Axon successfully carries out a first experience of distributing 4K signals over Ethernet AVB

AVB-Ethernet is beginning to emerge as an interesting alternative in the area of ​​live production, instead of using 4 coaxial cables.

Axon Coinciding with IBC, a series of 4K Ultra High Definition content distribution tests were carried out over Ethernet using AVB (Audio Video Bridging), thus showing the possibilities of this technology as an alternative to baseband with coaxial cabling.

Audio Video Bridging (AVB) is the set of technical standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) by the Audio Video Bridging Working Group of the IEEE 802.1 Standards Committee. Its specification includes notable elements such as network synchronization/timing and service/band quality management.

One of the advantages of using AVB is that there is no requirement for IP address management, which facilitates the development of 'plug and play' solutions. A new device (or 'AVB node') is automatically registered on the network and is automatically available to link with other devices. Connections are established with very low latency. Since the switches are part of the transport mechanism, the system is very easy to configure.

To carry out this experience, Axon used an Extreme Networks switch for 2 quadrants and the other 2 quadrants were transported on another Extreme switch plus another Arista. AVB guarantees perfect timing with respect to the time of the output image.

In this way, AVB-Ethernet is beginning to emerge as an interesting alternative in the area of ​​live production, instead of using 4 coaxial cables.

Axon also demonstrated independent audio streams (intercom and audio monitoring) over AVB-Ethernet. This demonstrates that audio and video can be transported based on simultaneous and independent AVB-Ethernet technology, something that is not possible with the S2022 standard focused on longer distance transport rather than live production.