As an AV integrator, you’re not just installing systems: In fact, you’re solving complex puzzles. No two AV systems are alike, and the challenge lies in bringing together an array of technologies — cameras, microphones, touchscreens, displays and more — into a unified AV-over-IP (AVoIP) network. The key to success? Mastering interoperability to ensure every piece works harmoniously, delivering a flawless experience for the end user.
‘Interoperability’ is one of a few terms that are widely used, yet frequently misunderstood, across the industry. At its core, the concept seems straightforward. Merriam-Webster defines it as the “ability of a system to work with or use the parts or equipment of another system.” But in AV systems integration, this definition only scratches the surface. Interoperability isn’t just about compatibility; it’s about creating seamless, efficient and scalable solutions that bring together diverse technologies into a cohesive, functional system. It is, perhaps, one of the keys to delivering exceptional user experiences.
If you ask Joshua Rush, chief marketing officer at Audinate what interoperability means, it means seamless functionality without the need for programming, security gaps or specialized network switches. He explains, “You’re going in and having to customize for whatever the customer calls for and they want to have maximum flexibility. The definition of ‘interoperability’ is what customers are looking for there, which is that maximum in terms of the number of devices they can choose from, and ensuring they all work together.”
Like an onion, interoperability in AV systems involves multiple layers. At the most basic level, it’s about transmitting signals (audio/video) from point A to point B. Beyond that, the focus shifts to usability and efficiency for system designers, control, management and software features like device discovery, routing and monitoring. Higher layers include critical aspects like security, encryption and APIs, creating a fully integrated and functional system.
As Steve Greenblatt, president, CEO and founder, Control Concepts, Inc., explains, “Interoperability can mean many things. In the AV programming world, it often refers to how easily products can be swapped out in a system. The most effective way to do this is by replacing one module/driver/plugin with another. Products from the same manufacturer and of the same device type, such as a display, may be able to be replaced without even changing the program because they use the same API.”
Open vs Walled Gardens
The term “interoperable” is often interpreted in different ways, and those interpretations are arguably not always accurate. As Rush opines, “Manufacturers with ‘walled gardens’— where they aim to keep you locked into their ecosystem by purchasing only their products — are fundamentally at odds with true interoperability. Integrators, on the other hand, prioritize maximum flexibility and choice. Some manufacturers claim interoperability, but it’s often a selective approach, cherry-picking certain products or brands to fill gaps in their strategy. This isn’t solving the interoperability challenge customers face; it’s more of a curated experience [designed to serve the manufacturer’s interests].”
This raises an important question: how do we strike the right balance between open standards and proprietary systems in the AV industry?
Greenblatt offers insight: “Both open standards and proprietary systems come with their own set of advantages and challenges. The biggest trade-offs are between support and flexibility. While proprietary systems are often easier to support, they can be restrictive and may not provide adaptability for integrators and clients need to meet their unique requirements. Open standards, while harder to support, offer the flexibility to create truly customized solutions.”
A growing array of protocols — NDI, SDVoE, Dante, AES67, IPMX, SRT, AVB, SMPTE ST 2110 — complicates the quest for true interoperability. Yet, as Greenblatt points out, “From an AV control system programming perspective, industry standards do not yet apply. Although there have been discussions about adopting standardized APIs for device types for decades, it has not been realized.”
This lack of universal standards underscores the critical need for multi-protocol compatibility. No longer a luxury, it has become a necessity. Devices like cameras capable of outputting SDI, HDMI and multiple low-latency IP streams simultaneously are now essential, offering the flexibility required for hybrid deployments and the scalability to meet future demands. Adaptability isn’t just an advantage — it’s the foundation for success.
Rob Moodey, manager of strategic partnerships at Matrox Video, highlights the complexity of this challenge. He says, “One of the biggest challenges is the sheer number and variety of protocols, signal types and vendor-specific technologies across the AV landscape. Historically, AV professionals had to use mini-converters or custom engineering to bridge incompatible systems. With the move to IP, new challenges have emerged, such as integrating ST 2110, NDI, SDVoE, HDMI-over-IP and other formats, each with different requirements for synchronization, compression and control. Another major hurdle is network design. Media-over-IP systems often need network architectures that differ significantly from standard IT networks. In addition, inconsistent standards compliance across devices can result in unpredictable behavior or added complexity during deployment.”
Greenblatt adds, “The adoption of modern programming languages is driving AV programming to become more capable and interoperable.” He continues, “As more control system platforms implement modern programming languages, AV programmers and software developers will have greater resources to integrate hardware and deliver more functional solutions more efficiently and effectively.”
Dante
Let’s take a closer look at Dante, a market leader in AVoIP networking. According to Commercial Integrator’s AVoIP Deep Dive Report and exclusive survey, nearly half of respondents (42%) rated themselves as most knowledgeable about Dante/Dante AV, solidifying its position as the go-to solution in the industry. Additionally, 46% of respondents identified Dante/Dante AV as the platform they trust most to meet customer needs.
Rush sheds light on why Dante has achieved such widespread success: “Part of the reason Dante has been so successful is that we’re able to integrate other protocols at different layers of the stack when it makes sense for specific customers and use cases. For example, while Dante is the de facto standard for AV networking, there are segments of the market where a protocol like AES67 might be more appropriate. To address this, we’ve incorporated AES67 support into Dante, enabling interoperability for installations that use AES67 or other networking protocols. The same applies to SMPTE 2110, which we also support within Dante. This layered approach allows us to accommodate different protocols while delivering a complete, seamless and highly functional solution.”
What Role Does Software Play in Interoperability?
Solutions that were once hardware-centric are increasingly shifting toward software-driven approaches. This transformation is closely tied to the rise of cloud-based management, which is reshaping how devices are accessed, controlled and supported. Software-based user experiences are no longer just a trend — they’re becoming the standard.
Rush elaborates on this shift: “As customers demand the ability to add, access and manage devices more efficiently, enabling those devices to be visible, routed, controlled and supported remotely has become essential. Whether it’s an integrator, an MSP or anyone managing an AV system, this capability makes their job significantly easier. There are various ways the industry is addressing this need. Some manufacturers offer proprietary solutions, while third-party providers and larger integrators have developed their own cloud-based platforms.”
Rush adds, “At InfoComm, we introduced Dante Device Link, a technology that allows manufacturers to integrate with Dante APIs, enabling customers to remotely manage and control their devices through the Dante cloud platform. By collaborating with our manufacturer partners, we’re helping to create a more seamless and efficient ecosystem for remote device management.”
This shift toward software and cloud-based solutions is not just about convenience — it’s about empowering integrators and end users with the tools they need to manage increasingly complex AV systems with greater ease and flexibility.
Advice for Future-Proofing Your AV Setup
When designing an AV system that can stand the test of time, three pillars are essential: Those are flexibility, the integration itself and security. Rush underscores the importance of software-driven systems built on APIs, which offer the adaptability needed to keep pace with evolving demands. “A system based on software and APIs gives you maximum flexibility moving forward,” he explains.
From a networking perspective, Rush challenges the outdated notion that AV networks should remain isolated from IT infrastructure. “There’s a long-standing idea that AV networks need to be on separate switches. More IT managers want AV systems integrated into their broader IT networks, using the same switches, structured cabling and with the ability for cloud-based remote management. When done properly, this approach not only simplifies management but also ensures devices can securely connect to the open internet for updates and support.”
Rush also advises prioritizing proven, reliable protocols supported by a wide ecosystem of manufacturers and products. “For system designers, their reputation is on the line with every installation. Selecting a solution that’s trusted by hundreds of manufacturers and thousands of products provides an extra layer of confidence.”
Security, however, is a critical factor that must not be overlooked. “Interoperability and security often go hand in hand,” Rush notes. “If you want true interoperability, you’ll need a credible third party to mediate encryption and security solutions. While staying within a single manufacturer’s ecosystem can provide security between their products, achieving true interoperability requires a broader approach.”
He also highlights the importance of network design and security best practices, saying, “Integrating AV into the IT network, rather than keeping it separate, ensures not only better remote management but also that firmware stays up to date. [That is] one of the biggest challenges with AV devices. A well-designed network is essential for both functionality and security moving forward.”
Roberto Musso, technical director of NDI, echoes this sentiment, urging AV professionals to “start thinking IP-first.” He advises, “If you’re still relying on traditional AV infrastructure, now is the time to modernize. Focus on building up your networking knowledge and invest in tools that support open, flexible protocols — not ones that keep you boxed in. Flexibility is key. The more modular and software-driven your system is, the easier it will be to adapt to your needs.”
Moodey adds practical advice: “Begin by selecting devices and infrastructure that support open standards such as IPMX, ST 2110, NMOS and AES67. These standards create a strong foundation for systems that can evolve and scale. It’s also essential to consider how devices will be discovered, routed and controlled. So, plan to use centralized management systems that support NMOS or similar protocols. Network design is equally critical. AVoIP systems typically require multicast support, quality of service (QoS) policies and deterministic routing. To stay flexible, use IP-to-IP converter gateways, where necessary, and test all hardware and software components for real-world interoperability before full deployment.”
Interoperability: The Next Frontier
As the AV industry continues to evolve, the path to true interoperability lies in collective action and a shared commitment to open standards. Moodey emphasizes that the industry must go beyond marketing buzzwords and fully embrace open standards in real-world implementation and product certification. “Manufacturers need to collaborate through organizations like AIMS, VSF, AMWA and SMPTE to align roadmaps and ensure devices work together seamlessly,” he explains.
Education will also play a pivotal role. AV and IT professionals need a deeper understanding of media-over-IP networks and how to design systems with interoperability in mind. Transparency and collaboration from vendors are equally critical. By providing clear documentation, consistent support for standards like AES67 and NMOS, and open APIs, manufacturers can foster an ecosystem where compatibility is no longer a challenge but a given.
Interoperability depends on widespread manufacturer support and the adoption of common protocols, ensuring devices from different brands can work together effortlessly.
Standardization is the foundation for seamless integration, enabling our industry to deliver on its key promises: flexibility, scalability and innovation.
As technology ecosystems mature, interoperability will no longer be a lofty goal; instead, it will become a baseline expectation. And in this next chapter of pro AV’s evolution, our ability to collaborate, educate and innovate will determine how quickly the industry can turn that expectation into reality.
