Analog video distribution systems have several vulnerabilities regarding quality and distance, not least of which is that analog technology is being phased out in favor of higher quality digital equipment. The biggest challenge with digital signal distribution has been its need for a large amount of bandwidth. Now you can break free from traditional video limits by deploying HD video over your IP network. Image quality remains excellent, and costs are minimal because setup uses infrastructure already in place.
Using an IP-based video distribution platform, such as the MediaCento™ IPX, provides a whole new level of scalability compared to existing proprietary and coax systems. Distribution and extension of the video signals are achieved by sending packetized video through standard local area network (LAN) equipment with existing CAT5e or CAT6 network cabling. Any number of displays located anywhere in the building can receive video content through connection to the LAN.
Furthermore, an IP-based solution has no distance limitations. Although standard Ethernet segments are limited to 330 feet, switches or repeaters can be added to get additional distance. For very long runs, runs between buildings, or in installations in industrial environments with high levels of EMI, standard Ethernet media converters can be used with the system to convert the electrical signals into optical ones for transport over fiber cable.
One of the biggest challenges with any traditional video distribution solution is that a splitter has a fixed number of ports, which limits the number of displays supported. Additionally, extenders might be required to reach out to remote displays. Proprietary video cables, such as HDMI®, have distance limitations and were not designed to be terminated in the field, and the large form factor of the connector makes it a huge challenge to pull these cables through conduits and walls.
MPEG compression works well to deliver low to medium quality over very limited bandwidth (Kbps to Mbps), but is not suitable for high-quality computer graphics. Using efficient compression algorithms and higher bandwidth (100–150 Mbps) makes it possible to run full HD, real-time video over the local network without loss of video quality
Installation is simplified when the HD video transmitter and receiver can be powered over Ethernet as well. A standard PoE-compliant network switch is able to distribute the video signals and power any transmitter or receiver unit connected to the switch. This greatly reduces the time required for installation and potentially avoids the use of expensive electricians for running additional power outlets. A PoE-based solution also provides improved reliability since low cost external power supplies are proven to be the first thing that fails in most AV installations. The MediaCento IPX enables easy out-of-the-box installation with the optional use of an adjustable channel selector. A technician can easily deploy a network of MediaCento IPX devices using just a screwdriver to select a matching pair of addresses; the devices will automatically find each other to establish a connection. More advanced users still have the option to manually configure all the IP settings if desired.
Depending on the installation, an HDMI cable can be accidentally or intentionally dislodged from a device, or come loose due to vibration of surrounding objects. The MediaCento IPX supports lockable HDMI cables, including a pigtail to DVI, for a secure video connection. Additionally, the dedicated power connector is lockable. GigaTrue®3 lockable patch cables allow the Ethernet cable to be locked to secure the data connection and power if PoE is being used. With a complete set of lockable ports — video, power, and network—the MediaCento IPX can be used in a wide range of environments including publicly accessible spaces like conference rooms, video walls and lobbies.
Point-to-point unicasting is supported by standard gigabit Ethernet switches and can be used for single-receiver distribution. Multicasting, which is sending data over a network from one transmitter to multiple receivers, calls for a switch with IGMP support. IGMP snooping switches parse intended receivers from the network; instead of needing to send the video to every receiver, IGMP queriers know which devices on the network want to receive the packet and which don’t. This saves the network from being overwhelmed with broadcast traffic. MediaCento IPX is also available in a video wall version that can scale source video for output on a video wall tile matrix.
Sending high-quality images and video over a LAN has never been easier or more advantageous. AV-over-IP is cost-effective, easy to implement, flexible and scalable, and has no distance limitations. With the addition of locking cables, it’s also secure. Learn more about the benefits of AV-over-IP in the SlideShare presentation below. Need an efficient way to control all of your KVMoIP devices? Check out Wizard.net—The one software solution to rule them all.
