AV Technology - May 2008 - (Page B2)

GUIDE TO NETWORKED AV Ten years ago, you would rarely see the words “AV” and “network” used in the same sentence, let alone linked together. Today, modern networking concepts and technologies are common in pro audio and AV applications. BY MARK MAYFIELD, EDITOR, AVTechnology Photo courtesy of IVCi Of course, any discussion of networking connotes computer and information technology, but communication networks have been around since the early days of telegraphy in the early 18th century. Even earlier, if you consider that IT networks are conceptually the same as early man’s smoke or beacon signaling methods. All of these networks use symbolic representation of content and two-way transmission to communicate information across multiple nodes. The main improvements have been in speed and quality (or integrity) of data transfer. Any discussion of AV networking should begin with a clarification of the definition and scope of the topic. At its core, a network is nothing more than a group of components that share data. Yet “AV networking” can have many meanings depending on your perspective. It may mean something different if you have a “bias” toward audio, video, or IT, and whether you’re an equipment manufacturer or technology user. Fundamentally, an AV network makes it possible to monitor, control, and transmit content. It can do one or more of these things, and still be considered a “network,” And it can monitor/control/transmit content from one (or many) sources to one (or many) destinations. The content can be primarily audio, video, or both (AV). In this Guide to Networked AV, we’ll consider AV networks to include those that deal with the transmission of audio or video content (or both types), along with some means of monitoring and controlling it across an interconnected system of components. We’ll present several vertical market perspectives, as well as a technology overview from both the audio and video “biases.” We believe that this will provide a fresh, balanced look at how today’s tools have improved on one of the oldest communications technologies known to man. ABOUT BIAMP SYSTEMS A leading international provider of professional installed audio electronics, Biamp Systems (www.biamp.com) is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, and is recognized for delivering high quality and innovative electronic products, including the award-winning Audia Digital Audio Platform, Nexia family of digital signal processors, and TrueSound AEC algorithm. Its products are designed to meet the audio requirements for a wide range of applications, including corporate boardrooms, conference centers, theater complexes, courtrooms, houses of worship, educational centers, public venues, and other installed audio applications. 2 GUIDE TO NETWORKED AV http://www.biamp.com http://www.biamp.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of AV Technology - May 2008

AV Technology - May 2008 Contents Precedent Corporate: How to Qualify an AV Supplier Education: Working Smarter AV Technology's Guide to Networked AV Government: IPv6 — Why You Should Care Calculating ROI on Your Digital Signage Investment Enhancing Audio in the Classroom Minimizing Equipment Theft Smart AV The Tribe Has Spoken AV Enables Interactive Research AV Image Enhancement Product Spotlight Tech Horizons Product Review New Products AV MO

AV Technology - May 2008

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