Learn how SDVoE-based AV over IP systems work and their benefits, such as scalability, performance, and cost.
By Clayton Brito*
AV over IP, or Audio and Video over Internet Protocol, is a method of distributing and managing AV signals over standard network infrastructures, such as Ethernet, using IP. In this article, we explore how SDVoE-based AV-over-IP systems work and their benefits: scalability, performance, and cost.
Let's start at the beginning
AV over IP, or Audio and Video over Internet Protocol, is a way of distributing and managing AV signals over standard network infrastructures, such as Ethernet, using IP. SDVoE-based AV-over-IP systems offer a standardized approach to signal transport between participating manufacturers, thanks to a common chipset that ensures interoperability. (Christie is a founding member of the SDVoE Alliance.)
While no longer a new technology, AV over IP enhances dedicated cabling systems such as HDMI, VGA, and SDI by offering a scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solution for AV content management. As such, it's an excellent choice for projects that need to distribute AV signals over a network, such as schools, businesses, and control rooms.
Let's take a closer look at how SDVoE-based AV-over-IP systems work and what their benefits are, including scalability, performance, and value.
How does it work?
AV over IP was widely adopted more than a decade ago, when network infrastructures, such as 10G Ethernet, became faster and more affordable. With these enhancements, it is possible to transmit high-definition video, low-latency audio, and control signals over a network.
Prior to the advent of AV over IP, AV system designs shared similar requirements, such as support for various formats, extensions, and switches, support for HDCP encrypted signals, video processing features, and in some cases, KVM (keyboard, video, and mouse) control.
However, the system's signals and processing required more and more bandwidth, which was a challenge for traditional systems. The solution was Software Defined Video over Ethernet (SDVoE). Operating over 10G Ethernet, this system simplifies design, is highly scalable and, best of all, is cost-effective.
An SDVoE-based AV over IP system can include three components: transmitter, receiver, and controller. A typical workflow works as follows:
1. Source devices connect to transmitters, which convert AV signals into data packets and send them over the 10G network using a 10G Ethernet switch to the receiver.
2. The receiver decodes the packets and signals, and sends them to displays, audio systems, or both.
3. A controller is used to configure, program, manage, and operate the system.
What are the benefits of an SDVoE-based system?
As we mentioned earlier, SDVoE systems offer better performance than traditional array-based systems. By using standard components, these systems are both scalable and cost-effective.
Yield
AV systems typically require 4K content streaming, so the ability to transport 4K video at 60Hz without artifacts and with zero latency is a key advantage of 10G SDVoE systems compared to 1Gbit network solutions.
In addition, SDVoE networks natively support features such as video wall scaling, multiviewer, and KVM control, which are not standard in traditional AV switching and distribution systems. System-level EDID management and AV signal processing functions also facilitate more efficient integration. To top it off, SDVoE switches ship pre-configured for plug-and-play integration and configuration.
Scalability
Proprietary AV switches have limits on the number of inputs and outputs they can support due to design, cost, and performance constraints of electronic components. IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards have created an environment in which many manufacturers can produce interoperable switchgear, allowing systems to scale to support sizes exceeding 1,000 endpoints. These systems can be expanded over time to accommodate new needs.
On the other hand, 1 Gbit networks use compression to transmit AV content, which limits the possibility of expanding the system to support higher resolution standards or formats. As a bonus, unlike proprietary AV arrays, all SDVoE-compatible products, regardless of manufacturer, are interoperable. This gives designers flexibility to choose and specify systems according to their needs.
Affordable cost
Based on affordable, commercially available 10G Ethernet components, and offering a broad set of video processing and control capabilities, SDVoE systems can cost significantly less than traditional AV system designs, providing better quality, performance, and functionality than 1Gbit solutions.
From a world-renowned research institute to projection mapping in a castle, an SDVoE-based system offers a robust solution for projects of all types and sizes.
*Text written by Clayton Brito, Christie Sales Director, Latin America.
