Building Hybrid AV Workflows: Transitioning from HDMI and SDI to AV over IP

The future of professional video production is increasingly connected through IP-based technology. As broadcast facilities, corporate AV teams, educational institutions, and live production professionals modernize their systems, AV over IP offers new ways to connect equipment, improve flexibility, and build scalable production environments.

But transitioning from traditional HDMI and SDI systems to IP-based production doesn't have to happen all at once. Hybrid AV workflows allow organizations to combine existing equipment with modern IP technologies, creating flexible systems that support current needs while preparing for future growth.

During Day 3 of the AV over IP Summit 2026, industry experts explore how to choose the right technologies, integrate existing equipment, build hybrid broadcast and Pro AV systems, and extend production capabilities beyond traditional facilities.

What Are Hybrid AV Workflows?

Hybrid AV workflows combine traditional video and audio connections with network-based technologies to move signals between cameras, production equipment, displays, streaming platforms, and remote locations.

Rather than replacing an entire infrastructure, organizations can incorporate IP-based connectivity into existing HDMI and SDI workflows.

This approach allows production teams to modernize at their own pace while maintaining compatibility with established equipment and processes.

Hybrid AV systems can support applications such as:

• Live broadcast and multi-camera video production

• Corporate AV and conference room systems

• Educational video production and lecture capture

• Live streaming and remote production

• Sports production and venue-wide video distribution

• Large-scale AV installations and networked media systems

Moving from Traditional HDMI and SDI to IP-Based Production

HDMI and SDI remain important connections in professional video production. However, IP-based workflows offer additional flexibility when distributing video across larger facilities, multiple production spaces, and remote locations.

AV over IP allows video and audio signals to travel across network infrastructure, potentially reducing the need for dedicated point-to-point connections.

For organizations planning a transition, several considerations are important:

• Existing infrastructure: Determine which cameras, switchers, converters, displays, and other devices can remain part of the system.

• Network capabilities: Evaluate bandwidth, switching equipment, latency, and network configuration requirements.

• Compatibility: Identify which protocols and technologies work with the equipment already in place.

• Scalability: Plan for additional cameras, production locations, displays, and network endpoints as needs grow.

• Reliability: Design systems that support consistent signal transport and dependable production operations.

The right approach depends on the size of the installation, production requirements, available infrastructure, and long-term goals.

Choosing the Right AV over IP Technologies

There is no single AV over IP protocol that works for every application. Different technologies address different production requirements, and understanding their capabilities is essential when designing a hybrid system.

Some of the technologies shaping modern broadcast and Pro AV workflows include:

NDI

NDI enables video and audio signals to move across standard IP networks, making it useful for live production, streaming, remote video sources, and network-connected production equipment.

NDI can help production teams connect compatible cameras, computers, video systems, and software without relying exclusively on traditional video cabling.

SMPTE ST 2110

SMPTE ST 2110 is a suite of professional media transport standards designed for IP-based broadcast production.

It allows video, audio, and ancillary data to travel as separate streams over managed IP networks, supporting flexible and scalable broadcast infrastructure.

IPMX

IPMX (Internet Protocol Media Experience) is an open standard initiative designed to bring interoperability to professional AV over IP applications.

Based on technologies from the broadcast industry, IPMX aims to make it easier for professional AV equipment from different manufacturers to work together.

Dante

Dante is a widely used networking technology for professional audio distribution.

It allows audio signals to travel across IP networks, helping organizations simplify audio routing and connect microphones, mixers, processors, amplifiers, and other compatible equipment.

Each technology serves different purposes. Selecting the right combination depends on the specific requirements of the production or AV installation.

Integrating Existing Equipment into Modern AV Systems

One of the biggest challenges when upgrading a production facility is determining what to do with existing equipment.

A complete infrastructure replacement can be expensive and disruptive. Hybrid AV workflows provide an alternative by allowing organizations to incorporate IP-based devices while continuing to use compatible HDMI, SDI, and other established connections.

Converters, gateways, network interfaces, and compatible production hardware can help bridge traditional video systems and newer IP infrastructure.

This makes it possible to modernize individual parts of a workflow without requiring every component to be replaced simultaneously.

For system integrators and production engineers, planning interoperability from the beginning can help reduce complexity and make future upgrades easier.

Extending Production Beyond the Facility

IP-based production also creates opportunities to expand video workflows beyond a traditional production facility.

With the right network infrastructure and connectivity, teams can connect remote cameras, production locations, contributors, and control environments.

This flexibility is valuable for:

• Remote and distributed live production

• Sports and event coverage

• Multi-location corporate communications

• Remote contribution and video feeds

• Educational content and distance learning

• Centralized production operations

By incorporating network connectivity into production design, organizations can build workflows that are not limited to a single control room or physical location.

Building Scalable and Reliable AV over IP Workflows

A successful hybrid AV system requires more than selecting compatible equipment. Network design, system architecture, interoperability, and long-term scalability all play important roles.

Before implementing an AV over IP workflow, consider how the system will support future expansion, how devices will communicate, and how the network will handle the demands of professional video and audio transport.

Working with experienced AV and broadcast professionals can help organizations identify the right technologies and avoid unnecessary infrastructure changes.

Watch Day 3 of the AV over IP Summit 2026

How can broadcast and Pro AV professionals build flexible production environments without starting from scratch?

Day 3 of the AV over IP Summit 2026 explores the technologies and strategies behind hybrid AV workflows, including transitioning from HDMI and SDI to IP-based production, integrating existing equipment, and extending production to remote locations.

Watch the session to hear industry experts discuss practical approaches to designing scalable, reliable AV over IP systems.

Explore more from the AV over IP Summit 2026 and discover the technologies shaping the future of professional video production.