VN-Matrix 300 • Introduction 1
Introduction
This section describes:
zAbout the VN-Matrix 300
zFunctional Overview
zSetup and Configuration
zSystem Control
zFront Panel Features
zRear Panel Features

About the VN-Matrix 300

The Extron® range of VN-Matrix™ 300 video encoders/decoders (VNC 300 codecs) distribute
digital SD and HDTV broadcast quality video across an IP network. The VN-Matrix 300
provides the bridge between digital video devices and IP-based networks. This user guide
describes the operation of a VN-Matrix 300 series device tted with v.4.5g rmware or later.
Video signals connected to a VN-Matrix 300 encoder are compressed into a TCP or RTP data
stream for transport across a local area or wide area network. At the far end of the network
another VN-Matrix 300 unit decodes the compressed stream back into the original video
signal format.
Ancillary (primarily audio data associated with the original video signal) is preserved in an
uncompressed form and is transported across the network alongside the video signal.

Functional Overview

The VNC 300 codec can be congured to operate in one of two modes, as an:
zEncoder — to encode a source and stream it across a network
zDecoder — to decode a VN-Matrix 300 data stream from a network
Therefore, any VN-Matrix 300 system will comprise at least two devices, one congured as
an encoder and the other as a decoder. Multiple encoders and decoders can co-exist on the
same network.
On a given network, any decoder can display the source provided by any encoder.
NOTE: The VN-Matrix 300 is also available as a decoder only device (VND 300). In this
case, details included here relating to the encoding of digital video signals are
not relevant.