ST2110 & NDI: The Stellar Trajectory of IP Video
By Jennifer P
In the blog post “ST2110 & NDI: The Stellar Trajectory of IP Video” by David Davies for IBC365, the author explores the landscape of IP-based video technologies, focusing on the Network Device Interface (NDI) and the SMPTE ST 2110 standards suite. The post delves into the differences between the two technologies and their evolution over time.
The blog outlines the emergence of NDI in September 2015, developed by NewTek, and the subsequent publication of TR-03 and TR-04 technical recommendations, forming the basis for the ST 2110 standards suite published in November 2017. Initially, ST 2110 gained prominence in large broadcasters due to its emphasis on uncompressed video quality, while NDI found traction across a broader user base, including broadcasters, houses of worship, and educational environments, owing to its compressed video capabilities, ease of deployment, and cost-effectiveness.
Key points of difference between NDI and ST 2110 are highlighted, such as their approaches to data transmission. ST 2110 conveys audio, video, and data essences individually in distinct channels, reducing latency and bandwidth demands, while NDI employs compressed data. The article emphasizes that ST 2110, as a standardized suite developed by SMPTE, holds an advantage in fostering interoperability and compatibility across diverse equipment.
Industry experts interviewed in the article, including Anupama Anantharaman from Interra Systems and Tricia Justice from Harmonic, provide insights into the market trajectories of NDI and ST 2110. NDI is noted for its prevalence in smaller studio and production workflows, driven by lower bandwidth requirements and widespread product support. In contrast, ST 2110 is deployed in major broadcast centers, requiring specialized equipment and expertise.
The article also discusses the simultaneous support for both NDI and ST 2110 by many companies, adapting to the diverse market needs. The evolution of NDI, particularly its increased adoption during the pandemic for remote production, is explored. The article concludes with a look at the constantly evolving nature of IP-based media, with industry professionals anticipating continued growth in ST 2110 adoption, especially in broadcasting, live video streaming, and professional production. The prospects for convergence in IP-based media technologies are discussed, with an emphasis on potential consolidation around application spaces.
Read the full blog post by David Davies for IBC365 HERE
Learn more about NDI HERE
Learn more about ST2110 HERE