What is AV over IP?
AV over IP distributes audio and video across a standard IP network — the same Ethernet infrastructure used for data. Instead of fixed point-to-point HDMI cables or a hardware matrix switcher, sources connect to encoders that convert the HDMI signal into an IP stream, and displays connect to decoders that receive and reconstruct it. Routing is handled in software, making the system scalable without hardware changes.
KanexPro AV over IP supports 4K60, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, USB KVM, 9×9 video wall, and optional Dante audio over standard 1G or 10G Ethernet.
Choosing the Right Codec
| Codec | Resolution | Network | Latency | Best For |
|---|
| JPEG2000 | 4K60 | 1G | ~1 frame | Visually lossless, video walls, Dante, HDR10/Dolby Vision |
| H.265 | 4K60 / HD | 1G | Low | Bandwidth-efficient, digital signage, large deployments |
| SDVoE | 4K60 | 10G | Zero (0ms) | Uncompressed, broadcast, control rooms, zero-latency |
Network Requirements
- 1G (JPEG2000, H.265): Managed gigabit switch with IGMP snooping enabled.
- 10G (SDVoE): 10GbE managed switch. All encoder and decoder ports must be 10G.
- IGMP snooping: Must be enabled — manages multicast traffic, prevents flooding.
- VLAN (recommended): Isolate AV traffic from corporate data.
- Jumbo frames: MTU 9000 for JPEG2000 and SDVoE.
System Components
- Encoder (ENC): One per source. Connects via HDMI and Ethernet.
- Decoder (DEC): One per display. Connects via HDMI and Ethernet.
- IP Controller (optional): Matrix routing, REST API, RS-232, Crestron/AMX/Savant.
- Managed switch: The routing backbone.
Quick Setup Steps
- Connect encoders and decoders to the managed switch.
- Enable IGMP snooping on the switch.
- Power on — devices auto-discover each other.
- Use the web GUI or IP controller to route encoders to decoders.
- For video wall: configure the 9×9 layout and bezel compensation in the controller.
KanexPro AV over IP Products
JPEG2000
H.265
SDVoE
IP Controllers
Related Articles