The transition from SDI-based systems to IP-based media workflows is transforming the broadcast and production industry. For independent software vendors (ISVs)—solution developers creating media products—this evolution brings both opportunities and challenges. The landscape of AV-over-IP protocols—NDI, SMPTE ST 2110, SRT, WebRTC, HLS, and others—requires ISVs to make strategic decisions about protocol support. Seamless compatibility with modern IP infrastructures determines your product’s performance, marketability, and future readiness.
Key AV Media IP Protocols and Standards ISVs Should Know
SMPTE ST 2110
The industry standard for uncompressed video, audio, and metadata transport over IP in professional broadcast settings. It delivers high-quality, low-latency media but requires significant bandwidth and precise synchronization.
NDI (Network Device Interface)
Optimized for local network environments, NDI delivers high-quality, low-latency media. It’s ideal for live production and interactive workflows but is sensitive to network congestion. Developed by NewTek, NDI relies on a robust infrastructure to avoid dropped frames and degraded quality.
SRT (Secure Reliable Transport)
An open-source protocol designed for reliable, low-latency video streaming over unpredictable networks, including the public internet. SRT includes error correction mechanisms, which may add slight latency but ensure stream stability across long distances.
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication)
Designed for real-time, peer-to-peer media applications like conferencing and browser-based streaming. WebRTC supports adaptive bitrate, NAT traversal, and encryption, making it ideal for low-latency, secure communication over the web.
HLS (HTTP Live Streaming)
Apple’s adaptive streaming protocol for internet distribution. HLS is widely supported across devices and platforms, making it ideal for VOD and live broadcasting to web and mobile audiences. However, it is not designed for real-time interaction.
Comparing Protocols for Real-Time, Broadcast, and Internet-Based Applications
| ST2110 | NDI | SRT | WebRTC | HLS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Latency |
Ultra low (real-time) |
Low (sub-frame) |
Low to moderate |
Very low (sub-second) |
High (10-30s typical) |
|
Compression |
Uncompressed (base), compressed optional |
Visually lossless |
Compressed |
Compressed (VP8/9, H.264, Opus) |
Compressed |
|
Primary Use Case |
Broadcast-grade production & distribution |
Local IP video/audio workflows |
Secure, reliable streaming over internet |
Real-time communication (P2P/browser) |
Scalable video delivery to many clients |
|
Transport Type |
RTP over IP, multicast |
UDP-based, multicast/unicast |
UDP with FEC and ARQ |
UDP (SRTP, ICE, DTLS) |
HTTP over TCP
|
|
Network Conditions |
Requires stable, high-bandwidth |
Designed for unpredictable WAN |
Requires managed networks |
Optimized for internet, dynamic |
Works on all networks |
|
Device Discovery |
NMOS |
Built-in via mDNS |
Manual or custom |
Automatic (ICE/STUN/TURN) |
N/A |
|
Open/Proprietary |
Open Standard (SMPTE) |
Proprietary (Vizrt)
|
Open Source (Haivision) |
Open Standard (W3C/IETF) |
Open Standard (Apple) |
|
Typical Applications |
Broadcast plants, master control, professional grade workflows |
Live video production, switchers, local studio systems |
Remote contribution, IP video delivery |
Video calls, conferencing, browser-based live apps |
OTT streaming, VOD, large-scale internet distribution |
Other Relevant Protocols for Supplementary Use Cases
NMOS (Networked Media Open Specifications)
A companion to ST 2110, NMOS simplifies device discovery, registration, and connection management—crucial for automating workflows in large-scale IP environments.
IPMX (IP Media Experience)
Built on ST 2110 but tailored for broader applications, including ProAV and live events. Easier to implement for non-broadcast use cases.
AES67
An interoperability standard for audio-over-IP, bridging proprietary audio protocols like Dante and Ravenna, commonly used in both live and studio environments.
Dante
A widely adopted proprietary protocol for professional audio networking, valued for its low latency and extensive ecosystem.
NTP (Network Time Protocol)
Essential for clock synchronization in IP AV workflows, often serving as a backup to Precision Time Protocol (PTP) when lower precision is acceptable.
MPEG-DASH
An open-source, codec-agnostic alternative to HLS, widely used in OTT and video-on-demand platforms.
RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol)
A legacy protocol still used in first-mile contribution workflows, though declining in favor of newer technologies.
Choosing the Right Protocol: Key Considerations
When selecting media protocols for your application, consider:
-
Codec Compatibility
Does the protocol support the required video and audio formats? -
Licensing & Costs
Open-source vs. proprietary protocols can impact development costs and flexibility. -
Latency Requirements
Real-time applications demand ultra-low latency solutions. -
Scalability
Will the protocol efficiently handle multiple streams and large audiences? -
Target Platforms
Ensure compatibility with the devices and platforms your users rely on. -
Use Case Scalability
Match protocol capabilities to specific needs—live events, VOD, conferencing, or monitoring.
Implementation Challenges for ISVs
Supporting multiple protocols introduces several engineering complexities:
-
Interoperability
Proprietary and open standards often require additional development to function together. -
Network Performance
Optimizing applications for high-throughput, low-latency media delivery under varying network conditions. -
Compliance & Certification
Protocols like ST 2110 require rigorous testing and certification, potentially slowing down development cycles. -
Real-Time Demands
Efficient software and hardware acceleration are essential for maintaining low latency.
Best Practices for ISVs
To successfully integrate media protocols, ISVs should:
-
Adopt a Modular Architecture
Design protocol support as interchangeable modules to simplify future updates. -
Leverage Official SDKs & APIs
Utilize vendor-supplied tools for faster integration and improved stability. -
Test for Real-World Conditions
Simulate network variability to ensure performance consistency. -
Be Cloud-Ready
Design applications for virtualized environments and remote workflows.
Why Protocol Support Is Complex
Different protocols present unique challenges:
-
Bandwidth vs. Latency
ST 2110 ensures top-tier quality but requires high bandwidth, while NDI and Dante balance compression and latency. -
Device Discovery
NMOS simplifies device management but adds integration complexity. -
Synchronization
PTP is crucial for ST 2110 and AES67, requiring careful network configuration.
Why This Matters to Your Business
By understanding these core and supporting protocols, ISVs can position themselves to build flexible, performant, and future-proof solutions for the evolving IP media landscape.
Supporting a robust set of AV media protocols is more than a technical requirement—it’s a competitive advantage. It enables:
-
Seamless Integration
Broadcasters prefer solutions that fit into their existing workflows. -
Market Differentiation
Wider protocol support increases your product’s appeal. -
Futureproofing:
A flexible protocol layer ensures adaptability as standards evolve.
Partnering for Protocol Success
Given the complexity of AV-over-IP standards, many ISVs benefit from working with experienced technology partners who offer:
-
Up-to-Date Standards Knowledge
Keeping pace with evolving specifications and certifications. -
Optimized Implementations
Streamlining integration to reduce development time. -
Expert Support
Assistance with debugging, performance tuning, and network optimization.
Why Choose Xperity?
At Xperity, we specialize in AV-over-IP solutions, helping ISVs navigate the intricate world of media transport protocols. Our expertise includes:
-
Deep Technical Knowledge
Our engineers have hands-on experience with SMPTE ST 2110, NDI, AES67, and more. -
Custom Integration Solutions
We tailor implementations to fit your product’s needs, ensuring seamless compatibility. -
Performance Optimization
We fine-tune your application to deliver the best possible latency, bandwidth efficiency, and scalability. -
End-to-End Support
From initial protocol selection to deployment and maintenance, we guide you every step of the way.
Conclusion
In an industry where interoperability and performance determine success, partnering with Xperity ensures your media applications stay ahead of the curve.
Contact Xperity to get started today!
