M U L T I C A S T

w w w . b l u s t r e a m . c o . u k

HDMI Over IP Technical Review

 HDMI OVER IP TECHNICAL REVIEW

Table Of Contents
Introduction 03
Multicast operational modes 04
Features 05
Why do we need HDMI over IP? 06
Network infrastructure 07
Why use Blustream Multicast over other methods of HDMI distribution?  08
Blustream Multicast hardware 08
Multicast installation case studies 09-10
Summary 11

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 HDMI OVER IP TECHNICAL REVIEW

A New Era
OF VIDEO DISTRIBUTION
4 K U H D V I D E O O V E R I P

Multicast UHD from Blustream delivers virtually latency free distribution of HDMI video over a 1GB Network
switch. Using lossless compression technology, Multicast delivers HDMI, IR and RS-232 up to lengths of 100m
over a single CAT cable.

The beauty of Multicast is its flexibility and ease of installation. The industry has been requesting a video over
IP solution that can be installed in minutes negating the need for any networking qualifications. Multicast
UHD has been developed in line with these objectives and is now ready to deliver a new era in advanced video
distribution.

Utilising existing CAT cable infrastructure

throughout a home, our solutions can transmit
4K resolutions to multiple displays with ease. No
longer must all sources be located in a central
location as per typical rack-based matrix solutions,
as the Multicast products allow sources to be
installed in any location throughout the home.

All the Multicast products require is a single CAT

cable to each Multicast product.

Our Multicast products have been tested and

approved for compatibility with all recognised
Residential manufacturers of TV displays and AV hardware.

Many commercial installations will far

exceed the capabilities of any standard
HDMI / HDBaseT distribution system.

The Blustream Multicast hardware is

not limited by the standard constraints
of other methods of distribution,
allowing thousands of Multicast source
and display hardware to be installed at
any location, across existing network
infrastructures that can be extended
over many Kilometres.

Commercial

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 HDMI OVER IP TECHNICAL REVIEW

M U L T I C A S T

Multicast UHD Has 4 Operational Modes

The Blustream Multicast video distribution platform has 4 operational modes meaning the
technology can be used to solve many different AV distribution application requirements.

Matrix distribution with unlimited Video wall presentation

configuration options (Requires 1GB network switch) (Feature possible with or without network switch)

One-to-one HDMI extender One-to-many HDMI distribution

(No network switch required) (No network switch required)

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 HDMI OVER IP TECHNICAL REVIEW

U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E

Technology
V I D E O
Distribute HDMI video over IP via Virtually latency free (1 frame)
traditional network infrastructure distribution delivers flawless image

O
IP
V E R
allowing for virtually limitless source
devices and display devices to be ZERO
L AT E N C Y
quality regardless of how many
display devices are in the system.
connected.

HDCP2.2 is the next generation of A 4K screen has four times the

copy protection required to allow number of pixels than a Full HD 1080p
HDCP 2.2 the playback of the latest 4K source display so the clarity of the image is far
media. superior and more detailed.

Power over Ethernet allows you to HDR (or High Dynamic Range) expands
power the Transmitter and Receivers the ability of a display to show a wider
PoE via the LAN switch, removing the HDR and richer range of colours, much
need for a local power supply at each brighter whites, and much darker
location. blacks (10 bit).

HDMI carries both HD video and Compatible with the latest high
audio. Extract the audio element of
HD
definition audio resolutions. HD
AAUDIO
U D I O the HDMI signal to feed into your audio featured on many sources is
B R E A K O U T home stereo / audio system for a A U D I O supported in formats such as Dolby
better quality sound experience. Digital and DTS.

Bi-directional RS-232 and IR pass Built in high quality video scaling

through allows seamless control of AV ensures your display devices receive a
yy devices anywhere in the system. video signal in their native resolution,
BI-DIRECTIONAL
CONTROL
VIDEO ensuring the best picture quality
SCALING
available to all dsiplays.

With the ability to add a transmitter Multiple display devices can be made

+1 or receiver at any location or at any

time, the system is both flexible and
scalable to meet any demanding
requirement.
V I D E O WA L L
into a single video wall array to allow
for the viewing of one large media
image across multiple screens.

Utilising advanced visually lossless Extended Display Identification Data.

y

compression algorithms, no picture When a source is connected to a screen a

EDID
y

or audio quality is sacrificed, allowing digital ‘handshake’ occurs. This handshake

the viewing experience to remain true ensures that your screen displays your
COMPRESSION
to the source. media with the best possible video and
audio quality available.

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 HDMI OVER IP TECHNICAL REVIEW

Why Do We Need HDMI Over IP?

Increase In Video Bandwidth
With the demands of some 4K UHD content, HDR enabled display devices and higher resolution audio formats,
the bandwidth requirements of HDMI are ever increasing. Current HDMI cable technologies struggle to transmit
this high bandwidth over even modest distances without large signal losses. Technology is therefore required
to distribute HDMI signals up to 100 meters. Utilising robust network infrastructure, CAT cabling and traditional
IP and Multicast protocols allows convenient and cost effective distribution of HDMI signals.

FORMAT RESOLUTION FRAMES/SEC CLOCK VBLANK HBLANK COLOUR DATA RATE

720p 1280x720 60 74.25 MHz 30 370 8-bit 4:2:0 2.22 Gbps

1080i 1920x1080 60i 74.25 MHz 45 280 8-bit 4:2:0 2.22 Gbps
1080p/24 1920x1080 24 74.25 MHz 45 830 8-bit 4:2:0 2.22 Gbps
1080p/60 1920x1080 60 148.5 MHz 45 280 8-bit 4:2:0 4.45 Gbps
1080p/24 3D 1920x1080 24 (x2) 148.5 MHz 45 830 8-bit 4:2:0 4.45 Gbps
2160p/24 3840x2160 24 297 MHz 90 1660 8-bit 4:2:0 8.91 Gbps
2160p/30 3840x2160 30 297 MHz 90 560 8-bit 4:4:4 8.91 Gbps
2160p/60 3840x2160 60 297 MHz 90 560 8-bit 4:2:0 8.91 Gbps
2160p/60 3840x2160 60 148.5MHz 90 560 10-bit 4:2:0 11.14 Gbps
2160p/60 3840x2160 60 148.5MHz 90 560 12-bit 4:2:0 13.37 Gbps
2160p/60 3840x2160 60 148.5 MHz 90 1120 8-bit 4:4:4 17.82 Gbps
2160p/60 3840x2160 60 148.5MHz 90 1120 10-bit 4:4:4 22.28 Gbps

The above chart shows the bandwidth requirements for sending HDMI signals without any compression. The
bandwidth requirements are the same whether using HDMI or CAT cables for signal distribution.
High-speed HDMI cables will support full 4K 8-bit 4:4:4 (18 Gbps) up to distances of approx 7m. Longer cables
are not capable of transmitting higher bandwidths without electronic components present inside the cable.
HDBaseT can support up to 4K 60Hz 8-bit 4:2:0 and 4K 30Hz 8-bit 4:4:4. HDBaseT will not support 4K 60Hz 10-bit
4:4:4 (18 Gbps). HDBaseT signal is only point-to-point.
Blustream Multicast distribution supports 4K 60Hz 10-bit 4:2:0 and 4K 30Hz 8-bit 4:4:4 but the video uses
advanced compression technology meaning that cable bandwidth requirements are less than 1Gbps!

System Size
Utilising network hardware removes many limitations of traditional matrix configurations. No longer are you
limited in system size due to the number of inputs/outputs imposed by traditional matrices, rather the network
infrastructure dictates the maximum number of inputs/outputs, with an imposed limit of 64,516 devices (IP
address limitations).

Cabling Distance Limitations

Alternate methods of HDMI distribution using CAT cables are limited to 100m, but a network infrastructure
allows multiple network switches to be joined using fibre cable links. With fibre cable distribution it is now
possible to distribute 4K HDMI over kilometers.

Hardware Cost
Previous methods of HDMI distribution become expensive when system sizes grow larger than 8x sources
and 8x displays. The Blustream Multicast solution is a cost effective solution, especially when quoting large
commercial applications.

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 HDMI OVER IP TECHNICAL REVIEW

Network Infrastructure
The heart of the system revolves around network infrastructure. Nearly any Layer 3 (L3) Managed Gigabit network
switch can be used but most support the following features:

• Layer 3 Switching – Layer 3 switches inspect incoming packets and make dynamic routing decisions based
on the source and destination addresses inside. Utilising hardware to carry out switching improves switching
throughput and performance (as opposed to slow software based switching), they can also reduce the amount
of broadcast traffic, improving network speed and efficiency.

• Multicast - Multicast (one-to-many, or many-to-many distribution) is a group communication where

information is addressed to a group of network devices simultaneously. This allows for only one data stream
to be broadcast for each transmitter, regardless of how many receivers are directed at the stream, greatly
reducing bandwidth requirements.

• Instant Leave/Fast leave – Instant Leave is associated with Multicast and means that as soon as an active
connection is no longer required (the link between Transmitter and Receiver), the Multicast group and flow of
track is stopped instantly. This prevents the unnecessary flow of network traffic through the network switch,
further reducing bandwidth overheads required.

• IGMP Snooping - IGMP Snooping is the process of listening to Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP)
network traffic. The feature allows a network switch to listen in on the IGMP conversation between hosts and
routers (Transmitters and Receivers). By listening to this flow of traffic the switch maintains a map of which
links need which IP Multicast streams. Multicasts may be filtered from the links which do not need them and
thus controls which ports receive specific multicast traffic.

• Jumbo Frames/Packets/MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) - Jumbo Frames are Ethernet frames with
more than 1500 bytes of payload. Conventionally, jumbo frames can carry up to 9000 bytes of payload. Raising
the maximum transmission units increases the amount of data sent in relation to protocol overhead, making
for a more efficient network.

• Fibre Uplink - In larger systems where more network ports are required and multiple switches need to be
linked together, those equipped with fibre uplink sockets can provide much greater bandwidth (between 10-
40Gbs) between switches, to more easily carry the increased demand of multiple IP transmissions.

Each source device is connected via HDMI to a Multicast Transmitter unit which is connected via CAT cable to
the network infrastructure. Each display device is connected via HDMI to a Multicast Receiver unit which is also
connected via CAT cable to the network infrastructure. The resulting network allows any Transmitter to be displayed
on any Receiver.

M U L T I C A S T

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 HDMI OVER IP TECHNICAL REVIEW

Why Use Blustream Multicast Over Other Methods

Of HDMI Distribution?
Distributing HDMI over IP has many advantages over other methods of video distribution. The most common
form of HDMI signal distribution over CAT cable is HDBaseT. The below summarises the advantages of each
technology in comparison to the other:

Advantages of using Blustream Multicast Advantages of using HDBaseT

• Under 1Gbps bandwidth for 4K video distribution, • No video compression
meaning less demand on cabling • Cost effective for smaller installations
• Virtually unlimited system size • Technology has been adopted by 170+ companies,
• Can use any Layer 3, 1GB network switch
with technology being compatible between brands
• Cable distance - Using multiple network switches and
• Backwards compatible between HDBaseT chipset
Fibre links a system can extend to Km’s
• Direct HDMI connection for local HDCP/EDID specifications
handshake to source and display hardware, • Supports ARC
• HDR (10-bit colour) • Supports 10/100 Ethernet distribution within the
• Source devices can be located anywhere there is a HDBaseT signal
CAT cable (no longer limited to central distribution
associated with matrix installations)
• Cost effective for larger installations

Features both Multicast and HDBaseT support

• Distribution of 4K 60Hz 4:2:0 & 4K 30Hz 4:4:4 sources
• Virtually latency free (1 frame)
• Supports all HDMI audio formats
• EDID Management
• HDCP 2.2 compliant
• Bi-directional IR, RS-232 and USB support

There are several forms of HDMI Over IP signal distribution currently on the market. Below is a comparison chart
between the various technologies used, and why we believe the Blustream Multicast method of HDMI distribution
is superior:
SOURCE FORMAT AUDIO FORMAT MATRIX/SWITCH
FORMAT LATENCY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
SUPPORTED SUPPORTED REQUIREMENTS

Best Video Quality possible High 1Gb network bandwidth

Blustream 1 frame (less 4K 60Hz 4:2:0 All HDMI
1Gb Network over 1Gb network, lowest end- requirement (<850Mbs), Can-
Multicast than 32ms) 4K 30Hz 4:4:4 formats
to-end latency not be decoded by software
Minimum bandwidth required Lowest video quality, does
H.264 (ASIC) up to 1 sec 1080p 60Hz 4:2:0 2ch PCM only 1Gb Network (<16Mbps), can be decoded by not support multi-CH audio,
software highest latency
Low bandwidth required Low video quality, does not
H.264 (FPGA) 120ms 1080p 60Hz 4:2:2 2ch PCM only 1Gb Network (<25Mbps), can be decoded by support bitstream audio, high
software latency
Low bandwidth required Low video quality, high
All HDMI
MJPEG up to 0.5 sec 1080p 60Hz 4:2:0 1Gb Network (<21Mbps), can be decoded by latency, not suitable for high
formats
software motion such as sports
Low bandwidth required
JPEG2000 1 frame (less All HDMI
4K 30Hz 4:2:0 1Gb Network (<32Mbps), can be decoded by Lower video quality
(FPGA) than 32ms) formats
software
H.265 (FPGA) Low latency High licensing costs pre-
4K 120Hz All HDMI
Also known as not feasable 1Gb Network Low bandwidth requirement venting use in disitrbution
8K 60Hz formats
HVEC due to costs products
Best Video Quality possible High 1Gb network bandwidth
SMPT VC-2 1 frame (less 4K 60Hz 4:2:0 All HDMI
1Gb Network over 1Gb network, lowest end- requirement, Cannot be
(Dirac Pro) than 32ms) 4K 30Hz 4:4:4 formats
to-end latency decoded by software
1 frame (less All HDMI Best video quality possible, Expensive, requires 10GB
Aptovision 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 10Gb Network
than 32ms) formats supports 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 network hardware

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 HDMI OVER IP TECHNICAL REVIEW

Multicast Hardware
IP 1 0 0 U H D -T X Transmitter
The Blustream IP100UHD-TX is connected to a HDMI source device and transmits the video signal to the network
switch.

LCD Display PoE LAN

PoE delivered from
Used to show product
LAN switch
information

RS-232
HDMI In
IR TX/RX 2ch Line In For bi-directional
Connect direct to the RS-232 control of
For bi-directional IR Embed L/R analogue
source device connected devices
control of connected audio into HDMI
devices stream

IP 1 0 0 U H D -R X Receiver
The Blustream IP100UHD-RX is connected to a HDMI display device and receives the video signal from the
network switch.

Status LEDs
IR TX/RX Indicates power and
link status of Mulitcast
For bi-directional IR product
control of connected
devices

PoE LAN LAN Loop Out HDMI Out 2ch Audio Out
PoE delivered from Cascade the IP stream Connect directly to Connect to 3rd
LAN switch onto multiple RX display device party amplification
units equipment

C M100 Control Module

The Blustream CM100 allows simple third party control of the Multicast system using TCP/IP, RS232 and IR.

IR Input Video LAN Port

For control of the Connect to LAN switch
Multicast system for the Multicast
distribution

RS-232 Control LAN

For control of the Port
Multicast system & bi- Connect to the users
directional control of control network for
connected TCP/IP control
devices

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 HDMI OVER IP TECHNICAL REVIEW

Multicast Installation Case Studies

Residential Application

This typical 3 bedroom apartment in inner city suburbia has been renovated in a contemporary style, incorporating
many advancements in audio visual technology and home automation. The AV solution seamlessly integrates with
the interior design, combining sophistication and flair with an advanced entertainment system.

An extensive range of audio visual technology was incorporated into this solution, including a 4k UHD video
distribution system with the capability to distribute unique content to each room over the IP network. Video
sources were located throughout the home while large OLED displays were installed in the master bedroom,
second bedroom and living room entertainment area. Each TV has access to any source device throughout the
entire house.

Zones/Areas: Master Bedroom, Bedroom 2, Living Room

Sources: Foxtel STB, Bluray Player, Apple TV Media Player

Example Schematic

Cat 5/5e/6
Network Connection
RS232
Lan PoE PWR Rx Tx Gnd
IR IR

Link Link

HDMI
MULTICAST UHD IP100UHD-TX MULTICAST UHD IP100UHD-RX
CH Select CH TX RX RS-232 CH Select CH

HDMI IN IR IR
Rx Tx Gnd
Stereo Audio
DC IN
24~56V
RX TX Line IN RS-232
TX Speaker Cable RX
HDMI Out L/R DC IN
24~56V

IR Cable

Apple TV Display 1

Lan PoE PWR

Link
MULTICAST UHD IP100UHD-TX

Master Bedroom
CH Select CH

Rx Tx Gnd
HDMI IN IR IR

DC IN TX
RX TX Line IN RS-232
24~56V

Rx Tx Gnd
IR IR

Link
MULTICAST UHD IP100UHD-RX
TX RX RS-232 CH Select CH

Bluray
RX L/R DC IN
HDMI Out 24~56V

1G Managed Network Switch

Lan PoE PWR

Display 2
Link
MULTICAST UHD IP100UHD-TX
CH Select CH
CONTROL LAN VIDEO LAN

Rx Tx Gnd
HDMI IN IR IR

DC IN TX

Bedroom 2
RX TX Line IN RS-232
24~56V

Foxtel CM100 Control Module

Rx Tx Gnd
IR IR

Link
MULTICAST UHD IP100UHD-RX

Control TX RX RS-232 CH Select CH

Processor
RX L/R DC IN
HDMI Out 24~56V

Data Network Switch/Router

Display 3

Living Room

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 HDMI OVER IP TECHNICAL REVIEW

Multicast Installation Case Studies

Commercial Application

This airport complex brief included the requirements for future expandability and distribution of any video signal
in to any of the hundreds of new and pre-existing displays throughout the complex. Information had to be timely
with no latency or delay in broadcasts. Distribution of video signals would require displays to be placed over 100
meters away from source devices.

Featuring several hundred Blustream Multicast UHD transmitters and receivers, video distribution over these
long distances is handled by a backbone of layer 3 managed network switches all connected by fibre optic uplinks.
Onboard video scaling handles the mismatch of resolutions for some pre-existing legacy displays.

Example Schematic

Fibre Optic
Cat 5/5e/6
Network Connection
Lan PoE PWR Rx Tx Gnd
IR IR

Link Link
MULTICAST UHD IP100UHD-TX MULTICAST UHD IP100UHD-RX

RS232
CH Select CH TX RX RS-232 CH Select CH

HDMI IN IR IR
Rx Tx Gnd
HDMI
DC IN
24~56V
RX TX Line IN RS-232
TX
Stereo Audio RX
HDMI Out L/R DC IN
24~56V

Speaker Cable
IR Cable

Media PC Display 1

Lan PoE PWR

Board Room
Link
MULTICAST UHD IP100UHD-TX
CH Select CH

Rx Tx Gnd
HDMI IN IR IR

DC IN TX
RX TX Line IN RS-232
24~56V

Rx Tx Gnd
IR IR

Link
MULTICAST UHD IP100UHD-RX
TX RX RS-232 CH Select CH

Bluray
RX L/R DC IN
HDMI Out 24~56V

1G Managed Network Switch

Lan PoE PWR

Link
MULTICAST UHD IP100UHD-TX
CH Select CH

HDMI IN IR IR
Rx Tx Gnd
Display 2
DC IN TX
RX TX Line IN RS-232
24~56V

1G Managed Network Switch

Desktop PC Premium Guest Lounge

Rx Tx Gnd Rx Tx Gnd
IR IR IR IR

Link Link
MULTICAST UHD IP100UHD-RX MULTICAST UHD IP100UHD-RX
CONTROL LAN VIDEO LAN CH Select CH CH Select CH
TX RX RS-232 TX RX RS-232

RX L/R DC IN RX L/R DC IN
HDMI Out 24~56V HDMI Out 24~56V

CM100 Control Module

Display 3 Display 4 Display 5 Display 6

Control
Processor
Rx Tx Gnd Rx Tx Gnd
IR IR IR IR

Link Link
MULTICAST UHD IP100UHD-RX MULTICAST UHD IP100UHD-RX
RS-232 CH Select CH TX RX RS-232 CH Select CH
TX RX

RX L/R DC IN RX L/R DC IN
HDMI Out HDMI Out 24~56V
24~56V

Foyer - Information Display

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 HDMI OVER IP TECHNICAL REVIEW

Summary
Multicast UHD from Blustream is an new method of distributing latency free, 4K HDMI video over a 1GB
Network switch. The industry has been requesting a video over IP solution that can meet the demands of most
residential and commerical installations, Multicast UHD has been developed in line with these objectives and is
now ready to deliver a new era in advanced video distribution.

Using visually lossless compression technology, Multicast delivers HDMI, IR and RS-232 up to lengths of 100m
over a single CAT cable with virtually unlimited cabling distance and system size limitations.

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 HDMI OVER IP TECHNICAL REVIEW

www.blustream.co.uk

O ffi c i a l D i s tr i bu ti o n Pa r tn e r

Blustream Ltd
1st Floor M ail Wor kshop,
Unit A, Little Tennis St. S outh,
Nottingham, NG2 4EU, United K ingdom
email: sales@blustream.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)115 824 7000

contact support@blustream.co.uk / support@blustream.com.au 13