IP video and audio technology is moving rapidly into all facets of media production, and PTP is the essential technology to provide absolute synchronization of the timing relationships of all devices. This is a requirement in delivering mission-critical media signals in IP- and fiber-based ecosystems.

PTP specifies a methodology for synchronizing devices to a single, shared clock across packet-based networks, including Ethernet switches and IP routers. This standard, which was originally developed for laboratory and industrial installations, is now fundamental for IP video/audio signal transport using SMPTE ST 2110 and IP audio signals using AES67, among other media applications. PTP creates a common time base for multiple video cameras and is used to synchronize video and audio devices to a uniform clock or timecode. When used properly, PTP can synchronize device clocks to within nanoseconds of each other across a large network with hundreds of nodes.

“Time Travels — A Closer Look at PTP” examines the key elements and considerations of PTP deployments including PTP synchronization, master clock selection, transparent and boundary clock functions, PTP domain and profile configuration, and other network considerations.