From Full NDI® to NDI®|HX3: Understanding the Evolution with BirdDog
By Jennifer P
BirdDog recently posted an article on their website going over all the similarities and differences between the different versions of NDI. Since the introduction of NDI®|HX there’s been ongoing curiosity about how it compares to the original NDI® Full Bandwidth that debuted in 2015. Adding to the mix, NDI®|HX2 emerged in 2019, and NDI®|HX3 further complicating the landscape. This article will break down the similarities and distinctions between these versions.
Introduction: Technology is Always Evolving, the MPEG-2 Analogy.
Technology is constantly evolving and we see its impact in every aspect of our lives. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in the video landscape. Video has moved beyond just TV screens and has become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, mainly because video signals have become lighter and easier to manage.
At the same time, the world of live video production – from broadcasting to AV – has undergone dramatic changes. Thanks to innovations like NDI, SRT, internet, LTE, 5G, and cloud technology. Video production has never been easier.
Similarly, video codecs have seen substantial improvements. While MPEG-2 was once a breakthrough, H.265 offers greater efficiency, delivering high-quality images at much lower bitrates. This has made processes simpler, more reliable, and more cost-effective. But today, MPEG-2 is largely limited to certain regions, outdates workflows, and older technology. While H.265 has become more widely adopted and continues to grow.
This evolution is also reflected in NDI technology. While Full NDI is based in MPEG-2, NDI|HX3 supports both H.264 and H.265. Moreover, it includes a certification program to ensure interoperability between devices.
NDI|HX3 is the next step in video connectivity. Incorporating NDI|HX3 cameras into your live video workflow guarantees exceptional image quality, ultra-low latency, and highly efficient network performance. Additionally, seamless compatibility with other HX3 devices is ensured.
NDI®: Revolutionizing Live Video Production.
Since its inception in 2016, BirdDog has been at the forefront of the NDI (Network Device Interface) revolution, a technological breakthrough that has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of live video production. NDI has enabled high-speed, high-quality video transmission over standard computer networks, eliminating the need for traditional, expensive, and cumbersome cables like SDI or HDMI. This innovation has democratized live video production, making advanced capabilities accessible to a broader range of users and applications.
The NDI® Core Advantage: Easy for Everybody.
At the heart of NDI’s success lies its unparalleled simplicity. Traditional video production systems have long been the domain of specialists, requiring extensive training and deep technical knowledge.
NDI disrupted this status quo by introducing a plug-and-play approach, leveraging the familiarity and ease of computer networking. Once connected to a standard IT network, NDI-enabled devices automatically integrate, allowing users to set up and operate complex video production systems with minimal effort.
This ease of use has made NDI an indispensable tool across various sectors, from tier 1 broadcast environments to corporate live streams, live theatre, sports events,, houses of worship, and educational institutions.
Also, the beauty of using NDI IP technology lies in its cost-effectiveness and the ability to distribute these signals across an entire network. NDI’s real gift to the industry is making high-end studio production capabilities.
Full NDI®: The Beginning.
NDI was initially designed for the live broadcasting industry, where many saw it as a potential “replacement for SDI”.
While many video applications can handle some latency, even the slightest delay can be critical in live broadcasts. Similarly, broadcasters demand the highest image quality, ideally with no compression.
Full NDI attempts to address these needs with SpeedHQ, a proprietary codec that uses highest bandwidth based on MPEG-2 to deliver low latency and highest image quality.
As a result, Full NDI was tailored for high-end production studios, live production setups, and scenarios where top-tier video quality is essential, particularly for tier 1 broadcasters.
Expanding the Ecosystem: The Evolution of NDI® | HX.
As the NDI ecosystem expanded thanks to its success, it brought together a diverse range of products from hundreds of manufacturers, including software, hardware, cameras, converters, and cloud solutions with different needs. A significant milestone in this evolution was the introduction of NDI|HX.
A major consideration with video over IP is the available bandwidth on the existing network infrastructure. Making that a challenge when using Full NDI which requires significant bandwidth.
To tackle this NDI|HX was conceived to broaden the compatibility of NDI – enabled devices by adopting the widely used H.264 compression format. This approach allowed a wider array of devices to integrate seamlessly into the NDI ecosystem, extending its reach and applicability.
Over time, NDI|HX has evolved through several iterations, each designed to enhance interoperability, performance, and user experience.
NDI|HX2: High Efficiency for Challenging Networks
NDI|HX2, a key iteration in this evolution, was developed with a focus on optimizing network bandwidth usage. This version is particularly well-suited for environments with poor network conditions, offering a practical solution without the need for extensive and sometimes expensive infrastructure upgrades.
However, this optimization introduces some compromises in image quality and processing speed, making it better suites for applications where ultra-high definition and low latency are not critical.
Read the full article from BirdDog HERE
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