AV over IP vs Traditional AV: What’s Changing in Modern System Design
- Richard Foy
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 31
Why more organisations are moving audiovisual systems onto standard IP networks and what it means for performance, flexibility and future expansion.
For many years, audiovisual systems relied on dedicated cabling and point-to-point connections. Every display, speaker, controller or lighting system required its own physical connection, which often made installations more complex and difficult to expand over time.
Today, things are changing. AV over IP is transforming the way audiovisual systems are designed by allowing audio, video and control signals to travel across standard Ethernet networks. Whether you're designing a corporate meeting space, entertainment venue, university campus or broadcast facility, AV over IP offers a more flexible and scalable approach than traditional AV infrastructure.
What is AV Over IP?
AV over IP (Internet Protocol) is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of using separate cables for different signal types, audio, video and control data are transmitted over an IP network using standard networking equipment.
Rather than relying on fixed physical connections, devices communicate across the network, making it much easier to distribute signals wherever they are needed.
This approach also allows multiple systems to share the same network infrastructure, reducing installation complexity and making future changes much simpler.
Traditional AV vs AV Over IP
Traditional AV systems are often built around dedicated hardware connections. While this works well for smaller installations, larger systems can quickly become difficult to manage.
Adding new devices may require additional cabling, hardware upgrades or significant changes to the existing installation.
With AV over IP, devices become part of the network. Expanding a system is often as simple as connecting another compatible device to the network, giving designers much greater flexibility. Other advantages include:
● Easier expansion as systems grow
● Reduced cable infrastructure
● Greater flexibility when devices need relocating
● Centralised monitoring and management
● Better support for multi-room and multi-building installations
As organisations increasingly invest in hybrid working, smart buildings and connected spaces, these benefits become even more valuable.
The Role of Control in AV Over IP
While audio and video often receive the most attention, reliable control is just as important.
Many professional AV devices still communicate using protocols such as RS232, RS485, MIDI, GPIO or DMX. These technologies remain widely used because they are dependable and supported by thousands of professional devices already in operation.
Rather than replacing these protocols, AV over IP allows them to operate across the network, extending their capabilities while preserving existing equipment.
This enables organisations to modernise their infrastructure without replacing every device in their installation.
Bringing Legacy Systems into Modern Networks
One of the biggest advantages of AV over IP is its ability to integrate older equipment with modern networked environments.
By converting traditional control protocols into network-based communication, specialist interface devices allow legacy hardware to work alongside today's IP-based systems.
This protects previous investment while providing a clear path towards future expansion and improved system management.
Building Systems That are Ready for the Future
As AV systems continue to grow in size and complexity, flexibility has become just as important as performance.
AV over IP gives organisations the ability to build systems that are easier to expand, simpler to manage and capable of adapting to changing requirements over time.
Whether supporting meeting spaces, performance venues, industrial automation or large-scale control environments, network-based AV provides a practical foundation for the next generation of integrated systems.
Explore KissBox AV Over IP Solutions
KissBox specialises in professional network interfaces that help organisations connect serial control, MIDI, DMX, GPIO and other protocols across standard Ethernet networks. Explore our range of AV over IP solutions to discover how flexible, scalable control can simplify your next project.
