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Tag: PacketAV Matrix Series

  • Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series Selected to Modernize Ellis County Courthouse

    Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series Selected to Modernize Ellis County Courthouse

    In the heart of Waxahachie, Texas, the Ellis County Courthouse is an emblem of architectural heritage and civic service. Completed in 1897, the courthouse boasts elaborate surface ornamentation and contrasting masonry materials, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship of Romanesque Revival architecture. Over the years, the courthouse has been a seat of justice and a symbol of the county’s identity.

    Ellis County Courthouse’s recent restoration efforts brought new life to the facility, addressing deteriorating stonework, enhancing accessibility and correcting interior alterations that strayed from its historic roots. Alongside these upgrades, Ellis County expanded its judicial footprint with a new sub-courthouse and an administrative courts building to support its growing population, which is nearing 200,000 residents as part of the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington metroplex.

    Within the courthouse’s restored walls, outdated audiovisual infrastructure posed a major challenge. The county judges, court reporters, attorneys and other courtroom participants were relying on a system that had already outlived its lifespan. “The system was 15 years into a 10-year lifespan,” said a representative from Infinity Sound, the integrator responsible for the courthouse’s AV systems. “It was a patchwork of old VGA, RGB, and HV components that needed multiple HDMI converters to keep it working. It just wasn’t practical anymore.”

    A longtime partner to Ellis County, Infinity had installed the original system and remained a trusted integrator for ongoing service. When the opportunity came to bring the AV system into the modern age, the team partnered with the county to deliver a complete overhaul across four identical courtrooms. Infinity’s approach honored the original layout by keeping input locations at the judge’s bench, prosecution bench and defense bench, but replaced the outdated system with state-of-the-art AV-over-IP technology from Visionary. 

    “At this point, Visionary has become our go-to video system provider,” explained Noah Mast, CTS, sales consultant for Infinity Sound. “The flexibility and simplicity they offer with the PacketAV Matrix Series are unmatched. I really appreciate the DUET 2 devices because they support both HDMI and USB-C, which makes them compatible with virtually any computer, especially helpful as more devices transition to USB-C.”

    A new endpoint was added at the witness stand to ensure video evidence could be viewed with greater clarity, a critical component in courthouse settings, and routing capabilities were significantly enhanced. Beyond the hardware, the system was designed with seamless usability in mind.

    “Our setups are engineered to be easy to configure. We use NETGEAR switches, so the entire system is straightforward from a deployment standpoint,” Mast added. “Visionary’s decoders are a standout, with built-in RS-232 that let us control displays and projection screens directly from the device. It’s a streamlined, all-in-one solution.”

    Even though the courthouse currently uses existing all-in-one displays for conferencing, the infrastructure is designed to support expanded capabilities in the future. “They’ve recently invested in the desktop collaboration and conferencing units, so they’re holding off on a broader video conferencing rollout for now,” said Mast. “But the system is ready whenever they are.”

    Having serviced the courthouse for many years, Infinity takes pride in the partnership and the reliability of the technology they’ve implemented. “We now use Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series on nearly every video system project,” said Mast. “From procurement to backend support, they’ve been awesome to work with. Honestly, the fact that we rarely need support says everything – it just works.”

    Now, courtroom participants can easily manage video feeds and route content directly to their monitors with precision and confidence. The upgrade replaced aging technology and transformed the system into a scalable, flexible and future-proof solution.

    Visionary’s 5 Series is the latest evolution of Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series endpoints. Known for its pioneering AV over IP endpoints with USB-C I/O for seamless soft codec integration, the 5 Series elevates performance with cutting-edge innovations. Its 4K60 4:4:4 video support ensures exceptional image quality and color accuracy without impacting bandwidth. The 5 Series include isochronous USB over IP, allowing for effortless webcam extension, ideal for video conferencing and remote collaboration. Additionally, the 5 Series includes a full-motion MJPEG substream, enabling users to access a secondary, lower-bandwidth video stream for simplified video distribution.

  • Visionary and Resorts World Las Vegas Renew Three-Year Strategic Partnership

    Visionary and Resorts World Las Vegas Renew Three-Year Strategic Partnership

    Visionary has renewed its strategic partnership with Resorts World Las Vegas for another three years, extending through 2027. The resort, known for its state-of-the-art technology and luxurious experiences, relies on Visionary’s network-based AV systems to connect over 2,000 endpoints across its massive property. This renewed collaboration highlights the success and scalability of Visionary’s solutions in meeting the evolving demands of modern hospitality.

    Resorts World Las Vegas, the first newly built resort on the Strip in over a decade, continues to lead the way in AV innovation. By using Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series instead of traditional AV systems, the resort ensures maximum flexibility, seamless connectivity, and future-ready infrastructure. The extended partnership strengthens Visionary’s presence as a trusted technology partner in large-scale networked environments.

    Visionary, a leading global innovator in the AV-over-IP industry, announces the renewal of its strategic partnership with Resorts World Las Vegas, the premier destination on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Building on a successful three-year relationship, the companies have signed a new multi-year agreement that extends their collaboration through 2027.

    “At Resorts World Las Vegas, we’re committed to delivering a world-class experience built on luxury, innovation, and seamless connectivity,” said Richard Perks, Director of AV Infrastructure for Resorts World Las Vegas. “Our decision to implement a network-based AV solution was driven by the need for total flexibility. We wanted the ability to connect any source to any destination across the property – and Visionary delivered. The success of our AV-over-IP infrastructure has been instrumental in meeting the expectations of today’s modern Las Vegas traveler. We’re excited to extend our partnership with Visionary for another three years.”

    Located on nearly 88 acres, Resorts World Las Vegas has redefined the Strip since opening in 2021 as the first ground-up resort development in over a decade. The sprawling property features 3,506 luxury guest rooms and suites across three distinct hotel brands, more than 40 world-class food and beverage venues, a 5,000-seat theatre, a two-story retail and dining promenade, and cutting-edge, resort-wide connectivity powered by Visionary’s industry-leading AV-over-IP technology.

    “We are excited to renew our partnership with Resorts World Las Vegas after three successful years,” said Scott Freshman, chief operating officer at Visionary. “Resorts World has built one of the largest AV-over-IP networks of its kind. It encompasses nearly every part of the property with more than 2,000 endpoints and that number continues to grow. It serves as a model for other resorts on the Las Vegas Strip and network-based properties across the globe.”

    The original audiovisual integration was completed in 2021 by Technology West Group, a Las Vegas-based integrator tasked with the design and deployment of the comprehensive audiovisual and property-wide network infrastructure. From the outset, Resorts World Las Vegas embraced next-generation networked AV, completely forgoing traditional matrix switchers. Instead, the resort leveraged Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series, a scalable and cost-efficient solution that includes PoE-powered devices to route high-quality video and audio seamlessly throughout the property. As the most technologically advanced resort on the Strip, Resorts World Las Vegas continues to raise the bar in immersive guest experiences, operational flexibility and future-proof infrastructure, making Visionary a natural long-term partner.

  • Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series Provides Future-Proof AV-over-IP for the James A. Byrne United States Courthouse

    Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series Provides Future-Proof AV-over-IP for the James A. Byrne United States Courthouse

    The James A. Byrne United States Courthouse, located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, is a well-known federal courthouse that houses the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Overlooking the historic Independence National Park, the courthouse was constructed between 1970 and 1975, blending modern architecture with its iconic surroundings. Opened in 1975, the building serves as a hub for the federal judiciary system in the region.

    The James A. Byrne Courthouse faced a challenging situation with 50 courtrooms, each outfitted with different audiovisual products and manufacturers. This lack of standardization among audiovisual systems made it nearly impossible to determine the specific equipment in each room. Additionally, much of the technology was outdated and failing. As a result, the Pennsylvania Eastern District began to evaluate the next iteration of courtroom technology. A significant amount of time was dedicated to product research to identify a unified ecosystem that could be implemented moving forward.

    “I prioritized finding stable, long-lasting products for our AV systems,” said Michael Corkery, Director of Information Technology for the District Court. “Initially, we considered another manufacturer, but supply chain shortages forced us to explore alternatives. During this search, I connected with Visionary. Their PacketAV Matrix Series claims of low Power-over-Ethernet draw and minimal bandwidth consumption initially seemed almost too good to be true. Visionary’s devices operate at just seven to 10 watts, which would significantly reduce the strain on our power draw requirements. Additionally, Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series consumes only 200 Mbps and I’ve seen it settle in as low as 80 Mbps, a critical factor when evaluating bandwidth needs across our production network.”

    Corkery added, “Our goal was to adopt a fully converged model utilizing existing infrastructure. After testing Visionary’s demo kit and monitoring energy usage and our network, it became clear that the PacketAV Matrix Series was the right fit. To cap it all off, Lewis Eig [Director of Business Development for Visionary] organized a tour of Lincoln Financial Stadium, where I had the opportunity to meet their lead AV engineer. Seeing Visionary’s solutions in action at such a large-scale venue solidified my confidence in our decision. I approached this project with complete vendor neutrality and Visionary earned its place solely on its technical merits. As a result, we equipped six courtrooms in 12 months with the PacketAV Matrix Series, and the results have been outstanding.”

    At the James A. Byrne United States Courthouse, a typical courtroom design includes a prosecution table, a defense table and occasionally a third table for additional attorneys or U.S. attorneys. The jury box typically features eight to 10 monitors, each equipped with Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series decoder. At the attorney tables, there are two monitors per table, resulting in a total of six PacketAV Matrix Series decoders, along with source devices. Additionally, the system incorporates a wireless presentation solution connected to an encoder and a large display in the gallery, often an 86-inch monitor. In the initial courtroom installation, an MV4 Multiviewer was implemented, with plans now underway to upgrade to MV5 Multiviewers. The system is designed for scalability and longevity, achieved through close collaboration with Visionary.

    “In June of 2024, we received our first MV5 Multiviewer and are integrated it into the new courtroom,” explained Corkery. “We’re currently working on the third of the six initial courtrooms and plan to make another purchase later this year. Our goal is to upgrade 25 courtrooms over a five-year timeline, starting December of 2023. Our rapid implementation plan is designed to address our outdated systems by upgrading five courtrooms per year over the next five years. This overhaul is critical, as we’ve encountered issues with faulty equipment disrupting trials. These upgrades will not only enhance reliability but also future-proof our courtrooms for years to come.”

    Visionary is known for its outstanding customer support and commitment to building strong partnerships. The company consistently goes the extra mile to ensure customers feel supported, providing hands-on guidance and proactive communication. Corkery highlights this commitment, sharing, “The support from Visionary’s team has been outstanding. While I try not to bother Lewis too much, he’s always proactive – regularly texting, calling and checking in to ensure everything is running smoothly. Chuck Larson [Director of Training and Support for Visionary] has also been an invaluable resource, offering technical guidance that has made our collaboration seamless. Initially, there was some back-and-forth communication, but as I became more involved and took the lead, the process became much more streamlined. Working with Visionary’s pre-sales and technical teams has been a real pleasure. It’s a stark contrast to my experiences with larger companies.”

    Visionary’s MV5 Multiviewer supports 4K60 4:4:4 video output, ensuring crystal-clear visuals that meet the most demanding modern AV standards. With a range of default presets – including quad view, side-by-side, full screen, and picture-in-picture – alongside customizable layouts, the MV5 offers unparalleled flexibility. The MV5 boasts zero frame loss during transitions, ensuring seamless, uninterrupted video playback, while its ability to encode and stream combined video outputs to PacketAV Matrix 5 Series Decoders guarantees streamlined integration.

    Visionary’s 5 Series is the latest evolution of Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series endpoints, featuring 4K60 4:4:4 1GbE encoders and decoders. It introduces a suite of advanced features, including support for 4K60 4:4:4 video, isochronous USB over IP for extending webcams, and a full-motion MJPEG substream for remote monitoring. Engineered to meet the growing needs of the professional AV market, Visionary’s 5 Series offers unmatched performance, reliability, and versatility.

  • Visionary and Extreme Networks Streamline AV Network Deployment and Management with Extreme Fabric Integration

    Visionary and Extreme Networks Streamline AV Network Deployment and Management with Extreme Fabric Integration

    Visionary and Extreme Networks have teamed up to simplify AV network deployment by integrating Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series with Extreme’s Fabric solution. This groundbreaking collaboration automates device configuration, eliminating the manual setup of VLANs, QoS, and security settings. With Extreme Fabric Attach, Visionary AV devices instantly connect and configure themselves, reducing setup time, improving security, and enhancing network reliability—ideal for large-scale environments like universities, corporate campuses, and entertainment venues.

    Already deployed in major Las Vegas resorts with thousands of endpoints, this integration allows AV teams to quickly scale and adapt to changing needs. Whether adding new displays for major events or expanding AV systems across a facility, the process is now seamless and efficient. This partnership sets a new industry benchmark for AV-over-IP networking, making AV management smarter, faster, and more resilient.

    Visionary, a global leader in AV-over-IP solutions, has joined forces with Extreme Networks, a leader in AI-powered automation for networking, to deliver an integration of Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series with Extreme’s network Fabric solution. This industry-first collaboration simplifies AV network deployment and management, setting a new standard for scalability and efficiency in professional AV environments.

    Extreme Fabric is the industry’s only end-to-end, automated, and secure network fabric solution that automates and streamlines the configuration of devices on a network. In traditional setups, IT administrators must manually configure network settings such as VLANs, QoS, and traffic priorities for each device, which can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially in large-scale deployments. Extreme Fabric Attach, a feature within Extreme Fabric, eliminates these manual steps by enabling devices to automatically announce their requirements to the network. The network then dynamically provisions these devices with the correct settings, ensuring secure and optimized connectivity. For organizations managing complex environments such as universities, enterprise campuses, or large entertainment venues, this translates to significant time savings, reduced administrative overhead, increased security and enhanced reliability for AV systems.

    While Extreme Fabric has proven effective in other industries, Visionary is the first to bring this capability to professional AV endpoints. The integration of Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series with Extreme Fabric is revolutionizing how AV endpoints are deployed and managed. Here are some tangible benefits:

    • Plug-and-Play Deployment: Visionary endpoints connect seamlessly to the network, with Extreme Fabric Attach automatically assigning them to the appropriate VLANs or service paths. This reduces setup time and complexity.
    • Dynamic Flexibility: In environments like large Las Vegas resorts, where displays and AV devices are frequently moved or added for events, the integration allows devices to be operational almost instantly, enhancing responsiveness to large-scale events.
    • Enhanced Security and Performance: Extreme Fabric segments AV traffic from other network data, ensuring high-priority handling of critical audio and video streams while safeguarding against unauthorized access.
    • Scalable Growth: As facilities expand, new Visionary endpoints can be effortlessly integrated into the network without extensive reconfiguration.

    Technology West Group, led by owner Richard Reisig, has successfully deployed Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series with Extreme Networks’ Fabric across three major resort properties on the Las Vegas Strip. These implementations span nearly 3,000 endpoints, including displays and AV devices used for events, conventions and everyday operations. During special events like March Madness, properties deployed over 200 additional displays across their venues. With Extreme Fabric Attach, staff could simply connect the displays to the network and they were automatically configured and operational within minutes. This level of flexibility and efficiency is critical in dynamic environments where demands change rapidly.

    “Richard’s vision and expertise were instrumental in this integration,” said Scott Freshman, COO of Visionary. “He recognized the potential of Extreme Fabric for our deployments and brought the concept to our team. From there, our engineers collaborated with Extreme Networks to bring this idea to life. This partnership has not only transformed AV network management but has also set a new benchmark for the industry.”

    The collaboration between Visionary and Extreme Networks is an advancement for the audiovisual industry. By integrating Visionary’s high-performance AV-over-IP endpoints with the automation and provisioning capabilities of Extreme Fabric, organizations gain an efficient, secure, and scalable solution. This integration is particularly impactful in environments where AV requirements change frequently, such as corporate campuses, universities and entertainment venues.

    “This integration will set a new standard for seamless and efficient integration between AV and IT. AV systems are critically important for event experiences but can become time-consuming to manage, especially in environments with rapidly changing needs like entertainment venues and universities. With Visionary’s AV-over-IP integrated with Extreme Fabric, organizations with even the most complex AV systems will be able to eliminate hours of manual configuration time while improving performance and increasing security,” said Dan DeBacker, SVP of Product Management, Extreme Networks.

    Freshman added, “This integration represents a significant step forward for the professional audiovisual industry. By combining Visionary’s AV-over-IP technology with Extreme Fabric, we’re not just simplifying installations – we’re setting the stage for smarter, more resilient AV networks. No other company in ProAV has the networking expertise to achieve this level of integration, and we’re proud to lead the industry into a new era.”

  • Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series Powers an Engaging Guest Experience On Board Circle Line

    Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series Powers an Engaging Guest Experience On Board Circle Line

    Circle Line, the only cruise company dedicated to sightseeing in the New York Harbor, offers a front-row seat to New York City’s most iconic landmarks. Established in 1945, Circle Line has hosted over 80 million passengers on their cruises. Today, Circle Line has the most modern fleet in the industry, featuring state-of-the-art boats showcasing the city’s most well-known landmarks, including the Hudson Yards, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

    Circle Line is invested in providing tourists with a comfortable and relaxing cruise. Passengers can sit back, relax, and enjoy breathtaking views of the city’s skyline with unparalleled views on the outdoor deck through huge panoramic views in temperature-controlled indoor cabins. To enhance the experience, Circle Line has standardized audiovisual technology to provide an engaging experience that compliments their award-winning tour guides narrating every detail along the route.

    Audio Video Solutions NJ LLC (AVS)., a New Jersey-based residential and commercial audiovisual solutions provider, was selected to engineer and integrate the audiovisual technology aboard Circle Line. Audio Visual Solutions brings two decades of experience designing, installing, and servicing audio, video, and control systems for many well-known and dynamic brands, including La Prairie, McDonald’s, Phillips 66, SoulCycle, Steelcase and Vince.

    “The project with Circle Line began as a test case,” said David Slavitt, president of AVS. “Circle Line did not have any prior form of distributed audio or video to enhance their passenger experience. They wanted to integrate audiovisual technology for digital signage that promotes their brand and provides entertainment while passengers are on the boat.”

    Mr. Slavitt added, “Initially, we started the project on a single ship, but have recently completed our second ship. On the first deck, we integrated four monitors on the ship’s walls. We added a single 86-inch monitor on the second deck. Each of the displays has multiple sources, including two PCs, which are connected to Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series. One of the PCs is dedicated to the onboard CCTV cameras. Specifically, the cameras can broadcast the sightseeing destinations and views from outside. This is particularly useful if there’s inclement weather and the passengers are sitting inside the ship. Additionally, we integrated HDMI inputs for entertainment, advertising, or any other additional information they want to share with the passengers. The system is incredibly flexible with the content that can be distributed and shared.”

    AVS implemented Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series, including seven decoders, four encoders and one wall plate encoder on each ship. The system is designed to control various video sources, live camera views and digital signage for the multitude of displays. The PacketAV Wall Plate Encoder provides Bluetooth connectivity for seamless audio distribution. Audio Visual Solutions leveraged network-based technology through the PacketAV Matrix Series for seamless audio and video distribution across multiple decks onboard the ship while eliminating additional cabling infrastructure requirements.

    “The goal was to enhance the passenger experience significantly,” noted Mr. Slavitt. “Circle Line wanted to engage with tourists beyond speaking to them throughout the tour. Simultaneously, the user experience was important, too. They wanted to create a simple and seamless audiovisual solution for the crew to interact with the passengers. Through the control system, we’ve created a complete audiovisual system that meets their goals and expectations. It’s simple to use, yet impactful for the passengers.”

    Mr. Slavitt added, “Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series was an integral component to the simplicity of the audiovisual system. We’ve worked with the PacketAV Matrix Series in the past. It’s very flexible and easy to work with, yet it provides a reliable solution. Overall, the customer is thrilled with the system. They plan to standardize the system and integrate it into the rest of their fleet over the next year or two.”

    The PacketAV Matrix Series is a cinema-quality, ultra-low latency encoder and decoder solution designed to bypass the constraints of traditional matrix distribution systems. The PacketAV Matrix Series supports USB 2.0 over IP and can be deployed on any industry-standard IP network by harnessing the flexibility and scalability of converged IP networks. Utilizing existing network resources, the encoders and decoders can be rapidly deployed, enabling cost-effective distribution of multi-channel Dante/AES67 audio and video over IP.

  • Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series Empowers Interoperability for California-Based Union Hall

    Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series Empowers Interoperability for California-Based Union Hall

    Unions allow workers to negotiate collectively with employers over wages, benefits, workplace health and safety, job training and other work-related issues. They represent a variety of workplaces, including multinational corporations, small manufacturers, state and local governments, colleges and universities, hospitals and private non-profit organizations. Unions gather routinely in union halls to discuss innovative partnerships with employers and negotiate industry-leading wages and benefits for its members.

    Young Electric and Communications, a California-based electrical contractor, was selected to provide design and build services, including AV, data, access control and security, at a local union hall. “We partnered with Skyline Construction, CBF Electric, Kenmark, Modus Designs, CRI Furniture, Woodtech and others to complete a new office build-out,” said Jerry Richardson, CTS-D, AV manager for Young Electric and Communications. “We provide white-glove, boutique integration services. Our focus is on technical integrations with various conference rooms, all-hands spaces, training rooms, and, in this case, an auditorium and boardroom.”

    Richardson added, “The client’s previous system was challenging and unreliable. We needed to create a consistent solution that provided a simplified user experience. They only utilize the space once a month, particularly for union hall meetings, requiring a solution with an easy user experience.”

    Young Electric and Communications integrated a 3×3 Planar video wall flanked by two 86” displays in the main hall. The room includes QSC Q-SYS with audio and routing control of the video sources to create a Zoom Room experience. Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series was selected for AV over IP video distribution throughout the main hall. The integration was replicated in the boardroom, including a 98” display, Q-SYS with Zoom integration and Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series to create a cohesive and seamless experience throughout the union hall.

    “Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series is very interoperable and supports various forms of Q-SYS integration, which simplifies our integrations,” explained Richardson. “We ultimately selected Visionary because of the interoperability with QSC, but we have been using their technology for quite some time. Our manufacturer’s rep, The Farm AV, introduced us to Visionary’s technology.”

    Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series provides real-time transport of audio and video over IP networks. It supports current technology standards, including Dante, AES67, H.264 and others. Visionary’s interoperability with Q-SYS provides a consistent audio, video and control experience and enables users to optimize their Q-SYS systems to the needs of each unique space.

    “Visionary checks all of the boxes,” noted Richardson. “Their price point is competitive. The quality of their solutions is fantastic. The solutions are interoperable with Q-SYS. Most importantly, the technical features, such as the video quality, low latency, stability and reliability, are first-rate.”

    Richardson added, “We’ve found that Visionary is unique – They understand how their products are being used. There are a lot of manufacturers that are not in tune with how their technology is being integrated. We’ve never had any issues with Visionary. Their technical support team is very responsive and helpful.”

    The result was successful at all levels. The new system significantly increased collaboration and connection for Young Electric and Communications’ clients. Richardson explains, “The end user loves the solution. The entire boardroom and auditorium functions as a Zoom Room. From the end user’s perspective, it’s a seamless experience. They can enter the room, hit a button and easily start the meeting. From their perspective, it’s straightforward.”

    Visionary’s 4K UHD over IP PacketAV Matrix Series encoders and decoders redefine traditional switch matrix systems to create a flexible, scalable, cinema-quality solution for IP networks. The PacketAV Matrix Series offers ultra-low latency with unlimited distribution capabilities. Utilizing existing network resources, the encoders and decoders can be rapidly deployed to enable cost-effective distribution of multi-channel Dante/AES67 audio and video over IP.