SMPTE ST 2022 - SDI over IP

SMPTE ST 2022 defines the encapsulation of Serial Digital Interface (SDI) video streams for transport over IP networks. Unlike smpte-st-2110, which separates video, audio, and ancillary data into independent streams, ST 2022 preserves the complete SDI bitstream as a single RTP payload, maintaining exact SDI signal fidelity and compatibility.

ST 2022 serves as a practical bridge between legacy SDI-based facilities and modern IP infrastructure, enabling cost-effective facility upgrades without replacing entire signal chains. It is particularly common in hybrid facilities transitioning toward all-IP workflows, regional broadcast stations, and facilities where SDI equipment investment is too significant to abandon immediately.

Key Requirements & Specifications

Core Architecture

ST 2022 encapsulates complete SDI signal (video + embedded audio + ancillary data) into a single IP packet stream. The receiving end reconstructs an exact SDI output, transparent to downstream SDI equipment.

Parts of the ST 2022 family:

• ST 2022-1: Maps 270 Mbps (SD-SDI) over IP
• ST 2022-2: Maps 1.485 Gbps (HD-SDI) over IP
• ST 2022-3: Maps 2.97 Gbps (3G-SDI) over IP
• ST 2022-4: Maps dual links (3G and higher rates) over IP
• ST 2022-5/6: Error correction and redundancy mechanisms
• ST 2022-7: Automatic failover for dual pathways

Comparison with smpte-st-2110

ST 2022 is essentially "SDI in an IP container," whereas ST 2110 is a ground-up IP-native redesign.

Practical Application for AV Integrators

ST 2022 deployment scenarios:

• Regional broadcast stations extending SDI infrastructure via IP backbone to remote studios
• Hybrid facilities with significant SDI equipment investment migrating incrementally to IP
• Distributed production (multi-location contributions to a central facility) using IP for transport, SDI for local equipment
• Temporary broadcast setups (remote trucks, field production) using IP links between trucks and central site
• Mid-size facilities that cannot justify all-IP conversion but need to overcome SDI distance limitations

AV integrators should recommend ST 2022 when:

• Existing SDI equipment is modern and functional
• Transport distance exceeds SDI coaxial/fiber limits (~300 m coaxial, ~100 m single-mode fiber over extended distances)
• IT infrastructure supports dedicated, low-latency IP pathways
• Long-term facility strategy does not yet commit to all-IP

ST 2110 is preferred for new facility design. ST 2022 is a pragmatic transition solution, not a long-term architecture.

Common Pitfalls

Confusing ST 2022 with ST 2110 streaming capability. ST 2110 is far more flexible; ST 2022 is essentially a transparent transport layer. Trying to mix and re-route ST 2022 streams like ST 2110 leads to failures and unexpected device behavior.

Neglecting redundancy and failover. ST 2022-7 redundancy (dual pathways with automatic switchover) requires careful network design and is often overlooked. Facilities carrying mission-critical content need ST 2022-7 infrastructure; single-path ST 2022 is fragile.

Underestimating IP network demands. ST 2022 requires dedicated, low-latency IP circuits with jitter <200 μs. Standard best-effort IP routing fails. QoS, traffic shaping, and potentially layer 2 VLAN isolation are mandatory, not optional.

Mixing rates and encapsulation types on the same network. If a facility runs both SD-SDI (ST 2022-1) and 3G-SDI (ST 2022-3) over IP, ensure VLANs or physical separation prevents collision and bandwidth starvation.

Assuming SDI output is identical after ST 2022 transport. While fidelity is excellent, check for timing/jitter artifacts in post-production workflows. Some post-production equipment is sensitive to IP-transported SDI timing characteristics.