Sports & Entertainment
Fostering Innovation and Interoperability: Aurora Multimedia & SDVoE’s Vision for AV
Two AV industry leaders explain why competing standards aren't holding back the IP video market's momentum
Key takeaways
AV over IP technology is evolving but remains rooted in certain standards.
Higher quality demands in areas like medical and eSports drive the need for ten gig solutions.
Education and interoperability are crucial for the successful adoption of AV over IP.
In a recent episode of “Cutting Through,” host Ben Thomas dove deep into the evolving world of AV over IP with industry leaders Paul Harris, President & CEO of Aurora Multimedia, and Stephane Tremblay, CEO of the SDVoE Alliance. As Infocomm looms and the industry buzzes with anticipation, they explored what's new and what's next.
The State of AV over IP
Paul Harris shared his insights into the paradox of AV over IP technology: as it evolves, it also stays rooted. He highlighted that while the industry craves a unified standard, the current focus remains on one gig and ten gig solutions. According to Harris, this provides a “comfortable place” for now, with no significant demand for going beyond these capacities.
The Demand for Higher Quality
Stephane Tremblay pointed out the necessity of ten gig solutions in high-stakes environments like medical or eSports where latency and image compression can’t be tolerated. He emphasized the transition from traditional matrix switch sports to AV over IP—a shift that, once made, is irreversible, heralding a new era of quality and flexibility.
He emphasized the transition from traditional matrix switch sports to AV over IP—a shift that, once made, is irreversible, heralding a new era of quality and flexibility.
The Challenges of Interoperability
Discussing the importance of interoperability, Harris mentioned that aligning with customer needs is crucial, but it often means navigating a maze of different brands and technologies. He emphasized the need for education, especially regarding network switches, and commended Netgear for their initiative to assist customers in this area.
Educating the Integrators
Tremblay underscored the SDVoE Alliance's commitment to education, particularly with their Certified Design House program, which ensures that at least 25% of an integrator's technical team is SDVoE trained. This emphasis on education is paramount for integrators to properly specify and install SDVoE technology.
The Future of AV over IP
Looking to the future, Harris candidly discussed the concept of “future proofing,” calling it a “joke.” Instead, he focused on the foundation that technologies like SDVoE provide, allowing for growth and progression. He teased upcoming surprises from Aurora Multimedia at Infocomm, suggesting an emphasis on ten gig solutions and innovative products like the ultra, a ten gig device with an integrated Intel PC and multi-view capabilities.
Instead, he focused on the foundation that technologies like SDVoE provide, allowing for growth and progression.
Embracing Change and Education
Tremblay highlighted a shift in focus for SDVoE at trade shows, moving from technology demonstrations to application-based showcases. This approach aims to connect more effectively with a broader audience, from system integrators to end-users. With a new Interoperability Committee, SDVoE is furthering its commitment to ensuring seamless product compatibility within its ecosystem.
Concluding Thoughts
As the episode concluded, both Harris and Tremblay shared their excitement for the upcoming Infocomm, where education, innovation, and networking will take center stage. Harris teased that Aurora Multimedia would unveil new surprises, building on their robust ten gig offerings. In contrast, Tremblay looked forward to showcasing SDVoE's application-level innovations.
“Cutting Through” reaffirmed that in the rapidly evolving domain of AV over IP, education, interoperability, and strategic innovation are keys to moving the industry forward. Stay tuned for the next episode, where these conversations continue to cut through the complexity of AV technology.
About the author
Ben Thomas serves as Head of Pro AV at MarketScale, where he leads content and media strategy for the pro AV sector. With over 15 years of award-winning experience across large-scale events, network television, OTT platforms, and podcasting, he has guided major B2B brands including Intel, Sennheiser, Samsung, and Philips to billions of content interactions. He holds a B.A. in Mass Communications and is recognized for his expertise in podcast hosting, public speaking, marketing, and content strategy.
