IPMX: separating myth from reality

As certified IPMX products begin reaching the market, discussion is shifting from what the open standard promises to how it will be deployed in real-world AV systems. Despite growing momentum, misconceptions remain around interoperability, complexity and where IPMX fits alongside proprietary AV-over-IP platforms. Johnny Hickman and Rob Moodey from Matrox Video discuss the myths they encounter most often and why they believe the conversation is changing

In your conversations across the Middle East, what are the biggest misconceptions you hear about IPMX?

JH: The misconception we hear most often is that IPMX is overly complex and mainly intended for broadcasters. In reality, consultants and integrators across the Middle East and Africa are looking for exactly what IPMX was designed to provide: genuine multi-vendor interoperability, straightforward integration into existing IT networks and the ability to transport high-quality 4K 4:4:4 over 1GbE using JPEG XS. Much of that interest comes from customers wanting to avoid long-term dependence on closed, single-vendor ecosystems.

Another misconception is that IPMX itself automatically makes everything interoperable. It doesn’t. Codecs such as H.264 and H.265 remain incompatible regardless of how they are transported. What IPMX does provide is confidence that manufacturers implementing a particular profile, such as JPEG XS, do so consistently. That makes conversion gateways between different ecosystems far more valuable.

What practical steps should a systems integrator in the Middle East take over the next 12 months if they’re interested in IPMX?

JH: The industry is cautiously optimistic. Certification has given people confidence, but there are still understandable concerns around skills, network configuration and interoperability. The best way to address those concerns is through practical experience. Buy or borrow a small number of certified devices, recreate typical customer scenarios in a workshop or lab and become familiar with the workflows. Take advantage of AIMS training, join webinars and work with manufacturers that actively support integrators in the region.

Once you are involved in IPMX projects, it becomes genuinely exciting. The technology opens up new possibilities for flexible, futureproof systems and the integrators who will succeed in the Middle East and Africa market the most will be the ones who can operate confidently in both open standards and proprietary ecosystems.

Is there one myth about IPMX that you wish would disappear because it is slowing adoption?

JH: A persistent myth is that IPMX is designed to replace proprietary AV-over-IP systems. That’s simply not the goal. As customers become more aware of the risks of vendor lock-in, many are looking for greater flexibility. IPMX allows manufacturers to interoperate within a broader ecosystem while continuing to offer their own solutions, giving customers more choice when designing systems.

Some people still see IPMX as “something for the future”. Is that a fair assessment, or is the technology already ready for realworld deployments?

RM: It’s ready today. After several years of development, the major turning point came through rigorous multi-vendor plugfests and formal third-party certification testing, showcased at events including ISE. That process has helped bridge the gap between broadcast-grade engineering and everyday corporate, education and pro AV deployments. With more than 50 certified products now available, IPMX has clearly moved beyond theory. Protocols such as SMPTE ST 2110, AES67, NDI and IPMX are mature. The remaining challenges are less about the transport technology itself and more about infrastructure, including EDID and HDCP handling, VLAN design, QoS, PoE, multicast and switch configuration. IPMX helps simplify multi-vendor deployments, while switch manufacturers are increasingly introducing IPMX-aware configuration profiles to make installations more repeatable.

Do customers often assume IPMX requires a complete replacement of existing AV-over-IP infrastructure? How do you respond?

JH: Yes, that assumption still comes up regularly. The reality is that migration doesn’t have to be all or nothing. IP gateways can bring existing HDMI, SDI or NDI sources into an IPMX network, allowing organisations to transition at their own pace while protecting existing investments. Products such as Matrox ConvertIP and Vion are examples of that approach.

Is there a misconception that IPMX is only relevant for very large enterprise or broadcast projects? Which applications are the best fit today?

JH: Definitely. The strongest opportunities we see today are in control rooms, live event production and collaboration spaces. These environments benefit because consultants and end users increasingly want secure, manageable and genuinely interoperable systems rather than being tied to a single ecosystem.

That ranges from traffic and security control rooms through to large event venues and corporate collaboration environments, where standards-based AV-over-IP gives both IT and AV teams greater confidence in long-term support and future expansion.

Some integrators worry that open standards mean more complicated configuration. In practice, does IPMX simplify or complicate deployments?

RM: It depends on experience. Integrators coming from room-based, point-to-point AV projects may initially find any AV-over-IP deployment more complex, including IPMX. Those already familiar with networked AV often find the move to an open standard refreshing. Using NMOS, devices from different manufacturers discover each other and communicate using the same framework, reducing the amount of custom integration required. Combined with centralised management software, IPMX can simplify the monitoring and management of multi-vendor systems.

Real-world feedback from integrators is that early planning and documentation make a huge difference. IPMX is still subject to the same AV-over-IP realities around network configuration, IT and security integration, project planning and ongoing management, but the standard helps to simplify many of those multi-vendor aspects.

Certification has now become a reality. Has that noticeably changed conversations with customers compared with a year ago?

JH: Absolutely. A year ago, many discussions were still centred on what manufacturers hoped IPMX would become. Today, certified products are available and consultants, integrators and end users are much more confident specifying IPMX for real projects. Features such as consistent device discovery and simplified HDCP handling provide reassurance that multi-vendor deployments are practical rather than aspirational. Certification has also helped people understand that IPMX isn’t only about uncompressed video. Many were surprised to discover it also includes a 1Gbps profile.