What Do AV Over IP Systems Cost?
Cost Breakdown of AV over IP Systems
The cost of an AV over IP system varies depending on factors like network infrastructure, resolution requirements, number of endpoints, and specific use cases. Below is a general breakdown of costs based on different system scales and performance levels.
1. Basic AV over IP System (1GbE)
- Best for: Digital signage, conference rooms, small corporate offices
- Compression: H.264/H.265
- Latency: 30-100ms
- Network: Standard 1GbE managed switch
| Item | Estimated Cost (Per Unit) |
|---|---|
| Encoder (H.264/H.265) | $500 - $1,500 |
| Decoder | $500 - $1,500 |
| 1GbE Managed Network Switch | $500 - $2,000 |
| Control Software | $0 - $500 |
| Cabling & Setup | $100 - $500 |
| Total (for a 4x4 system) | $6,000 - $15,000 |
2. Mid-Range AV over IP System (1GbE / Lightly Compressed 4K)
- Best for: Medium-sized businesses, auditoriums, education, retail
- Compression: JPEG2000, H.264/H.265
- Latency: 10-50ms
- Network: 1GbE or 10GbE (depending on quality needs)
| Item | Estimated Cost (Per Unit) |
|---|---|
| Encoder (JPEG2000 or H.264/5) | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Decoder | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Network Switch (1GbE/10GbE, Multicast-capable) | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Control Software | $500 - $2,000 |
| Cabling & Setup | $500 - $2,000 |
| Total (for a 6x6 system) | $20,000 - $60,000 |
3. High-End AV over IP System (10GbE / Uncompressed 4K)
- Best for: Stadiums, hospitals, live events, broadcast control rooms
- Compression: SDVoE (uncompressed or visually lossless)
- Latency: <1ms
- Network: Requires 10GbE or higher
| Item | Estimated Cost (Per Unit) |
|---|---|
| Encoder (SDVoE, low-latency JPEG2000) | $2,500 - $6,000 |
| Decoder | $2,500 - $6,000 |
| 10GbE Network Switch | $5,000 - $15,000 |
| Control Software | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| Fiber/Cabling & Setup | $2,000 - $10,000 |
| Total (for an 8x8 system) | $75,000 - $250,000 |
4. Enterprise-Grade AV over IP System (25GbE+ / 8K & Mission-Critical Applications)
- Best for: Military command centers, medical imaging, large-scale corporate HQs
- Compression: Uncompressed or very light compression
- Latency: Near zero
- Network: Requires 25GbE+ infrastructure
| Item | Estimated Cost (Per Unit) |
|---|---|
| Encoder (Uncompressed 8K-capable) | $5,000 - $15,000 |
| Decoder | $5,000 - $15,000 |
| 25GbE+ Network Switch | $10,000 - $50,000 |
| Control Software | $5,000 - $20,000 |
| Fiber/Cabling & Setup | $10,000 - $50,000 |
| Total (for a 10x10 system) | $250,000 - $1,000,000+ |
Additional Cost Factors
- Network Infrastructure: Higher resolutions and lower latency require 10GbE or 25GbE switches, which are costly.
- Scalability: The more endpoints (displays, sources) you add, the higher the cost.
- Control Systems: Some AV over IP systems require specialized software, which can add licensing costs.
- Installation & Maintenance: Professional setup and ongoing maintenance can add 20-30% to the overall cost.