10 FACTS ABOUT NDI
By Adam Noyes
Recently, Holdan (A UK based Distributor) published their Top 10 Facts about NDI!
Here’s what they came up with!
1
NDI turns an Ethernet-based LAN into a video network. Unlike many other IP-based workflows, NDI does not require expensive networking and infrastructure investments. With a Gigabit LAN, you can connect your cameras, screens, control rooms, and your production facilities, and create a site-wide video ecosystem where everything sees everything—and any source can be used by anyone. With a high-bandwidth infrastructure in place, the capacity and the benefits are multiplied.
2
NDI simplifies IP-based workflows. It employs simplified configuration and management, bi-directional signal transmission and communication, extensive device networking and access, and refined encoding and communication methods to enable more powerful, more efficient and more versatile video transmission over IP on a less expensive, as well as a less complicated network infrastructure.
3
NDI links every device visible on the network. Network Device Interface technology makes every enabled device, connected source, and video signal on your network—camera, production switcher, replay system, computer, graphics machine, video calling system, etc.—visible and available as a source and/or destination for video over IP. NDI is also available as a royalty free Software Development Kit to any customer, manufacturer, or developer who wants to implement it into their products and workflows to accelerate their transition to IP.
4
NDI is used in switchers like Epiphan Pearl 2 or software vision mixers like OBS or vMix —This is why NDI was created—NDI exposes the inputs and outputs of every networked device and makes each available as a switchable source. This means you can access, route, and switch with every camera connected to a switcher in your facility, every shared computer on your LAN, every output signal from every device—any production component visible via NDI—increasing your live inputs exponentially without investing in a higher-capacity switcher or video routing hardware.
5
NDI enables bi-directional video and audio over IP. Emerging IP workflows marginalize gains by simply replacing SDI cabling with Ethernet infrastructures. Many methods comprise linear, one-way, point-to-point distribution of a single video output signal over IP to a single destination. NDI workflows permits multi-directional, two-way signal transmission over IP, to and/or from any NDI®-enabled device on your network. This means your switcher can simultaneously send its multiple input and output signals to the network for transport to multiple NDI destinations, and receive the input and output signals of every other NDI-enabled device over the network for use as sources.
6
NDI maximizes encoding performance and efficiency. Using common compression technologies for high-quality, low-latency IP transport can consume upwards of 50% of CPU processing power for a single video stream. NewTek’s powerful codec enables IP transport that’s so fast and so efficient, a single core of a modern CPU processor can accommodate multiple simultaneous, high-quality, ultra-low latency video streams over IP while using lower overhead. BirdDog’s revolutionary NDI hardware keeps latency ultra-low.
7
NDI handles up to 10x more video than alternate video transport methods. Transporting HD video over IP typically requires high-bandwidth, dual-10Gbit networking to accommodate just a few source. With NDI’s IP Workflows, it’s entirely possible to access double-digit HD video streams over IP using just a Gigabit network connection, with a bandwidth requirement of approximately 90-100Mbps per video stream for commonly used HD video formats and 200 -250Mbs for 4K.
8
There are 2 types of NDI. NDI | HX which is H264 compressed for lower datarates and is built into lots of different makes of PTZ cameras, like Datavideo, Lumens and Panasonic. Then there is broadcast quality full NDI with lower latency and higher datarates as well as 4K support. All BirdDog cameras and converters support full NDI.
9
Uses field-proven IP technology that’s already empowering millions worldwide. While others in the video industry are just now laying the groundwork for transitioning to IP, NDI was ahead of the curve. Starting with Newtek’s first software-driven live production system introduced in 2005, NewTek has been developing and innovating technology for IP-based workflows for more than a decade.
10
NDI future proofs video equipment purchases. Standards and formats come and go in the video industry, making facilities uncertain of which to adopt. NDI®, devices are not bound to a single proprietary specification, resolution, or format, and you are not required to conform to specific technical criteria. It’s a universal workflow that’s accessible to any current or future computer-based production component.
We couldn’t agree more, Holdan! Great list!