Network Analysis is critical for maintaining a smooth and efficient digital environment. BirdDog's Dyno is a powerful, yet user-friendly, tool for performing detailed analysis on NDI networks. This free software offers robust performance monitoring, enabling users to test network speed, performance, and stability using either single or multiple NDI streams.
Note: As of writing, BirdDog’s Dyno software is only available for Windows 10 and above with Intel Core i5 series processor and above.
Dyno is packed with features that are easy to use and understand, making it a versatile tool for both beginners and network experts. Some of the key features of Dyno include:
1. Speed Test: This feature allows you to test a single point-to-point NDI® source. It ensures constant frame rates and smooth, predictable frame reception.
2. Scale Test: Dyno's Scale Test monitors a single source delivering multiple NDI® streams. This feature helps you understand how many streams of NDI® any given source can deliver across your current network infrastructure to your receiving computer.
3. Reliability Test: Dyno's Reliability Test checks your computer and networking infrastructure's ability to reliably receive video frames from all NDI® sources simultaneously. It ensures that frame rates are maintained and that frames are delivered at a predictable pace.
4. Visual NDI Analysis: Dyno offers a beautiful graphical interface for NDI Analysis. With Dyno, you can monitor test results from the free NDI Analysis tool in a visually appealing interface.
5. NDI Source List: Dyno provides a comprehensive list of all NDI sources on your network, including IP address, resolution and frame rate, and source name. When included in a multiple source test run, Dyno will display performance characteristics of each source.
6. Confidence Monitor: Dyno has a built-in monitor for viewing the NDI video source. This means you can watch graphs and video simultaneously while Dyno does its thing. If you are testing multiple NDI sources, you can switch between them without having to leave the Dyno interface.
7. System Information: Dyno allows you to monitor in real-time your CPU processing capabilities when receiving multiple NDI sources. This feature helps ensure that your receiving computer has the capacity and reliability to match your expectations.
Dyno's suite of tools finds extensive use across a range of scenarios:
1. Network Troubleshooting: Dyno's Speed Test and Reliability Test can help identify bottlenecks and issues in your NDI network. For instance, if you notice that frame rates are dropping or frames are being received inconsistently, Dyno can help you pinpoint the problem.
2. System Benchmarking: By running a Scale Test, you can understand the limits of your current network infrastructure and plan for future upgrades or expansions.
3. Real-time Monitoring: Dyno's Confidence Monitor and Visual NDI Analysis tools can help you monitor your NDI streams in real-time, allowing you to quickly spot and rectify any issues.
To get started with Dyno, you can download it for free from the official BirdDog website. Start harnessing the power of Dyno to ensure your NDI network is performing at its best.
NDI (Network Device Interface) is a technology developed by NewTek that enables high-quality video and audio transmission over standard computer networks. It allows devices such as cameras, computers, and media servers to communicate and share content seamlessly, eliminating the need for physical video cables. NDI works by encoding and transmitting video and audio data over IP (Internet Protocol) networks, making it easily accessible and flexible for live production workflows.
Many companies produce NDI-compatible products. These include NewTek (the creators of NDI), BirdDog, Panasonic, Sony, Magewell, and many others. These companies produce a wide range of NDI-compatible products, from cameras and switchers to software solutions.
BirdDog developed Dyno to provide a comprehensive solution for analyzing and troubleshooting NDI network performance. Given BirdDog's extensive range of NDI products - including cameras, transmitters, and media players - they recognized the need for a tool that could help users ensure optimal network performance. Dyno was created to meet this need, offering a range of features to test network speed, performance, and reliability.
BirdDog produces a wide range of NDI products. This includes NDI-compatible cameras, which can transmit video over a network, as well as transmitters and receivers for converting HDMI or SDI signals to NDI and vice versa. BirdDog also produces media players and other hardware solutions that support NDI. The common thread across all of these products is a focus on leveraging the power of NDI to enable high-quality, low-latency video transmission over IP networks.
There are several theatrical and streaming software solutions that are compatible with NDI, including:
These software solutions showcase the power of NDI in various performance and broadcasting scenarios, providing flexibility and efficiency in managing video and audio sources over a network.