AV Over IP: The Backbone of Scalable, Smart Venues
As modern venues evolve, so does the demand on their infrastructure. Whether you're running a large-format nightclub, a multi-room bar, or a corporate function space, traditional AV systems are hitting their limits.
Enter AV over IP the method of distributing audio and video across your venue using your existing network hardware. Instead of bulky matrix switchers, HDMI over Cat5 kits, and endless re-patching, AV over IP offers something cleaner, smarter, and far more scalable.
What is AV Over IP?
AV over IP stands for Audio-Visual over Internet Protocol. Instead of using dedicated AV cabling like HDMI, XLR, or SDI, AV signals are converted into data packets and sent over your venue's Ethernet network.
The result? A flexible system that lets you send any signal to any endpoint — from any source, at any time.
Protocols that make this possible include:
NDI by NewTek, for high-quality video streams
Dante by Audinate, for multi-channel audio distribution
SDVoE, for uncompressed 4K video at near-zero latency
👉 Learn more about SDVoE
👉 What is Dante?
Why It Matters for Venues
AV over IP isn’t just a technical upgrade — it changes how your venue can operate.
1. Unlimited Signal Routing
Want to send a DJ feed to every room? Route a camera stream to multiple screens? Sync lighting with visuals?
With AV over IP, it's just a few clicks. There's no need for physical patching or limitations based on cable runs or switcher capacity.
2. Massive Scalability
Traditional matrix switchers cap out quickly — and upgrading is expensive.
AV over IP grows with your venue. Add new screens, new zones, or new devices without having to replace core infrastructure.
3. Remote Management
Many AV over IP systems can be controlled entirely via web dashboards or mobile apps. You can:
Monitor device health
Adjust routing
Trigger scenes or presets
Troubleshoot audio dropouts or video sync issues — all without stepping foot in the venue
This is especially powerful for operators managing multiple locations or providing remote support.
Real-World Use Cases
Function Venues
Send presentation content to all rooms simultaneously. Audio and visuals can follow presenters across spaces or be pre-programmed to switch between breakout areas.
Sports Bars
Dynamically route different game feeds to different screens — and change them live based on crowd interest.
Nightclubs
Sync visuals across multiple LED walls, projectors, and DJ booth displays using NDI over your lighting network.
👉 Explore AVIXA’s resources on AV over IP
Infrastructure Planning: What You Need
To run AV over IP effectively, your network needs to be up to the task.
Switches
Gigabit at minimum
10Gb for uncompressed 4K or multi-stream video
Managed switches with support for IGMP snooping, QoS, and VLANs
Cabling
Cat6 or Cat6a is recommended
Fiber for very large venues or extreme bandwidth needs
VLAN Design
Separate your AV traffic from other systems to ensure clean performance and prevent bottlenecks.
Power
If your endpoints use PoE (such as speakers, encoders, or control panels), ensure your switches support the required power budget per port.
Challenges and Considerations
Latency: While most systems offer near-zero latency, compressed protocols may still show a slight delay — particularly on large-scale video distribution.
Bandwidth: Multiple video streams at 4K resolution can quickly saturate a network. Design accordingly.
Compatibility: Not all devices talk to each other natively. Choose platforms that work well together or consider a unified ecosystem.
The Bottom Line
AV over IP isn’t a gimmick it’s the backbone of modern venue design.
It simplifies your physical infrastructure, enables endless routing flexibility, supports automation, and gives you the ability to manage everything centrally. For venues that want to stay future-ready, it's one of the smartest investments you can make.
Whether you're expanding, upgrading, or starting from scratch, AV over IP turns your AV system from a tangle of wires into a clean, smart, scalable platform that grows with your business.