What is NDI?
NDI is a video streaming protocol used to transmit audio and video easily over a local network. Developed in 2015 by the company NewTek, NDI, which stands for Network Device Interface, is capable of transmitting high quality video, audio and metadata bi-directionally with low latency over your existing local network. Since NDI sends data back and forth instead of just one direction like traditional video cables, NDI can also utilize remote control functionality and tally lights for your connected devices. Some NDI devices can also be powered over ethernet cables (PoE), meaning you only need one cable for power, data transmission, and other functions.NDI requires an ethernet switch with at least 1Gb bandwidth, something a lot people already have, and utilizes a single ethernet cable to transmit data back and forth eliminating the need for multiple HDMI or SDI cable runs that only send data in one direction. Wi-Fi can be used to retrieve video sources, but a hard-wired Ethernet connection is recommended, especially for high resolution video. For networks with bandwidth restraints, another protocol named NDI HX (High Efficiency) can be used to reduce the amount of data sent through the network. NDI HX is great for situations when a high-bandwidth connection is not available or if using a Wi-Fi signal.
Flexibility
Instead of relying on multiple SDI cables for numerous cameras and devices, NDI can be used to place all your video sources on your network, which then can be retrieved by NDI compatible hardware or software. This makes it simple to quickly add video sources from anywhere in your building, as long as your connected to the same network, without having to lay additional video cables. Some devices, like PTZ cameras, are built with NDI functionality in mind and will work with your NDI system right out of the box. Ikan offers an NDI compatible PTZ camera line that utilizes the NDI HX protocol, providing a flexible option for varying network conditions. For video devices that only send video out through SDI or HDMI, there are converters available that will convert the video signal into data that can be sent through your network.
Accessibility
The NDI protocol is available to use for free by downloading the SDK from NDI’s website. Although the protocol is free to use, you may need to upgrade your existing network if it is below the 1GB bandwidth requirement. Also offered for free by NDI, NDI Tools is an extremely useful suite of applications that can help you control various aspects of your NDI data stream such as capturing video from a desktop computer or converting your smart phone to an NDI HX ready device.
What Should I Use NDI For?
NDI is capable of turning nearly any space into a live production capable studio, allowing you to pull data from all your connected devices at once, even if they are on the other side of the building. Any production that uses multiple cameras and video sources can benefit greatly from NDI, from businesses and churches to broadcast studios and concert venues. NDI effectively removes the need for each device to be traditionally hardwired via video cables, allowing for a cleaner production space and quicker load-in/loadouts for traveling live productions. NDI is a fairly new and emerging technology that continues to grow and evolve throughout the years. Professional and amateur creators alike are constantly discovering new and exciting ways to utilize NDI in their productions.