AV Over IP is moving from high concept to real products. Here are some diverse examples that take varying approach to IP integration.
The ADDERLink INFINITY 100T (ALIF100T) from Adder Technologies is a zero-U, IP-based, USB powered KVM transmitter that can form part of the ADDERLink INFINITY solution. It can be plugged straight into the back of any computer, meaning it takes up zero U if rack mounted, can hang from the back of the source, and can be easily retrofitted into any existing infrastructure. The new transmitter is ideal for use in applications where rack space is at a premium, organizations are trying to bring costs down, and a cost-effective, high performance KVM solution is required. In addition to saving on rack space, savings are made on power consumption and installation costs. The ADDERLink INFINITY 100T uses only 2 watts, which ensures less heat is generated and less cooling is required, therefore bringing down costs substantially. The device can also be powered directly from USB, meaning there is no need for power distribution units (PDUs), again saving on costs and required space.
The AptoVision BlueRiver NT1000 is part of the AptoVision BlueRiver NT+ Series of AV-over-IP chipsets, which transport uncompressed, with no perceived latency Ultra HD/4K HDR over Ethernet. The BlueRiver NT1000 delivers advanced IP-switching and extension capabilities while reducing the bill of material costs for AV over IP encoders and decoders by up to 50 percent. Purpose-built and cost optimized for AV/KVM switching and extension applications, the HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 compliant BlueRiver NT1000 can transmit true 4K/60Hz (4:4:4) video with with no perceived frame latency over 100m of Cat‐X or 30KM of fiber. It supports the complete range of signal types, including audio, GbE, USB 2.0, RS‐232, and IR, all of which can be routed independently. Audio can be extracted from or injected into any HDMI stream within the network. AptoVision’s flagship chipset, the BlueRiver NT+, is now renamed BlueRiver NT2000, and continues to offer high-value AV processing capabilities which enable video-wall, multi-view, and seamless switching applications.
The Arista IP Flash Caster AV over IP signal distribution system delivers uncompressed 4K audio-visual content with with no perceived latency over IP via off-the-shelf Ethernet hardware for improved price/performance, flexibility, and scalability. IP Flash Caster delivers a single, cost-effective, scalable AV signal processing and distribution unit that integrates the functionality of several costly, discreet, single-function components. The IP Flash Caster is an end-to-end system for AV and KVM signal extension, IP-based switching, plus video wall and multi-view applications. The system supports HDMI 2.0a, HDR, high-fidelity video scaling, and windowing and audio down-mixing, as well as broadcastquality scaling, visually indistinguishable light-compression, multi-source video compositing, video splitting, color space conversion, frame rate conversion, audio embedding/ de-embedding, along with audio down-mixing and audio re-sampling.
The ATEN VE8950 video over IP extender delivers visually lossless 4K @ 30Hz (4:4:4) AV signals with low latency over long distances via a standard Gigabit network, while the VE8900 supports resolutions up to 1080p. The VE8900/VE8950 also supports video wall function with simple layout control, which provides an effective, easy-to-use, and economical solution to meet today’s large scale, multi-display, 1080p/4K digital signage requirements, such as limitless scalability and flexibility, no complicated IP setup, no additional servers or software required, and with daisy chaining capability. The VE8900/VE8950 video over IP extender is an ideal product for a wide range of environments, such as trade shows, airports, campuses, conference centers, and shopping centers.
The Atlona Velocity is a network-based AV control platform for Atlona and third-party products in commercial AV environments ranging from individual meeting rooms up to an entire campus or enterprise. Velocity is comprised of three distinct elements that work together as a single, unified platform: Velocity Control Suite, Velocity Control Gateway, and Velocity Touch Panels. The Velocity Control Suite is a cloud-based service and centralized resource for integrators to create and manage their AV control projects by client, client sites, and specific locations such as rooms. Velocity Control Gateway is a software and IP-based control processor designed for several AV systems over a network, offered as a server appliance that can interface with up to 250 devices, or as software for hosting on IT server infrastructure to serve up to 5,000 devices. For user interaction with AV systems, Velocity Touch Panels are available in 5.5in. and 8in. screen sizes. Additionally, the Velocity Control System allows easy BYOD integration with tablets, smartphones, and laptops, as well as PC desktops and touch displays.
The Aurora Multimedia IPX-TC2 utilizes Aurora’s IPBaseT technology, which synergizes various IP/AV standards to work together as one. IPX-TC2 supports windowing/multiviewer (up to 32), scaling, and 16×16 videowall along with HDMI 2.0 4K60 4:4:4. It features zero compression and with no perceived latency based on a BlueRiver NT platform. The IPX-TC2 can be set up as either an encoder or a decoder to make installation, inventory, and troubleshooting easier. When the IPX-TC2 is set up to be a transmitter, the 2 HDMI inputs become a source switch and the HDMI output becomes a potential loop out. When set up as a receiver, a user can select the local HDMI inputs or an IP source. Seamless switching of the sources further enhances the presentation. It also has an option slot to add other IP capabilities, like ExtremeUSB (USB 2.0 over IP) or Dante audio, for a more complete, distributed system.
An IP-based, PoE video distribution solution, MediaCento IPX 4K from Black Box uses existing standards-based Ethernet technology and TCP/IP protocols to unicast HDMI 4K video and audio signals on your Gigabit Ethernet network (USB 2.0 and USB HID support touchscreens and KVM as well). In a multicast configuration, one transmitter can drive multiple receivers with no extra network load. The MediaCento IPX 4K supports full 4K UHD (and 4K to 1080p downscaling) with EDID copy function and HDCP 2.2 compliance—this means any source to any screen over IP. The product is positioned to support digital signage and video walls up to 8×8 displays for applications in hospitality, retail, bars and restaurants, corporate training, streaming to classrooms, and more. It can be used with the Media Cento Controller for matrix switching and video wall control. The system supports embedded digital HDMI audio with surround sound plus analog audio embedding and extraction so you can include analog audio input from DVI sources and route audio signals to a separate amplifier.
ClearOne’s VIEW Pro platform enables high-quality, 4:4:4 multimedia streaming on an existing IP network. It comprises a complete AVoIP distribution solution—including AV encoders, decoders, amplifiers, and advanced software licenses that support any multi-imaging need from simple to complex video walls of any size—without the need and cost for extra boxes. The free VIEW Pro PANORAMA software makes quick work of your most sophisticated designs, with an easy-to-use WYSIWYG app that works on any PC or MAC. VIEW AV encoders, decoders, and amplifiers, use modern discovery protocols that work right out of the box, and manage standard stream types—decoded with most any platform—over existing data infrastructure. VIEW Pro is designed for AV environments ranging from corporate communications and hospitality to entertainment, education, healthcare, houses of worship, digital signage, and more.
Cleerline Technology Group’s fiber optic cables are designed to be stronger and more durable than traditional fiber and easier to terminate. The company claims 10,000 times the bend longevity and up to 200 times the pull force—allowing techs to treat fiber like Category cable. A smaller glass-cladding layer is designed to be more bendable; the 125um coated GGP will not puncture soft tissues, for a safer pull. Cleerline claims these innovations in safety and flexibility can enable termination in as fast as 60 seconds due to the reduction of prep and precaution. Cleerline fiber is available in today’s most common cabling configurations for optical cables and also in a wide variety of optical patch cord. The cable is compatible with all common connector systems for standard 50/125 Multimode and 9/125 Singlemode fibers.
ACVNet-H, DigiBird’s 4K video audio and control over IP product family, is a new solution for AV distribution that adopts gigabit Ethernet technology to switch, extend, and distribute audio, control, and lightweight compressed video signals at visually lossless levels in real time with resolutions up to 4K (UHD). Thanks to gigabit Ethernet technology and VC-2 HQ codec, AVCNet-H delivers unprecedented scalability, versatility, and reliability. It can support a wide array of applications, including point-topoint extension and matrix switching, as well as video wall and multiviewer.
The DN-200 Series is an extension of DVIGear’s DisplayNet AV-over-IP product line. It leverages the latest SDVoE technology to distribute uncompressed AV signals with resolutions up to 4K/60p over a 10GbE Ethernet network. The DN-200 Series adds support for HDMI 2.0 with up to 12-bit color, HDCP 2.2, DisplayPort 1.2, and High Speed USB 2.0. A high-performance scaler in both the transmitters and receivers enables very fast switching, multiviewer, and enhanced video wall processing.
Gefen has released its second-generation line of AV Over IP products. The 12 new solutions introduce key enhancements to provide integrators with in-demand solutions, including a new KM Emulation feature which facilitates real-time, simultaneous keyboard and mouse control of each source from all connected workstations, eliminating the inherent limitations of earlier systems. HDMI and DisplayPort products feature maximum input resolution of 4K 60 Hz 4:2:0, and maximum output resolution of 4K 30 Hz 4:4:4. HDCP 2.2 and 1.4 are also supported. The DVI and VGA models support VESA and CEA resolutions up to WUXGA (1920 x 1200 at 60 Hz) and 1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080 at 60 Hz). HDMI models pass 7.1 channels of HBR (High Bit Rate) lossless and LPCM digital audio from source to display. The Sender units (other than DisplayPort) feature a video output for local monitoring of the source. USB, RS-232 2-way IR, and audio can be routed independently between any Sender and Receiver unit, allowing end users to control any of the sources and the displays within their network.
The Hall Research HHD264 family of HDMI over LAN senders (encoders) and receivers (decoders) allow distribution and switching of multiple HDMI sources to multiple displays on any LAN. Up to 64 senders can be connected to the network and up to 256 receivers. Video routing can be preassigned or changed on the fly. Through Hall Research’s Dynamic Virtual Matrix technology, switching is via WebGUI or its free Windows tool. It includes Full-HD (1080p/60) HDMI video, bi-directional RS-232, and IR control.
The IDK IP‐NINJAR is a video over IP solution for high-definition signal extension, switching, and manipulation. This 4K solution leverages off‐the‐shelf 10Gb Ethernet switching and enables signal management of 4K/UHD 4:4:4 at 60 Hz signals with with no perceived frame latency and seamless, multi-format switching. Available as a transmitter/encoder or a receiver/decoder the IP-NINJAR nodes support signal input via the latest HDMI interface, version 2.0, and supports encryption by utilizing the HDCP 2.2 standard. These interfaces enable IP-NINJAR’s transmission and reception of resolutions up to 4K 4:4:4 at 60Hz at a data rate of 18Gbps with a dot clock frequency of up to 600MHz. The IP-NINJAR system is designed to support standards that meet the HDR (High Dynamic Range) and WCG (Wide Color Gamut) of today’s emerging video signals. By supporting these standards, IP-NINJAR users can meet the demands encountered in live event AV environments, where realtime, low-latency processing and color fidelity are required for 4K/UltraHD workflows.
The Just Add Power 3G+4+ Tiling Transmitter is a 4K network video tiler that allows any four 4K-source devices to be displayed on a single screen instantly. The 3G+4+ Tiling Transmitter is a flexible device that can be applied to any commercial installation requiring multiview functionality, providing video support for resolutions up to full 4K HDR compatibility. Once tiled, the video feed can be distributed to an unlimited number of screens. The Tiling Transmitter gives integrators the power to create up to four customizable windows with easy presets; picture-in-picture or picture-over-picture; and adjust the transparency of images for multi-layered, dynamic display. Multiple tiling transmitters can be stacked together to add more sources and allow an infinite number of windows within windows. The transmitter also provides instant switching and can fade between sources in each window or preset. Furthermore, the tiler offers unlimited customizable presets for custom-sized tiles placed anywhere on the screen, ensuring unique branding for any installation.
The KanexPro NetworkAV over IP extenders provide color-critical resolutions, USB KVM support for remote device sharing over IP and optional compression levels and video formats, including H.264 codec and MJPEG. The EXT-AVIPH264TX and EXTAVIPH264RX use advanced H.264 codec as the compression type, which makes it occupy lower bandwidth and transmit over the LAN more smoothly. It supports 120m over single Cat5e/6 cable at point-to-point, as well as multi-point to multi-point over Ethernet switch.
The Kramer KDS-EN6 encoder provides streaming over an IP network that carries 4K at 60Hz (4:2:0) video, audio, IR, RS-232, USB over IP with HDCP 2.2 in unicast (one-to-one) or multicast. It is part of Kramer’s end-to-end AV-over-IP range designed for IT and is designed to be a highly-scaleable and cost-effective way to build any size AV distribution system on an existing IP network. The encoder (and its companion decoder) support 4K60 4:2:0 MJPEG video/audio with built-in scaling and control signaling for RS-232, IR, and USB; the products are PoE capable and HDCP 2.2 compliant. A simple virtual matrix GUI provides a familiar and intuitive configuration and management tool for applications in education, entertainment, digital signage, medical, and military and for centralized or distributed control. End users can also access local control of any video and audio device, collaboration system, HVAC, shades, etc., via any iOS or Android device or a Kramer touch control panel.
The Lightware UBEX optical scaling extender with optional USB HID and USB 2.0 extension features new optical configuration supports 4K UHD@60Hz 4:4:4 uncompressed signal extension with what the company describes as “latency-free multistreaming.” Utilizing visually lossless compression (compression levels can be set by the user), UBEX can extend two UHD signals over a single 10 Gbps port. The maximum reachable distance can be adjusted to vary between 400m and 100 km, depending on the type of SFP+ optical modules installed. UBEX has a bandwidth of up to 20 Gbps depending on application. UBEX can work in a complex network with a standard Ethernet switch, or as point-to-point.
The Matrox Graphics Extio 3 IP KVM extenders securely extend a single 4Kp60 4:4:4 video signal—or four 1080p60 4:4:4 signals—along with keyboard, mouse, stereo audio, and USB 2.0 over standard gigabit Ethernet at low bit rates. Extio 3 IP KVM products deliver exceptional remote desktop performance and, when combined with standard GigE network switches, create a cost-effective over-IP extension and switching solution, allowing users to securely and instantly switch to any system on the KVM network. Designed to optimize collaboration, Extio 3 provides a secondary H.264 proxy video stream, compatible with H.264 software and hardware decoders, enabling users to view a selected desktop on mobile devices, record it to a network attached storage or to display it on a video wall.
The RGB Spectrum Zio AV-over-IP technology supports video and audio distribution over an IP network, replacing traditional dedicated switchers. Zio endpoints attach to a 1Gig Ethernet switch, with encoders accepting computer and video sources at resolutions up to 4K Ultra HD and decoders for feeding displays. The Zio IP multiviewer offers seamless switching over the IP network infrastructure; both dedicated and shared networks are supported. The compact Zio D2000 Series multiviewers allow multiple streams to be decoded and viewed on a single display. The D2022 model IP multiviewer allows up to four 1080p streams, or equivalents, to be placed on a screen any size, anywhere. The D2024 model allows up to four 1080p streams or a single 4K stream. The Zio D3000 Series multiviewers build on the functionality of the D2000 Series, increasing the number of simultaneous streams displayed.
The Rose Electronics UltraMatrix Remote 2 provides a comprehensive solution for remote server console access with BIOS-level access control. It provides secure access to a system locally, from any workstation on the network, or worldwide over IP using any supported web browser or RealVNC Viewer. A security system is included with login, computer access control, and data encryption. The RealVNC Viewer simplifies access to the remote computers and provides an additional layer of security to the system. When accessing a computer over a network, the viewer application receives and displays the video at a crisp maximum resolution of 1600×1200, and sends back keyboard and mouse data to give control over the remote computer. The unit supports PCs, Apple, and Sun computers running Windows, OSX, Solaris, UNIX, or Linux. It is independent of operating system. The advanced onscreen menu can be used to configure the unit, name the computers, and much more. UltraMatrix Remote 2 can easily be expanded to other KVM switches to operate and switch up to 1,000 computers.
RTI has acquired and is now distributing the Miravue VIP-1, a video-over-IP system that provides powerful, scalable AV distribution over Ethernet, coax cable, and wireless networking. The VIP-1 acts as a transmitter, receiver, network switch, and wireless access point, lowering AV distribution costs by reducing cabling and installation time. The unit supports HDMI/HDCP 1.x and 2.x video sources with ultra-low latency. In addition, non-HDMI sources such as mobile devices, network video streams from IP cameras, and network-attached storage may be viewed without the need for additional equipment. The VIP-1’s built-in scaler matches the displays’ maximum resolution, while automatically providing stereo downmixing and lip-sync adjustment. Perfect for new and retrofit installations, the VIP-1 delivers high-quality HD video over Ethernet, coax cable, and wireless networking. Due to its low bandwidth usage, it does not require any specialized networking gear, instead needing only an unmanaged network switch for Ethernet installations.
The C3-340 CORIOmatrix (4RU) and C3-310 CORIOmatrix mini (1RU) from tvONE are flexible, modular, multi-format AV matrix routers with 4K capability. CORIOmatrix & CORIOmatrix mini leverage tvONE’s CORIO technology in a single box solution, which is ideal for integrating mixed AV, broadcast, IP, and legacy sources seamlessly at very low latency. CORIOmatrix products are perfect for applications that integrate mixed audio and/or video formats, and when SDI is used in conjunction with 4K HDMI, DVI, and H.264/H.265 IP feeds. CORIO technology allows the user to upscale, down-scale and cross convert between a wide variety of analog and digital video formats. The 16 modular AV slots (4U chassis C3-340) provide the ability to mix and match video formats in the switcher. The quantity and type of modules selected determines which formats will be accommodated and the matrix size (12+ input/ output modules to choose from). Control and configuration of the CORIOmatrix can be done via API via RS-232, an IP interface, or through an internal web interface.
The ZeeVee ZyPer4K meeting room starter kit allows for pain-free installation of an AV over IP solution. Customers can distribute uncompressed, no perceived latency, 4K video with minimal installation and configuration time with this starter kit, which leverages ZeeVee’s Zyper4K AV over IP signal distribution solution, ideal for corporate environments that want to take advantage of all the benefits that AVoIP offers, right out of the box. The ZyPer4K solution is virtually plug-n-play, and a complex control system is not required because the ZyPer MaestroZ interface allows control from any device on the ZyPer network and includes admin rights. Up to three sources can be switched to two screens and expanded up to eight more devices. The ZyPer4K meeting room starter kit can be adapted to connect multiple meeting rooms, delivering pixel-for-pixel image quality at any resolution and with no perceived latency.
