With so many different options available to integrators, the first thing to be certain of is that the solution you are selecting is going address network bandwidth requirements while providing the video and audio quality the customer is looking for and also making sure the integration is easy, flexible and cost effective for clients.
Tip #1: Bandwidth is king.
If you want to take advantage of an existing network, you will likely be working with network administrators who are responsible for all network traffic including Internet access, e-mail, and even VoIP phones. They will have real bandwidth concerns, and will be looking for specific information from the integrator as to what the AV over IP devices will be doing on their network.
They may limit the amount of bandwidth available for AV distribution, and finding out what the bandwidth requirements are in advance can help you specify the right AV over IP devices. Look for products that are low bandwidth by default, with adjustable bit rates to help you – or the network administrator – fine-tune streaming parameters and stay under the required bandwidth.
Tip #2: Not all products are equal when it comes to resolution support.
If your clients want to stream high-definition video, look for products that support Full HD 1080p60 and 1920×1200 video distribution. Higher resolution can mean higher bandwidth, but the type of compression used can help, so be sure to check what codec is being used. Encoders and decoders utilizing the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC codec are highly prized for high-quality, low-bandwidth projects.
Tip #3: Non-proprietary encoding.
Some AV over IP devices are purpose-built with proprietary streams that only the vendors’ equipment can decode and these products may have a legitimate value add in specific circumstances.
However, if the product requires proprietary decode, there are many things you may not be able to do cost-effectively, including viewing network streams using free software decode on your desktop. If you want to future-proof your investment, look for open, standards-based encoding solutions that won’t tie you to a specific product or vendor.
Tip #4: Control is key.
AV over IP devices should come with software that allows you to auto-detect and monitor devices remotely and easily switch streams at different endpoints, and adjust encoding and decoding parameters when necessary. If you want to offer your client a custom control app, look for products that provide software development tools.
A good API will allow developers to create a software interface that is customized for their client and even integrate device control within a larger control app.
One example of an AV over IP encode/decode solution is our Matrox Maevex. Video and audio quality is exceptional, with the ability to distribute up to Full HD 1080p at 60 Hz or 1920 x 1200 with open encoding using the H.264 codec.
As mentioned, one of the biggest concerns regarding AV over IP is going to be bandwidth and Maevex provides excellent quality results with a meager default bit rate of only 15 Mbps. Our product also provides flexibility with the ability to adjust bit rates between 100 Kbps and 25 Mbps, along with many other encode and decode parameters. With the power to balance bandwidth and quality, you can fine tune AV streams according to the needs of your given application and the bandwidth available on the network.
Combined with the intuitive PowerStream management and control software and API, and the added feature of being able to record content to network-attached storage anywhere on the LAN, Maevex is a great product for those looking to dip their toe into the AV over IP world, and grow from there.
It is ultimately very scalable, both robust and flexible enough to continue building on over time, as you and your clients gain experience.
AV solutions utilizing the network are proving to be the next evolution of AV technology. If integrators are to continue to be successful, they will be required to gain some knowledge and experience with network IP system solutions, but you don’t have to become an IT specialist overnight.
The right choice of product can help AV professionals enter the market regardless of their level of network expertise. AV solutions utilizing the network are proving to be the next evolution of AV technology. Ignoring the steps the market is taking to incorporate the benefits of IP-based AV is perilous.
But from teams that possess certified network professionals who are swimming in experience in this area, all the way down to the smaller installation dealers that pride themselves on providing customer value additions in areas as foreign to IP as acoustics, ergonomic room design, basic cable wiring, and AV product installation, the range of products now being offered afford the professional AV channel the ability to enter the market with products and services regardless of their experience level.
As the client grows, and the integrator gains familiarity with IP systems, so too can the networked AV solution and its capabilities.
