Understanding AV over IP: What It Is & Why It Matters

News / 24.04.25

In an age where everything is connected, the way we share, control, and interact with audiovisual content is undergoing a quiet revolution. One of the most important drivers of the change? AV over IP.


This technology is transforming how businesses, schools, venues, hospitals, and even homes handle audio and video, offering a level of scalability, flexibility, and efficiency that traditional AV systems struggle to match.


Whether you’re a seasoned AV professional, an IT specialist stepping into AV, or a curious decision-maker planning your next tech investment, understanding AV over IP is essential.


What is AV over IP?

AV over IP (Audio-Visual over Internet Protocol) refers to the transmission of audio, video, and control signals over standard IP networks - typically Ethernet. Rather than using dedicated AV cables (HDMI, SDI, VGA), AV over IP uses the same infrastructure that handles your organisation’s data and internet traffic.


Think of it like this: instead of a video cable running directly from a source to a display, the signal gets encoded into data packets and sent across a network, just like an email or a file download. At the receiving end, a decoder converts the data back into audio and video.


The Limitations of Traditional AV Systems

To appreciate what AV over IP solves, it helps to understand where older systems fall short.


Traditional AV setups are often point-to-point, meaning every source (like a Blu-ray player or media server) is physically connected to a destination (like a TV or projector) via a dedicated cable. Want to send one video to multiple displays? You need a splitter or a matrix switch. Want to control everything? You need extra control systems.


This approach works for small spaces, but as your system grows, it becomes more expensive, complex, and inflexible:

  • Limited distance: HDMI cables can’t run very far without boosters
  • Complex cabling: More devices mean more wires and more chaos
  • Costly Expansion: Scaling up often requires entirely new infrastructure


Why AV over IP Matters


Scalability Without Headaches

One of the biggest advantages of AV over IP is how easily it scales. Want to add new displays in another building? No need to run long HDMI cables. As long as you have network access, you’re good to go.


AV over IP allows you to create systems where any source can go to any destination, at any time, without physical rewiring. This makes it ideal for organisations that anticipate growth or change.


Flexible System Design

AV over IP decouples devices from physical locations. That means your content can live anywhere on the network. Want to change what’s playing on a specific screen? Do it from a control panel or software interface. Want to create a video wall, broadcast live content, or run synchronised signage? All of that becomes easier and more dynamic.


Cost Efficiency Over Time

While initial setup costs for AV over IP can vary depending on your encoder/decoder hardware and network infrastructure, it often proves more cost-effective long-term, especially for larger systems.


Traditional AV matrix switchers become increasingly expensive as inputs and outputs scale. With AV over IP, you can often use existing network gear, and expansion is just a matter of adding endpoints. Plus, IT hardware is generally cheaper, more accessible, and more future-proof than proprietary AV equipment.


Remote Management & Monitoring

AV over IP brings AV systems into the IT fold, which means remote access, diagnostics, and control become part of the package. AV technicians (or IT staff) can manage the system from anywhere - ideal for multi-site organisations, campuses, or managed services. This reduces on-site maintenance, cuts travel costs, and allows for faster response times.


A More Future-Proof Investment

As technology advances and more devices become network-enabled, AV over IP positions you to take advantage of emerging trends - whether it’s cloud-based media delivery, AI-driven automation, or next-gen display technologies.


How to Get Started with AV over IP


  • Evaluate your network: Is it capable of handling additional AV traffic without compromising other operations?
  • Start with a pilot: Test a small-scale deployment before committing organisation-wide
  • Choose the right codec: Consider bandwidth, latency, and quality. Some systems prioritise quality, others prioritise speed.
  • Train your teams: Make sure both your AV and IT teams are on the same page, both technically and operationally
  • Work with an integrator: Experienced AV integrators can help design and deploy systems that fit your specific needs


AV over IP isn’t just an upgrade - it’s a fundamental shift in how we design, deploy, and manage AV systems. It offers the kind of scalability and control that modern organisations need, while aligning with broader digital transformation efforts.