ABCs of Video over IP
Video over IP can mean different things in different applications. It can be HD video content for movies, sports or other TV program- ming. It can be KVM (keyboard, video & mouse). It can be digital sig- nage. It can be security cameras. It can be residential or commercial.
In its simplest form, a typical Video over IP system is made up of a Sender and a Receiver. Many, if not all brands of Video over IP devices, allow direct-connection between a Sender and Receiver without a network switch. When more than one Sender or Receiver is used, a network switch is required. A Video over IP system will work on a net- work with or without a router.
A Sender, (or Transmitter, depending upon the brand), would typical- ly be connected to a video source, say a satellite receiver or Blu-ray player. The Sender encodes the audio and video content, packetizes it and outputs the packets to the network. The packet data then passes through the network switch (if used) to the Receiver. The Receiver then decodes the packets and outputs the original content…in its native format…with minimal loss and latency!
In systems with more than one Sender and Receiver, sources are selected by front panel push buttons on the Receivers, web server interface, control app or master system controller.
One significant advantage of Video over IP is scalability. With Video over IP, as long as the network has the bandwidth, more Senders and Receivers can easily be added at any time, typically without replacing existing hardware, cabling, or configuration. Some brands, such as Ge- fen, also allow mixing and matching Video over IP devices as needed so HDMI, DVI, and VGA video can be mixed, matched and converted from any video format to any video format, (within HDCP limitations) without the need for additional equipment.
In addition to various video formats and resolutions Video over IP Senders and Receivers also transmit/receive audio signals and control signals in addition to HDCP, Deep Color, 3D, Lip Sync and most of the features and formatting associated with digital AV content.
Network Requirements
A Managed Gigabit Ethernet network (1000 Mbps) is required for a Video over IP network that will be handling HD video. This does not prevent equipment operating at lower data rates from also operating on the same network. In those cases, video traffic should be blocked from 10/100BaseT ports through switch configuration. A system controller such as the Gefen
EXT-CU-LAN has two isolated Ethernet LAN ports to easily enable separation of the video and data networks while allowing control of the Video over IP devices from either network.
Normal network rules apply, so the maximum direct connection dis- tance between devices is 330 feet (100 meters) over CAT-5e/6 cable. This distance can be extended in increments of 330 feet (100 meters) by using Gigabit switches as repeaters between devices. To break that down, the max distance between a direct-connect Sender and Receiv- er is 330 feet (100 meters). The max distance for a Sender connected to a Receiver via a single gig switch is 660 feet (200 meters). Additional switches add increments of 330 feet (100 meters) per hop. Fiber optic SFP Gigabit Ethernet Modules can be connected to gig switch SFP ports to extend connected range between switches up to 6.2 miles (10km). Also keeping with normal network rules, all network devices must have unique IP Addresses. Any control software or device
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(computer, app, controller) must also have an IP address in the same subnet as the networked AV devices.
Recommended Network Switches
The specific requirements and configurations for network switches may vary a bit from brand to brand, but probably not by much, and a few basic features and specifications should be fairly common.
Any network that will be handling HD or 4K Ultra HD Video will require managed Gigabit Ethernet switches. The Gigabit Ethernet switches should support “Jumbo Frames” and some brands will also require IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) Snooping.
For cascaded or extended switch architecture, more than 1 Gigabit bandwidth may be required between switches. In this case, look for a switch that offers multiple 10-Gigabit SFP uplink ports for expanded bandwidth between switches.
Network Addressing
Though Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) assignment of IP addresses will work, it is typically a good idea to configure Video over IP devices with Static (permanent) IP addresses. All devices within a given system must be within the same network address scheme. And of course a given IP Address can only be used once in a given system.
To cut down setup time and reduce errors, manufacturers have devel- oped setup tools (setup and control software) devices and dedicated controllers that can be great time-savers in automating certain aspects of Video over IP network setup.
Typical System Layouts
First, and most simple is audio/video/control extension. Video over IP configured for extension can be adapted to an existing LAN when pulling cable is not a good option, and Video over IP can provide pretty much provide unlimited distance for simple extension.
Next is distribution of a single video source to multiple displays. This is a great application for digital signage. System design and installation is as easy as it gets, with content distributed to the number of displays need, over just about any distance, all over Cat-5e/6. Some brand’s Receivers include built-in gig switches, allowing daisy-chaining Receiv- ers for potentially thousands of displays.
Standard matrixes are typically ‘square’ configurations such as 4x4, 8x8, 16x16, etc. A Video over IP matrix allows matrix configuration of just about any size…up to hundreds of sources by thousands of displays.
A fourth application for a Video over IP system is video wall. Some brand’s setup and control software allows configuration of a Video over IP system as a video wall. Depending upon brand and setup, the control software can change the output from video wall to individual displays.
Conclusion
Video over IP is…extension, distribution, matrix, video wall, video, audio, digital signage, KVM, control, scalable and expandable…all on standard network infrastructure.
To learn more…check out the fine Video over IP products at ADI from Gefen, Key Digital & SVSi.
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