AV Over IP Technical Questions Answered

AV Over IP Technical Questions Answered

Q: What network requirements are needed for AV over IP?
A:

  • Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) is the minimum for most systems.
  • Higher resolutions like 4K may require 10GbE or higher.
  • Managed network switches with multicast support are recommended.

Q: Do I need a managed or unmanaged switch for AV over IP?
A: Managed switches are recommended because they support VLANs, Quality of Service (QoS), and multicast traffic control, which are essential for smooth AV transmission.

Q: What are the differences between 1GbE, 10GbE, and higher-bandwidth AV over IP solutions?
A:

  • 1GbE – Most common, often uses compression (e.g., H.264, H.265).
  • 10GbE – Supports uncompressed or lightly compressed 4K video with lower latency.
  • Higher (25GbE, 40GbE, etc.) – Used in specialized applications requiring ultra-high resolution and zero latency.

Q: How does latency impact AV over IP performance?
A:

  • Low latency (<1 ms) – Required for live presentations, gaming, and video conferencing.
  • Higher latency (30-100 ms) – Acceptable for digital signage and media playback.

Q: What compression methods are used in AV over IP systems?
A:

  • JPEG2000 – Low latency, high-quality video, used in SDVoE systems.
  • H.264/H.265 – Efficient for streaming but introduces some latency.
  • Dante AV – Lossless audio transmission with video.
  • NDI (Network Device Interface) – Optimized for live production and broadcasting.

Q: Can AV over IP be used on an existing network, or does it require a separate VLAN?
A: It can run on an existing network, but a separate VLAN is recommended to avoid interference with regular network traffic.

Q: What are the best practices for configuring QoS (Quality of Service) in AV over IP?
A:

  • Prioritize AV traffic over general data traffic.
  • Use VLANs to isolate AV streams.
  • Enable IGMP snooping and multicast filtering to optimize bandwidth usage.

Q: What is multicast, and why is it important for AV over IP?
A: Multicast allows a single AV source to be sent to multiple destinations without consuming extra bandwidth. It reduces network congestion and improves efficiency.

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