Hardware vs Software AV-Over-IP: Which is Right for Your Control Room?

Traditional hardware-based AV-over-IP setups function through a straightforward process:

1. Encoding Devices (Encoders) – Capture the signals from workstations, CCTV cameras, and other data sources, convert them into a digital stream, and transmit over the network.
2. Network Transmission – The encoded stream is sent via a LAN connection to designated endpoints such as video walls or monitoring stations.
3. Decoding Device (Decoder) – Receives the signal, processes it, and displays it on a monitor or video wall.
4. Centralized Control System – Operators manage video streams, switching, and routing via an AV control interface.

While hardware AV-over-IP delivers robust performance, they do present inherent limitations:
1. Reliability Concerns

• Device failures become statistically more likely as system complexity increases.
• Multi-unit deployments raise the risk of malfunctions.

2. Inflexibility Compared to Software

• Hardware restricts feature possibilities.
• Modifications and troubleshooting demand disproportionate time/resource investments.

3. Cost Considerations

• Hardware-based stream capture and encoding solutions typically incur significantly higher costs than software alternatives.

This isn't to dismiss hardware solutions - they remain vital for many applications - but rather to highlight key factors for technology selection.

Software-based AV-over-IP systems streamline video distribution through:

1. Video Capturing – The CPU or GPU encodes display output, including full-screen visuals or individual application windows.
2. Network Transmission – The encoded stream is sent over WLAN or LAN, enabling wireless and remote access.
3. Decoding & Display – The lightweight software decodes the stream and presents it on monitors or video walls. Operators can adjust stream quality, resize displays, modify resolution, or integrate multiple sources dynamically, allowing for greater flexibility and control.

1. Cost-Effective – Eliminates the need for expensive hardware encoders and decoders.
2. Highly Scalable – Easily expand by installing software on additional workstations.
3. Flexible & Customizable – Capture and stream specific desktop areas or application windows.
4. Easy Integration – Works with existing IT infrastructure.
5. Remote Access & Control – Supports streaming from any location.
6. Quick Deployment – This can be installed and configured rapidly without AV expertise.

Operators can adjust the quality settings of the transmitted video on the fly, such as reducing the video traffic or increasing the resolution and image clarity. In the case of hardware implementations, operators would need to involve a trained AV engineer to make such changes.

In order to enable both local display and network streaming, the control room operators’ workstation configuration in traditional hardware-based AV-over-IP platforms follows a specific video routing logic

Dual-Output Configuration
1. The workstation simultaneously drives:

• Primary output: Connected directly to operator monitors
• Secondary output: Fed into an encoding device

2. The encoder converts the signal to a network-compatible video stream

Splitter Solution for Limited Outputs
1. When all video ports are occupied by displays:

• A 1-to-2 video splitter creates duplicate signals
• One path maintains the original monitor connection
• The new path feeds the encoder for network distribution

This architecture ensures operators see their content locally while making the same visual information available across the network - a fundamental requirement for collaborative control room environments.

In modern software solutions, video capture and streaming are handled entirely by the workstation's existing hardware: CPU processing power, graphics card capabilities, and network bandwidth. This approach transforms a single workstation into a powerful streaming hub capable of replacing multiple hardware encoders while offering unprecedented configuration flexibility that hardware simply can't match.

Hardware solutions work with the signal from a single physical video output without the ability to "crop" a portion of the image or combine multiple monitors into a single stream.

Unlike hardware encoders, software streamers are not tied to physical video inputs/outputs, which provides operators significant freedom. Multiple video streams can be created with a single workstation, each transmitting the content of monitors, specific application windows, or even certain screen areas. Additionally, it is possible to work with virtual video objects, such as virtual PCs or windows of individual applications, even when they are obscured by other windows.

A similar situation arises when scaling the number of workstations connected to the video wall in the contact center: it is very easy to add another user (for example, with a laptop) if the software approach is followed—you just need to install the software streamer on the laptop.

When choosing a hardware approach, additional equipment should be purchased, installed, and configured. For example, in the case of a laptop, an additional hardware streamer, a port for its network connection, and several cables would be required.

Capturing images from CCTV cameras connected to the operator's PC using the software approach is done directly on the workstation without the need for additional equipment.

Streaming from CCTV cameras using hardware AV-over-IP requires additional encoding devices. USB cameras need to be first connected to the PC, and then one of its video outputs should be connected to the encoding device. HDMI cameras are directly connected to it. IP cameras equipped with a network port are connected directly to the network.

User interfaces of hardware AV-over-IP solutions are designed to be convenient for system engineers. End users (contact center operators) cannot interfere with the settings and operation of pre-configured solutions.

Software-based solutions are designed with end users in mind, providing them more power. Operators can adjust the quality settings of the transmitted video on the fly, reduce the video traffic, and increase the resolution and image clarity. In hardware AV-over-IP implementations, operators would need to involve a trained AV engineer to make such changes.

When using software-based AV-over-IP, the sound is transmitted along with the video stream or not transmitted at all. Operators can adjust these settings themselves on the fly.

In hardware-based implementations, the assistance of an AV engineer would be required, and often the choice of more expensive end nodes.

Another capability that can be easily achieved using a software approach is disabling the mouse cursor. When displaying multiple workstations on a video wall, having multiple cursors on a large screen can confuse end users. Software video wall solutions allow removing unnecessary cursors. Such an option is not available in hardware solutions.

Feeding content sources to video walls is another critical yet diverse challenge for the control room environment.

AV-over-IP hardware solutions work with video walls in the following way:

• Each screen of the video wall is connected to a decoder.
• The decoder retrieves a stream from the local network, converts it into a video signal, and outputs it to the display.

In basic configurations, individual encoders are paired with specific decoders, which display the streams either on separate screens or across the entire video wall. The operator controls which workstation image appears on which screen.

More advanced solutions utilize additional video processors to enable flexible image placement. This allows, for example, displaying one video stream across multiple screens or showing multiple streams within portions of a single screen. However, this hardware AV-over-IP approach introduces two significant challenges:

• Increased hardware costs
• Greater complexity in managing the AV system's operational logic.

In software AV-over-IP projects, the video wall screens are connected to the outputs of the server's video controller, which generates the image. Essentially, it receives streaming video from the network, decodes it, and displays it in the desired location on the video wall for the operator.

In the most advanced software, such as Polywall, the operator uses the entire video wall as a single workspace with various media data, including video streams. The operator can place the captured video stream on one screen of the video wall, on multiple screens, in an arbitrary area, or expand it to the entire video wall. They can also move the image across video wall displays, change its size, and perform other adjustments without any restrictions.

Some vendors, such as Barco or Datapath, offer both software and hardware options for video walls. However, these solutions are significantly more expensive than hardware solutions with decoders. The premium pricing reflects the added flexibility and functionality that hybrid systems provide, though the cost-benefit ratio may not justify the investment for all use cases. Organizations must carefully evaluate whether the advanced capabilities align with their specific operational requirements and budget constraints.

It is worth noting the differences in the capabilities provided to control room operators.

In hardware implementations, operators typically have only a few preset configurations at their disposal - primarily basic modes for displaying either a single stream across the entire video wall or different streams on separate displays.

Software solutions offer a much wider range of functions and modes, as well as the ability to create and update interface parts on the fly, customizing them to current tasks.

Software solutions, by contrast, provide operators with significantly greater functionality, including:

• A comprehensive range of functions and modes
• Real-time adjustments of interface parts, customizing them to evolving operational requirements.
• Dynamic interface customization

For control and command rooms AV-over-IP hardware solutions offer a distinct advantage: the ability to expand video walls by cascading decoders.

The scalability of AV-over-IP software is limited by the number of video outputs on the server. Video walls with connected decoders typically do not exceed 25 screens. For comparison, according to NVidia, a video wall powered with NVidia video cards can cover up to 32 4K screens. Windows OS imposes similar maximum display limitations.

However, these technical limitations rarely present practical constraints, as video walls of 30+ screens remain exceptionally rare in global deployment scenarios. The scalability of both approaches comfortably accommodates the vast majority of projects.

A hardware AV-over-IP solution is the best choice when low latency, high reliability, and security are top priorities. If your control room requires stable, long-term operation with minimal system interruptions, dedicated hardware solutions offer the best performance.

Popular examples of hardware-based solutions include Crestron NVX, Extron NAV, Matrox Maevex, and AVCiT. These systems are designed to ensure real-time video transmission with minimal delay and maximum reliability.

Opt for a hardware-based AV-over-IP system if:

1. You need ultra-low latency for real-time applications.
2. Security is a top priority, with minimal vulnerability to cyber threats.
3. Your setup must operate independently of a specific operating system.
4. Long-term stability and reliability are crucial.

A software AV-over-IP solution is an ideal choice when cost-efficiency, scalability, and flexibility are key factors. If you need a solution that can quickly adapt to changing needs and integrate with existing IT infrastructure, software-based AV is the way to go.

A software-based approach is ideal if:

1. You seek a cost-effective solution with minimal hardware investment.
2. Scalability is essential, allowing quick expansion without additional devices.
3. Customization and flexibility in video layouts and configurations are important.
4. Remote access and quick deployment are necessary.

• Pure Software Solution – Reduces costs by eliminating the need for hardware elements
• Universal Compatibility – Works in Windows-based environments and integrates with third-party applications.
• Advanced Streaming Capabilities – Supports software capture of displays, applications, and even video devices
• Integrated control room experience – AV-over-IP is an organic part of the total control room environment, seamlessly integrated with the content management system.
• Scalability & Flexibility – Easily and very quickly expand to any device inside the premises of a company, setting up new streams in a matter of seconds and minutes.

Why believe in marketing materials? Try yourself today! Experience how Polywall can transform your AV-over-IP setup with a fully functional 30-day free trial after a quick demo with our experts.

This allows you to see how the Polywall software performs with your specific setup and content, and compare flexibility and experience.

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