What Is AV over IP? A Practical Guide for Indian Enterprises & Campuses

By the UBM Solutions Team · Updated 2026-09-30

AV over IP transmits audio, video and control over a standard Ethernet network using encoders and decoders, so any source can reach any display and systems scale simply by adding endpoints. This guide is from UBM (Universal Business Machines), a Mumbai-based pro AV distributor since 1997.

For years, routing video around a building meant dedicated cables and a fixed-size matrix switcher. AV over IP changes that by using the network you already understand.

How AV over IP works

An encoder connects to each source (a laptop, media player or camera) and converts the signal into network packets. A decoder at each display turns those packets back into video and audio. A managed network switch sits in the middle, and software decides which source goes to which screen.

AV over IP vs HDMI matrix

• Scale, a matrix has a fixed number of inputs and outputs; AV over IP grows by adding encoders and decoders.
• Distance, matrices need extenders for long runs; AV over IP goes as far as your network.
• Flexibility, AV over IP supports video walls, multiview and routing across floors or buildings.
• Simplicity for small rooms, a single meeting room is often simpler and cheaper with a presentation switcher or small matrix.

Choose a matrix for a single, fixed room. Choose AV over IP when you have many displays, multiple rooms or plans to grow.

Network considerations

• Use managed switches that support multicast (IGMP snooping).
• Plan bandwidth: uncompressed 4K needs 10GbE; compressed 1GbE solutions are widely used.
• Keep AV traffic on its own VLAN and involve your IT team early.

Where it delivers the most value

• Corporate campuses with many meeting rooms and lobby displays.
• Hotels distributing content to banquet halls and public areas.
• Stadiums and venues with screens across concourses and boxes.
• Control rooms and video walls with many sources.

How UBM helps

UBM supplies Liberty AV Solutions AV-over-IP, matrix switching and extension, plus ATEN KVM and connectivity, and helps integrators and enterprises design systems that scale. Discuss your AV-over-IP project.

Written by the UBM Solutions Team

Pro AV system designers and product specialists at Universal Business Machines, Mumbai, advising Indian schools, offices and venues since 1997. Reviewed for technical accuracy before publishing. Published 2026-09-30, last reviewed 2026-10-20. How we write and review guides.