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What is the Key to High-Quality 4K Video Resolution?
What is the Key to High-Quality 4K Video Resolution?
Deciphering all the acronyms related to video and TV technology can be tough. Every time you figure out what something like 4K, HDR or OLED means, there’s a new one added to the mix. The latest to hit the industry is AV over IP. It means you can distribute audio and video signals through your network.
While it started off in large commercial applications where a lot of signals needed to be sent efficiently, in recent years this technology has expanded to the residential market. As your local home theater installers, we’re here to showcase why you should consider this technology if you plan on enjoying a lot of 4K content in your Minnetonka home.
SEE MORE: LED vs. Non-LED Projectors: What You Need to Know
HOW DOES AV OVER IP WORK?
The primary difference between traditional HDMI distribution and video over IP is how the signal gets relayed. Instead of needing separate network and video frameworks, you can transmit your AV signals through the same Cat6 cables you use for your network. For this to work, your home theater installer makes sure your system can handle the bandwidth associated with this new technology.
When you’re distributing video, there are usually three main steps: an encoder, switch, and decoder. You connect your source to a decoder which converts the signal to data packets. These packets include not only the original signal but also valuable information on its origin and destination. The data packets go to the switch which relays the signal to one or multiple decoders connected to your displays. Once the message is decoded, it will show up in your screen in full 4K resolution.
THE BENEFITS OF VIDEO OVER IP
Why should your home theater installers use this approach? Switching over to a networked solution can result in the following benefits:
- Easy Installation: You can get your home theater up and running quicker. Most switches are set up to ‘auto-discover’ decoders and encoders. You’ll be able to connect your source components to multiple displays in a matter of seconds. You also have greater flexibility as to where you place your equipment since video over IP can travel up to 100 meters.
- Enhanced Image Quality: Video over IP means you get full 4k resolution including HDR for dynamic, high-contrast images without the need to compress the signal in many cases.This is especially important as most cable companies and streaming services like Netflix begin delivering most of their content in this new resolution.
- Low Latency + No Delay: Just as significant is the zero frame latency. There won’t be any lagging in your video. The process of encoding/decoding is also immediate. You can change the channel without delay, so you don’t miss a play when switching to a new football game. You can also pull up the content simultaneously in multiple places. If you need to move out of the theater, you can continue watching right where you left off at your new location.
- Added Scalability: One of the coolest things about this new video distribution format is that it’s effortless to add new channels. Want to add a new screen or watch the same thing in your theater and bedroom? As long as there’s network bandwidth, there’s no need to replace your matrix switcher or AV Receiver because you ran out of inputs or outputs.
- Greater Compatibility: This system uses general IP standards. That means you can choose the receivers, speakers, and screens you prefer and use coders/decoders from multiple manufacturers. It’s also easier to embrace new technology. Just replace the necessary equipment and connect it back to a decoder/encoder as needed.
Are you ready to embrace the power of video over IP? As your local home theater installers, we can help you add this technology to an existing theater or any new installations. Just reach out to one of our experts by calling (612) 353-5087 or filling out our online contact form.