Riedel’s Artist intercom family includes the new 1024 that is optimized for IP-based installations and higher port densities.
There’s plenty of talk these days about internet protocol, also known as IP. Of course, data networks are nothing new. In fact, we’ve been relying on them for a long time for everything ranging from our phone and cable TV services to the little networks we set up at home for our internet access.
It wasn’t long ago that those little networks were comprised of only a modem and our various computers. But then we were able to add printers and other peripherals – and then came home thermostats, doorbells and other conveniences. I even have a friend who preheats his oven on his way home for Friday family pizza night. The Internet of things (IoT) will expand that connectivity even further.
AV over IP in the church setting
What about the audio and video infrastructures that you use on a daily basis for your house of worship? Surely there is room on the internet for these signals, too, right?
The promise of IP-based AV infrastructures includes lowered costs through the use of common off-the-shelf (COTS) parts, lowered costs through the use of pre-existing cabled IP networks, and workflow efficiencies that result from using a network rather than point-to-point solutions. And while we’ve made great progress towards realizing that promise, there is still work to be done.
The hardest part is figuring out when to jump in, but it’s never too early to make yourself familiar with the terms and prepare for the inevitable.
What you need to know
For houses of worship looking to get going on IP sooner than later, lower bandwidth audio signals are a great starting point. Plus, the lessons learned will easily transfer to video when the time comes.
There are several audio-over-IP (AoIP) protocols and standards available today, including Livewire, Ravenna, AVB (Milan), Dante, MADI, and AES67. Each has its advantages and limitations. The good news is that there are plenty of resources on the web that will tell you more about each type. Organizations like SMPTE, Audinate and AVNU are great places to start. But regardless of which format you choose, it’s important that your audio console and intercom system be flexible enough to deal with your chosen format.
... regardless of which format you choose, it’s important that your audio console and intercom system be flexible enough to deal with your chosen format.
A matrix intercom is, at its core, an audio router. Signals are taken in, mixed with other signals, and sent out. Client cards within the matrix define the type of signal. For example, if you’re using the AES67 standard, you will need AES67 client cards. But you’re not limited to that. Different client cards can be combined so that different audio formats can co-exist within the same intercom environment. If you already have a matrix, then you should be able to continue using that system by simply adding or replacing client cards.
Other essential hardware includes the IP switches that are needed to manage the various IP streams. While there may already be switches on a pre-existing network, they may not be suitable for moving AV signals. There are several important aspects to consider when choosing switches, including port count, backplane speed, and how they handle signal timing. Familiarize yourself with switches from companies like Luminex and Cisco, so that when it’s time to talk about them with your integrator, you’ll be speaking the same language. If IP video is in the plan for the future, buying switches now that can be utilized then will make it even easier.
Implementing security measures
Another consideration is network security. At a time when we are constantly bombarded with email scams, phishing attempts, and outright fraud, it is vitally important to secure your network. This is important whether you’re leveraging your IP network for AV or are just using it for your email. It’s critical to implement best practices, install hardware firewalls, establish security protocols for everyone involved, and use strong passwords. Most importantly, provide training for your staff so they know what is safe to click and what isn’t.
Most importantly, provide training for your staff so they know what is safe to click and what isn’t.
Ten years ago, we ended analog television transmissions and, more recently, a frequency repack might have forced you to buy new wireless mics and comms. Change is inevitable, but it’s certain that IP broadcast infrastructures are here to stay. As adoption increases and the last bugs are worked out, that promise of lower costs and more efficient workflows that we talked about earlier will be within the reach of all.
