The global AV-over-IP market, including HDMI over IP, hit USD 4.8 billion in 2024. Experts predict it will soar at an 18.7% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated USD 25.7 billion by 2033. Source: LinkedIn Pulse
Commercial audio-visual content distribution is changing rapidly. We’re moving away from the old limits of direct cabling and embracing the vast possibilities of network infrastructure. Leading this shift is HDMI over IP, a technology that’s transforming how high-definition audio and video signals are sent, managed, and scaled across all kinds of environments. It’s much more than just an HDMI extender over IP; this method uses standard Ethernet networks to offer unmatched flexibility, scalability, and cost savings for modern AV distribution over IP.
What Exactly is HDMI over IP?
Simply put, HDMI over IP — often used interchangeably with AV over IP or HDMI over Ethernet — is the process of turning HDMI signals into data packets that can travel across a standard Internet Protocol (IP) network. This frees AV signals from the strict distance limits of traditional HDMI cables, which usually start losing quality beyond 20 meters.
A typical IP video distribution system involves three key components:
- HDMI Encoder (Transmitter): This device takes the HDMI signal from your source (like a Blu-ray player, PC, or digital signage media player) and converts it into IP data packets.
- IP Network: Your standard Ethernet setup, usually with Gigabit Ethernet switches and routers, handles distributing these packets. Importantly, one encoder can send its signal to many decoders, especially when you use advanced network features.
- HDMI Decoder (Receiver): At the other end, the decoder grabs the IP data stream, decompresses it (if needed), and turns it back into an HDMI signal for your screens or projectors.
The advantages are clear:
- Go the Distance: Signals can travel up to 100 meters over a single CAT5e/6 cable run, and practically limitless distances if you link multiple Ethernet switches or use fiber optic AV over IP for connections spanning miles.
- Grow & Adapt: Unlike HDMI matrix switchers with their fixed ports, an HDMI over IP system expands effortlessly. Adding more sources or displays is as simple as plugging new encoders and decoders into your network. This scalable video distribution solution adapts easily to changing project needs, making it a truly long-term investment.
- Save Money: By using your existing IT network infrastructure, businesses can significantly cut down on costly, dedicated cabling and old-school matrix switchers. This makes it a more cost-effective AV matrix alternative, especially for big projects.
- Take Control: Management becomes centralized and straightforward, often done through user-friendly software, web interfaces, or even mobile apps, giving you robust command over complex AV setups.
Building a Strong Network for AV over IP
The success of any HDMI over IP system really depends on a well-designed and properly configured network. It’s not just about having “Gigabit Ethernet”; it needs careful planning to handle high-bandwidth video traffic smoothly and reliably.
- Don’t Skimp on Switches – Go Layer 3 Managed: Forget those basic, unmanaged switches. For top-notch AV over IP performance, particularly with multicast video, Layer 3 managed switches are non-negotiable. These switches offer vital features like VLANs, QoS, and IGMP snooping for AV. Major networking brands such as Cisco and Ubiquiti offer excellent managed switch options.
- Use VLANs to Keep Traffic Separate: To keep video streams from swamping your entire network and to boost security, set up VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks). Designate specific VLANs just for AV traffic, keeping it isolated from general data. This guarantees consistent performance for video and makes troubleshooting much easier.
- Implement Quality of Service (QoS): Video is very sensitive to network delays and dropped packets. QoS lets network administrators prioritize AV data packets over less critical traffic. By tagging video streams with higher priority, you ensure your 4K content stays smooth and uninterrupted, even when the network is busy.
- Multicast vs. Unicast Traffic:
- Unicast: This is a one-to-one transmission. It’s best for point-to-point connections or when only a few receivers need a particular stream.
- Multicast: This is a one-to-many transmission. It’s perfect for sending a single video source to multiple displays without using extra bandwidth for each receiver. This is precisely where IGMP snooping becomes essential.
- Understanding and Setting Up IGMP Snooping:
- What it is: IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) snooping is a Layer 2 network protocol that lets switches “listen in” on IGMP messages exchanged between multicast routers and hosts (your AV over IP decoders).
- Why it’s so important: Without IGMP snooping, a switch would blindly send all multicast traffic to every single port, wasting bandwidth and potentially overwhelming devices that don’t even need the stream. With snooping enabled, the switch intelligently directs multicast traffic only to the ports where decoders have specifically requested that stream. This is crucial for efficient multicast video over IP.
- How to configure it: Typically, you’ll enable IGMP snooping globally on your managed switch and then configure specific VLANs to use it. Always check your switch’s documentation for exact instructions.
- Bandwidth Management & Dedicated AV Networks: While PoE HDMI extender benefits simplify cabling, you still need to think about overall bandwidth.
- 4K HDMI over IP extender solutions demand significant bandwidth. A single 4K/60Hz video stream can require anywhere from tens of Mbps (when highly compressed) to over 8 Gbps (uncompressed).
- For mission-critical environments like control rooms, live event production, or large video wall HDMI over IP setups, a physically separate network or a robustly segmented logical network (using VLANs) specifically for AV might be necessary to completely eliminate any competition with general IT traffic.
HDMI over IP vs. HDBaseT: Making the Smart Choice
Deciding between HDMI over IP and HDBaseT is a common head-scratcher for AV pros. Both technologies aim to overcome HDMI distance limit, but they work differently and are best suited for different situations.
| Feature | HDMI over IP (AV over IP) | HDBaseT |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Packet-based over IP network, often compressed | Uncompressed (or very lightly compressed) direct signal over Cat cable |
| Distance | Virtually unlimited (via network switches, fiber) | Up to 100m (328 ft) over Cat5e/6 |
| Scalability | Highly scalable; easily expands with more encoders/decoders | Limited; primarily point-to-point or small matrix |
| Flexibility | Many-to-many matrix, video walls, digital signage | Point-to-point, simple matrix |
| Latency | Variable (typically 16ms to 200ms+), depends on compression/network | Ultra-low (<1ms) |
| Bandwidth | Leverages network bandwidth, often requires compression | ~10.2 Gbps (HDMI 1.4) or ~18 Gbps (HDMI 2.0) uncompressed over Cat |
| Infrastructure | Uses existing IT network; requires managed switches | Dedicated Cat cable runs; simpler network needs |
| Cost | Higher initial cost for advanced IP infrastructure, but lower for large scale | Lower initial cost for point-to-point, higher for large matrix |
| Control | IP-based control, software, API, KVM over IP | RS-232, IR, Ethernet pass-through |
| Resolution | Supports 4K, 8K (with appropriate compression/bandwidth) | Supports 4K (limited distance for 4K/60 4:4:4) |
| Standards | Proprietary implementations often, emerging open standards (SDVoE, IPMX) | Open standard by HDBaseT Alliance |
| Interoperability | Can be challenging across different vendor ecosystems | Generally good interoperability within standard |
When to Pick Which:
- Opt for HDMI over IP if you need:
- Large-scale projects: Think campus-wide AV distribution, extensive digital signage IP distribution for an enterprise, a big corporate AV over IP system, or multi-zone hospitality.
- Maximum flexibility: It’s great for future-proofing your setup, allowing for easy expansion and evolving layouts.
- IT integration: You can tap into existing network infrastructure and IT management tools.
- Advanced features: Such as IP KVM extender functions, video walls, and complex matrix switching.
- Readiness for emerging tech: It’s primed for 8K AV over IP solution, immersive displays, and AI-driven content analysis.
- Choose HDBaseT for:
- Simpler, shorter-distance projects: Like a single meeting room, classroom, or a small home theater HDMI over IP setup.
- Applications where zero latency is critical: Live performance monitoring or competitive gaming, where any noticeable delay just won’t cut it.
- Plug-and-play simplicity: It involves fewer network configuration headaches.
- A preference for uncompressed video: When you absolutely want no compression artifacts.
Understanding Advanced Video Compression and Its Impact
To send high-bandwidth HDMI signals over regular Gigabit Ethernet, you often need compression. The specific compression codec you choose directly affects video quality, how much latency you’ll experience, and the bandwidth required.
Popular Codecs in HDMI over IP:
- JPEG2000: This wavelet-based compression standard is known for delivering high image quality and is frequently used in professional AV for its visually lossless characteristics. It offers good scalability (meaning different resolutions can come from a single stream) and low latency, though it can demand more processing power.
- H.264 (AVC) / H.265 (HEVC): These highly efficient, block-based codecs are common in streaming and broadcasting. H.265 provides significantly better compression than H.264 for the same quality, or even better quality at lower bitrates. While great for bandwidth, they can introduce more latency compared to JPEG2000 due to how they compress across multiple frames.
- VC-2 (Dirac Pro): A low-latency, high-quality wavelet codec often found in broadcast environments. It strikes a good balance between compression efficiency and latency.
- Proprietary Codecs: Many AV over IP manufacturers develop their own specific codecs, fine-tuned for their hardware. Their goal is to achieve the best mix of quality, latency, and bandwidth for their systems. Examples include Crestron NVX series and Extron AV over IP solutions, which often incorporate their own optimized compression.
Trade-offs at a Glance:
| Codec | Compression Ratio | Video Quality | Latency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPEG2000 | Medium-High | Visually Lossless | Low (<30ms) | High-quality graphics, critical applications |
| VC-2 | Medium-High | Visually Lossless | Low (<30ms) | Broadcast, professional AV |
| H.264 | High | Good | Medium (30-100ms) | General video, digital signage |
| H.265 | Very High | Excellent at low bitrates | Medium-High (50-200ms+) | 4K/8K streaming, bandwidth-constrained |
| Proprietary | Varies | Varies | Varies | Optimized for specific vendor ecosystems |
How it Affects Your Content:
- Still Images/Presentations: These can handle higher compression ratios with H.264/H.265 without noticeable quality loss.
- Fast-Moving Video (e.g., Live Sports): You’ll need less compression or codecs like JPEG2000/VC-2 to avoid motion artifacts and keep details sharp.
- Live Production/Gaming: This demands the absolute lowest latency and visually lossless compression, making uncompressed or nearly lossless options essential.
What Does “Low Latency” Really Mean for Your Eyes and Ears?
“Low latency” is a term you hear a lot in marketing, but what does 50 milliseconds (ms) or even 100ms actually feel like in the real world? When we talk about reducing latency in AV over IP, it’s easy to overlook how human perception plays into it.
- Under 16ms (Sub-Frame): This delay is basically impossible for humans to notice. It’s what you get with a direct HDMI connection or HDBaseT. This level is crucial for competitive gaming, monitoring live music performances, or any situation where immediate, tactile feedback is vital.
- 16ms – 50ms (1-3 Frames): Often called “visually lossless” or “near-zero latency” in the context of HDMI over IP. For most commercial AV uses – like digital signage, corporate presentations, general video conferencing, or even educational displays – this delay is negligible. Most viewers won’t even register it.
- 50ms – 100ms (3-6 Frames): Some people might notice this, especially if they’re comparing two displays side-by-side. It’s generally fine for applications where instant response isn’t critical, such as background music videos, less interactive digital signage, or standard video distribution in retail.
- Above 100ms: At this point, the delay becomes clearly noticeable. This much latency can lead to audio and video falling out of sync, or create an unnatural “lag” during interactive presentations or video calls. For most professional AV setups, this is typically unacceptable.
Expert Tip: When you’re setting up video walls across multiple displays, it’s critical to maintain consistent, low latency across all decoders. Even small differences can cause obvious “tearing” or misaligned content, completely ruining the visual impact. Manufacturers like AV Access and Key Digital put a lot of effort into optimizing synchronization for video wall HDMI over IP solutions.
Troubleshooting Common HDMI over IP Problems
Even with the best planning, issues can pop up. Here’s a quick guide for integrators to diagnose and fix common HDMI over IP problems:
- “No Signal” or Blank Screen:
- Check the Physical Stuff: This might sound basic, but it’s often missed. Make sure all your Ethernet cable for 4K video, HDMI, and power connections are seated firmly.
- HDCP Handshake Issues: Is your source HDCP compliant? Is the display? Most HDCP compliance AV over IP solutions support HDCP 1.4 or 2.3. A failed handshake usually means a blank screen. Try connecting the source directly to the display to see if content protection is the culprit.
- Network Check: Can the encoder and decoder “see” each other (ping)? Are they on the right VLAN? Double-check IP addresses.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): If you’re using PoE, confirm the switch port is delivering enough power.
- Source/Display Resolution: Verify that the resolution and refresh rate coming from the source are supported by both the decoder and the display.
- Flickering or Intermittent Signal:
- Cable Quality: A bad or damaged Cat cable could be the problem. Use certified CAT6a or CAT7 for 4K video.
- Bandwidth Overload: Is your network too busy? Use network monitoring tools to check traffic on your AV VLAN. This could point to poorly configured QoS or the need for a dedicated AV network.
- Network Drops: Look for packet loss on the network. This might be caused by faulty switch ports, duplex mismatches, or general network instability.
- Too Much Latency or Audio/Video Out of Sync:
- Compression Settings: If you can adjust it, is the compression ratio set too high? Lowering it might use more bandwidth but could reduce latency.
- Network Bottlenecks: Is the switch port speed right for AV (Gigabit)? Are there unmanaged switches in the signal path causing congestion?
- Multicast Configuration: Is IGMP snooping correctly set up and running on all relevant switches? Incorrect IGMP can lead to widespread packet flooding and higher latency.
- Processing Power: Are your encoder/decoder units struggling to handle the desired resolution or compression?
- Control System Problems (e.g., IR/RS-232 over IP):
- Network Access: Make sure your control processor can reach the AV over IP devices’ IP addresses.
- Firewall Settings: Check if any firewalls are blocking control traffic ports.
- IR Emitter/Receiver Placement: Ensure IR extenders are positioned correctly, have a clear view, or are firmly attached to the device’s IR window.
Security Considerations for HDMI over IP Systems
When you send sensitive visual content over a network, security automatically becomes a concern. Ignoring these aspects can open the door to data breaches, unauthorized access, and system vulnerabilities.
- Network Segmentation (VLANs): As we’ve mentioned, VLANs are crucial for separating AV traffic. This isn’t just for performance; it’s also a major security measure. If an attacker gets into your general corporate network, a properly segmented AV VLAN makes it much harder for them to access or tamper with your AV streams.
- Access Control: Put strong access controls in place for managing your AV over IP system. Use robust passwords, enable multi-factor authentication where available, and limit administrative access to only authorized personnel. If possible, integrate with your existing network authentication systems (like Active Directory).
- Securing Your Endpoints (Encoders/Decoders):
- Firmware Updates: Regularly update the firmware on your encoders, decoders, and network switches to patch any known security vulnerabilities.
- Disable Unused Services: Turn off any network services on your devices that aren’t necessary (e.g., telnet, FTP).
- Strong Passwords: Change all default passwords immediately.
- Content Protection (HDCP Compliance): Make sure your chosen HDMI over IP solution fully supports HDCP compliance AV over IP (for example, HDCP 2.3 for newer 4K/8K content). This encrypts copyrighted material as it travels across the network, preventing illegal copying. Confirm that every part of the chain—source, encoder, network, decoder, display—maintains HDCP integrity.
- Physical Security: Keep network equipment, encoders, and decoders in locked racks or enclosures to prevent tampering or theft.
The Road Ahead for AV over IP: New Standards and Technologies
The AV over IP market is always evolving, with constant innovation pushing the boundaries. Beyond proprietary solutions, open standards are gaining significant momentum, promising better interoperability and more flexible ecosystems.
- SDVoE (Software Defined Video over Ethernet): This prominent open standard delivers uncompressed, virtually zero-latency 4K AV over standard Ethernet networks. It provides a complete platform for AV distribution, KVM, and control. Companies like Aurora Multimedia and ZeeVee are key players in the SDVoE Alliance. The main benefit is a commitment to a shared, high-performance specification, encouraging different hardware manufacturers to work together.
- IPMX (IP Media Experience): Building on the SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) ST 2110 standard, the IPMX standard AV over IP aims to bring open standards to professional AV. It focuses on interoperability, including secure transport, discovery, and registration for a wide range of media types (video, audio, data) over IP. IPMX strives to offer the advantages of SDVoE but with even broader industry adoption and easier entry for manufacturers.
- NDI (Network Device Interface): While best known for NDI in live production and broadcasting, this IP-based protocol is increasingly crossing paths with HDMI over IP. NDI allows for high-quality, low-latency video transmission across standard IP networks, making it perfect for software-driven workflows. As AV systems become more software-focused, the ability to convert HDMI to NDI (and vice-versa) at the network’s edge opens up exciting possibilities for flexible content creation and distribution.
- Immersive Displays & VR/AR Integration: HDMI over IP is critical for delivering the high-resolution, low-latency content needed for the next generation of immersive experiences. Whether it’s powering massive LED walls for virtual production or feeding specialized displays for VR/AR, the scalability of IP is indispensable.
- AI-Driven Content Analysis: As AV systems get “smarter,” HDMI over IP makes it easier to integrate AI. Video streams can be sent to AI engines for real-time analysis (for example, audience engagement or security threat detection), with the analyzed data then influencing dynamic content delivery back over the same IP network.
A Detailed Look at Costs and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
While the initial investment in a robust IP network infrastructure might seem higher, HDMI over IP often leads to a significantly lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to traditional AV solutions, especially for expanding or large-scale deployments.
Cost Comparison Examples:
| Scenario | Traditional Matrix Switcher | HDBaseT (Point-to-Point) | HDMI over IP (AV over IP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Room (1×2) | $500 – $1,500 (matrix + cables) | $300 – $800 (extenders + cable) | $400 – $1,200 (encoder/decoder + network drop) |
| Medium Office (4×8) | $5,000 – $15,000+ (matrix + many HDMI cables) | $2,000 – $5,000+ (8 extender pairs + cables) | $1,500 – $5,000 (encoders/decoders + managed switch + Cat cables) |
| Large Enterprise/Campus (16×32+) | $20,000 – $100,000+ (multiple large matrices + extensive custom cabling) | Not feasible/very expensive | $5,000 – $25,000+ (many encoders/decoders + few managed switches + existing Cat/fiber network) |
Key TCO Factors:
- Equipment Costs: While individual HDMI over IP encoder and HDMI over IP decoder units might initially cost more per port than basic HDBaseT, the cost per additional port for HDMI over IP drops significantly as you grow—you just need another encoder/decoder. Traditional matrices require buying a larger, more expensive unit or linking several.
- Cabling Costs: Ethernet cables are much more affordable and easier to install than long, thick HDMI cables. For very long distances, fiber optic cabling, while pricier than copper, is still often more economical for IP than specialized HDMI extenders.
- Installation Labor: Using existing network infrastructure can dramatically cut down on installation time and labor costs. Running new, dedicated HDMI or HDBaseT cables can be very labor-intensive.
- Maintenance & Support: Centralized IP management simplifies troubleshooting. A problem with one AV over IP device rarely brings down the whole system, unlike a single point of failure in a large matrix.
- Scalability & Upgrade Costs: HDMI over IP’s scalable video distribution solution means future upgrades (like adding more screens or changing layouts) are less disruptive and more cost-effective. You typically only need to add more endpoints, not overhaul the entire system.
A Quantifiable Example: A large university deploying IPTV over Ethernet across 50 buildings found that an HDMI over IP solution cut initial cabling costs by 60% and projected a 40% saving in system expansion costs over five years compared to HDBaseT or a traditional matrix approach.
The Unsung Hero: Why IT and AV Teams Must Collaborate
Bringing HDMI over IP into an organization isn’t just a technical puzzle; it’s a team effort. Successful integration absolutely requires strong collaboration between AV integrators and IT departments.
Expert Anecdote: “I recall a project for a major corporate headquarters where the AV team specced a cutting-edge 4K AV over IP system. When we gave IT the bill of materials, their first reaction was, ‘Our network can’t handle that!’ It took weeks of meetings, educating them on IGMP snooping, QoS, and dedicated VLANs, and showing them the real bandwidth needs versus theoretical maximums. The turning point came when we demonstrated how AV over IP, with proper segmentation, could actually improve their network’s capabilities by offering centralized management for both data and media, instead of just being a drain. It wasn’t about simply ‘using their wires’; it was about partnering to build a more resilient infrastructure.” – Senior AV Systems Engineer, a global integrator.
Insider Tips for Working Together Effectively:
- Speak Their Language: Understand IT’s priorities: network stability, security, and uptime. Frame AV over IP’s benefits in these terms.
- Engage Early: Get IT involved right from the initial planning stages, not just before installation.
- Provide Detailed Network Specs: Give IT precise bandwidth requirements for each stream, IP address ranges, VLAN IDs, QoS policies, and multicast group addresses.
- Proof of Concept: If you can, set up a small demo or a short-term trial to showcase how the technology performs on their network.
- Address Security Concerns Upfront: Present your security strategy (VLANs, access control, HDCP) at the beginning.
- Offer Training & Docs: Provide thorough documentation and training for IT staff on how to manage the AV over IP infrastructure.
Vendor Ecosystems and Interoperability: What You Need to Know
The HDMI over IP market offers a range of solutions, from tightly integrated, single-vendor systems to more open approaches that mix and match brands.
- Single-Vendor Ecosystems (e.g., Crestron NVX, Extron):
- Pros: Guaranteed compatibility, streamlined support, a unified control platform, and often proprietary compression optimized for their hardware.
- Cons: You can get locked into one vendor, potentially facing higher costs and less flexibility in choosing hardware.
- Insight: “Committing to a single vendor like Crestron for their NVX series can really simplify a large deployment. Their control processors integrate seamlessly, and troubleshooting is usually easier because you’re only dealing with one support structure. However, it’s crucial to make sure their current features and future roadmap align with your long-term vision, as venturing outside their ecosystem can be tricky.”
- Multi-Vendor Solutions (e.g., SDVoE, IPMX, or mixed proprietary brands):
- Pros: More freedom to pick the best components, competitive pricing, and potentially a broader range of features.
- Cons: Interoperability can be a challenge (especially with proprietary codecs), support might be more complex (dealing with multiple vendors), and it often requires greater integration effort.
- Insight: “While SDVoE promises open interoperability, the reality in mixed-brand proprietary AV over IP systems can be a minefield. Don’t just assume that ‘HDMI over IP’ devices from two different manufacturers will automatically work together. Always perform rigorous testing in a lab environment before deploying a multi-vendor solution. We’ve seen situations where different compression algorithms, HDCP handling, or even multicast implementations cause major headaches. Stick to a single manufacturer for the core encoder/decoder chain unless you’re truly embracing an open standard like SDVoE or IPMX.”
Planning for the Long Haul: Future-Proofing with HDMI over IP
Investing in commercial AV infrastructure is a big financial commitment. Strategic planning for AV system longevity is vital, and HDMI over IP naturally provides a way to future-proof that investment.
- Embrace Network Flexibility: The core strength of HDMI over IP is its reliance on standard IP networks. As network speeds climb (with 10GbE becoming standard and 25GbE/40GbE on the horizon), your AV infrastructure can scale alongside it without needing a complete overhaul of your main distribution system.
- Modular Upgrades: Unlike rigid matrix switchers, HDMI over IP allows for modular upgrades. If 8K displays become the norm, you might only need to swap out specific encoders and decoders, not the entire backbone.
- Software-Defined Power: The move towards software-defined video over Ethernet means many features and capabilities can be updated or added through software, extending the life and utility of your existing hardware.
- Beyond Just Video: Look for systems that natively support USB over IP and KVM over IP within the same framework. This consolidates peripheral distribution and control, making the system less complex and more broadly useful.
- Play the Open Standards Game: Prioritize solutions that either adhere to or promise future compatibility with emerging open standards like SDVoE and IPMX. This approach will maximize interoperability and help you avoid vendor lock-in as the industry matures.
Real-World Success Stories (with ROI!)
These examples show the concrete benefits of using HDMI over IP:
- Case Study: A Global Retailer’s Digital Signage OverhaulA major apparel retailer was grappling with soaring costs and complexity in managing thousands of digital signage displays across stores worldwide. Their old system relied on local media players and dedicated cabling for each location. By switching to a centralized HDMI over IP system, they achieved:
- 35% Reduction in TCO: They cut equipment costs by using standard network infrastructure, minimized installation labor, and centralized content management.
- Faster Content Rollout: New promotional content could be pushed to all stores simultaneously over their wide area network (WAN), slashing deployment time from days to mere hours.
- Increased Agility: They could easily reconfigure video layouts for seasonal campaigns without any physical rewiring.
- The Outcome: A scalable, dynamic digital signage network that enabled rapid content updates and a consistent brand message everywhere.
- Case Study: University Campus AV DistributionA large university needed a way to distribute video sources (like lecture captures, campus announcements, and presentations) to hundreds of displays across dozens of buildings.
- The Challenge: Their existing coax and direct HDMI cables were nearing capacity and becoming a nightmare to manage.
- The Solution: They implemented a Crestron NVX series solution over their existing campus-wide Gigabit Ethernet network, complete with dedicated AV VLANs and QoS.
- The Benefits: Unmatched flexibility to send any source to any display, a major reduction in the need for new cabling, centralized management via a unified platform, and IPTV over Ethernet capabilities for internal broadcasts.
Wrapping Up
HDMI over IP is much more than a simple tech upgrade; it’s a strategic shift that brings audio-visual distribution into line with today’s IT world. By truly grasping its capabilities, carefully planning your network, weighing compression options, prioritizing security, and embracing new open standards, businesses can leverage this powerful technology. This allows them to build AV systems that are flexible, scalable, and truly ready for whatever the future holds. From single 4K HDMI over IP extender applications to massive enterprise-wide rollouts, the AV over IP revolution is here, empowering organizations to connect, communicate, and captivate audiences like never before.
