The Latest Network Cabling Solutions for AV Integration

Audio-Visual over Internet Protocol Offers a Cost-Effective, Scalable Solution

At Videotex, we specialize in audio-visual installations, such as boardrooms, video conferencing solutions, video walls, production and TV studios, and digital signage systems. As expert AV integrators, we start from the design phase and carry the project through its installation, service, and support. We provide the required network cabling services, the backbone of your system, and are well-versed in the latest trend of AV over IP. Let’s explore what this type of cabling could mean for your business. 

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What Is AV over IP?

Audio-Visual over Internet Protocol (AV over IP) refers to the transmission of audio-video data over a network, whether a WAN, LAN, or the internet. This protocol has commonly been used for professional video distribution in broadcast and production studios and is considered today’s state-of-the-art method for delivering audio and video signals. 

The Advantages of AV over IP

While every situation, company, and environment is unique, there are some advantages to AVoIP. The most pronounced is the elimination of older video cabling. This type of cabling is much more expensive in both the cost of the cable and the installation required to run it long distances to reach the AV equipment and displays.

AVoIP, on the other hand, only requires a single category (CAT) cable, which sends and receives signals over 300 feet. Sending AV data over the Ethernet network supports long distances and new opportunities to merge data and communications. And whereas a traditional AV switch may cost tens of thousands of dollars, an Ethernet switch costs only a few hundred dollars. 

AVoIP also offers scalable solutions. Traditional cabling limits the number of inputs and outputs. Networked AV simply needs the addition of IP switches, receivers, or transmitters, which means that numerous devices share the network. You can easily add a source, display, or another room. Our certified technicians are also to dedicate ports to specific video, such as TVs and display boards, and another one dedicated to computers. When it’s time for your business to expand, AVoIP makes it much easier and less costly. 

The Challenges of AV over IP

Two of the greatest challenges are latency and bandwidth. To address latency issues or delays due to the time it takes to process a signal, Ethernet gear prioritizes data packets that let the most important traffic pass. In essence, the signal from the AV source, such as a media player, passes through an encoder where it’s broken down into chunks of digital data called packets. These packets travel through the network and are converted back into an AV signal by the decoder before being received by the output device, such as the display.

As the internet-of-things continues to expand, with smart technologies and an increasing range of IP-based technologies, IP-connected devices are rapidly increasing. One misconception is that AVoIP may also increase security threats. However, IP products contain encryption technologies to create a much safer network. 

The flexibility and cost-savings of AVoIP ensure it’s the future of AV system transmission and control. To learn more about network cabling options and the latest AV over IP solutions or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Videotex today.