What is NDI and how does it work?

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.

What are the requirements for NDI?

A robust network: NDI requires a fast and reliable network to ensure smooth transmission of video and audio streams. This typically means a Gigabit Ethernet network, although faster networks can provide better performance. Suitable hardware: While NDI can work on a wide range of devices, performance is typically better on more powerful devices. For video production, this often means professional-grade cameras, switchers, and other equipment. NDI-compatible software or hardware: To use NDI, you'll need software or hardware that supports it. This could be anything from video editing software to cameras and switchers.

What companies make NDI products?

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.

Why did BirdDog create Dyno?

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.

What other NDI products does BirdDog make?

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.

What software is compatible with NDI?

There are several theatrical and streaming software solutions that are compatible with NDI, including: QLab: QLab, a popular software for creating multimedia designs for theatre, dance, composition, installation, and more, can be made to work with NDI via NDI Syphon, allowing it to send and receive video and still images over a network. OBS Studio: OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio, a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming, natively supports NDI input and output, meaning it can send and receive video, audio, and even scene transitions over a network. Wirecast: Wirecast is a live video streaming production tool by Telestream. It allows users to create live or on-demand broadcasts for the web, and it has native support for NDI. vMix: vMix is a software video mixer and switcher that utilises the latest advances in computer hardware to provide live HD video mixing. It is capable of managing multiple inputs, and it has native support for NDI. NewTek's TriCaster and 3Play: These professional video production systems have native support for NDI, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into a network-based production workflow. 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.

NDI Performance Monitoring and Network Testing Tool: BirdDog's Free Dyno Software

Dan Nagle • May 26, 2023

BirdDog's Dyno: Your (Free) Comprehensive Network Analysis Tool

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.

Unleashing the Power of Dyno

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.

Practical Use Cases

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.

What is NDI and how does it work?

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.
What are the requirements for NDI?
1. A robust network: NDI requires a fast and reliable network to ensure smooth transmission of video and audio streams. This typically means a Gigabit Ethernet network, although faster networks can provide better performance.
2. Suitable hardware: While NDI can work on a wide range of devices, performance is typically better on more powerful devices. For video production, this often means professional-grade cameras, switchers, and other equipment.
3. NDI-compatible software or hardware: To use NDI, you'll need software or hardware that supports it. This could be anything from video editing software to cameras and switchers.
What companies make NDI products?

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.
Why did BirdDog create Dyno?

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.
What other NDI products does BirdDog make?

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.
What software is compatible with NDI?
There are several theatrical and streaming software solutions that are compatible with NDI, including:
- QLab: QLab, a popular software for creating multimedia designs for theatre, dance, composition, installation, and more, can be made to work with NDI via NDI Syphon, allowing it to send and receive video and still images over a network.
- OBS Studio: OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio, a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming, natively supports NDI input and output, meaning it can send and receive video, audio, and even scene transitions over a network.
- Wirecast: Wirecast is a live video streaming production tool by Telestream. It allows users to create live or on-demand broadcasts for the web, and it has native support for NDI.
- vMix: vMix is a software video mixer and switcher that utilises the latest advances in computer hardware to provide live HD video mixing. It is capable of managing multiple inputs, and it has native support for NDI.
- NewTek's TriCaster and 3Play: These professional video production systems have native support for NDI, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into a network-based production workflow.
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.

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TheatreMix 201 Training - Advanced Workflows - Presented by Tech Direction

By Events Team • December 5, 2024

Dive into advanced features and workflows in TheatreMix with developer, James Holt Back by popular demand from our last great session with James Holt, dive deeper into TheatreMix in session 201, for seamless DCA cue automation across various mixing consoles. The developer himself walks us through the newest features and how to manage advanced workflows easily for your next big show, including ways to fine-tune your shows, work quickly, prepare for mic or cast swaps, and more.