Networked AV Control: Connecting Devices Across Ethernet
Simplifying Connections Between AV Equipment, Control Systems and Networks
Professional AV installations often bring together equipment that communicates in very different ways. Lighting controllers, audio systems, projectors, media players and other devices may all need to exchange information, but they don't necessarily use the same connections or control protocols.
Traditionally, this has meant running dedicated cables between equipment, sometimes across considerable distances. As installations grow, managing these connections can become increasingly complicated.
Networked AV control offers a more flexible approach, allowing control signals to travel across standard Ethernet infrastructure rather than relying entirely on individual point-to-point connections.
What Is Networked AV Control?
Networked AV control allows devices and control systems to communicate using an IP network. Instead of connecting every piece of equipment directly to a central controller, compatible interfaces can send and receive control information over Ethernet.
AV over IP and networked AV control are two different things. AV over IP is used to transmit audio and video content across a network, while networked AV control, also known as AV control over IP, allows equipment to receive commands and communicate across that network.
For example, networked AV control can be used to trigger a lighting sequence, operate a relay or control an existing projector. These functions can be managed through Ethernet connections, provided the appropriate interfaces are in place.
Connecting Existing Equipment to Modern Networks
One of the challenges facing AV integrators is that not all equipment has built-in Ethernet connectivity.
Many established devices still rely on serial communication, MIDI, DMX or analogue and digital input/output connections. These technologies remain useful and widely supported, so replacing equipment simply to achieve network connectivity is often unnecessary. This is where Ethernet device control interfaces become valuable.
They provide a connection between equipment using traditional control signals and the IP network, allowing existing technology to remain part of a modern installation.
For integrators, this offers greater flexibility when upgrading systems, expanding installations or bringing equipment from different manufacturers together.
How KissBox Supports Networked AV Control
KissBox provides a range of network interfaces that allow established control protocols to operate across standard Ethernet networks.
Different products support different applications, including:
Serial Communication - The RS2TR connects equipment using RS232, RS422 or RS485 communications over Ethernet.
Lighting Control - The DMX1TR allows DMX lighting control signals to be distributed across a network.
MIDI Communication - The MIDI2TR connects MIDI equipment using RTP-MIDI networking.
Analogue and Digital Control - The IO3CC and IO8CC modular systems support applications involving inputs, outputs, relays and contact closures.
Rather than requiring every device to use the same protocol, these interfaces allow different control technologies to operate within a shared network infrastructure.
The Benefits of Ethernet-Based Control
Using Ethernet for AV control can make installations more manageable, particularly when equipment is distributed across multiple rooms or locations.
Existing network infrastructure can reduce the need for dedicated long-distance control cabling. Devices can also be added or relocated more easily, provided the network and control configuration support the changes.
For larger installations, networked control provides a practical way to connect equipment in different areas without bringing every individual control cable back to one location. It can also make it easier to retain reliable existing equipment when upgrading the wider AV system.
Where is Networked AV Control Used?
The approach is particularly valuable in environments where multiple technologies need to work together.
In theatres and live venues, lighting, audio and show control equipment may be positioned throughout a building. Museums and visitor attractions often need to coordinate interactive displays, media playback and physical control functions.
Broadcast studios and professional AV installations can also benefit from connecting equipment across control rooms, technical spaces and production areas.
In each case, the objective is the same: allow equipment to communicate reliably without making the installation unnecessarily complicated.
Building More Flexible AV Systems
As AV and IT infrastructure become increasingly connected, Ethernet-based control provides an opportunity to simplify how different devices communicate.
By connecting established protocols to standard networks, KissBox helps integrators build systems that can accommodate existing equipment while remaining flexible enough for future changes.
