AV Over IP:

AV over IP Controllers

HDMI over IP

KVM over IP

Audio over IP
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AV over IP Controllers

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Gefen AV over IP controller provides centralized command over your entire signal management ecosystem, simplifying the configuration and operation of complex AV and KVM over IP systems. These powerful devices enable you to create and control expansive virtual matrix setups, video walls, and digital signage networks with unparalleled ease and flexibility. Effortlessly manage routing, presets, and source access across your network, ensuring seamless and scalable high-performance signal distribution for any professional application.

HDMI over IP

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Gefen HDMI over IP solutions provide robust HDMI signal extension, allowing for seamless IP video distribution over your existing network infrastructure. This powerful AV over IP technology creates a highly flexible and scalable platform, perfect for routing high-definition video from any source to any display on the network.

KVM over IP

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Gefen range of AV over IP and video over IP solutions enable seamless signal management across any AV network. Our high-performance AV over IP transmitters (encoders) and receivers (decoders) form the backbone of a scalable IP video distribution system, allowing you to route high-quality audio and video anywhere you need it.

Audio over IP

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Gefen range of AV over IP and video over IP solutions enable seamless signal management across any AV network. Our high-performance AV over IP transmitters (encoders) and receivers (decoders) form the backbone of a scalable IP video distribution system, allowing you to route high-quality audio and video anywhere you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is AV over IP and how does it work for video distribution?

AV over IP (Audio-Visual over Internet Protocol) is a technology that distributes high-quality video and audio signals over standard Ethernet networks instead of traditional point-to-point cables. This system uses encoders (transmitters) to convert HDMI, DisplayPort, or other AV signals into network data packets, which are then sent through a standard Gigabit Local Area Network to decoders (receivers) that convert the signals back for display output.
 

The architecture consists of three main components: encoder units that capture source content, a network switch that routes the data, and decoder units that deliver content to displays. Each encoder and decoder connects via standard Cat6 Ethernet cables with runs up to 330 feet (100 meters) per segment. This design eliminates the distance and scalability limitations of traditional matrix switchers.
 

Modern AV over IP solutions support 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR, 7.1-channel audio, and can handle extremely large deployments. Gefen's Gen3 AVoIP platform, for example, supports virtual matrices managing up to 65,000 devices and video walls up to 16x16 configurations. The technology allows any source to be routed to any display within the network, enabling flexible content distribution across conference rooms, digital signage networks, education campuses, and broadcast facilities.
 

Key advantages include simplified installation using existing network infrastructure, centralized control through software interfaces like Gefen Syner-G, and the ability to independently route video, audio, USB, RS-232, and IR signals. Power over Ethernet (PoE) support further simplifies deployment by eliminating separate power supplies. This makes AV over IP ideal for scalable installations where traditional cabling would be impractical or cost-prohibitive.

How do I choose the best KVM switch for multiple computer control?

Selecting the right KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch requires evaluating several critical factors based on your specific use case. Start by determining the number of computers you need to control and the required video resolution. For modern applications, look for KVM switches supporting 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) at 60Hz with HDR capability to ensure compatibility with current and future equipment.
 

Consider connectivity requirements beyond basic keyboard and mouse control. Professional-grade KVM switches should support USB peripheral devices such as webcams, card readers, and storage devices. Gefen's KVM over IP solutions, for instance, offer independent USB routing alongside video, allowing users to access USB devices from any connected workstation in the network.
 

Distance requirements significantly impact your choice. Traditional KVM switches work within cable length limitations (typically 10-15 feet), while KVM over IP solutions extend control across network infrastructure up to 330 feet per segment or unlimited distances when routed through managed networks. This makes IP-based KVMs ideal for control rooms, data centers, and remote access scenarios.
 

Additional features to evaluate include switching methods (hotkey, OSD menu, or front panel buttons), audio support (if you need to route audio alongside video), HDCP compliance for protected content, and control signal routing (RS-232 and IR) for managing source equipment and displays remotely.
 

For mission-critical applications in broadcast, security operations, or enterprise IT environments, prioritize KVM switches with low latency, reliable performance, and backward compatibility with existing infrastructure. Gefen's Gen 2.0 and Gen3 KVM products provide enhanced features including built-in scalers, video wall control, and integration with management software for simplified deployment.

What are the advantages of AV over IP compared to traditional matrix switchers?

AV over IP offers significant advantages over traditional hardware-based matrix switchers, particularly in scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for large installations. Traditional matrix switchers are limited by fixed input/output configurations—an 8x8 matrix can only support eight sources and eight displays. Expanding requires purchasing entirely new hardware. AV over IP systems create virtual matrices over standard network switches, allowing virtually unlimited expansion by simply adding encoder and decoder units to the existing network.

 

Cost efficiency improves dramatically in medium to large deployments. While traditional matrices require expensive proprietary cables and dedicated infrastructure, AV over IP leverages standard Cat6 Ethernet cabling and commodity network switches. Cable runs up to 330 feet per segment can be extended infinitely through network switches, eliminating the distance limitations and signal degradation inherent in HDMI and other point-to-point connections.

 

Infrastructure flexibility represents another major advantage. Traditional matrix switchers centralize all connections in one location, requiring home runs from every source and display. AV over IP allows distributed architecture where encoders and decoders connect to the nearest network drop, utilizing existing IT infrastructure. Gefen's solutions even include built-in 2-port Gigabit switches on receivers for daisy-chaining additional units, further reducing cabling requirements.

 

Advanced control capabilities distinguish IP-based systems. AV over IP platforms support independent routing of video, audio, USB, RS-232, and IR signals between any endpoints, enabling sophisticated control scenarios impossible with traditional matrices. Software-based management through platforms like Gefen Syner-G provides centralized configuration, monitoring, and control across thousands of devices.

 

Future-proofing and integration present final advantages. AV over IP systems integrate seamlessly with IT infrastructure, support remote access and management, and accommodate firmware updates for new features. Traditional matrix switchers offer fixed functionality with limited upgrade paths.

Can KVM switches support 4K video resolution and USB devices?

Yes, modern professional KVM switches fully support 4K video resolution along with extensive USB device compatibility. Gefen's current generation KVM over IP products support input resolutions up to 4K 60Hz 4:2:0 and output resolutions up to 4K 30Hz 4:4:4, with Gen3 platform offering even higher performance specifications. These systems also maintain full HDR (High Dynamic Range) support, HDCP 2.2 and 1.4 compliance for protected content, and Deep Color capabilities.

 

USB functionality extends well beyond basic keyboard and mouse control. Professional KVM switches support USB 2.0 peripheral devices including webcams, audio interfaces, card readers, USB storage devices, graphics tablets, and specialized control panels. One of the key advantages of Gefen's KVM over IP architecture is independent USB routing—you can route USB control separately from video, allowing a user at one location to access USB devices connected to a computer at a different location on the network.

 

The combination of 4K video and comprehensive USB support makes these solutions ideal for professional environments. Broadcast facilities use them to control production computers from master control rooms while maintaining full-resolution monitoring. Corporate IT departments deploy them in data centers to manage servers remotely with full keyboard, mouse, and virtual media access. Medical facilities utilize them to extend diagnostic imaging workstations while maintaining regulatory compliance and image quality.

 

Audio capabilities complement the video and USB features, with support for up to 7.1 channels of HBR (High Bit Rate) lossless digital audio including Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, and DTS-HD Master Audio formats. Analog audio breakout options provide additional flexibility for integrating with existing audio infrastructure.

 

When selecting a KVM switch, verify the specific resolution and USB requirements for your application, as capabilities vary between product generations and models.

How do I set up an AV over IP system for my conference rooms?

Setting up an AV over IP system for conference rooms involves five main phases: planning, network infrastructure preparation, hardware installation, configuration, and testing. Begin by mapping your sources (laptops, videoconferencing systems, media players) and displays (projectors, flat panels, confidence monitors) to determine the number of encoders and decoders needed. Each source requires one encoder unit, and each display requires one decoder unit.

 

Network infrastructure preparation is critical for reliable performance. Ensure you have a Gigabit Ethernet network with sufficient bandwidth—allocate approximately 1Gbps per 4K stream. Use quality managed network switches with IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) for multicast support, which allows one source to feed multiple displays efficiently without duplicating network traffic. If deploying Power over Ethernet, verify your switches support PoE+ standards.

 

Hardware installation follows network preparation. Install encoder units near source equipment and decoder units near displays. Connect sources to encoders via HDMI cables and displays to decoders. Run Cat6 Ethernet cables from each unit to the nearest network switch—cable runs can extend up to 330 feet per segment. Gefen decoders include built-in 2-port switches, allowing you to daisy-chain multiple decoders from a single network drop, which is particularly useful for multi-display conference rooms.

 

Configuration utilizes management software such as Gefen Syner-G. The software's Discovery feature automatically identifies all encoders and decoders on the network. Assign IP addresses (static or DHCP), name each endpoint logically (e.g., "Boardroom_Source1," "Training_Display2"), and create routing presets for common scenarios like "Presentation Mode" or "Videoconference Layout." Configure independent routing for video, audio, USB, and control signals based on room requirements.

 

Testing validates system performance by cycling through all source-to-display combinations, verifying 4K resolution and HDR where applicable, testing control signals (RS-232, IR), and confirming USB functionality for devices like conference room cameras and touch panels.