Uncompressed, zero-latency AV-over-IP is the future of audio/video (AV) signal distribution. And it’s here now. BlueRiver® technology has forever changed the dynamics of the Pro AV industry by letting installers and OEMs replace proprietary AV matrix switches with off-the-shelf Ethernet networks that deliver dramatically better price/performance, flexibility and scalability.

Wherever you see zero-latency, uncompressed 4K streaming advertised, there’s sure to be BlueRiver technology inside. Semtech’re enabling end-to-end systems for AV and keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) signal extension, IP-based switching, video wall and multi-view applications from dozens of manufacturers. And we’re providing unique support for HDMI 2.0a, HDR, high-fidelity video scaling, windowing and audio downmixing.

Using a synchronous, packet-based architecture for pixel transmission, BlueRiver chipsets can extend and independently switch video, audio, gigabit Ethernet, and other control signals through off-the-shelf Ethernet switches. Replacing custom AV matrix switches with standard networking hardware cuts the cost and size of equipment by 60% while eliminating R&D costs, reducing time-to-market, and lowering inventory risk. BlueRiver chipsets are easily integrated into OEM designs for AV/KVM extension and AV/KVM switching. Ready-to-manufacture reference designs are available for qualified customers.

Semtech is a founding member of the SDVoE Alliance.

BlueRiver®

The award-winning BlueRiver platform is designed from the ground up to efficiently and cost-effectively address all the requirements of the Pro AV market. It lets manufacturers create complete AV-over-IP product lines at a variety of price points.

BlueRiver AV-over-IP chipsets are the world’s only chipsets to transport uncompressed, zero-latency Ultra HD/4K HDR over standard Ethernet and are the foundation for Software Defined Video Over Ethernet (SDVoE™) technology.

BlueRiver 1000-series delivers high-performance switching and distribution of AV content – up to true 4K60. It meets all the requirements of a Pro AV matrix switch or KVM, including the ability to transport HDMI 2.0b signals with HDR, stereo or multichannel audio, and control signals including IR, RS-232, and USB.

BlueRiver 2000-series includes all of the functionality of BlueRiver 1000-series, but adds the BlueRiver AV Processor. BlueRiver AV Processor provides broadcast-quality image scaling, multi-source video compositing, video wall processing (cropping) with bezel correction, bitmap overlay, and audio down-mixing.

Legacy FPGA-based BlueRiver NT products can generate standard RTP thumbnail source preview streams for decoding and display on standard platforms such as PCs and tablets. The new ASIC implementations, AVP, delivers BlueRiver technology at a fraction of the power consumption, allowing for greater industrial design flexibility.

Endpoints created using BlueRiver chipsets are fully compatible, and are all controlled via the BlueRiver API. Manufacturers who combine BlueRiver variants are able to offer system designers a broad toolkit to create efficient and cost-effective networks using only the functionality required at each node. Such networks are ideal for deployments in education, healthcare, enterprise, entertainment, esports, hospitality, retail, houses of worship, government, military, industry, and security – wherever the need for uncompromised zero-latency 4K video arises.

AVX Extenders

Pushing the envelope on multimedia connectivity between AV equipment and remote displays, AVX simultaneously transmits uncompressed-quality 4K video, multi-channel audio, Gigabit Ethernet, USB, and other control signals over copper category cabling or optical fiber.

The flagship AVX200T device offers unprecedented levels of performance for AV extension applications, such as standalone point-to-point cable extenders, matrix switches and KVM extension. As the Pro AV industry moves to optical fiber infrastructure for many applications, the AVX200T uniquely targets long reach extension, providing transport over fiber from distances of 300m to over 40km.

The AVX200T is positioned to replace existing AV extension technologies with a new generation of fiber-based products for true long reach performance at cost points lower than the existing copper-based solutions. The device provides the industry’s first true bidirectional HDMI connectivity over fiber, enabling a new class of products which can dramatically reduce both product and system costs.

The AVX200T includes a powerful AV processing engine which provides broadcast quality scaling, allowing end-points to match the source video to the connected display. The chipset lowers system cost by reducing the number of devices required, and removing the need to use costly FPGA and image scaling devices. The device consumes less than 2.5W with fiber connectivity, compared to existing technologies in the 6 to 8W range. Additionally, the AVX200T provides a fully integrated USB-HID interface, enabling highly integrated low cost products for KVM applications.

The AVX series includes the interoperable copper-only AVX100, for low cost cable extension over new and existing category copper cables.

AVX series features include:

Extension of audio, video, Gigabit Ethernet and control signals between AV equipment

Up to 550m range over multimode fiber and 40+ km range over single mode fiber*

Transceiver capability for bidirectional video on a single cable*

Broadcast quality scaling, color space conversion and frame rate conversion*

Video wall processing with bezel correction*

Audio down-mixing engine from multi-channel PCM audio to stereo*

Full range of formats including 4K/60 RGB 4:4:4, HDR, 3D & broadcast friendly 4K/60 10-bit 4:2:2

HDMI audio embedding, de-embedding and breakaway

Integrated USB-HID, RS-232, Infrared, GPIO, and CEC

Support for NBaseT data rates at 2.5Gbps, 5Gbps and 10Gbps with PoE using compatible PHY

Up to 100m range with 10GBaseT over Cat-6a and 200m when operating at 2.5GBaseT

Less than 0.1 milliseconds latency at maximum cable reach

*AVX200T only.

The AVX ASIC can be integrated into products such as AV transmitters, AV receivers, AV matrix switchers, presentation switchers, video wall controllers, and other AV equipment to address a variety of market applications including AV/KVM extension, AV/KVM matrix switching and video wall systems. Unlike incumbent technologies, each AVX chipset is configurable as a transmitter or receiver (AVX100), or as a transmitter and receiver (AVX200T), greatly simplifying procurement and supply chain management.

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