AV Over IP Explained: A Beginner-Friendly Introduction

Our world is constantly changing, and the smaller niche of professional audio-visual systems is no exception to this rule. One of the most exciting shifts is the rise of AVoIP, also known as AV over IP. Boiled down to the simplest of terms, AVoIP is a way of being able to send both video and audio signals over a network connection instead of relying on the traditional method of point-to-point cabling like HDMI or SDI. When used properly, AVoIP has the potential to change almost everything we know about how AV setups work. It’s changing live events, corporate presentations and even home AV integrations. 

You can think of AVoIP like moving from landline to smartphones. As long as the devices are on the same network, AV over IP allows you to send your signal to anywhere on that network that has access. This makes it much more flexible than older integrations but also gives it some key benefits as well like easier expansion and integration with modern IT infrastructure. 

No longer is running that bulky cable for each source necessary, just leverage the existing network hardware to transmit as high of quality video and audio as you want (as long as the network can handle it). All while having minimal delay and having significant savings in terms of businesses and structures since they’re built with a network in mind already. So let’s see how we can make your life easier with AVoIP. 

AV Over IP Encoder/Decoder – Core Components of the System

An AV over IP system revolves around a couple of pieces to create the magic, the first two that we’ll be paying attention to are going to be the encoder and decoder. Sometimes these can be combo units or they can be separate units but let’s talk about what they actually do. These components translate the signals you want to send. One prepares the video for travel through the network and the other translates it back to be sent to the display. 

The encoder is the piece doing the former, it will take your audio and video signals from any source you have like a camera or a computer or cable box, and then convert them into data packets that can be transmitted through an IP network. On the other end of the equation, you’ll find the decoder, whose job it is to convert those packets back into high quality AV signals for your display or projector and the accompanying speakers. 

One of the biggest benefits to a system like this is that it is easily scaled up. Whether you’re handling a small conference room or a large venue with multiple rooms it’s pretty easy to add more encoders or decoders to the system without having to brainstorm how to adjust the infrastructure. 

BZBGEAR offers a range of reliable, high-performance AV over IP encoder/decoder options that integrate seamlessly into different environments. These devices not only deliver crystal-clear video, but also ensure smooth operation thanks to low-latency performance and robust network compatibility. 

What Is an AV Over IP Encoder?

We’ve gone over what an encoder does in a brief overview but let’s take a bit of a closer look at them. This is going to be the starting point for your signal journey. The encoder is responsible for taking the AV signal, converting them into a format that is suitable for network travel and getting it to the end point. These can come in several different flavors depending on your needs so if you need special requirements like 4k video or PoE you can find those as well as ones with multiple input types. 

Key benefits of a quality encoder include:

• Efficient compression without visible quality loss
• Compatibility with various AV and IT protocols
• Easy integration into existing network infrastructure

For example, a venue streaming live sports could connect cameras directly to an encoder to distribute real-time video feeds to multiple screens. With a high-grade system, you can do this without noticeable lag or frame drops.

What Is an AV Over IP Decoder?

So now that we’ve looked at the sending end, let’s take a look at the receiving end. An Av over IP decoder takes the network data from the encoder and then transforms it back into a viewable video signal or listenable audio signal. That means all you need to do is plug it in to your display! And that’s pretty much all you need to do! That being said, there’s still more to talk about in regards to these devices. 

Just like the encoder, these can have support for different resolutions, as well as have flexible output options. You can go ahead and place these in several different places within the same network and send the same video feed to multiple rooms all on the same network. But there are still some cool things you can do with these like KVM or even video wall setups with the right AVoIP system. 

For instance, a corporate system might use a decoder in each conference room to show the same presentation simultaneously. This approach saves time, reduces setup complexity, and ensures a consistent viewing experience.

Best AV Over IP Solutions – Building a Video Over IP Distribution System

The first thing that you should determine when building or designing an IP video distribution system is to create a setup that will work with your current needs but allows for growth in the future. Whether you’re outfitting a sports arena, university campus, or corporate headquarters, the principles are similar. 

That means finding the right combination of encoders, decoders and the supporting network hardware. From there, decide how you want to build the system, do you need one source? Multiple sources? A single display? Multiple? Or maybe something more complex? All of these are things you need to ask and figure out to find the best solution for you. 

And thankfully, with a video over IP distribution system, you’re not limited by regular cables and instead are unburdened by the network! 

How Video Over IP Distribution Systems Work

In a video over IP distribution system, just like how we touched on earlier, an encoder will send the video source it’s gathering into the network. From there the cool thing is that the signal can be accessed by any connected decoder (unless there are some extra content protection settings enabled by administration). That means that your distribution now becomes a flexible matrix as well! This manifests itself in three different ways typically.

Typical workflows:

• One-to-many: a single encoder streams to multiple decoders
• Many-to-one: several sources feed a single display through switching
• Many-to-many: dynamic routing between multiple sources and displays

With BZBGEAR solutions, management is intuitive, letting you change routing with a few clicks or preset commands.

Scaling Up: One-to-Many and Many-to-Many Setups

Being able to scale is really where AV over IP becomes unmatched in what it can do. Adding more encoders and decoders requires almost nothing other than plugging them into the network and then configuring them. You don’t have to figure out how to get an existing source to the new location, it’s just automatically available to be sent there. This also means you can add video walls, or KVM stations as necessary (with the right setup). 

For example:

• A school could start with two classrooms sharing a system, then expand building-wide.
• An event venue could add temporary video sources for special events without major rewiring.

The system grows with your needs, saving both time and cost.

AV Over IP Decoder Options – What to Look For and Why It Matters

Making sure to choose the right decoder can either make or break your system performance. Resolution support, latency, connectivity, and compatibility with your encoder lineup are all crucial factors.

BZBGEAR’s AV over IP decoder range offers:

• 4K video output for high quality video
• Support for multiple streaming protocols
• Compact designs for easy installation
• KVM support
• Video wall support
• Easy to use free management software

Key Features of a Good AV Over IP Decoder

When shopping for a decoder, consider:

• Video resolution support that matches your displays
• Low latency for real-time applications
• Flexible output connections (HDMI, SDI, DisplayPort)
• Easy configuration and firmware updates

When to Choose Standalone vs. Integrated Solutions

A standalone decoder is ideal for setups needing flexibility or mixing brands. Integrated solutions, like displays that contain decoders, can help simplify installation but limit future expansion or repurposing the existing equipment. 

If your system will expand or change frequently, standalone units give you more control. Integrated options work well for consistent, fixed video routing needs.

Conclusion – Why AV Over IP Is the Future of Pro AV

AV over IP can be explained quite simply: this is the future of AV integration. The prevalence of the internet and networking demands have only gotten higher and more capable, so why not leverage the existing architecture to your advantage. It’s fast, flexible, easily scaled and most importantly is easy to use.

Now is the time to explore the best AV over IP solutions available on the market, and BZBGEAR has the encoders, decoders, and expertise to help design your ideal system including the experienced designers to help you do it. Whether you’re starting small or planning a large video over IP distribution system, the right approach will future-proof your setup.