Editor’s Note: This thought-leadership article from AV-over-IP expert Art Weeks discusses whether AV-over-IP is the future and key considerations that integrators should keep in mind.
The commercial AV industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by the increasing dominance of AV-over-IP and the marginalization of solutions like fixed matrix switchers. AV-over-IP can be found in nearly any use case, including large-scale video distribution in sports arenas, digital signage, videoconferencing, classrooms and interconnected corporate meeting spaces. As organizations prioritize flexibility, scalability and remote management, AV-over-IP is becoming the backbone of modern AV installations.
However, this shift requires integrators to rethink the future of AV-over-IP in terms of how they design, deploy and support AV solutions.
Is AV-over-IP the Future?
The growing adoption of AV-over-IP is fueled by several key factors. First, cost-effectiveness has improved significantly, making IP-based solutions more viable for mid-sized and even smaller deployments. Second, the demand for seamless, scalable connectivity across multiple locations has increased, particularly in enterprise, education and government environments. Unlike traditional matrix switchers, AV-over-IP solutions allow for easy expansion and remote access, reducing the need for expensive hardware upgrades.
For integrators, these shifts present both challenges and opportunities. The rise of custom LED walls — often with unique resolutions and multi-view configurations — requires a deeper understanding of video processing and network infrastructure. At the same time, clients expect greater adaptability, which means integrators must offer solutions that not only deliver high-quality audio and video but also support remote monitoring, cloud-based management and seamless interoperability with existing IT systems.
Key Considerations for Integrators
As AV-over-IP adoption accelerates, integrators must account for several critical factors to ensure successful deployments:
- Network Infrastructure: A reliable, high-bandwidth network is essential for smooth AV-over-IP performance. Poorly planned networks can lead to latency issues, packet loss or security vulnerabilities. Understanding network traffic management, multicast configurations and VLAN setups is now a crucial skill for integrators.
- Cabling and Power: While AV-over-IP eliminates the limitations of traditional matrix switching, it does require robust cabling to ensure reliable signal transmission. Additionally, power consumption becomes a bigger factor, especially for large-scale installations, requiring thoughtful planning around PoE (Power over Ethernet) and overall energy efficiency.
- Interoperability with IT Systems: As AV increasingly merges with IT, integrators must bridge the gap between traditional AV expertise and network administration. Collaboration with IT teams is essential to ensure AV traffic does not disrupt core business operations.
- Total Cost vs. Long-Term Value: While initial costs can be higher for AV-over-IP deployments, the long-term benefits — including easier scalability, reduced hardware requirements and lower maintenance costs — often outweigh the upfront investment, reducing the overall cost of ownership.
Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of AV-over-IP
Looking ahead, several trends are set to shape the AV-over-IP landscape:
- Custom LED Wall Integration: The demand for high-resolution LED walls in corporate lobbies, control rooms and retail spaces continues to grow. This will drive greater investment in advanced video distribution and processing technologies.
- Software-Based AV-over-IP Solutions: As software-defined AV gains traction, expect to see more solutions that offer increased flexibility and lower infrastructure costs compared to traditional hardware-based setups.
- Enhanced Network Security: With AV traffic increasingly residing on the same networks as critical business systems, cybersecurity concerns will take center stage. Integrators will need to implement stronger security protocols, including encryption and access control, to protect AV data from potential threats.
The Future of AV-over-IP
For integrators, the future of AV-over-IP is more than just a shift in technology — it’s a shift in mindset. Success in this space requires not just technical expertise but also the ability to position AV as a seamless extension of IT. Those who can navigate these changes, provide value-driven solutions and embrace the growing service-oriented nature of AV will lead in the next era of professional AV.
Art Weeks is product manager, AVoIP, Kramer.
