3 minute read
Lets Network
AV/IP Convergence
By Ian Sadler, Canford UK Business Development Manager
If we’ve learnt one thing over the last 18 months it’s the importance of networks. With many of us having to work from home, essentially in isolation, the network around us has become more tangible. Whether its friends or regular contact with colleagues via teams, zoom or any of the other video platforms, networks have kept us joined and information flowing. And with the increased use of networks comes the inevitable integration of the more traditional audio visual elements sound, video and control.
The ability to communicate audio and video signal over a standard IP network has a number of advantages. Using a standard network switch instead of a traditional audio matrix means no fixed specialist in/out wiring. With a network switch any point can be switched to any other or many points and can be both input and output. Also the network can be very easily expanded just by the addition of extra data switches making the system hugely scalable. Probably the best known and most wide spread of audio over IP products is Dante (Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet). Originally developed in 2006 by a Sydneybased company named Audinate, the Dante chipset allows uncompressed audio streams to travel over a standard IP network. www.audinate.com Dante is now embedded in a number of products, some acting as the encoder/transmitter to convert standard analogue audio to an IP stream. Others are the decoders/receivers which take in the IP stream and convert it back to an analogue form. And some are bidirectional allowing signals to travel both ways. Some product examples include Canford Dante Interfaces, and an extensive line-up of Dante modules from RDL. Also video transport is no longer in the domain of expensive specialist fixed video matrices, again with the need for specialist in/out wiring. The ability to move high quality HD video over a network uses the same principle of encoders/inputs going from HDMI or HD-SDI to IP and the decoder/receiver going from IP to the intended video format. The SDVoE Alliance is an umbrella for a number of companies using the BlueRiver codec (encoder/decoder) technology. Their member companies provide a range of equipment to enable network distributed HD video delivered to anywhere where there is a network point. www.sdvoe.org There is also NDI (Network Device Interface) a standard developed by NewTek. It differs slightly from SDVoE as it is mainly orientated to live video production & storage. On a network you can have multiple NDI enabled HD PTZ (pantilt-zoom) remote controlled cameras, camera control and storage all network enabled, effectively giving you studio production over a CATx network. www.ndi.tv Not necessarily covered by the AV banner but more and more visible is the world of digital signage. The ability to get striking graphics, video, advertising and information over a network. The ability to reach audiences at scale with a targeted message. Multiple sectors from retail and hospitality and sport, public services, travel and corporate are using eye-catching and relevant content. All transported and updated over an IP network. In short the IP world is not just reaching out to AV users, it’s here and is only becoming more prevalent with many more common devices now having a network connection. The team at Canford has extensive knowledge of networked audio solutions. Including the potential pitfalls, how to avoid them and we can support clients with practical advice on how to get the very best out of your system. Canford holds a Dante System Licence for the manufacture and sale of products that contain Dante Ultimo Technology and the company has invested heavily in its recruitment and staff training to ensure it is at the forefront with these fast-paced technology developments.
“Having previously held senior roles at Cabletime and Kramer Electronics I joined Canford in June 2021, bringing a wealth of AV experience. This complements the established knowledge-base which includes in-house product design and technical support. In addition to manufacturing our own range of compact Dante interface units, Canford is the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor of Green-GO, an award winning cost-effective scalable digital intercom system which operates over a standard Ethernet network.” Ian Sadler, Canford Southern BDM
