop touch interfaces available in black or white, which also serve as the “brain” of the system. The RXC-1, RXC-3, QXP-2, and QXC-44 are Linux control units that have a variety of control ports like RS-232, IR, I/O, and relays. The IPE-ReAX-1 card allows a ReAX engine inside Aurora 1G or 10G AV-over-IP system. All devices are PoE, simplifying wiring by eliminating external power supplies. The Core Studio is a free and simple-to-use tool for code and interface creation using drag and drop. Overall, the ReAX hardware provides power and performance at affordable prices.

Black Box Emerald KVM

Black Box’s Emerald KVM-over-IP and MCX AV-over-IP platforms enable distribution, extension, and sharing of up to 4K video, audio, and peripheral signals over IP. The Emerald KVM product family connects users with both virtual and physical machines hosted in a secure data center. The zero-client platform is future-proof and scalable, and it prevents a “technology lock-in” by building bridges to both legacy (non-IP) KVM systems, as well as current and future interfaces and standards. The MCX AV-over-IP platform ensures low latency, bandwidth efficiency, and high-quality video and audio over modern 10GbE infrastructures. This simplifies and accelerates the process of consolidating AV and data on a single network, enabling organizations to reduce network management time and costs and scale for expansion.

Crestron DM NVX

Crestron’s DM NVX technology transports ultra-high-definition 4K60 4:4:4 video over standard gigabit Ethernet with no perceptible latency or loss of quality. Leveraging standard network switches and Cat-5e UTP wiring, the DM-NVX-352 delivers a high-performance virtual matrix routing solution that is scalable for any enterprise or campus-wide 4K content distribution application. Professional onboard scaling, plus support for HDR10 and HDCP 2.2 ensures a high-quality picture with compatibility for varied media sources. The all-new Pixel Perfect Processing technology further enhances the image quality.

DVIGear DisplayNet

Powered by SDVoE technology, DVIGear’s DisplayNet products provide flexible AV distribution with zero-frame latency, artifact-free image quality, and near-infinite scalability. DisplayNet delivers multi-layer switching and allows for limitless expansion with any combination of transmitters and receivers. DisplayNet supports both HDMI and DisplayPort 1.2 at 4K/60Hz with up to 12-bit color and HDCP 2.2. The DN-200 Series includes a high-performance video processing engine that allows for very fast signal switching, multi-viewing of up to 32 simultaneous sources, and advanced video wall functionality. The DN-150 series limits the DN-200’s Video Processing engine to deliver matrix switching performance for applications in which video processing is not needed for every endpoint.

Extron NAV Series

As the adoption of AV-over-IP solutions increases, technology managers are faced with organizational challenges such as adding another service onto existing networks. Most end users have a 1Gbps network infrastructure. Even with the new demands of AV over IP, not every organization is ready to move to 10Gbps networks. Extron’s NAV Series offers encoders and decoders for both 1G and 10G networks with full interoperability. The patented PURE3 codec in NAV encoders and decoders provides high-quality video with virtually no latency at efficient bitrates, allowing for a seamless upgrade paths as network technologies change.

Hall Research AVoIP Solutions

Hall Research’s FHD264 (pictured) system uses H.264 encoding to deliver 1080p video with under 35Mbps of bandwidth. It can extend IR and RS-232 over IP to deliver video to virtually unlimited endpoints. The VERSA-4K AVoIP solution features lossless 4K video with zero latency, USB 2.0, keyboard and mouse, IR, and RS-232—all under 1G bandwidth. It can create a video wall, has independent routing, USB filtering, dynamic virtual matrix (DVM), and PoE. VERSA-4K provides a solution for PC extension, presentation systems, and digital signage where quality and latency are major concerns. Both FHD264 and VERSA-4K can be controlled and managed using the CNT-IP-264 Control System. With an embedded web server and scheduler, CNT-IP-264 not only discovers Hall Research AVoIP products in the IP network but also allows it to control third-party products over IP and RS-232 from its WEB-GUI.

QSC Q-SYS

As part of its strategic technology partnership with Audinate, Q-SYS feature licenses will enable native Dante networked audio integration without the need for additional hardware I/O or external configuration software. Integrators can add Dante audio natively as an extension of the Q-SYS integrated audio, video, and control workflow. Robust functionality provides device discovery, synchronization, control, and management for Dante—directly within Q-SYS Designer Software environment or Dante Controller. Because Q-SYS operates over standard IT network infrastructures, Dante audio data works with Q-SYS AV&C data, eliminating the need for challenging bridging or combining schemes to manage both Q-SYS and Dante connected peripherals. Following the release of Software-based Dante feature licenses, all new Q-SYS Core processors will ship with a small set of Dante audio channels enabled at no additional cost. Software-based Dante for the Q-SYS Ecosystem is targeted for release in early 2020.

RGB Spectrum Zio

RGB Spectrum’s Zio AV-over-IP solution includes a comprehensive family of encoders, decoders, multiviewers, wall processors, and software for smart displays and mobile devices. It provides an easy-to-use collection of products and solutions for the capture, distribution, and display of video content over IP networks, including not only LANs but WANs and mobile networks. Built specifically for the demands of the enterprise customer, Zio products can adapt to changing requirements for bandwidth, resolution, and latency using industry-standard codecs, enhanced with fully distributed, browser-based control. The inclusion of robust APIs enables third-party integration of control systems, sources, display devices, and other IoT products into the Zio platform.

Silex Insight VIPER

The VIPER HDMI-over-IP platform from Silex Insight is a field-programmable solution based on flexible and powerful FPGA-based micro-electronics. This allows the end user to continuously upgrade this hardware solution as new features and specifications are released by uploading the latest firmware through a web browser. VIPER from Silex Insight allows the customer to keep his systems up to date as the requirements evolve, without replacing any hardware. Continuous developments in video and audio codecs guarantee optimum performance, extending the lifetime of the device threefold.

Utelogy U-Manage

As the market seeks efficiency, scale, and value, there is a reduction in the number of proprietary hardware platforms in favor of less expensive, simpler, and more scalable software technologies that sit within the IT world and deliver enterprise-class reliability. We are seeing new vendors that understand scale, value for money, reliability, and the need to deploy globally with a consistent outcome. All of this plays into the hands of IT-type companies and those AV companies that are agile and have built a business around service and support. Utelogy’s U-Manage solution helps both end users and service providers easily transition to this type of service.

ZeeVee ZyPer

ZeeVee’s ZyPer line is designed from the ground up to make the transition to IP as smooth and easy as possible. ZeeVee’s third-generation AVoIP encoders and decoders represent truly transitional products for those seeking more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective video distribution and streaming solutions. ZeeVee offers an extensive line of mature solutions, from H.264 to uncompressed 4K 60 4:4:4, to address every commercial and professional need. ZeeVee enables flexibility for changing needs by using the same management platform across all of its AVoIP products. The design simplifies setup and day-to-day use and enables the adjustment of configurations, sources, and endpoints.

Pro AV is in the midst of its biggest revolution since the transition from analog to digital, and unless you’re brand new to the industry, you’ve been hearing about it AV over IP, or the convergence of audiovisual systems and internet protocols, for several years. While it certainly isn't the only technology driving the industry, AV over IP is one of the most impactful trends in 2020. The AV over IP transformation is far from complete, but like the analog-digital switch, it’s almost certainly inevitable.

Why AV over IP?

AV over IP uses standard IT networking equipment to transmit and switch audiovisual signals. AV over IP offers a number of advantages over the way that AV signal distribution has typically been handled, so it's smart to consider embracing IT innovations for AV applications.

For years, audio and video sources have been sent across rooms, buildings, and campuses over traditional, dedicated AV infrastructures. As an example, the signal from a source, like a conferencing camera, is sent over HDMI into a transmitter, then to a matrix switch, and out through a receiver and into a flat screen display. This works great for small systems.

But AV is growing rapidly. Whereas in the past only a few rooms in a building would be equipped with video, companies are now working to extend solutions to as many spaces as possible—and with the rise in remote work creating further demand for conferencing systems, this trend is only accelerating.

While traditional matrix switches work great, they’re very constrained. With a fixed number of inputs and outputs, you have to buy a bigger, more expensive switch to add more endpoints to a system. They’re also limited by distance. With traditional infrastructures, it can become prohibitively expensive to extend signals over great lengths of cable between boxes.

By replacing the transmitter, matrix switch, and receiver with an encoder, network switch, and decoder, signals can sent over Ethernet, enabling much longer distance transmission and flexibility for system expansion—if you run out of ports in your network switch, you can simply connect another one to augment the system.

Another advantage to AV over IP is management. The status of devices connected to an IP network can easily be monitored from a central platform, and some platforms even enable devices to be configured and updated remotely as well.

What to Consider When Switching to AV over IP

Perhaps the first things to consider when entertaining a switch to AV over IP are the desired quality and latency. If your installation is small—limited to a handful of rooms—and pristine quality is required, then it probably makes sense to stick with a matrix switch. However, installing AV over IP systems today offers future expansion possibilities. If there's a chance you'll be expanding the network in the future, then it would certainly be wise to consider AV over IP.

Currently, there are a number of standards for AV over IP transmission, and not all are compatible with one another. Some manufacturers have proprietary standards for encoding sources for IP transmission, and will require the use of their encoder and decoder products throughout the installation for compatibility. Standards like SDVoE and SRT, on the other hand, are compatible with devices from multiple manufacturers.

Beyond interoperability, the most important thing to consider when selecting a standard is bandwidth. The most common solutions require either 1 or 10 gigabits of bandwidth to transport AV over IP, and most manufacturers offer solutions for each. For the majority of applications, where near-zero latency and flawless 4K video quality are not paramount, a 1Gb solution is usually sufficient. For more intensive applications, or where higher-resolution video like 8K is anticipated, it typically makes sense to spring for a 10Gb solution, which will introduce less compression and latency.

What You Need to Get Started

What do you need to know about AV over IP convergence? As mentioned before, AV over IP systems require an encoder, decoder, and a network switch. They also require Ethernet cabling to carry the signals. Let’s start with this, as it’s the most extensive component of an installation.

Cabling: If you’re planning a system from scratch, you’ll want to run higher-grade category (Cat-6a or Cat-7) or fiber optic cabling throughout your facility, as this is required for 10Gb transmission. If your facility is already wired with Cat 5e cabling, you’ll need to choose a 1Gb AV-over-IP solution.

Encoder and Decoder: This is where you must choose a proprietary or open-source system for your AV over IP network. There are advantages to both approaches. By selecting encoders/decoders from a vendor with a proprietary transmission codec, you get assurance of guaranteed performance and specifications. The more controlled nature of this choice also typically makes for easier out-of-the-box setup and easier support.

Choosing encoders and decoders that use an interoperable standard will allow you more freedom to customize your AV-over-IP network with solutions from a variety of manufacturers, giving you the option to pick different capabilities for different parts of your deployment.

While encoders and decoders are typically distinct boxes, some manufacturers offer units that can be used either as an encoder or a decoder, providing for increased flexibility.

Network Switch: The switch that takes your signal from the encoder and sends it out over the local area network can be either a standard switch from an IT company like Cisco or one that’s made for AV-over-IP applications, like those offered by NETGEAR. While 1Gb switches still offer the lowest cost per port, the price of 10Gb solutions has been rapidly falling, making these higher bandwidth solutions more attractive.

Since AV over IP uses standard IT hardware, it’s possible to simply run your system through your organization’s existing networking infrastructure. For applications where security is particularly important, however, it may be prudent to deploy the system over a completely segregated network, eliminating the possibility of access to the organization’s data network.

How to Make Your AV-over-IP Deployment Secure

A common concern for those considering the switch to AV over IP is how to keep their converged IP network secure. However, most security concerns can be avoided with some simple, common-sense setup, like ensuring your endpoint devices have proper password protection. For their part, manufacturers have been working to add encryption into their devices, further adding peace of mind.

Ultimately, it’s best to collaborate with your facility’s IT team during the earliest planning phases to ensure that all parties are informed on how devices are connected to the network.

Over the past few years, AV over IP (AVoIP) has come to dominate conversations of audiovisual signal transport. And despite forecasts that it would soon take over in terms of installations, the reality has proven slightly different. 

AV over IP is essentially the transmission of AV data over a network such as a LAN, WAN or the internet. As opposed to traditional AV environments, AV over IP refers to the use of standard network equipment to transmit and switch video and audio.

What is being discussed in the pro AV space over the last few years is the gradual replacement of traditional AV infrastructures with IP-based infrastructures. AV over IP network preserve the capabilities of a traditional AV network—the primary difference is that audio and video being transmitted on an AV over IP network are packet-based rather than circuit-based.

As more product manufacturers and AV integrators move forward with the adoption of AV over IP network solutions, IP convergence on the enterprise network becomes an important topic of AV/IT design programming discussions.

Convergence is the ability to use data, communications, and AV together, on the same network. In an alternative scenario, AV over IP is deployed on entirely segregated networks that never coexist with packets of data from an organization’s data network or communications network.

The argument to be made for putting AV devices on the network is to enable consolidated management, infrastructure cost savings and a single point of support. On the other hand, creating separate, independent AV and IT networks will maintain clear lines of demarcation between IT/AV applications and network management. 

The advantages of placing AV on IT networks can be significant, but it comes with its own potentially significant demands with regard to compression and network security.

Turning AV over IP challenges into opportunities

It is still very common for enterprise networks to have at best 1 GbE connectivity, which is a major obstacle for integrating 4K audio/video devices on the AVoIP network. Gigabit networks aren’t generally capable of passing 4K UHD 4:4:4 60Hz video without substantial compression.

1Gb vs. 10Gb Ethernet: Which is right for your AV network?

Securing AV devices on the network, keeping your converged IP network secure, is arguably one of the last major sticking points to true AV/IT convergence, and one that presents a number of challenges to tech managers striving to adhere to their organizations’ security policies.

What’s the State of AV over IP Convergence?

We reached out to experts to find out where they believe we are in the state of AVoIP convergence and what the future will bring.

According to Justin Kennington, president of the SDVoE Alliance—a nonprofit consortium of technology providers collaborating to standardize the adoption of Ethernet to transport AV signals in professional AV environments—we still have a way to go before AVoIP becomes the norm. “The easiest way to measure it is in new installs, and how many of those are AV over IP, and how many of those are traditional methods of signal extension or matrix switching?” Kennington said. “From everything I know, from looking at sales and research, we’re still in a majority matrix switch world. So in some sense, we’re not very far along at all in the AV over IP transition.”

Why We Haven’t Reached Convergence

Why is this? Kennington noted an interesting dichotomy in a recent survey his organization conducted. “Some people are saying they use AVoIP because it’s simple, and other people are saying “I’m sticking with a matrix switch because AVoIP is too complex.” This underscores what Kennington believes to be an issue of education: those who have taken the effort to learn AVoIP have discovered its benefits, while the latter survey respondents mistakenly believe it to be more complex, based on their lack of familiarity. 

“And I think what that represents is the divide between people who have actually tried it, and people who are just leery of something new and haven’t tried it yet,” Kennington said. “And that’s why there’s huge potential on the education side, because we see that as the number-one enabler of the AVoIP transition.”

IP network convergence requires that AV pros gain IT networking skills.

Besides its perceived complexity, Kennington also points to the belief that it’s more costly as a prime impediment to more widespread growth. “People believe that 10-gig Ethernet is expensive,” he said. “It frankly isn’t. You can go out and buy a 10-gigiabit ethernet switch for under $100 per port. Now compare that to your HDBaseT matrix switch at $500 or $1,000 a port.”

But the benefits of switching to IP-based transport from traditional matrix switching extend far beyond just the simplicity and cost effectiveness. Another key aspect is the flexibility it unlocks. “Now that everything is on the network, IoT and cloud connection has become another important factor to guarantee those endpoints can be managed and monitored over both a standard infrastructure and standard management tools,” said Alex Peras, technology manager of DigitalMedia at Crestron Electronics, one of the leading AV solution providers and a pioneer in IP-based AV distribution. 

“In addition, the need to control devices with standard APIs is also driving AVoIP adoption,” Peras said. “The ability to receive audio streams to and from any device using standard AES67 means that the video and audio manufacturers are working together to equip customers to build the best system for their environment and application.”

For Peras, the primary obstacle to greater adoption is concerns of security. “One of the biggest impediments is ensuring that the AVoIP products meet the demands of living on an enterprise network,” he said. “From security to interoperability to networking standards, it is critical to ensure that dealers and installers can manage and deploy the solutions successfully.” Again, this comes back to the issue of education: Peras pointed out that there are systems available that incorporate features like 802.1X, Active Directory, and JITC certification for enterprise-grade security. “[These AVoIP systems] are built to provide peace of mind to IT operators overcoming these impediments,” he said.”

What You Might Not Know

Crestron’s Peras identified an emerging trend that can help pave the way for more widespread acceptance of AVoIP: creating hybrid technologies to bridge the gap between HDBT and AVoIP for AV installers, dealers, and consultants. “This will allow existing HDBT systems to integrate with new AVoIP systems,” he said. 

SDVoE’s Kennington underlined an attribute of IP-based systems that he finds “a little frustrating” that more people don’t know: the robustness of their capabilities. “[An AVoIP system] is not just a matrix switch replacement; it’s also a video wall processor replacement; it’s also a multivew processor replacement; it’s also a KVM replacement,” he said. “And what we see from our manufacturer members is more embracing of those capabilities. And as the end users and system designers get ahold of this information, they become very excited about what’s possible.”

Reaching Convergence

It seems inevitable that a time will come when the vast majority of installs utilize AVoIP. To help realize this, Peras said that Crestron is working stronger with standards-based protocols like AES67 to ensure interoperability with audio systems and to enable cloud connectivity for manageability and scalability on all networks. And, Kennington and the SDVoE Alliance are forging a path of interoperability that’s bringing together an increasing number of manufacturers under its umbrella.

AV and IT must collaborate for successful IP network convergence.

Once again, it will take continued education to reach the ultimate goal. “I think what IT guys get nervous about is the idea of someone showing up and screwing with their network,” Kennington said. But, he’s found that those who understand what AVoIP can bring are more than eager to embrace its potential. “I’ve never met an IT guy who’s not excited about his network, and doesn’t want his network to do cool new things,” he said. “If you tell them that ‘I’ve got a killer application here and it’s going to be an excuse for you to buy more bandwidth,’ he’s going to be happy to hear that. He’s going to say, ‘Cool, I get to beef up my network and now I have a real reason for that.’”

Audio Visual over Internet Protocol (AV over IP) solutions designed for 10 gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) networks are generally used for mission-critical AV distribution and processing applications, such as neurosurgery or live event productions, where the capacity for ultra-low-latency or zero-latency and artifact-free transmission of true 4K60 (4:4:4) is essential. 

What to consider when choosing a gigabit Ethernet network

Many solutions are based on Software Defined Video over Ethernet (SDVoE), which allows system designers and integrators to develop applications to provide virtual matrix switches, KVM switches, video wall controllers, and more. SDVoE is the most widely adopted networked AV standard in the industry, delivering HDMI over Ethernet with zero latency. AV distribution and processing applications that demand zero-latency, uncompromised video can benefit from SDVoE technology, which provides an end-to-end hardware and software platform for AV extension, switching, processing, and control through advanced chipset technology, common control APIs, and interoperability.

[The Integration Guide to AVoIP]

Some solutions use HDBaseT-IP, which adds the ability to transmit signals over 10Gb Ethernet, building atop the HDBaseT standard using switches and bridges to extend to campus-wide distances, with added support for a new physical layer based on Ethernet/IP.

1Gb vs. 10Gb Ethernet: Which is right for your AV network?

We looked at 10Gb AVoIP solutions from Black Box, DVI Gear, and Extron, and here’s what we found.

Key Features for AVoIP Performance Solutions

Black Box MCX

Black Box MCX multimedia distribution and management system takes advantage of SDVoE and modern 10GbE infrastructure to allow AV and data payloads to exist on the same IT networks. The MCX ensures almost zero latency, instantaneous switching, bandwidth efficiency, and high-quality video and audio.

DVIGear DisplayNet DN-150 Series

DisplayNet DN-150 Series represents a performance and value for IP-based AV signal distribution applications. It utilizes SDVoE technology in a fanless, low-profile case that can be mounted unobtrusively nearly anywhere. These units provide independent multi-layer routing of HDMI audio and video signals, as well as IR, RS-232, Analog Audio, and 1GbE.

Extron NAV Pro AV over IP

The NAV Pro AV over IP is a solution for distribution and switching of ultra-low latency, high quality video, and audio signals over an Ethernet network at low bit rates. The highly secure NAV platform supports 802.1X port-based Network Access Control and Microsoft Active Directory to simplify user management and group authentication, helping to maintain strong security policies. In addition, NAV supports SRTP (Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol), ensuring the encryption, message authentication, and data integrity of video and data streams.

Keeping your converged IP network secure

Image Quality for AVoIP Performance Solutions

Black Box MCX

The MCX extends uncompressed 4K 60 Hz 4:4:4 video to an unlimited number of displays without sacrificing latency, video quality, or bandwidth. It overcomes source to display latency with glass-to-glass encoding and decoding that happens in real time (0.03 milliseconds). It switches between video sources in less than 100 milliseconds with no artifacts or screen blink.

DVIGear DisplayNet DN-150 Series

The DN-150 Series delivers unconstrained scalability, fast switching, zero frame latency, and zero artifact image quality—while distributing signals with resolutions of up to 4K/60p (4:4:4) with 8-bit color, or 4K/60p (4:2:2) with 10 or 12-bit color. 

Extron NAV Pro AV over IP 

The NAV Pro delivers real-time, visually lossless video over IP at resolutions up to 4K@60 Hz with 4:4:4 chroma sampling and ultra-low latency. Transmit real-time visually lossless video with ultra-low latency using Extron's wavelet-based PURE3 codec, guaranteeing exceptional user experience and response time in mission critical applications, according to the company.

AV over IP and other trends in 2020

Connectivity and Interoperability for AVoIP Performance Solutions

Black Box MCX

Through advanced chipset technology, common control APIs, and interoperability, The MCX SDVoE technology ensures zero latency and uncompromised video while offering significant cost savings along with enhanced system flexibility and scalability. It connects every essential AV distribution device to the MCX through its variety of ports: discrete RS-232, IR, secondary audio channel plus a separate 1Gb connection. It can deploy on 10Gb networks over Ethernet, fiber, or both. It also features USB support for audio, webcam, Flash drive, keyboard, and mouse.

DVIGear DisplayNet DN-150 Series

Advanced features in this web-based application enable nearly effortless integration with third-party controllers. Full interoperability with other SDVoE products, including the DisplayNet DN-200 Series, greatly enhances system flexibility. The DN-150 Series is available with either copper or optical fiber transport, enabling signal extension distances of up to 100 meters (328 feet) with Cat 6A twisted pair and up to 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) with single-mode fiber. It is highly scalable supporting systems from a few ports to hundreds—limited only to the size of the network switch.

Extron NAV Pro AV over IP 

The NAV Series offers both 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps encoders and decoders while providing full interoperability across both systems. Built in USB 2.0 and Ethernet expansion facilitate connection to peripheral USB and Ethernet-enabled devices over the same cable as video and audio. The NAV supports the AES67 standard which provides interoperability between the predominant network audio over IP products in use today, ensuring flexibility in the distribution of audio signals.

The Final Word on AVoIP Performance Solutions

A 10Gb solution eliminates any compromise between low latency, low bandwidth, and high video quality—as well as the need to maintain dual networks to support AV and IT data independently across the enterprise. Today, there is a higher cost associated with 10Gb solutions, but the prices coming down and enabling more companies to consider this pristine solution for future proofing. 

Advantages of a 1Gb Ethernet network backbone

Thanks to scalability, flexibility, and ease of deployment and management, AV over IP continues to gain popularity among integrators and tech managers in corporate environments. These solutions must meet both their present-day business requirements and accommodate their collaborative needs well into the future.

AVoIP today sits at the core of an increasing number of corporate installations. In addition to the value they offer for presentation and collaboration in meeting spaces and conference rooms, the costs of developing and deploying compression technologies has substantially decreased, as have and the costs of purchasing and implementing network technologies. This makes the timing right for integrators and the enterprise-level tech managers serving the corporate market to accelerate away from more stringent circuit-based systems.

The basics of AV over IP infrastructure

Here are several key considerations to get the most out of enterprise-level AV over IP deployments.

Infrastructure

In new construction, one of the first questions is: will this be a 1Gb or 10Gb network? 10Gb networks are costlier, and they offer the benefit of uncompressed video transport. (Advantages of a 10Gb Ethernet network backbone.) However, it’s not viable to continually expand video resolution without an eventual compression stage. Some AVoIP platforms perform very light compression—often referred to as visually lossless compression—where viewers can’t detect any artifacts in the image over less expensive 1Gb networks.

1Gb vs. 10Gb Ethernet: Which is right for your AV network?

AV over IP isn’t limited to new networks. In large facilities where the network infrastructure is already in place, AV over IP will operate over Category 5E cable, for example, eliminating the need to run Category 6 cabling. That reduces the investment both in new technology and the integration labor.

Multicasting versus Unicasting

Multicasting is nothing new in the AV over IP space, and remains the primary delivery method. With multicasting, the encoder sends a stream to a specific multicast group address that is then delivered to the IGMP querier. The decoder than requests that stream while the querier forwards that traffic to the network.

Multicasting isn’t the only solution, however. If you’re streaming to a wide area network (WAN) and multicasting isn’t an option, the best solution is to unicast to a media server, but heavier compression would be required over a WAN.

Audio

Most large-scale AV over IP deployments incorporate a digital signal processing (DSP) component for audio management. AV over IP platforms like Atlona’s OmniStream that stream AES67 audio natively from their encoders have the ability to stream audio directly out to the DSP. This means there is no need for additional third-party devices in this configuration. With AES67, routing and distribution of both video and audio is achieved seamlessly and with interoperability over the network.

Control

One the network infrastructure is mapped and the devices present in each space are identified, it’s time to discuss control. Where control was once something of an AV over IP outlier, the technology is now a seamless part of the broader ecosystem.

With AV control moving to IP, the gateway sits on the network along with the controller. This simplifies everything from the initial configuration process to replicating room designs for new spaces. It also greatly reduces the infrastructure by eliminating larger numbers of separate processors to serve a large enterprise system.

[The Technology Manager's Guide to the State of AV Over IP]

Beyond that, some solutions have the ability to convert networking controls into an RS-232 signal to control a display. This removes the need to run a separate RS-232 cable from the processor all the way to the display; instead, the same Ethernet cable that the decoder is using can be applied. In this configuration, the RS-232 port is connected at the decoder and into the display, and the control happens via that decoder.

Moving forward with the adoption of AV over IP

For large enterprise rollouts, it’s becoming less and less a question of “will we choose to go with AV over IP?”—companies now understand that when it comes to distribution, AVoIP offers the flexibility and scalability required in order to support their conference rooms, huddle spaces, and meeting facilities, while at the same time eliminating the need for the support technologies required with other AV distribution methods. Perhaps even more importantly, it provides organizations with a reliable, future-proof solution that will stand the test of time

When MKJ Communications started engineering and installing critical communications systems in large public transportation hubs like LaGuardia Airport, the most current audio distribution solution used CobraNet technology to deliver audio and video signals over IP networks. For many of these projects, MKJ relied on AtlasIED’s extensive portfolio of CobraNet-compliant communications products.

“AtlasIED’s GlobalCom.IP mass communications ecosystem provides us with a full range of CobraNet-compliant products that meet the stringent paging, messaging, and emergency notification demands of public transportation facilities,” said John Massaro, vice president engineering and operations at MKJ Communications.

Airport Renovation Opens the Door for Dante

While MKJ’s affinity for AtlasIED GlobalCom.IP communications solutions hasn’t changed, today, the company’s choice audio-over-IP mass communications system follows the newer Dante protocol.

“Not that there’s anything wrong with CobraNet,” said Massaro. Many of MKJ’s large transportation projects still function admirably via the CobraNet-based communications platform. But when airports and other transportation facilities update or add new terminals, it’s the ideal time to migrate to a new and more modern audio-over-IP standard like Dante.

Turning AV over IP challenges into opportunities

[The Technology Manager's Guide to the State of AV Over IP]

“The technology has strong backing of more than 2,000 products from more than 400 manufacturers, including AtlasIED, and any products developed in the future are likely to adhere to Dante,” Massaro continued. Moreover, the transition to Dante as the de facto audio-over-IP standard may eventually leave systems integrators with a shrinking number of CobraNet options.

CobraNet Keeps Communicating at Existing Terminals

Still, CobraNet has its place—and that place currently is throughout many of the existing terminals at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. The technology continues to seamlessly connect microphone stations, processors, amplifiers, and speakers for efficient multichannel distribution of digital audio. “In the few existing terminals left at the airport, CobraNet continues to facilitate distribution of critical communications for boarding, paging, and emergency notification,” said Massaro. “In transportation facilities like LaGuardia, where upgrades happen infrequently and systems are used for 20 years before they get replaced, CobraNet is still relatively popular. But when areas of the airport do undergo a major renovation, it makes sense to install that latest technology, which today is Dante.”

Embracing IT innovations for AV applications

Uniting Legacy and Leading-Edge Audio-over-IP Platforms

Fortunately, the two protocols can be easily integrated via a network bridge, which MKJ deployed in its $4 million-plus overhaul of Terminals B, C, and D. Equipment comprising the new gate paging and flight announcement systems installed in these terminals are all Dante-compliant, and from AtlasIED’s GlobalCom.IP portfolio. Thanks to the networking bridge, the Dante systems can interoperate with the CobraNet equipment used in the existing terminals and concourses, creating one unified communications network.

“To airport personnel, the only noticeable difference between the two systems is the lower latency of the Dante network and the intuitiveness of the Dante controller’s graphical user interface,” said Massaro. “Digital audio signals traveling from microphone to speaker do so with near-zero latency, and airport staff are able to master the communications controls faster.”

Considerations for delivering real-time AV over IP

Innovative Airport Messaging

Dante also offered MKJ the opportunity to provide audible messaging for the hearing impaired. In the upgraded terminals, MKJ installed inductive hearing loops, which interface directly with the Dante communications system and AtlasIED’s GCK 3.0 notification software.

The GCK 3.0 software also supports customization and automation of messages. “Through the software, we can steer announcements to certain amplifiers, play back recorded messages in any language, automate the boarding process, and convert text messages to speech, for example,” said Benny Ameti, MKJ senior engineer.

[AV Designers and Integrators Discuss ADA Compliance]

This helps with ADA compliance, a feature unique to GlobalCom.IP. Because Dante facilitates the distribution of both digital audio and video signals, MKJ was able to implement innovative visual messaging solutions that complement audio broadcasts. For example, to help travelers with hearing impairments, digital signage automatically displays messages being broadcast audibly. This same signage can be used for wayfinding applications, like directing people to the nearest airport exit during an emergency.

Improving digital signage installations with AV over IP technology

Phasing in Dante, Keeping CobraNet

Legacy and leading-edge technologies like CobraNet and Dante can coexist peacefully, as MKJ demonstrates in the initial phases of its communications upgrade of several terminals at LaGuardia Airport. For markets like the transportation industry, which roll out expansion projects in multiple phases, being able to bridge old and new communications networks keeps the facility operating at full capacity while the upgrades are rolled out. 

No matter which Dante-based AtlasIED amplifiers, microphone stations, controllers, and communications endpoints MKJ installs, audio broadcasts can be shared seamlessly between the existing CobraNet-based network and new Dante network.

As a livestream operator and delivery manager, I constantly find myself engaging with AV over IP. When things go smoothly, I do not even have to confront the complex delivery standards and structures that make it possible to deliver intelligible, live audio and video to an audience of many thousands of viewers, spread across the globe. I just click “Go Live.” 

Nonetheless, there is actually a lot that goes into delivering a successful livestream event. Being well-versed in the behind-the-scenes layer of AV over IP delivery helps me perform as a stronger operator, and in general, it is one route to keeping AV relevant to our customers.

IT is the new backstage. This cannot possibly come as a surprise to the AV industry. Methods of delivering audio and video signals over internet protocol have been developing carefully and deliberately for decades, which has given AV pros plenty of opportunities to get used to working with the concepts. 

AV over IP convergence: What you need to know

In fact, AV over IP has already worked its way into daily life for everybody, not just AV/IT professionals. Everyday folks receive entertainment streams for mass consumption over the public internet at home. We all stream informative communications at work, and we stay in touch with both colleagues and loved ones through our computers and mobile devices. All of this is delivered thanks to the invisible ability to encode and decode audio and video signals for delivery over a standard network.

[The Integration Guide to AVoIP]

AVoIP Presents Concerns for IT Departments

AV over IP is certainly here to stay and has made a place for itself in any type of installation or workflow. As soon as you work around an upload restriction or video processing time constraint by livestreaming a recording to a cloud, your show has crossed over into AVoIP territory. For exactly this reason, AVoIP presents a host of concerns for IT departments, and it is important that the engineers delivering from the AV perspective understand exactly what we are doing and why it works. 

AV and IT must collaborate for successful IP network convergence

We often only find out why it works when it doesn’t. Although troubleshooting is an excellent learning experience, getting ahead of failure is a primary concern in an IT environment. You never want to find out that your delivery method is in danger right before, or worse, after go-time. The old answer to getting ahead of surprises was rehearsal and saving the state of the environment so that it would be predictable and play back the same way every time. That is not always possible in the network realm. As such, consistent testing in collaboration with the IT engineers and a microcosm of your final consumers is of the utmost importance as a pre-show ritual in an IT environment, where changes are constant and sometimes come with unexpected results.

Getting personally comfortable with the deeper aspects of IP delivery is also of great benefit to AV practitioners, and it is easy to get close to the material. For one thing, we are already touching it every day and can use this practice to proactively question our local IT SMEs about the foundations of the platforms we work with. Familiarity with the underlying concepts that make the buttons we push and click work on a daily basis, and ability to discuss these systems with our IT counterparts will solidify our understanding for why it is important that we utilize the network in ways that are safe for the network, first and foremost. 

IP network convergence requires that AV pros gain IT networking skills

Protecting the Network

Protecting the network should always be the primary concern in any AVoIP instance. AV stakeholders and implementers should come to the table with this concern at the top of their minds, thus ensuring that our IT clients see us as allies who have their best interests in mind. Everything else a business does on its network is more important than delivering AV. Most clients and companies would sooner revert to phone calls and expensive, traditional broadcast methods before endangering their networks with oversized AV bandwidth requirements or questionable proxy holes for AV communication. As such, the AV sector should be prepared to live without some aspects of our ideal delivery if the IT team considers them to be potential threats. 

Keeping your converged IP network secure

In AV, the thought of sending AV information as packets regularly evokes nostalgia for simpler days when signals were confined to their own neatly partitioned copper networks, free to transmit uncompressed, reliably, and without latency. But the value of going IP greatly outweighs the opposing impulse to keep AV signals isolated. Flexibility in delivery process and speed, shattering signal distance constraints, and tapping into an ability for nearly infinite I/O expansion are reasons enough to enthusiastically absorb IT networking into the AV toolkit.

The next generation of AV technicians, designers, and engineers will be innately well-versed in how AV traffic behaves in a networked environment and will likely be required to have knowledge of internet protocols and network theory as part of their basic qualification outfit. They will be firmly immersed in an IT backstage experience, starting with a natural education gained at home from streaming games, schoolwork, and entertainment. Those of us who are here now can prepare by expanding our knowledge of why AV needs to behave the way it does in this emerging environment and continuing to build strong IT relationships to push forward AV’s safe, reliable, and respectful interactions with our client’s IP networks.

AV versus IT ... why does this have to be such an “us against them” concept? It shouldn’t be and it doesn’t have to be. Take it from an AV guy who is now working for an IT company.

I’ve spent a heck of a lot of years in the AV industry. I lived in broadcasting, video post-production, and equipment manufacturing. I know what I know and I am confident about that knowledge. I am also confident that there is a lot I don’t know when it comes to networking. One thing I’ve learned along the way is to not be afraid to reach out and ask for help.

Ask for Help

Now when you do ask for help, you need to be sure you present the fact that you know about X, but are unsure about Y. What I mean is, if you are an AV professional, be confident about your AV knowledge, but don’t be afraid to ask an IT professional for some help in sorting out this new AV over IP landscape.

IP network convergence requires that AV pros gain IT networking skills

By the same token, the knowledgeable IT professionals must have some room for AV in their world these days, too. It is not a matter of if IT will be asked about AV over IP, it is certainly when. And the more we all understand how to approach these installations, the better the outcome will be for our end customers. Don’t forget—it is them we are trying to please and improve the experience, right?

Ok, so, here are some hints on how to work toward a more pleasant AV over IP deployment.

Recognize Each Other

In many corporate installs, the AV team has to recognize that the IT admins are reluctant to add an “unknown” switch to their network. They will tell you about broadcast storms, flooding, and other biblical plagues. And they are often right, though—you cannot just plug anything into a network. 

There are a host of great switch vendors to choose from these days. Some are well known in the IT world, some are not. Very few actually make their products easy for the AV and IT teams to install and configure alongside existing infrastructure because they cater to their own, well-trained IT specialists. 

The basics of AV over IP infrastructure

[The Integration Guide to AVoIP]

It is important for the AV team to explain that they need to use switches that are certified or approved by the AV equipment vendors. This will help the IT team to realize that the AV system is designed to work together and will not require Herculean efforts to setup and install. Approved switches from companies who also sell into the IT world make it even easier, as the IT admins can rest assured there are features to help them with security and other very important aspects of deploying network systems.

The AV team also needs to do some research and reach out to the switch vendors who offer system design help to understand the best practices used in the IT world. This will ensure that when you present your system design to the IT admin involved in your project, they will understand and respect that you have taken things into consideration that mean a lot to them.

Moving forward with the adoption of AV over IP

Take Precautions

AV over IP or multicasting is something that makes many IT admins shudder. Likely because they have had an experience in the past where some AV person simply connected an encoder to the network and it flooded the network, effectively shutting down the entire network. That’s not a good way to win the confidence of an IT admin.

Realizing there is more to AV over IP than just plugging something in, as is the case with many AV installs in the past, there are many switch vendors, like Netgear, who are making things easier.  Find a product that takes the pain out of initial setup, by enabling many of the protocols and settings required for proper multicasting out of the box.  This means that when deploying AV over IP on a corporate network, your IT admin will be thankful for not flooding the network and you will be thankful everything works.

How Netgear is supporting the AV over IP transition

Joint Custody

Finally, it is very important for both sides to understand who “owns” what part of the system. The IT team rightly deserves to monitor, upgrade, and inventory the AV network using their preferred management tools. Equally as important, the IT team must recognize that the AV team has done the research to find the best multicasting solution to accomplish the task and satisfy the customer requirements.

There. That shouldn’t be too hard, right?

The Technology Manager's Guide to the State of AV Over IP

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Manufacturers Discuss Their Place in Convergence

Whether AV over IP, SDVoE, or another flavor, the shift to AV on the network has had a slower uptake than the industry had expected. Why is this? We know this topic is full of strong convictions, so we asked thought leaders from several of the industry’s top AV companies to share their perspective on the State of AV over IP and provide a glimpse of their roadmap. 

New AV-over-IP Products

This roundup showcases the latest products from top manufacturers.

Download the Technology Manager's Guide to the State of AV Over IP.