Why network-based AV is replacing traditional matrix systems

 

For years, traditional AV distribution was built around fixed hardware: HDMI cables, extenders, splitters, and matrix switchers. That approach still works for many simple systems, but the way businesses use audio and video has changed.

Today’s AV systems need to support more displays, more sources, more rooms, more users, and more control. A single conference room may need USB-C connectivity, HDMI sources, wireless presentation, video conferencing, audio routing, and centralized management. A sports bar may need dozens of TVs showing different sources. A corporate campus may need digital signage, training rooms, meeting spaces, command centers, and live event areas all working together.

That is why AV-over-IP is quickly becoming the default architecture for modern audio/video distribution.

Instead of routing AV signals through a fixed matrix chassis, AV-over-IP sends video, audio, USB, and control signals across a network. This gives integrators and businesses a more scalable, flexible, and future-ready way to distribute AV content.

 

What is AV-over-IP?

AV-over-IP, also called AVoIP, is a method of sending audio and video signals over standard network infrastructure using Internet Protocol. Instead of connecting every source and display directly to a matrix switcher, AV-over-IP systems typically use encoders, decoders, network switches, and control software.

A basic AV-over-IP system may include:

• Encoder: Connects to a source device, such as a media player, computer, camera, or cable box.
• Decoder: Connects to a display, projector, video wall, or endpoint.
• Network switch: Routes traffic between encoders and decoders.
• Controller or software platform: Manages routing, presets, video walls, KVM, and system control.

This allows AV signals to move across the network instead of being limited by the input and output count of one physical matrix.

 

Why AV-over-IP is becoming the standard

The biggest reason AV-over-IP is growing is simple: scalability.

With a traditional matrix, the system is limited by the number of physical inputs and outputs on the device. If you buy an 8x8 matrix, you have eight inputs and eight outputs. If the project grows beyond that, you may need a larger matrix, additional hardware, or a full system redesign.

With AV-over-IP, expansion is more flexible. Need to add another display? Add another decoder. Need another source? Add another encoder. Need to route content to a different area of the building? Connect it to the network and configure it through the system.

This is why AV-over-IP is especially popular in:

• Corporate campuses
• Schools and universities
• Houses of worship
• Sports bars and restaurants
• Retail stores
• Command centers
• Healthcare facilities
• Government buildings
• Large residential installations
• Event spaces
• Digital signage networks

Industry coverage from AVIXA and AVNetwork continues to highlight AV/IT convergence, interoperability, security, and networked AV as major themes shaping the Pro AV market in 2026.

 

AV-over-IP gives integrators more design flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of AV-over-IP is that it removes many of the physical limitations found in traditional AV systems.

In a matrix-based system, cable paths and hardware location matter a lot. Every source and display must be planned around the matrix. If a building layout changes, the AV system may need significant rewiring.

With AV-over-IP, the network becomes the signal path. This gives integrators more flexibility when designing systems across multiple rooms, floors, or buildings.

For example, an integrator can create a system where:

• One source displays on multiple screens
• Multiple sources route to one display
• Different rooms access different content
• A lobby display, conference room, and training room share the same source pool
• Video walls are controlled through presets
• KVM workstations switch between computers over the network
• Digital signage can be expanded across a facility

This flexibility is one of the main reasons AV-over-IP is moving from a specialty solution to a mainstream architecture.

 

AV-over-IP is built for video walls and digital signage

Video walls and digital signage are two of the strongest use cases for AV-over-IP.

Traditional video wall systems often require dedicated processors, fixed wiring, and limited source routing. AV-over-IP makes the system more dynamic. Integrators can send content to a single display, multiple displays, or a full video wall depending on the application.

For digital signage, AV-over-IP allows businesses to distribute content across different zones. A retail store, for example, may want promotional content at the entrance, menu-style content near a service counter, and brand messaging near product displays. A corporate office may want company announcements in the lobby, training content in meeting rooms, and live feeds in common areas.

With AV-over-IP, these systems can be managed more efficiently and expanded as the business grows.

 

AV-over-IP supports centralized control

Modern AV systems are not just about sending a signal from point A to point B. Customers want control.

They want to choose what source appears on which screen. They want presets for different room layouts. They want video wall modes. They want remote troubleshooting. They want an easier way to manage the entire system.

That is another reason AV-over-IP has become so important.

A controller or software interface can allow users and integrators to manage:

• Source routing
• Display assignments
• Video wall layouts
• Multiview windows
• KVM control
• User permissions
• Presets
• System status
• Device discovery
• Network configuration

This level of control is especially valuable for IT teams, AV managers, and integrators who support larger installations.

 

AV-over-IP fits the AV/IT convergence trend

The AV industry is becoming more connected to IT than ever before. Modern AV systems now rely on network switches, IP addresses, VLANs, multicast traffic, security policies, bandwidth planning, and remote management.

This shift is known as AV/IT convergence.

For integrators, this means AV design now requires both signal-distribution knowledge and network knowledge. For IT teams, it means AV devices are becoming part of the larger technology infrastructure.

AVIXA’s 2026 trend coverage specifically identifies AV/IT convergence, security, interoperability, and AI as major industry themes.

That is why AV-over-IP is not just a product category. It is part of a larger shift in how buildings are designed, managed, and connected.

 

Network planning matters

AV-over-IP is powerful, but it needs to be designed correctly. A strong AV-over-IP system depends on the right network foundation.

Important considerations include:

• Network switch capacity
• Bandwidth requirements
• IGMP snooping
• Multicast management
• VLAN configuration
• Cable quality
• IP addressing
• Latency requirements
• Security policies
• System control method
• Future expansion needs

This is where experienced integrators provide major value. A properly designed AV-over-IP system can be stable, scalable, and easy to manage. A poorly planned system can create network congestion, discovery issues, signal drops, or routing problems.

For businesses, the key takeaway is simple: AV-over-IP is not just an AV decision. It is an infrastructure decision.

 

AV-over-IP vs traditional matrix switching

Traditional matrix systems are still useful in many installations. They are often simple, reliable, and effective for smaller fixed systems. If a customer only needs a few sources routed to a few displays, a matrix may still be the right solution.

However, AV-over-IP becomes more attractive when the system needs to grow, change, or support multiple spaces.

Traditional matrix systems are best for:

• Smaller fixed installations
• Simple source-to-display routing
• Projects with limited expansion needs
• Systems where all wiring returns to one central location

AV-over-IP is best for:

• Multi-room systems
• Large commercial installations
• Video walls
• Digital signage
• Command centers
• Sports bars
• Campuses
• Systems that need future expansion
• Projects requiring flexible routing and centralized control

The question is not always “Which one is better?” The better question is: Which architecture fits the project’s long-term needs?

 

AV-over-IP helps future-proof AV systems

One of the biggest challenges in AV is that project requirements change.

A business may start with four displays and later need twelve. A school may add more classrooms. A sports bar may expand its TV layout. A corporate office may redesign its meeting spaces. A retail store may add more signage zones.

With traditional systems, expansion can be difficult if the original hardware was not sized for growth.

AV-over-IP makes it easier to add endpoints over time. This phased approach helps businesses invest in the system they need now while leaving room for future growth.

That future-ready design is one of the reasons AV-over-IP is becoming the default choice for many commercial AV projects.

 

The role of security in AV-over-IP

As AV systems move onto the network, security becomes more important.

Every network-connected device should be considered part of the broader IT environment. That means integrators and IT teams need to think about access control, network segmentation, firmware updates, user permissions, and secure configuration.

Security is now a major topic across the Pro AV industry. AVIXA lists enhanced security as one of the top AV industry trends for 2026, which reflects how important network protection has become for connected AV systems.

For AV-over-IP, this means businesses should choose solutions that are easy to manage, properly documented, and designed with network best practices in mind.

 

Where AV-over-IP is headed next

AV-over-IP will continue to evolve as the industry moves toward more software-defined, network-native systems.

Some of the most important future developments include:

• More open standards
• Better interoperability
• Higher resolutions and lower latency
• Cloud-based monitoring
• AI-assisted system management
• More advanced KVM workflows
• Easier deployment tools
• Stronger cybersecurity features
• Deeper integration with building systems

Recent industry coverage has also highlighted the importance of open standards such as IPMX, SMPTE ST 2110, Dante AV, and NDI in the broader move toward interoperable AV and broadcast workflows.

The direction is clear: AV systems are becoming more flexible, more connected, and more software-driven.

 

AV-over-IP is becoming the default architecture because it solves many of the problems that traditional AV distribution cannot easily address.

It gives businesses more flexibility. It gives integrators more scalable design options. It gives IT teams better visibility into connected systems. It supports video walls, digital signage, KVM, multi-room routing, and centralized control. Most importantly, it gives organizations a path to grow without rebuilding the entire AV system from scratch.

For small fixed systems, traditional AV hardware still has its place. But for modern commercial environments, AV-over-IP is quickly becoming the smarter long-term solution.

As AV and IT continue to merge, the future of signal distribution will be built on the network.