The Key to AVoIP Success? Keeping Your Options Open

Question and Answer Interview with Marco Schulz

In the ever-evolving world of AV and IP technologies, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. With the convergence of AV and Internet Protocol (IP) technologies, the landscape is rapidly changing. Moving away from traditional point-to-point solutions to more flexible, accessible IP-based systems offers numerous benefits, but navigating the myriad of choices can be daunting. We sat down with Marco Schulz, a leading expert at Panasonic Connect Europe, to discuss how organisations can make informed decisions in this dynamic field.

Marco, what’s driving the convergence of AV and Internet Protocol (IP) technologies?

Well, the main thing here is the immense benefits of shifting from point-to-point solutions to IP-based systems. You see, it’s all about flexibility and accessibility. Costs are going down, and the tech hurdles are becoming smaller every day. Plus, many sectors, like universities in Germany, have already laid the groundwork with the necessary upgrades to their communications infrastructure.

What’s the biggest challenge for organisations looking to adopt AVoIP technologies?

The tricky part isn't deciding to go with AVoIP – that’s almost a given these days. The real challenge is picking the right technology because there isn’t a universal standard yet. There are so many protocols out there, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages depending on what you need. It can get pretty confusing.

How is Panasonic Connect Europe helping with this challenge?

That’s where our Business Solution Centre (BSC) in Wiesbaden, Germany, comes into play. We’ve set up the world’s first dedicated AVoIP benchmarking test facility. It’s designed to help AV professionals compare and test different AVoIP standards under real-world conditions. This way, they can get a clear picture of what works best in terms of latency, image quality, and bandwidth utilization.

Why is the BSC becoming a must-visit for AV specialists?

The BSC is a game-changer. Previously, we have already established a full production studio for streaming and broadcast testing, and we have extensive experience in the design and testing of immersive exhibits. For instance, the BBC Earth Exhibition tested their equipment here before going live in Melbourne, Australia. We’ve even tested setups for cinema projection on cruise ships. Now we also have a world first in our AVoIP benchmarking test area.

What’s included in the AVoIP benchmarking test setup at the BSC?

It’s all about providing a realistic testing ground for AV technologies. The setup is very comprehensive. We’ve got three 3-chip DLP projectors lined up on a Gerriets Full White screen, all calibrated for consistency. We route all AVoIP codecs in independent VLANs via a Netgear AV line switch to avoid interference and create a realistic scenario. Customers can see different AVoIP standards like HDMI, NDI, SDVoE, IPMX, Crestron NVX, and Dante AV in action.

What insights have you gained from the real-world testing at the BSC?

We've learned quite a bit. For starters, latency can vary a lot depending on the codec, which is crucial for live events and interactive applications. Image quality also varies, with some codecs performing better in terms of detail and colour accuracy. And then there’s bandwidth efficiency – the best performance usually requires high bandwidth, but some codecs offer a great balance between quality and bandwidth use.

How does Panasonic’s use of Intel Smart Display Module (SDM) technology benefit AV setups?

The fundamental need for flexibility is the driving force behind Panasonic’s integration of Intel Smart Display Module (SDM) technology into its projectors and displays. It enables the hardware to be easily adapted to evolving standards. The SDM slots in Panasonic projectors and displays enable seamless integration of various AVoIP modules, ensuring that users can select the best technology for their needs without extensive hardware changes.

Panasonic was one of the first AV companies to see the benefits of this approach and adopt SDM in its projectors and displays and the industry is now rapidly aligning around this approach. A recent visit to Infocomm, the largest AV show, underlined this view with announcements from major industry players, such as Matrox and Crestron, around SDM boards to support AVoIP.

What are the main advantages of using SDM technology?

Essentially, it future-proofs your investment. It allows our hardware to adapt easily to evolving standards. This means you can upgrade and integrate new technologies without changing your entire setup. It also reduces electronic waste by minimising the need for extra converters and cables.

What’s the key takeaway for organisations considering AVoIP solutions?

The main takeaway is to keep your options open. Flexibility, sustainability, and future-proofing are key. Panasonic’s solution centre offers a wealth of experience and a fantastic testing facility. I’d highly recommend visiting us to see firsthand what might be right for your organisation.

The Key to AVoIP Success? Keeping Your Options Open

Marco, what’s driving the convergence of AV and Internet Protocol (IP) technologies?

What’s the biggest challenge for organisations looking to adopt AVoIP technologies?

How is Panasonic Connect Europe helping with this challenge?

Why is the BSC becoming a must-visit for AV specialists?

What’s included in the AVoIP benchmarking test setup at the BSC?

What insights have you gained from the real-world testing at the BSC?

How does Panasonic’s use of Intel Smart Display Module (SDM) technology benefit AV setups?

What are the main advantages of using SDM technology?

What’s the key takeaway for organisations considering AVoIP solutions?

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