Technical
NDI®: video over your network
NDI is a protocol that carries live video over a standard IP network. Understanding NDI means understanding why SDI and HDMI cables are gradually disappearing from modern productions.
What is NDI?
NDI stands for Network Device Interface. It is a protocol developed by NewTek (now owned by Vizrt) that allows video equipment to communicate over an IP network, much like computers share files on a local network.
In practice: an NDI camera plugged into your network switch is automatically visible to all other NDI-enabled devices on the same network (switcher, computer, monitor...). No dedicated cable, no complex configuration.
In short
NDI turns any network cable into a professional video cable. A standard Gigabit Ethernet network can carry multiple simultaneous HD video streams.
Before NDI, carrying professional video required SDI coaxial cables, distance extenders, or expensive converters. NDI made this significantly simpler.
Existing infrastructure
Your office or venue Ethernet network is sufficient. No new dedicated video cabling required.
Automatic discovery
NDI sources announce themselves on the network and are detected automatically. No static IP or manual configuration needed in most cases.
Bidirectional
Every NDI device can be both a source and a destination. A switcher can receive cameras and send its program output to a recorder, all on the same network cable.
Low latency
NDI is designed for live production. Latency is low enough for real-time camera monitoring and live switching.
Cloud and Wi-Fi compatible
NDI works on local networks, over the internet, and over Wi-Fi, enabling distributed and remote production workflows.
NDI comes in several variants. The two most relevant today are Full NDI and NDI|HX3, each suited to different needs.
Full NDI
Maximum quality, high bandwidth
- + Maximum image quality (SpeedHQ codec, minimal compression)
- + Ideal for multi-channel processing (software switchers, graphics)
- - High bandwidth consumption (300-400 Mbps for 1080p50)
- - Requires dedicated network infrastructure for many simultaneous streams
Best suited for studio control rooms, post-production, large software switchers.
NDI|HX3
High quality, network-efficient
- + H.264 / H.265 compression, low bandwidth (10-40 Mbps)
- + Excellent image quality with ultra-low latency
- + Mandatory certification: guaranteed interoperability between devices
- + Works on standard enterprise networks without upgrades
The current standard for PTZ and live production cameras.
For BirdDog cameras, the entire range implements certified NDI|HX3 and supports all resolutions up to 4K60. Full NDI remains available on select models for infrastructure requirements.
TV studio or live production
Multiple BirdDog NDI PTZ cameras connect to the production network switch. The software switcher (vMix, Tricaster, ATEM...) detects them automatically. Zero SDI cabling. The control room can also send tally and prompter signals back to each camera over the same network.
Corporate conference room
An NDI PTZ camera installed in the room sends its stream over the existing company network. An AV operator or remote user can control it (pan, tilt, zoom) and pull the video feed from anywhere on the network.
House of worship
Several cameras cover the nave and altar. A volunteer manages the program from a booth computer running vMix. BirdDog NDI cameras run on PoE: one network cable per camera handles both power and video.
Education and campus
NDI cameras installed in multiple classrooms stream over the campus network. A central control room can monitor, record, or broadcast any room in real time, without a dedicated video cable infrastructure.
Live events
On stage or outdoors, NDI PTZ cameras feed directly into the mobile production truck via a Gigabit switch. Mobility is simplified: moving a camera means unplugging and replugging one network cable.
NDI is natively supported by the vast majority of professional video production software. Among the most widely used:
NDI Tools, available for free at ndi.tv, let you test, monitor, and send NDI streams from any Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.
BirdDog is one of the pioneers of NDI. Founded in Australia in 2016, the company built its entire product range around this technology and is today one of the leading global specialists.
- • All BirdDog PTZ cameras are NDI|HX3 certified and support Full NDI.
- • The BirdDog converter range adds NDI to any existing HDMI or SDI source.
- • BirdDog Central software manages, updates, and monitors an entire fleet of NDI cameras from a single interface.
Let's talk about your installation.
HoriCast supports integrators and end users in France with their BirdDog NDI projects. Technical questions, network sizing, equipment selection: one call is enough.
Contact us