What is AV over IP and how does it differ from traditional AV distribution?

AV over IP (AVoIP) distributes video, audio, and control signals across standard Ethernet networks instead of dedicated point-to-point AV cabling. Traditional AV systems require a dedicated cable run between every source and destination. AVoIP replaces the matrix switcher and all dedicated cabling with network switches and software: any encoder on the network can send its signal to any decoder or group of decoders through a software routing interface. This delivers unlimited scalability, centralized management, and the ability to change routing without touching a single cable.

What network infrastructure does AVoIP require?

The network requirement depends on the AVoIP technology. H.265 and JPEG 2000 systems operate over standard 1 Gigabit Ethernet switches — the same infrastructure most facilities already have deployed. SDVoE systems require 10 Gigabit Ethernet managed switches to support uncompressed 4K video bandwidth. All AVoIP technologies require IGMP snooping to be enabled on the network switch to properly handle multicast video streams.

What is the difference between an encoder, decoder, and transceiver in AVoIP?

An encoder converts an HDMI source signal into an IP video stream for transmission over the network. A decoder receives the IP video stream and outputs it as HDMI to a connected display. A transceiver combines both functions in a single unit that can be software-configured as either encoder or decoder, simplifying inventory management and providing maximum flexibility in system design.

What is the difference between H.265, SDVoE, and JPEG 2000 AVoIP?

H.265 AVoIP uses compression to deliver 1080p and 4K video over standard 1G Ethernet with latency under 100ms — ideal for digital signage, education, and corporate distribution. JPEG 2000 provides visually lossless compression over 1G networks with lower latency and higher image fidelity than H.265 — suited for medical imaging and premium corporate environments. SDVoE delivers uncompressed or near-lossless 4K video over 10G Ethernet with sub-millisecond zero-frame latency — the only choice for command centers, broadcast, and simulation where real-time video accuracy is critical.

Can VigilLink AVoIP systems support video walls?

Yes. All three VigilLink AVoIP technology families — H.265, SDVoE, and JPEG 2000 — include built-in videowall processing in the decoder or transceiver hardware. Videowall configuration is managed through the system's web GUI or controller software, supporting standard grid arrangements as well as custom layouts.

Do VigilLink AVoIP systems support KVM over IP?

Yes. VigilLink's H.265 (VLIP-H5HDK series) and JPEG 2000 (VLIP-JP series) products include USB KVM functionality, allowing keyboard, mouse, and USB peripheral signals to be transmitted alongside video over the IP network. SDVoE transceivers with KVM capability are also available in the VLIP-SD series.

What controllers are available for VigilLink AVoIP systems?

Each AVoIP technology family has a dedicated controller: the VLIP-H51G-CTRL manages H.265 systems, the VLIP-SD10G-CTRL manages SDVoE deployments, and the VLIP-JP1G-CTRL manages JPEG 2000 installations. Each controller provides a web-based GUI for drag-and-drop source routing, videowall configuration, and system monitoring. All controllers support third-party control system integration via TCP/IP and RS-232.

Can I mix H.265, SDVoE, and JPEG 2000 devices on the same network?

H.265, SDVoE, and JPEG 2000 are not directly interoperable with each other but can coexist on the same physical network with proper VLAN segmentation. For installations requiring both cost-efficient general distribution and zero-latency mission-critical feeds, a hybrid deployment using H.265 for general AV and SDVoE for critical applications is a common and cost-effective architecture.

AVoIP Solutions | AV over IP Encoders, Decoders & Transceivers

SDVoE

H.265

JPEG2000