AV over IP system(Internet Protocol Audiovisual) technology has been around for more than a decade; it is hailed as a revolutionary innovation in the AV industry because it has the potential to transmit data from multiple sources to a large number of outputs.

However, even though it is one of the biggest trends in the professional AV field, it is still evolving and being slowly adopted. For many AV professionals, it is still a bit mysterious. What does that bunch of black boxes actually do? How is it different from other solutions?

Earlier we talked about what AV over IP system is. Today we will take a look at the 7 differences between it and other solutions:

1. The difference between AV over IP system and traditional AV: the difference in the number of signal sources

Enterprises are gradually turning traditional AV systems to IP, and switchers are one of the key issues. Signal technology based on cables and circuits is basically a point-to-point technology. The video matrix switcher is both a "destination" (relative to the AV transmitter box) and a "signal source" (relative to the AV receiver box). All operations from the transmitter to the receiver are carried out in the matrix switcher, and any signal source can be used at any target location according to the number of ports available for the video matrix switcher. For example, an 8x8 matrix switcher can allow 8 signal sources to be used arbitrarily at 8 target locations.

More advanced equipment can also perform signal processing operations. For example, not only can signal input be performed on all output terminals, but also input signals can be displayed on many output terminals. Therefore, the PPT presentation on the computer can be used as a signal source, routed from the AV transmitter box to the video matrix switcher, and then the switcher can be connected to multiple AV receiver boxes while displaying the PPT content in real time.

The difference with IP is that the number of signal sources connected to the IP switch is no longer limited. When the physical ports are used up, they can be connected to multiple IP switches for expansion. This means that you can expand and increase the number of ports more conveniently, and you can continue to increase signal sources and destinations without extensively modifying the centerpiece of the video matrix switcher.

Compared with the traditional hardware mode wired video matrix switcher, in the IP mode, the ratio of input to output can also be more personalized and customized. There can be multiple inputs but only a few outputs, or only a few inputs. Channel output, of course, can also be multiple input and multiple output, and the number is arbitrary.

2. The second difference between AV over IP system and traditional AV: the difference in transmission distance

The limited distance between signal boxes is another constraint of traditional AV. All hardware-based digital transmissions are subject to distance limitations. It only needs a short distance of a few feet to connect directly through the cable, and the price is not too expensive. Once the transmission distance reaches a few meters, the cost of the extension cable will increase significantly. When the cable distance reaches hundreds of meters, the cost of installation and extension will even be too high for users to accept.

The IP-based AV mode can be easily transmitted through copper wires and optical fibers. The maximum transmission distance of CAT-5 and CAT-6 cables can reach 100 meters, but they can be switched and repeated serially. The video you watch using Netflix or YouTube at home is quite mature using this packet-based switching technology.

Therefore, the IP method overcomes the limitation on the number of signal sources and destinations, breaks the limitation of transmission distance, and greatly increases the flexibility of the system. Converting from traditional AV to IP, there will be no restrictions on functionality, because IP-based technology also retains all functional elements.

The three main architectures below illustrate this point. The first is based on traditional AV switching, and the latter two are AV over IP system.

3. The third difference between AV over IP system and traditional AV: transmission protocol standard and interconnection

Some IP-based AV products use standardized packet methods to transmit on the IP network and are compatible with IP switches, and some use proprietary technology packaged forms. These solutions are also applicable to IP networks and standard IP switches, but are compatible with those on the market. Other products are not compatible.

Generally, standards-based solutions can achieve interconnection between products of different manufacturers. However, more importantly, the formulation of standards is formulated by different stakeholders after balancing different technical needs. In terms of product planning and development, compared with products of a single manufacturer, products based on standardization often provide more Great advantage of infrastructure migration.

Of course, regardless of whether the package method is based on a standardized protocol, it is not the only factor that determines the interoperability of the system, nor does it play a decisive role in the safety of a product. It can only be said that he supports a wider range of technologies.

The IP codecs provided by some manufacturers are very proprietary, which means that the codecs used in the system can only be from the same manufacturer. The primary reason is usually that the manufacturers try to provide their customers with products with guaranteed specifications and performance. , Making the product ready to use, ease of use and experience are simpler.

The encoders of some manufacturers are fully compatible with each other. In other words, they either make encoders compatible with other manufacturers' decoders, or make decoders that interoperate with other manufacturers' encoders, or both codecs must be compatible. This type of product attaches great importance to interconnection and interoperability, as well as the functions and performance of many other hardware and software products.

There are also some manufacturers' products that support both independence and interconnection. When you get the encoder and decoder from the same manufacturer, they can provide all the functions and advantages of a unique system. However, they also allow you to take full advantage of the hardware and software features of various third-party vendors.

4. The fourth difference between AV over IP system and traditional AV: digital content protection

In dealing with the issue of interconnection, some manufacturers provide support for third-party devices that use digital key exchange or encryption. For example, HDCP, which is of great concern to most AV customers. The purpose of HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is to protect digital copyright content during content transmission between devices. For example, a cable or satellite receiver box or a media player with HD output can play protected HD or 4K content. This type of content has been locked and can only be viewed by HDCP-compatible devices after authentication. How to expand, add, change or view protected content will be restricted.

5. The fifth difference between AV over IP system and traditional AV: encryption technology

Although some encryption technologies are specifically designed to provide security options for AV professionals, they are sometimes used to simply reduce openness. Some manufacturers provide customers with a guaranteed user experience, and may choose to lock the compatibility of their encoders and decoders as their own brands as a measure to limit the scope of their quality assurance testing, technical support and customer service options. Make the customer's installation experience and product use experience better.

How traditional AV solves security issues: signaling control

In traditional AV systems, most of them are button-type devices, in which operations such as signal source switching can only be performed manually on the hardware. Of course, this prevents the system from being attacked by remote hackers, but it is undeniable that it also greatly limits The convenience and functionality of the system.

Whether it is a traditional AV or an IP-based AV, the most useful AV products should have a command and control port, which can remotely control the operation of the box, such as opening and closing or switching signal sources. For example, when it comes to touch panels or AV processors, a certain way can be used for remote command and control.

The signaling control layer can be protected by measures such as permissions, passwords or encryption. Whether it is a traditional AV product or an IP product manufacturer, it should bear the same security protection responsibility.

6. The sixth difference between AV over IP system and traditional AV: video and audio content security

Will private assets like streaming media cameras be intercepted artificially? certainly. Any video or audio input may face such a problem, whether the video or audio is based on circuit-based analog or digital wiring, or on the IP network based on the form of data packets, in both cases, audio and video signal sources are possible Be cracked and accessed.

When it comes to protecting video and audio, there is no substitute for a wealth of expertise and responsible deployment. In fact, some people believe that the ability to encrypt packetized video and audio is better than traditional baseband video if they are worried that someone might try to invade and spy on these sources. It is worth noting that IP security issues have existed for a long time, and IP data and telephony have undergone multiple generations of continuous iterative improvements. In addition to information about IP network security and content encryption, there are many well-known consultants and experts in the security field who can help you-whether your requirements are complex or simple.

7. The seventh difference between AV over IP system and traditional AV: network security

How to deploy an IPAV system is a question worthy of discussion. IP-based AV systems can be deployed on completely independent and isolated networks. Such networks will never coexist with data packets from other companies' data networks or communication networks. Or, deploy on the existing network infrastructure. Whether using a proprietary network or existing network facilities, the implementation and deployment of the AV system can be completed without affecting the security of the IT network. Nowadays, in many enterprises, the ability to integrate data, communication and AV use has often become a driving factor for the reinstallation or deployment of AV systems, and promotes the development of the AV industry.

Based on the above 7 differences, it is obvious that the AV over IP system (HD over IP matrix switcher)is better than the traditional AV.