Panduit Atlona OmniStream R-Type Guide

OmniStream R-Type Design Guide
For Residential AV Over IP Systems

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Overview
Thank you for your interest in OmniStream™ R-Type, Atlona’s AV over IP platform designed for residential integration. By selecting
OmniStream R-Type, and AV over IP systems in general, you’re entering into a new world of integration flexibility for designing and building
whole-house AV systems for your customers. You’ll benefit from the performance and reliability of conventional AV distribution (HDMI®and HDBaseT™),
but also the unprecedented convenience of using standard data network cabling and equipment. This will give you newfound freedom to fully
customize systems for your clients, with more application possibilities and greater efficiency than ever before.
• FLEXIBLE INPUTS AND OUTPUTS – With AV over IP, system capacity
is limited only by the size of the network switch and how much
structured CATx wiring is available in the residence. You’ll never have
to worry about choosing the “right” I/O size for a matrix switcher, or
an expensive system upgrade to replace the existing switcher.
• UNRESTRICTED AV SIGNAL ROUTING – AV over IP (also known as
networked AV) gives you freedom to independently route video,
audio, and control over the network. This means that you can easily
customize distinct application scenarios for all three, making it
much easier for you to do exactly what your customers want with
their whole-house AV, home theater, and automation systems.
• CENTRALIZED SYSTEM MANAGEMENT – Having all devices on the network
makes it very easy to configure, monitor, and manage them from a single
web browser portal, saving considerable time and expense for yourself and
your clients. You can also opt to provide remote monitoring services to your
customers for continuous peace of mind and proactive maintenance.
The advantages of AV over IP systems
Integrating AV distribution over standard data networks brings several important benefits:
Table of Contents
Overview 3
The advanTages Of av Over iP sysTems 3
UndersTanding iP neTwOrks 5
videO 6
- Encoders and decoders 6
- Whole-house video 8
- Video processing 14
- HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 18
- HDR 20
- Ultra-fast switching mode 22
aUdiO 24
- HDMI embedded audio 26
- Distribution over whole-house audio and home theater systems 28
- Stereo audio 34
neTwOrk cOnsideraTiOns 37
- General network requirements 37
- Network switch requirements 37
- Atlona certified network switches 38
- Unicast and multicast network streaming 38
- VLANs 42
- Segregating networks 42
sysTem managemenT 44
AMS 44
- Virtual Matrix 46
- Management, firmware updates, and monitoring 46
cOnTrOl 48
- Third-party control systems 48
- IR control interfacing 48
av Over iP sysTem design scenariOs 50
- Whole-house video 50
- Whole-house video and audio 52
- Whole-house video and audio plus home theater 54
av Over iP recOmmended besT PracTices 56
resOUrces and TO learn mOre 57

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Understanding IP networks
AV over IP systems operate over a standard data network that includes a network switch plus the CATx cabling throughout the residence. To help
ensure consistent and reliable performance, as well as optimal system designs, AV integrators and technicians should have a good understanding of
data network principles that include:
- General network terminology, such as LANs, VLANs, PoE, and the “Layers”that define networks
- Unicast and multicast modes for streaming AV over networks
- An understanding of managed switches, and how they need to be configured for
handling AV alongside other traffic over a residential data network
In this design guide, we’ll briefly cover networking topics directly related to AV over IP. However, it is strongly recommended that integrators and
their staff familiarize themselves through self or instructor-led training programs, with the goal of being able to confidently build, configure, and
manage networks.
Atlona offers free online training for OmniStream that includes basic networking fundamentals. For more information,
please visit: https://atlona.com/training.

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Encoders and decoders
Let’s begin with a very basic AV over IP system for distributing video from a source to a display.
See Figure 1. The video source, in this case a set-top box, feeds into an AV encoder, which formats the
video data into packets (or datagrams) for transport over the network via a network switch. At the other
end, a decoder receives the packets and converts them back to the original video content, for output to
the display.
HDMI
Ethernet
Ethernet
Network Switch
Display
Encoder
Set-top Box
Decoder
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
HDMI
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
SET-TOPBOX
OK
224
Figure 1 – Basic AV over IP system with a source and a display, and the encoder and decoder
providing the interfacing over the data network.
How AV over IP systems work – the fundamentals
Video

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How AV over IP systems work – the fundamentals
Video
HDMI
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
Network Switch
Display
Encoder
Encoder
HDMI
Display
HDMI
Display
Decoder
Decoder
Decoder
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
Display
HDMI
HDMI
HDMI
Set-top Box
SET-TOPBOX
OK
224
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
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YPE
Encoder
Encoder
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
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TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
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YPE
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
Set-top Box
SET-TOPBOX
OK
224
4
media4
Ethernet HDMI
HDMI
Ethernet
Decoder
HDMI
Display
Decoder
TM
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TREAM
LINKPWR
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YPE
ID
TM
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TREAM
LINKPWR
R
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ID
TM
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TREAM
LINKPWR
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ID
Blu-ray Player
Media Player
TM
O
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S
TREAM
LINKPWR
R
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T
YPE
ID
Figure 2 – A typical AV over IP system with several sources and displays, and encoders and decoders inter-
connected into the network switch.
Whole-house video
AV over IP systems typically comprise several encoders and decoders, interconnected over a
network through a network switch. See Figure 2.

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How AV over IP systems work – the fundamentals
Video
Whole-house video
For whole-house video, decoders are typically situated at each display in a room or more
specific location (such as a bar in a game room), while encoders are paired with video source
devices, often co-located in a centralized media cabinet or closet. See Figure 3.
This system topology is somewhat similar to an HDBaseT system, with transmitters for the
sources and receivers for the displays. The major difference, however, is that for whole-house
video distribution, a matrix switcher is required for HDBaseT, whereas for an AV over IP system,
this is replaced by a standard, off-the-shelf network switch.
A matrix switcher is defined by a fixed I/O configuration, with specific quantities of inputs and
outputs. On the other hand, a network switch is non-blocking by nature, so that any port can
effectively serve as an input, output, or even both. This allows very flexible AV system designs,
especially in custom installation projects that call for a large number of displays but far fewer
source devices.
Home Theater
HDMI
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
Network Switch
Display
Encoder
Encoder
HDMI
HDMI
Display
Display
Decoder
Decoder
Decoder
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
HDMI
HDMI
HDMI
Set-top Box
SET-TOPBOX
OK
224
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
Encoder
Encoder
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
Set-top Box
SET-TOPBOX
OK
224
4
media4
Ethernet HDMI
HDMI
Ethernet
Decoder
HDMI
Display
Decoder
Bedroom 1 Bedroom 2
Media Room
Media Closet
Add’l Rooms / Zones
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
R
-
T
YPE
ID
TM
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MNI
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TREAM
LINKPWR
R
-
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YPE
ID
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
R
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YPE
ID
Display
Blu-ray Player
Media Player
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
R
-
T
YPE
ID
Figure 3 – In a whole-house video system, sources and encoders are often situated in a media
closet, while decoders and displays are installed in specific rooms or zones.

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How AV over IP systems work – the fundamentals
Video
Whole-house video
For the OmniStream R-Type system, the OmniStream 512 encoder (AT-OMNI-512) is actually
two encoding devices in one box. This means that it will integrate two source devices onto the
network, instead of requiring two separate encoder boxes. See Figure 4.
Home Theater
HDMI
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
Network Switch
Display
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
HDMI
HDMI
Display
Display
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
HDMI
HDMI
HDMI
Set-top Box
SET-TOPBOX
OK
224
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
Ethernet
Ethernet
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
Set-top Box
SET-TOPBOX
OK
224
4
media4
Ethernet HDMI
HDMI
Ethernet
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
HDMI
Display
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
Bedroom 1 Bedroom 2
Media Room
Media Closet
Add’l Rooms / Zones
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
R
-
T
YPE
ID
TM
O
MNI
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TREAM
LINKPWR
R
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ID
TM
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TREAM
LINKPWR
R
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ID
Display
Blu-ray player
Media Player
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
R
-
T
YPE
ID
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
Figure 4 – The OmniStream 512 (AT-OMNI-512) is two encoders in one box, integrating two
source devices onto the network.

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Video processing
While 4K video continues to grow quickly throughout the consumer electronics and custom
installation industries, it’s still highly likely that residential AV integration projects will include a
mix of 4K (UHD) and HD sources and displays. Many sources continue to be HD, especially cable
and satellite television set-top boxes, while there is always the possibility that a customer will
want to bring in HD displays they already own.
The OmniStream R-Type system allows the coexistence of 4K/UHD and HD signals over the
network. Signal processing is available in the OmniStream 521 decoder (AT-OMNI-521), for
upscaling HD video (1080p or 720p) up to 4K/UHD, or downscaling 4K/UHD to HD.
See Figure 5. Scaling also can improve overall system performance, since the decoders always
feed a consistently timed and formatted image to a display, whether the incoming source signal
is HD or 4K. This avoids display image blanking and the associated latency when acquiring and
then adapting to a newly switched signal source.
How AV over IP systems work – the fundamentals
Video
Home Theater
HDMI
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
Network Switch
Display
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
HDMI
HDMI
Display
Display
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
HDMI
HDMI
HDMI
Set-top Box
SET-TOPBOX
OK
224
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
Ethernet
Ethernet
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
Set-top Box
SET-TOPBOX
OK
224
4
media4
Ethernet HDMI
HDMI
Ethernet
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
HDMI
Display
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
Bedroom 1 Bedroom 2
Media Room
Media Closet
Add’l Rooms / Zones
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
R
-
T
YPE
ID
TM
O
MNI
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TREAM
LINKPWR
R
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ID
TM
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TREAM
LINKPWR
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ID
Display
Blu-ray Player
Media Player
TM
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S
TREAM
LINKPWR
R
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T
YPE
ID
4K
4K
4K
HD
HD
Figure 5 – OmniStream R-Type systems allow a mix of 4K/UHD and HD signals over the network,
with downscaling or upscaling available in the decoders to optimize for the display.

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Video processing
In a media room, great room, or other similarly-sized space, it may be desirable to have a large,
prominent display as the focal point of attention. This typically would be a projector and screen,
but can also be an array of flat-panel displays in a video wall. Compared to projectors, video
walls are much better-suited for spaces with plenty of ambient lighting, while delivering far
greater image resolution. See Figure 6. OmniStream 521 decoders include video wall
processing that spreads an image across several displays in a 2x2, 3x3, and up to 16x16 tiling
configuration.
How AV over IP systems work – the fundamentals
Video
Figure 6 – A video wall can be an appealing option for a large space such as a great room, with much
more brightness and image resolution over a projected image of the same size.
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
Network Switch
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
AT-OMNI-521
Decoders
HDMI
HDMI
HDMI
HDMI
Set-top Box
SET-TOPBOX
OK
224
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
Ethernet
Ethernet
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
Set-top Box
SET-TOPBOX
OK
224
4
media4
Media Closet
Blu-ray Player
Media Player
2 x 2 Video Wall
1 2
ID
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
1 2
ID
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
1 2
ID
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
1 2
ID
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
HDMI
HDMI
HDMI
HDMI

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HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2
Two vital design considerations for any residential AV system are 4K capability and HDCP 2.2
compliance. Both are essential to ensure full compatibility with the newest AV sources available
today, as well as those that the client may add later to the system. HDMI 2.0 will be essential for
supporting HDR video, while HDCP 2.2 encryption is standard for 4K commercial video content.
OmniStream R-Type systems are fully HDCP 2.2 compliant, and compatible with HD and 4K/
UHD signal timings in the HDMI 2.0 specification.*
* Incoming 4K/UHD video at 60 Hz 4:4:4 is subsampled to 4:2:0 at the OmniStream 512 encoder.
For some HDCP 2.2-encrypted video content, whether streaming, digital video file, or Ultra HD
Blu-ray, OmniStream R-Type systems can enable playback over legacy displays that only support
HDCP 1.4. However, commercial video content may include a specific flag inserted into the
encryption to enforce strict HDCP 2.2 compliance (no HDCP 1.4 backward compatibility
allowed). See Figure 7.
How AV over IP systems work – the fundamentals
Video
Figure 7 – Commercial 4K video content with HDCP 2.2 encryption may not be playable on legacy
displays that are only HDCP 1.4 compliant.
Home Theater
HDMI
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
Network Switch
Display
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
HDMI
HDMI
Display
Display
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
HDMI
HDMI
HDMI
Set-top Box
SET-TOPBOX
OK
224
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
Ethernet
Ethernet
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
Set-top Box
SET-TOPBOX
OK
224
4
media4
Ethernet HDMI
HDMI
Ethernet
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
HDMI
Display
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
Bedroom 1 Bedroom 2
Media Room
Media Closet
Add’l Rooms / Zones
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
R
-
T
YPE
ID
TM
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TREAM
LINKPWR
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ID
TM
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TREAM
LINKPWR
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ID
Display
Blu-ray Player
Media Player
TM
O
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S
TREAM
LINKPWR
R
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T
YPE
ID
HDCP 2.2 Encrypted
Content
No Image Display
No Image Display

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HDR
High Dynamic Range (HDR) continues to emerge as the next exciting video format for consumers.
It’s currently available with streaming media services, some HDR enhanced games, and select Ultra
HD Blu-ray titles, and is anticipated to continue growing over time. The importance of HDR support
for high performance video systems is well-recognized among residential AV integrators.
OmniStream R-Type systems are compatible with several HDR formats including HDR10 and Hybrid
Log-Gamma (HLG) at 60 fps. Additionally, an optional licensed feature enables full compatibility with
Dolby Vision™ HDR at 60 fps and 12-bit color. This license is applied directly to the OmniStream 521
decoder, and can be purchased when ordering the OmniStream R-Type system, or anytime after-
ward.
An AV integrator can opt to install the OmniStream Dolby Vision license for a home theater, as well
as any other location in a residence designated for high quality video viewing. The same content
can be delivered simultaneously to other locations as well in standard dynamic range, or with
HDR10. See Figure 8.
How AV over IP systems work – the fundamentals
Video
Figure 8 – An optional, licensed feature enables Dolby Vision HDR over the network, up to 60 Hz
and at 12-bit color.
Home Theater
HDMI
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
Network Switch
Display
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
HDMI
HDMI
Display
Display
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
HDMI
HDMI
HDMI
Set-top Box
SET-TOPBOX
OK
224
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
Ethernet
Ethernet
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
Set-top Box
SET-TOPBOX
OK
224
4
media4
Ethernet HDMI
HDMI
Ethernet
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
HDMI
Display
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
Bedroom 1 Bedroom 2
Media Room
Media Closet
Add’l Rooms / Zones
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
R
-
T
YPE
ID
TM
O
MNI
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TREAM
LINKPWR
R
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T
YPE
ID
TM
O
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S
TREAM
LINKPWR
R
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T
YPE
ID
Display
Blu-ray Player
Media Player
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
R
-
T
YPE
ID
HDR
HDR
SDR
SDR
SDR

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Ultra-fast switching mode
A special switching and video processing mode is available that greatly speeds up switching time
for sources by actively managing EDID and HDCP negotiation between sources and displays. The
switching is seamless with transitions approximately 25 ms at 60 fps, and a clean cut from one
source to another with no visual artifacts. This is a groundbreaking feature for AV over IP systems,
since fast switching has generally been challenging to achieve in IP packet-based AV systems.
In ultra-fast switching mode, video output is capped at 1080p. Fast switching will apply to HD
sources at 720p and 1080p, as well as UHD (3840x2160).
How AV over IP systems work – the fundamentals
Video

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There are many different ways to integrate audio for OmniStream R-Type systems in a residence,
for audio destinations including the following:
• A television’s built-in speakers
• Soundbars
• Speaker zones in a whole-house audio system
• A home theater speaker system
HDMI embedded audio
Let’s begin with a basic audio distribution scenario as shown in Figure 9. Video signals from the
AV sources are routed together with the embedded audio, over the network to their respective
destinations. This is the most straightforward application of audio in a residential AV distribution
system.
How AV over IP systems work – the fundamentals
Audio
Figure 9 – HDMI video and embedded audio can be routed together to one or multiple destinations over the network.
Home Theater
HDMI
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
Network Switch
Display
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
HDMI
HDMI HDMI
Display
Soundbar
Display
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
HDMI
HDMI
HDMI
Audio
HDMI
Set-top Box
SET-TOPBOX
OK
224
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
Audio
HDMI
PWR LINK
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
ID
1 2 1 2
R
-
T
YPE
Set-top Box
SET-TOPBOX
OK
224
4
media4
Ethernet HDMI
Ethernet
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
HDMI
Display
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
Bedroom 1 Bedroom 2
Media Room
Media Closet
Add’l Rooms / Zones
TM
O
MNI
S
TREAM
LINKPWR
R
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SOURCE: DVD
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SOURCE: DVD
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AV Receiver

Visit atlona.com for more complete product
information, including datasheets and specications. 27
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HDMI embedded audio
OmniStream R-Type can also de-embed audio from the sources, and route the audio to destina-
tions separate from the video. As an example, this may be desirable in situations in which there
is a music server installed, and the client wishes to play background music through the displays
or soundbars but still have video on the display, such as for a live sporting event. See Figure 10.
OmniStream R-Type systems support pass-through and streaming for the following audio
formats:
• LPCM 2.0, 5.1, 7.1
• Dolby®Digital
• Dolby Digital Plus™
• Dolby TrueHD
• Dolby Atmos®
• DTS®Digital Surround™
• DTS-HD Master Audio™
• DTS:X®
How AV over IP systems work – the fundamentals
Audio
Figure 10 – HDMI video and embedded audio can each be routed separately. This allows playback of
background music throughout the residence, for example.
Home Theater
HDMI
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
Network Switch
Display
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
HDMI
HDMI HDMI
Display
Soundbar
Display
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
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HDMI
HDMI
HDMI
Audio
HDMI
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-
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4
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Ethernet HDMI
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AT-OMNI-521
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Display
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
Bedroom 1 Bedroom 2
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Blu-ray Player
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Speakers
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LINKPWR
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TM
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SOURCE: DVD
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AUDIOSYSTEMS

Visit atlona.com for more complete product
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Distribution over whole-house audio and home theater systems
There are two primary ways in which audio sources and OmniStream R-Type can be integrated
into a whole-house audio distribution system and a home theater system:
1. DECODE DOLBY AND DTS BITSTREAM AUDIO FORMATS IN THE SOURCE DEVICES AND
DISTRIBUTE 2.0, 5.1, OR 7.1 CHANNEL PCM OVER THE NETWORK. OmniStream 512
encoders can stream multi-channel PCM from a source such as a Blu-ray player or
set-top box. Additionally, they can simultaneously downmix 5.1 or 7.1 PCM and send
out the audio as a separate two-channel stream. The multi-channel and downmixed
audio can each be specified for streaming alongside the video, or to a separate
destination.
An OmniStream 238 IP to analog audio bridge (AT-OMNI-238) is available for
integrating two-channel PCM audio streams from OmniStream 512 encoders into a
whole-house audio system. This audio bridge accepts up eight stereo audio streams
from the AV sources connected to the encoders, and feeds up to eight analog stereo
outputs into a multi-zone amplifier or audio matrix.
The following is a common application for multi-channel audio distribution, illustrated
in Figure 11. An OmniStream 512 encoder streams 5.1 or 7.1 PCM from a Blu-ray
player to a home theater. At the same time, the encoder streams downmixed 2.0
PCM to the OmniStream audio bridge and the whole-house audio system, plus any
display locations with the audio played over soundbars or the TV’s internal speakers.
How AV over IP systems work – the fundamentals
Audio
Figure 11 – The OmniStream 238 (AT-OMNI-238) accepts stereo or downmixed PCM audio streams, and
provides direct interfacing into a whole-house audio system.
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Home Theater
HDMI
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
Network Switch
Display
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
AT-OMNI-238
HDMI
HDMI HDMI
Display
Soundbar
Display
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
AT-OMNI-521
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AT-OMNI-521
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224
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224
4
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AT-OMNI-521
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Visit atlona.com for more complete product
information, including datasheets and specications. 31
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Distribution over whole-house audio and home theater systems
The OmniStream audio bridge offers a key benefit in that as a networked device, it can receive
audio streamed from AV sources anywhere over the network. This is ideal in installations where
sources may be located elsewhere from the central media closet, such as the home theater or
media room. See Figure 12.
How AV over IP systems work – the fundamentals
Audio
Figure 12 – The OmniStream 238 can accept audio streamed from encoders over the network, whether in the
media closet or anywhere else an encoder may be installed.
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Ethernet
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Network Switch
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AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
AT-OMNI-521
Decoder
HDMI
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AT-OMNI-521
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Ethernet
Ethernet
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AT-OMNI-521
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AT-OMNI-521
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Bedroom 1 Bedroom 2
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AT-OMNI-238

Visit atlona.com for more complete product
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Distribution over whole-house audio and home theater systems
2. DISTRIBUTE DOLBY OR DTS BITSTREAM AUDIO OVER THE NETWORK, INSTEAD OF
DECODING IN THE SOURCES. This approach will be essential if the customer wishes to
send Dolby Atmos or DTS:X audio across the network to a home theater system. These
object-oriented surround sound formats cannot be decoded within the source device,
partly because they require transport of metadata along with the audio content.
Many home theater customers expect a visual confirmation of Dolby or DTS decoding
and playback over their AV receivers or surround sound processors. This will also require
native multi-channel bitstream audio distribution over OmniStream R-Type.
For the whole-house audio system, Atlona offers the AT-HDR-M2C-QUAD to downmix
multi-channel Dolby or DTS bitstream audio from up to four AV sources*, and feed the audio
directly into the multi-zone amplifier or audio matrix. Also available is the AT-HDR-M2C
for downmixing multi-channel bitstream audio from a single source. See Figure 13.
* Downmixing is provided for PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS Digital Surround.
How AV over IP systems work – the fundamentals
Audio
Figure 13 – The AT-HDR-M2C-QUAD can provide de-embedding and downmixing for Dolby or DTS
multi-channel audio, while passing the embedded bitstream audio to the encoders.
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HDMI
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
Network Switch
Display
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
Audio
Matrix
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
AT-OMNI-521
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Soundbar
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AT-OMNI-521
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Bedroom 1 Bedroom 2
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AT-HDR-M2C-QUAD

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Stereo audio
In addition to the embedded audio from a video source, stereo audio from a music player or
other source can also be integrated by way of an OmniStream 232 analog audio-IP bridge
(AT-OMNI-232). See Figure 14. The stereo audio can be streamed to the whole-house audio
system and the OmniStream 521 decoders. Also available from Audinate® are Dante®AVIO
adapters for incorporating two-channel audio from an analog source, or via USB.
How AV over IP systems work – the fundamentals
Audio
Figure 14 – A stereo audio source can be integrated by way of the OmniStream 232 (AT-OMNI-232)
IP audio bridge.
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AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
AT-OMNI-512
Dual-Channel Encoder
AT-OMNI-521
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AT-OMNI-521
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AT-OMNI-521
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General network requirements
The major advantage of AV over IP systems, including OmniStream R-Type is that audio, video,
and control signals can be distributed throughout a residence over a standard LAN (local area
network). This simplifies system design and integration, by allowing use of the structured wiring
already in the residence (or planned for installation), as well as a conventional network switch.
Generally speaking, here are the essential network requirements for an OmniStream R-Type
system:
- STRUCTURED WIRING – OmniStream R-Type systems run over Gigabit Ethernet,
which in turn works with any network cable type going as far back as CAT 5e.
- NETWORK SWITCH – managed Layer 2 Gigabit Ethernet switch
with as many network ports as necessary to support the system. If
needed, two or more switches can be stacked (combined).
- BANDWIDTH – OmniStream R-Type requires just over 900 Mbps of combined
bandwidth for video, audio, and control transport over networks.
How AV over IP systems work – the fundamentals
Network considerations
Network switch requirements
OmniStream R-Type systems work with a variety of third-party, off-the-shelf Gigabit network switches, but the essential requirement is that they be
managed. Managed switches are equipped with the ability to configure and manage IP traffic flow between endpoint devices connected to it. Another
important benefit of managed switches is that they enable remote monitoring of the network. For the OmniStream R-Type AV over IP system, network
control features such as VLANs and IGMP are essential to enabling reliable system performance.
Additionally, the managed network switch should be equipped to deliver Power over Ethernet (PoE) over at least some of its network ports. The
OmniStream 512 encoder and OmniStream 521 decoder can be remotely powered by a PoE-equipped network switch – replacing the need for an
external power supply connected to each unit. Also, a managed switch allows an integrator or technician to power-cycle any encoder or decoder if
needed.
For the encoder, an optional power supply is available for local powering, if needed. The decoder is powered only through PoE.
Please refer to this guide for more specific details on network switch requirements with OmniStream R-Type systems:
https://atlona.com/pdf/OMNI-1XX_IT_Deployment_Guide.pdf

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Atlona certied network switches
To streamline the integration process for data networks, Atlona has tested and certified several
popular network switches for performance and reliability with OmniStream R-Type systems. In
addition, Atlona has created downloadable configuration files for these switches, which will greatly
speed up installation by avoiding the need to make a series of manual settings to the switch. All
it takes is to upload the appropriate file to the switch you are using – and you’re ready to connect
OmniStream 512 encoders and OmniStream 521 decoders to complete the system installation.
For more detailed information, and links to the configuration files, please refer to this resource:
https://atlona.com/pdf/OmniStream_Certied_Switches.pdf
Figure 15 – In unicast mode, an encoder streams AV to one decoder at a time.
How AV over IP systems work – the fundamentals
Network considerations
Unicast and multicast network streaming
Among the most important network fundamentals to understand are the ways in which data
communications (such as AV) can be delivered between endpoints over a network. We’ll go over
these briefly, within the context of an AV over IP system.
1. UNICAST – in unicast streaming mode, an encoder streams AV content to a single
decoder. See Figure 15. In this mode, no other decoders receive the AV stream.
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Network Switch
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