5 Best Practices to Effectively Simplify AV-over-IP Distribution

The shift from traditional AV deployments toward AV-over-IP distribution has been steadily gaining momentum over the last several years. New technology, such as TRx,  has added flexibility and scalability at a lower cost for any audiovisual system deployment. But it’s one thing to understand the value of AV-over-IP distribution, and another thing altogether to integrate it successfully.

At Vuwall, we understand the challenges involved to put together a successful video wall project, especially when it comes to complex IP-based AV distribution. It all starts from the ground up: focus first on mitigating project risks and establishing firm deployment times.

In this article, we’ll go over 5 winning characteristics to help you simplify your AV-over-IP deployment and distribution plan.

What is AV Over IP?

AV over IP stands for Audio-Visual over Internet Protocol. It involves the transmission of audio-visual data from a source (e.g., a video camera, computer, or other device) over a network infrastructure such as a LAN, WAN, or the internet. Unlike traditional AV setups, AV over IP uses standard network equipment for video and audio transmission and switching.

• AV over IP deployment refers to the process of installing and setting up an AV over IP system. It encompasses all the steps involved in getting the system up and running, including network configuration, device installation, and system configuration.
• AV over IP distribution refers to the actual transmission and dissemination of audio-visual content over an IP network. It focuses on how the content is delivered and managed across the network.

In general, “AV over IP deployment” is the broader term, encompassing the entire implementation process, while “AV over IP distribution” is more specific to the content delivery aspect.

Here’s an AV over IP workflow set up from a VuWall demo:

Any source to any display. Blend AV, IT and IP sources. Control KVM computers and switches. Manage remote video walls and multiple video walls. All from a single platform.

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Who Should Consider AV over IP Deployment?

Who’s going AV over IP? Just about everyone in just about every industry from sports stadiums, entertainment venues, and education facilities to surgical control rooms, corporate and retail signage – all of these are considered applications for Pro AV. Here are just a few examples:

• Government and public sector: Control rooms for emergency operations centers, command centers for public safety agencies, and video walls for data visualization and collaboration in government buildings.
• First responders: Real-time video walls in police departments, fire stations, and 911 dispatch centers for situational awareness and incident response.
• Healthcare: Surgical video walls for operating rooms, digital signage for patient information and wayfinding in hospitals, and video conferencing for telehealth consultations.
• Security industry: Video walls for monitoring security cameras, managing access control systems, and coordinating security operations in corporate buildings, retail stores, and public spaces.
• Corporate: Video walls for data visualization and presentations in boardrooms, digital signage for employee communication and branding in corporate lobbies, and huddle spaces for team collaboration.
• Education: Video walls for interactive learning in classrooms, digital signage for announcements and wayfinding in schools and universities, and lecture capture and streaming in auditoriums.
• Entertainment and hospitality: Video walls for immersive experiences in museums and theme parks, digital signage for advertising and promotions in retail stores and restaurants, and large-scale displays for live events in stadiums and concert venues.

Read VuWall customer success stories

Common AV-over-IP Distribution Challenges

While AV over IP offers significant advantages, it also introduces a new set of complexities for AV professionals to navigate. These challenges range from technical considerations (e.g., network configuration and latency) to broader issues like evolving industry standards and ensuring interoperability between different manufacturers.

Network configuration and existing standards

Integrating AV over IP into existing network infrastructure can be complex. It requires careful consideration of bandwidth requirements, network latency, and compatibility with existing network standards and protocols.

Diverse brands and formats

The wide range of AV over IP equipment and formats available from different manufacturers can create interoperability challenges. Ensuring that various components from different brands work together seamlessly is crucial.

Latency concerns

Some AV applications, such as live video streaming or video conferencing, are sensitive to latency, which is the delay in data transmission. Minimizing latency in AV over IP networks is essential for optimal performance.

The unexpected

AV over IP technology can lead to all kinds of uncertainties about future standards and compatibility that may vary from region to region. Unforeseen challenges can arise during implementation, requiring flexibility and adaptability.

Are you identifying with any of these yet? Some of these on the network side, some on the control side and some, that we don’t yet know about. There are always surprises in the field. Things happen that are not always predictable. That’s why it’s so important to start building your project with the right pieces in place from the get-go. You also want to work with AV tech partners who know what they’re doing.

AV-over-IP Distribution Best Practices

1. Consider a hybrid approach

A hybrid approach to AV over IP allows your organization to “migrate” from a traditional AV setup to an IP-based distribution system. VuWall’s TRx platform, powered by VuTrex technology, can integrate traditional AV systems with modern IP-based networks and IT infrastructure.

The idea is to allow your organization to leverage existing AV equipment as you transition to a more flexible and scalable IP-based approach. So you’ll manage and control your sources, displays, and routing from a single, unified interface, regardless of whether they are traditional AV or IP-based.

Why consider hybrid AV distribution?

A hybrid approach is ideal if you have a complex AV system in place and don’t want to replace it all at once. It provides:

• Flexibility in System Design: Integrate new IP-based components with your existing AV equipment.
• Simplified Management: Control your entire AV system from a single platform.
• Smoother Transition: Migrate to a newer system at your own pace, reducing disruption and risk.

2. Centralized management

Adopting a centralized management approach to your AV deployment simplifies the control room concept of your video wall. In a centralized system, a single control point, such as TRx, manages and monitors all components of the AV over IP system.

For contrast, a distributed architecture distributes the management and control functions across multiple devices or locations within the same system. Each component would have a degree of autonomy to operate independently. Decentralized management is much more complex to set up, configure and maintain.

Here’s how TRx optimizes centralized management:

• Intuitive Interface: Easily manage all your sources, displays, and routing with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
• Simplified Control: Configure devices, create custom control panels, and manage multi-video walls with ease.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Reduce time and effort in managing your AV system, freeing up valuable resources.

TRx empowers you to take full command of your AV over IP distribution, making even the most complex deployments simple and efficient.

3. Interoperability and open architecture

One of the most critical steps to follow in your AV-over-UP deployment is to avoid proprietary technology. A closed system can lock you into a single vendor, limiting your flexibility and options for future upgrades.

VuWall is a strong advocate for open architecture solutions. Our systems are designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of industry-standard technologies and protocols.

Benefits of interoperability for AV over IP investment

• Choice: Integrate with existing systems and incorporate new technologies as they emerge.
• Growth: Expand your AV over IP system easily without being limited by proprietary constraints.
• Future-Proof: Protect your investment by guaranteeing compatibility with future standards and technologies.

4. No-code solutions don’t require programmers

Ease of use should be a top priority when selecting any new app or tool, and AV over IP distribution is no exception. Look for solutions that minimize complexity, don’t require costly engineering hours and allow anyone on your team to manage the system effectively.

VuWall’s systems are designed for intuitive operation, requiring no programming knowledge for configuration and management. And you can get VuWall certified through a series of courses offered by our team.

VuWall simplifies AV over IP management without programming

• User-friendly interface: Configure devices, route sources, layouts and design custom control panels, all through a simple drag-and-drop interface.
• Code-free Customization: Create interactive control panels, automate tasks, and manage video walls without writing a single line of code.

Partner with AV over IP experts

Off-the-shelf solutions may address general needs, but they often fall short when it comes to the specific demands and challenges of specialized sectors. That’s why it’s important to partner with experts who have a deep understanding of the technology and its challenges.

Having an AV-over-IP partner who specializes in your industry brings several key advantages:

• Deep understanding of industry standards: They are well-versed in the specific standards and regulations that apply to your sector, ensuring compliance and seamless integration with existing infrastructure.
• Tailored solutions: They can design and implement solutions that address your unique workflows and challenges, optimizing efficiency and productivity.
• Dedicated support: They provide specialized support and expertise to address the specific needs and concerns of your industry, ensuring a smooth and successful deployment.

Final Considerations for any AV over IP Deployment or Distribution plan

With these best practices in mind, you should be well-equipped to reduce project risk and deployment time for your IP-based AV deployment. Just remember:

1. Prioritize centralized management for streamlined control and efficient operation, so you can manage all your sources, displays and routing from a single, user interface.
2. Choose a solution dedicated to interoperability and open architecture. Avoid proprietary technology for more flexibility, scalability, and future-proofing. This is especially important since we can’t predict our future needs for any initiative.
3. Opt for a no-code solution to benefit from a more accessible, user-friendly management experience. You want to reduce reliance on specialized programming skills, rather than compound those problems.
4. Consider a hybrid solution only if you need to work with an existing legacy systems and scale with new technology.
5. Partner with AV over IP experts who understand your industry and can provide tailored solutions and dedicated support.

TRx is powered by a hybrid technology, VuTrex, making it the only single platform capable of offering both AV distribution and video wall management. Here’s how it works:

“VuWall and NETGEAR bring simplicity and modularity that the market is seeking, while leveraging the latest technology developments in graphics, video processing, and IP-based AV networking,” said Laurent Masia, Director, Managed Switches and ProAV Engineering Services at NETGEAR. “… and we are both committed to educating and providing the integrator community with project design support.”

“Investing in integration and extensive interoperability testing helps our customers deliver projects on schedule and within budget,” said Paul Vander Plaetse, founder and CEO at VuWall. “Like many others, we are leveraging the flexibility of AV over IP for performance and flexibility, but have gone the extra mile to develop solutions that are focused on the simplification and usability of today’s AV over IP infrastructure.”