Darius Baruo Aug 04, 2026 10:20
IPMX certification debuts with 48 products from 11 manufacturers, marking its shift to a deployable standard for AV-over-IP. Here’s what it means.
The Internet Protocol Media Experience (IPMX) has officially moved from concept to reality. Backed by industry heavyweights like AIMS, VSF, AMWA, and the European Broadcasting Union, the first IPMX certification program was launched in January 2026. At ISE 2026 in Barcelona, 48 products from 11 manufacturers were certified, signaling IPMX’s readiness as a deployable standard for AV-over-IP systems.
IPMX builds on the SMPTE ST 2110 foundation, widely used in broadcast, by adding features aimed at Pro AV environments—think corporate AV, education, and live events. Among its key innovations are support for compressed video (JPEG XS), HDCP content protection, EDID over IP for automated format negotiation, and flexible timing options that work with standard IT infrastructure. These enhancements make IPMX a versatile alternative to proprietary AV-over-IP platforms, which have long locked integrators into single-vendor ecosystems.
Why Certification Matters
Prior to 2026, manufacturers could label products as “IPMX Ready,” but this was more about potential than proven performance. Certification changes the game, verifying predictable behavior, reliable multi-vendor interoperability, and adherence to published standards. Certified products carry official IPMX branding and are listed in a public registry (ipmx.io), making it easier for integrators and end-users to identify compliant devices.
The first certification event focused on core standards like uncompressed video transport (ST 2110-20), JPEG XS compression, and NMOS control protocols (IS-04, IS-05, IS-11). Advanced features, including HDCP and Privacy Encryption Protocol (PEP), are expected to be certified later this year, broadening IPMX’s utility in security-conscious sectors like healthcare and government.
What Early Deployments Reveal
Early adopters are finding that IPMX’s flexibility can significantly lower deployment costs. For example, its asynchronous timing mode allows installations to run on standard IT infrastructure without requiring PTP grandmasters or specialized switches, a cost-saving measure for smaller venues and corporate offices. Meanwhile, JPEG XS compression enables high-quality 4K video transport over existing 1G or 2.5G networks, unlocking IPMX for facilities without high-speed Ethernet.
In multi-vendor scenarios, NMOS IS-11 simplifies system integration by automating format compatibility checks—a major improvement over the manual configuration required in legacy systems. This not only reduces installation complexity but also slashes support costs.
Key Drivers for IPMX Adoption
For broadcasters, IPMX is being positioned as “ST 2110 made easy.” While national broadcasters might stick with traditional PTP-based ST 2110 setups, smaller stations and affiliates appreciate IPMX’s ability to deliver IP-native workflows without a full network rebuild. Pro AV integrators, on the other hand, see IPMX as a way to escape proprietary lock-in. Certified interoperability allows them to mix and match components from different vendors, designing systems based on performance and cost rather than manufacturer constraints.
Supporting Manufacturers’ Development
To accelerate adoption, companies like AMD and Adeas-Nextera are offering pre-certified IP cores and reference designs. For example, the Adeas-Nextera HDMI IPMX TX/RX IP Reference Design, running on AMD’s Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC, provides a modular starting point for manufacturers. This lets them focus on product differentiation rather than building core functionality from scratch.
AMD’s programmable platforms, from cost-optimized Zynq 7000 Series SoCs to high-performance Versal Adaptive SoCs, offer scalable solutions for a wide range of IPMX products, from wall plates to high-density transcoding systems. These platforms support features like JPEG XS compression, HDCP encryption, and PEP, helping manufacturers meet certification requirements quickly and efficiently.
What’s Next for IPMX
The certification program will expand later in 2026, with additional capabilities like USB extension and more efficient compression codecs (HEVC, AVC) entering the fold. This will further solidify IPMX’s position as a comprehensive standard for both broadcast and Pro AV markets.
For manufacturers and integrators, the time to act is now. With certified products already in the market and a clear roadmap for future features, IPMX is poised to reshape how audiovisual media is transported over IP networks. Those who invest early in IPMX-compatible solutions will not only gain a competitive edge but also help define the next generation of AV-over-IP standards.
Image source: Shutterstock
