Research Exploring Regulatory Guidelines
The world of professional Audio-Visual (AV) technology is witnessing a significant shift, as the adoption of IPMX is accelerating among manufacturers and end-users. This trend is leading to the creation of a robust, open AV-over-IP ecosystem ([1][2][3]).
SMPTE ST 2110: The Foundation for High-Quality IP Streaming
At the heart of this revolution lies SMPTE ST 2110, a key standard for transporting uncompressed video, audio, and metadata over IP. It replicates the quality and timing precision of traditional SDI connections but with the flexibility and scalability of modern IP networks. ST 2110 supports frame-accurate, synchronized media streams with sub-frame latency, making it ideal for live production settings ([1][3][4]).
IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP): Ensuring Precise Timing
Critical to the success of ST 2110 streams is the inclusion of the IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP). PTP provides the precise timing and synchronization that these streams require. PTP ensures that all devices on the network share a common clock reference with sub-microsecond accuracy. This synchronization is essential for aligning separate video, audio, and metadata streams with deterministic low latency and jitter ([1][2][3][5]).
IPMX: Tailoring Broadcast-Grade IP Media Transport
Building upon SMPTE ST 2110 and IEEE 1588 PTP, IPMX (Internet Protocol Media Experience) tailors broadcast-grade IP media transport for professional AV (ProAV) markets. IPMX adds AV-specific capabilities such as HDMI input/output handling, HDCP compliance, USB-over-IP, and visually lossless JPEG XS compression. It also incorporates plug-and-play discovery and connection management using NMOS protocols, facilitating easier system integration and interoperability without vendor lock-in ([2][5]).
By combining ST 2110’s uncompressed transport, PTP’s precision timing, and AV-friendly features, IPMX creates an open, scalable ecosystem aimed at simplifying AV-over-IP deployments while maintaining broadcast-grade performance ([2][5]).
The LED Sector Embraces IPMX
The LED sector has also adopted IPMX, with leading LED wall controller vendors committing to providing IPMX support. Exceptional real-time images with detail invisible to the human eye are proving indispensable in emerging use cases ([1]).
Navigating Bandwidth Requirements
As the average network traffic increases and continues to grow, IT managers must negotiate the trend of users wanting to exploit greater speed available today, and networks designed for streaming and capable of supporting sustained traffic. The increasing number of internal real-time LAN users require a network architecture that supports high-quality real-time images, such as for AI-driven analysis in medical imaging ([1]).
A Collaborative Effort
The AWMA, VSF, Joint Taskforce of Networked Media (JT-NM), and Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS) have defined the new IPMX set of open specifications for AV-over-IP. Ongoing work addresses aspects such as interoperable USB extension, profiles, detailed testing requirements, and more ([1]).
The transition started with uncompressed video, and has progressed through lightly compressed, moderately compressed video, and toward highly compressed formats. Standards such as SMPTE ST 2110 help IT managers handle evolving bandwidth requirements and deploy devices with sufficient throughput to handle future demands ([1]).
As bandwidth of LANs increases dramatically, while the cost of required network elements falls, the potential for high-performance media workflows beyond traditional broadcast environments is becoming a reality. The collaboration between SMPTE, IEEE, and industry groups like AIMS is democratizing these technologies, making them accessible and affordable for a wider range of applications.
- The IPMX (Internet Protocol Media Experience) standard, building upon SMPTE ST 2110 and IEEE 1588 PTP, includes features such as HDMI input/output handling, HDCP compliance, USB-over-IP, and visually lossless JPEG XS compression, tailoring broadcast-grade IP media transport for professional AV markets.
- In the LED sector, leading LED wall controller vendors are committing to providing IPMX support, adopting this technology that enables the creation of exceptional real-time images with detailed precision, proving indispensable in emerging use cases.
