5 Reasons to use AV over IP

You’ve been tasked to engage your audience with real-time, media-rich content. In other words, send high-quality images over a local area network (LAN). Before you get your cables in a bunch, consider AV over IP.

Sending high-quality images and video over a LAN has never been easier or more advantageous. Benefit from full HD capabilities with ultra-low latency and the ability to introduce dynamic content.

Sounds great, but what exactly is AV over IP?
AV over IP is the transport of audio visual (AV) signals over a standard Ethernet network including HD video, audio, control signals, and peripheral signals.

Why use AV over IP?
1. Scalability
The technology eliminates port limitations, which means from one single source you can reach hundreds of displays. Therefore, the number of displays you can reach are only limited by the number of ports in your network.

2. Flexibility
AV over IP solutions from the right vendor provides flexibility to manage multiple displays remotely. As you grow your signage in various locations, a high-end AV over IP device is necessary to easily manage both content and the performance status of each display. This device allows you to bring multiple information sources to a display, including media-rich presentations with full video. Furthermore, it’s possible to display rich interactive content with live RSS feeds and introduce static logos for consistent branding.

3. Distance
Go the distance with AV over IP. This technology has no distance limitations; send video as far as your network reaches.

Although standard Ethernet segments are limited to 330 feet, switches or repeaters can be added to get additional distance. For very long runs, runs between buildings, or in installations in industrial environments with high levels of EMI, standard Ethernet media converters can be used with the system to convert the electrical signals into optical ones for transport over fiber cable.

4. Image Quality
Experience lossless video and ultra-low latency with AV-over-IP.

In venues such as sports stadiums, digital signage is everywhere. For the signage that streams live video of the sporting event, latency is a huge problem. For instance, fans waiting at concession stands could hear the cheering crowd and look to digital signage only to experience a four- or five-second delay for the “live” content to come through.

High-end AV over IP systems placed in stadiums, for example, can use compression algorithms such as H.264 to send packetized data over increasingly long distances. Such compression shrinks the signal delay down to an unnoticeable two or three frames per second. This gives the patrons an enhanced experience when viewing live content.

5. Cost savings
To implement AV over IP, use your existing network equipment. Since AV over IP can be set up over existing LAN lines, there is no need to tear up the walls and install separate cabling. This eliminates the need for expensive electrical contractors.

Purchasing a digital signage content publisher and manager also is an efficient one-time investment. Avoid the need to produce and mount traditionally printed signage and work with the inflexibility of non-networked systems.

So, where is AV over IP implemented?
Sending AV signals over IP introduces a simpler way for companies to better engage viewers by providing richer and more varied content to multiple locations. Today’s consumer expects immediate information. Digital signage can incorporate multimedia that meets this expectation by presenting fresh content that holds the customer’s attention.

We see AV over IP technology used in retail stores, corporate communications, schools, cinemas/theaters, health care, broadcast, command and control, security, exhibitions, concerts, and events.

The demand for real-time content has driven the need for AV-over-IP appliances in these settings. The AV-over-IP devices act as plug in and play, and are controlled by Web browsers. Additional benefits include easy installation and customization.

Next steps
Now that you’re aware of the numerous reasons to use AV over IP, how will you implement the technology at your business?

If you’re ready to explore some AV-over-IP solutions, consider Black Box. The MediaCento IPX is an award-winning HDMI-over-IP solution. We also have a host of ProAV solutions, such as HDMI matrix switches, scalers, and video wall controllers. See the full list.

Use KVM extenders for a better work environment

What is a KVM extender?
KVM stands for “keyboard, video, and mouse,” and a KVM extender is basically a device that extends these interfaces and enables remote access to a computer over distances from a few feet up to several miles, or even over the Internet. A KVM extender unit consists of a transmitter device, sometimes called “local unit,” and a receiver device, also called “remote unit.” These devices can be connected over either CATx copper or fiber cable, and the newest technology can even extend signals over a standard IP network. You can connect your PC to a transmitter at work and plug in the receiver at your home office and work at your computer, just like you would with a direct connection.

What are the interfaces being used?
The video interface is usually either DVI or HDMI on most modern devices, while older computers might be equipped with VGA only. In the past, keyboard and mouse were always separate interfaces and were using a PS2 6-pin mini-DIN connector. That technology has been almost completely phased out, and now USB is the standard connector. It usually doesn’t matter where you plug in your mouse or keyboard, as long as it is a USB port. Other optional interfaces that can be supported are audio and RS-232.

Why would anyone need a KVM extender?
Computer fans are loud, and computer CPUs have fans for cooling because they generate a lot of heat. Plus, they take up a lot of space. None of these features is ideal in an office environment. By using a KVM extender, CPUs can be backracked in a server room in a temperature-controlled environment. All the user needs is a tiny receiver unit on the desk where the keyboard, video display, and mouse would be connected. An industrial environment has different challenges. The work environment might be dusty or dirty—areas where regular CPUs with fans will not last long. The fans will pull the dirt into the cabinet, clogging it up and causing the computer to overheat. By using a KVM extender, the PC can be relocated to a cleaner environment, and the keyboard, video, and mouse workstation can be connected to a remote KVM unit that is fanless. These are just two examples of how KVM extenders are being used, but the variety of applications for KVM extenders is extensive. Learn more at Blackbox.com/KVM-Extenders or check out our KVM Extenders Selector.

Credit card liability shift leads retailers to PoS upgrade

The U.S. is the last major market in the world to use magnetic-stripe swipe-and-sign credit card systems. These legacy credit cards are also one of the big reasons why almost half of the world’s credit card fraud happens in America although the U.S. accounts for only a quarter of all credit card transactions. The Target breach affected the credit card information of about 40 million people and the personal data of up to 70 million people.

The rest of the world uses EMV (Europay, MasterCard, and Visa) credit cards. The cards have a chip embedded in them that stores customer data. They are considered much safer than magnetic stripe cards and are much more difficult to hack. The U.S. has been years behind the rest of the world in adopting chip-embedded credit cards. But that is changing.

The push is on in the U.S. to get everyone switched over to the EMV system by October 2015. That’s when there will be a big shift in credit card fraud liability.

After the October deadline, if a retailer is still using the old swipe system, the liability for any fraudulent transactions shifts from the financial institution to the merchant if the consumer is using a chip card.

The shift also involves the opposite scenario. If a retailer has the new terminal, but the bank hasn’t issued a new chip-embedded card, the liability for fraud rests with the bank.

Many U.S. banks, credit unions, and credit card issuers have already issued chip-enabled cards or are in the process of changing over to them. The big question is will retailers be ready?

New PoS terminals
Currently, consumers swipe legacy magnetic-stripe credit cards at point-of-sale (PoS) terminals. The new chip-enabled cards require different processing terminal called a “chip-and-dip.” Instead of swiping, the consumer inserts (or “dips”) the card into the EMV processor. This requires retailers to invest in new equipment and, possibly, new infrastructure to support the processors.

Some retailers, such as Walmart, have already installed checkout terminals that can process the chip-and-pin cards. Other retailers are in the process of installing the new terminals.

One national retailer, a longtime Black Box customer, is using this opportunity to upgrade its infrastructure from the data center to the IDF at the front-line cash registers. The upgrade includes installing new horizontal CATx cable, patch cables, patch panels, and secure wallmount cabinets.

Depending on the network (retail or not), other extension and IDF upgrades can include:

• Running fiber cable beyond the 100-meter copper limit and for EMI/RFI immunity.
• Using small, locking enclosures, including climate-controlled cabinets.
• Saving space at crowded registers with right-angle patch cables.
• Securing network connections with lockable patch cables.

For the key structured cabling standards, you may be interested in this white paper: Structured Cabling Standards and Organizations.

Factory automation: four problem-solving technologies

There is a new industrial revolution. It’s combining advancements in machines and controls with advancements in computing and communications from the Internet revolution. Today’s technology is being applied in ways not even thought of even 10 years ago to solve problems and increase industrial productivity.

That’s where the challenge of mixing new and existing technologies in an industrial environment comes in. Here are four problem-solving technologies for industrial networking.

1. Fiber for distance and EMI/RFI immunity.
Fiber optic cable is often the preferred cable choice in industrial environments because it can cover very long distances and offers immunity to electrical interference.

Fiber doesn’t have the 100-meter distance limitation of twisted pair copper, so it can support distances from 300 meters to 40 kilometers, or more, depending on the style of cable, wavelength, and network.

Fiber also provides extremely reliable data transmission. It’s completely immune to many environmental factors that affect copper cable. The fiber is made of glass, which is an insulator, so no electric current can flow through. It is not affected by electromagnetic interference and radio-frequency interference (EMI/RFI), crosstalk, impedance problems, and more. You can run fiber next to industrial equipment without worry.

2. A ring topology for redundancy.
Although Ethernet is usually thought of as having a star topology, it’s possible to build an Ethernet network as a ring. This is often used in applications where it may be difficult to run fiber in a star formation from a central switch, such as in industrial or even traffic signal applications.

One industrial networking scenario involves connecting industrial devices, such as computer numeric controlled (CNC) machines, to hardened Ethernet switches. The switches are set up in a ring topology for maximum reliability with a failover time of less than 30 ms, which is virtually instantaneous. The ring has the advantage of providing a redundant pathway if a link goes down. If one part of the ring fails, traffic will automatically reverse direction.

3. Machine vision and USB 3.0.
Machine vision is an image-based automatic inspection technology that is now an indispensable tool for quality assurance, sorting, and material handling in every industry, including electronics, food processing, pharmaceuticals, packaging, automotive, etc. Machine vision technology incorporates cameras, PCs, software, and other hardware to automatically take pictures and inspect materials as they pass along an assembly line.

Machine vision is an economical way to make sure sub-spec product is rejected. It can be used to inspect for geometry, placement, packaging, labeling, seal integrity, finish, color, pattern, bar code, and almost any other parameter you can think of.

USB 3.0 greatly enhances machine vision systems. Because of USB 3.0’s 5-Gbps throughput, ten times more than USB 2.0, it eliminates problems of stability and low latency for image transmission and camera control. USB 3.0 enables the transmission of higher-resolution, higher-frame video with no loss of quality.

4. Industrial serial connections.
Industrial control is a designation for the devices that interface with machinery such as packaging machines, generators, lathes, and even scales. Although most of today’s IT runs on Ethernet, industrial devices often use an RS-232, RS-485, or RS-422 serial interface. To capitalize on the investment in the industrial equipment and machinery, interface converters and line drivers can be used to provide the link between older RS-232/422/485 equipment connections and newer USB and Ethernet networks.

RS-232 transmits data at speeds up to 115 kbps and over distances up to 50 feet, although higher distances can be achieved by using low-capacitance cable. Both sync and async binary data transmission fall under RS-232. Although the original RS-232 connector is DB25, DB9 and RJ-45 connectors are now more common. Also, industrial devices often use a terminal block instead of a connector for the RS-232 interface. RS-232 is somewhat restricted as an industrial interface because of its restricted range and because it only supports point-to-point links.

For a far more detailed study of industrial communications, see the white paper: Elements of an RS-422/RS-485 System.