NDI Converters

NDI Converters: Manufactures, Types, Features & Applications

Overview

NDI (Network Device Interface) converters are devices that allow video and audio signals to be transmitted over IP networks. They are designed to convert traditional video signals, such as HDMI or SDI, into NDI streams, which can then be transmitted over an Ethernet network.

NDI converters are useful in a wide range of applications, from live events and broadcast production to video conferencing and remote collaboration. They enable users to connect cameras, video switchers, and other devices to a network, and transmit high-quality video and audio signals.

The ability of NDI converters to transmit video signals over long distances without the use of additional cabling or signal boosters is one of their main advantages. Since traditional cabling can be challenging or impractical, they are perfect for use in large venues or at outdoor events.

They also provide a high level of scalability and flexibility. They can easily be integrated with other NDI-capable devices, such as video switchers or production software, and are used to connect multiple cameras or devices to a single network.

Some popular NDI converters on the market include the BirdDog Studio NDI, the NewTek Spark Plus, and the Magewell Pro Convert. These devices offer a range of features, such as support for multiple video resolutions, audio embedding and de-embedding, and power-over-Ethernet (PoE) support.

Why is it important?

Network Device Interface (NDI) converters play a crucial role in video production and live streaming environments by enabling the conversion of traditional video signals into IP-based NDI streams. NDI is a technology developed by NewTek that allows for high-quality, low-latency video and audio transport over standard Ethernet networks. Here are several reasons why they are important:

1. IP-Based Workflow: They facilitate the transition from traditional SDI or HDMI workflows to IP-based workflows. This allows for more flexible and scalable video production setups using standard networking infrastructure.

2. Simplified Cabling: By converting video signals to NDI, traditional cabling complexities associated with coaxial cables or long HDMI runs are eliminated. Instead, standard Ethernet cables can be used for video transport.

3. Scalability and Flexibility: They enable the creation of scalable and flexible video production environments. Additional sources can easily be added to the network without the need for extensive cabling changes.

4. Compatibility with NDI-Enabled Devices: They ensure compatibility with a wide range of NDI-enabled devices, including cameras, switchers, production systems, and software applications that support NDI.

5. Low Latency: NDI is known for its low-latency video transport. They maintain this characteristic, allowing for real-time monitoring and interaction in live productions without noticeable delays.

6. Multi-Camera Productions: In multi-camera productions, they enable each camera to send its video feed over the network, simplifying the integration of multiple sources into a centralized video production system.

7. Remote Production: They are essential for remote production scenarios where cameras or video sources are located in different physical locations. The IP-based workflow allows for the transport of video over the internet.

8. Cost-Effective Solutions: Utilizing them can be a cost-effective solution compared to traditional cabling setups. Ethernet infrastructure tends to be more affordable and easier to manage than specialized video cabling.

9. High-Quality Video: They maintain high-quality video transmission, supporting HD and even 4K resolutions. This ensures that the video quality is preserved throughout the production workflow.

10. Collaborative Workflows: They enable collaborative workflows where multiple users or production teams can access and share video sources over the network, fostering efficient collaboration.

In short, they are essential tools for modern video production environments, providing the flexibility, scalability, and efficiency required for IP-based workflows. They play a key role in simplifying cabling, enhancing collaboration, and adapting video production setups to meet the demands of today’s dynamic media landscape.

Types

Based on their features, functionalities, and form factors, NDI (Network Device Interface) converters can be categorized in several ways. Following are a few NDI converters’ typical divisions:

1. Input/output type: NDI converters can be classified based on the type of input and output connections they support. Some common input/output types include HDMI, SDI, and analog audio and video.

2. Form factor: NDI converters can be classified based on their physical form factor, which can include portable, rackmount, or desktop units. Portable NDI converters are compact and easy to carry, while rackmount units are designed for use in broadcast or production facilities.

3. Resolution support: NDI converters can be classified based on the resolution of the video signals they support. Some NDI converters are capable of supporting 4K and high frame rate video signals, while others are limited to lower resolutions.

4. Audio support: NDI converters can also be classified based on their audio capabilities. Some converters support embedded audio, while others support analog audio inputs and outputs.

5. Power options: NDI converters can be classified based on their power options. Some devices can be powered over Ethernet (PoE), while others require an external power supply.

Examples of NDI converters that fall into these classifications include the NewTek Spark Plus, which is a portable HDMI-to-NDI converter, the BirdDog Studio NDI, which is a rackmount unit that supports SDI and HDMI inputs, and the Magewell Pro Convert HDMI TX, which is a budget-friendly HDMI-to-NDI converter that supports 1080p video signals.

History

The history of NDI (Network Device Interface) converters is closely intertwined with the development of NDI technology by NewTek. Introduced in 2013, NDI revolutionized video production by enabling the transport of high-quality video, audio, and metadata over standard IP networks. As NDI gained popularity, the need arose for NDI converters to bridge the gap between traditional video sources and IP-based NDI workflows. In 2015, NewTek and other manufacturers started introducing the first NDI-enabled devices, including converters, allowing seamless integration of existing equipment into NDI environments. Third-party manufacturers embraced NDI, leading to the development of a variety of NDI converters with different form factors and functionalities.

These converters became instrumental in facilitating the adoption of NDI technology across diverse industries, offering flexibility and compatibility for video production setups. Over the years, advancements in NDI, such as the introduction of NDI|HX, optimized bandwidth usage while maintaining high-quality video. NDI converters played a crucial role in the growing industry adoption of NDI, providing a bridge between traditional video equipment and the increasingly popular IP-based workflows. Today, NDI converters continue to be key components in the broader NDI ecosystem, contributing to the evolution of modern video production.

Applications

NDI (Network Device Interface) converters find applications in various scenarios within the realm of video production and broadcasting, offering flexibility and efficiency in IP-based workflows. Here are some common applications of NDI converters:

1. Legacy Equipment Integration: NDI converters allow legacy video production equipment, such as cameras, switchers, and recorders, with traditional interfaces like SDI or HDMI, to seamlessly integrate into NDI-based workflows.
2. Events and Conferences: NDI converters are employed in event and conference setups to link different video sources, facilitating seamless transitions and professional video production for presentations and discussions.
3. Camera Connectivity: NDI converters enable the transformation of traditional video signals from cameras into NDI streams. This is especially useful in situations where IP-based camera connectivity is preferred.
4. Video Switching and Mixing: In live video production environments, NDI converters facilitate the integration of various video sources, enabling video switchers and mixers to work with a diverse set of input devices.
   
5. Remote Production: NDI converters play a crucial role in remote production setups where video signals need to be transmitted over IP networks. This is valuable for events, sports broadcasts, or news coverage taking place in different locations.
   
6. Multi-Camera Productions: For multi-camera productions, NDI converters allow each camera to be easily connected to the IP network, simplifying the setup and coordination of multiple video sources.
   
7. Streaming and Webcasting: NDI converters facilitate the integration of video sources into streaming and webcasting workflows, ensuring compatibility with popular streaming platforms that support NDI technology.
   
8. Virtual Sets and Augmented Reality: NDI converters contribute to the creation of virtual sets and augmented reality productions by enabling the integration of real-world video sources into virtual environments.
   
9. Broadcasting and Newsrooms: NDI converters are utilized in broadcasting and newsrooms to connect various equipment, such as cameras and graphics systems, ensuring a smooth and interconnected workflow for live broadcasts.
   
10. Content Creation and Recording: Content creators use NDI converters to integrate cameras and other video sources into their setups, providing a standardized and network-friendly solution for recording and content creation.
    

The versatility of NDI converters lies in their ability to bridge traditional video production equipment with modern IP-based workflows, offering a standardized and efficient way to handle video signals in a networked environment.

Manufacturers NDI converters

There are several manufacturers of NDI converters, including:

NewTek:NewTek is the creator of the NDI protocol and offers a range of NDI products, including NDI converters. Some of their NDI converters include the NewTek Spark Plus, a portable HDMI-to-NDI converter, and the NewTek Connect Spark, which supports both HDMI and SDI inputs.

• NewTek Spark Plus: Portable HDMI-to-NDI converter designed for easy integration of HDMI sources into NDI workflows.
  
• NewTek Connect Spark: Converter supporting both HDMI and SDI inputs, facilitating the conversion of video sources into NDI streams.
• NewTek Spark 4K HDMI to NDI: 4K-capable HDMI-to-NDI converter, providing high-resolution video conversion for NDI environments.
• NewTek Connect Spark Pro: Professional-grade converter supporting both HDMI and SDI inputs, offering advanced features for NDI integration.
• NewTek Connect Spark SDI: NDI converter specifically designed for SDI sources, ensuring compatibility with professional video equipment.
• NewTek NDI PTZ1 Camera: PTZ camera with built-in NDI support, providing a complete NDI solution for remote-controlled video capture.

BirdDog: BirdDog is a manufacturer of NDI encoders and decoders. Their products include the BirdDog Studio NDI, a rackmount unit that supports SDI and HDMI inputs, and the BirdDog Mini, a portable HDMI-to-NDI converter.

• BirdDog Studio NDI: Rackmount unit with support for both SDI and HDMI inputs, serving as an NDI encoder for video production setups.
• BirdDog Mini: Portable HDMI-to-NDI converter, offering flexibility for capturing and converting HDMI sources into NDI.
• BirdDog 4K Quad: 4K NDI encoder supporting both HDMI and SDI inputs, suitable for high-resolution video production.
• BirdDog Eyes P100: Full NDI PTZ camera with 20x optical zoom, providing integrated video capture and NDI encoding.
• BirdDog 4K NDI Decoder: Decoder for NDI streams, allowing NDI content to be displayed on HDMI or SDI monitors.
• BirdDog 4K HDMI 2.0: HDMI 2.0-compatible NDI encoder, supporting 4K video signals for high-quality NDI streams.

Kiloview: Kiloview offers a range of NDI converters and encoders. Their products include the Kiloview E1 NDI encoder, which supports both HDMI and SDI inputs, and the Kiloview N30 NDI converter, which is a compact, portable device that supports HDMI input.

• Kiloview E1 NDI Encoder: NDI encoder supporting both HDMI and SDI inputs, designed for reliable video conversion into NDI streams.
• Kiloview N30 NDI Converter: Compact and portable NDI converter with HDMI input, offering versatility for various video sources.
• Kiloview E2 NDI Encoder: Dual-channel NDI encoder supporting both HDMI and SDI inputs, providing flexibility for multi-source NDI workflows.
• Kiloview E100 NDI Encoder: Rackmount NDI encoder with multiple input options, suitable for professional video production setups.
• Kiloview E300 NDI Gateway: NDI gateway device facilitating communication between NDI and SDI/HDMI environments, ensuring seamless integration.
• Kiloview D300 NDI Decoder: NDI decoder for converting NDI streams into HDMI or SDI signals for display on monitors or switchers.

Magewell:Magewell offers a range of NDI converters and encoders, including the Magewell Pro Convert HDMI TX, which is a budget-friendly HDMI-to-NDI converter that supports 1080p video signals, and the Magewell Pro Convert SDI TX, which is an SDI-to-NDI converter.

• Magewell Pro Convert HDMI TX: Budget-friendly HDMI-to-NDI converter supporting 1080p video signals, ideal for cost-effective NDI integration.
• Magewell Pro Convert SDI TX: SDI-to-NDI converter providing professional-grade video conversion for SDI sources into NDI streams.
• Magewell Pro Convert for NDI to HDMI: NDI-to-HDMI decoder, allowing NDI content to be displayed on HDMI monitors or integrated into HDMI-based setups.
• Magewell Pro Convert for NDI to SDI: NDI-to-SDI decoder for integrating NDI content into traditional SDI environments.
• Magewell Ultra Stream HDMI: Compact streaming encoder with HDMI input, offering NDI streaming capabilities alongside other streaming protocols.
• Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2: External capture device with HDMI input, providing NDI-compatible video capture for various applications.

PTZOptics:PTZOptics is a manufacturer of pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras and video production equipment. They also offer NDI converters, including the PTZOptics NDI ZCam, which is a compact NDI camera with a built-in NDI encoder.

• PTZOptics NDI ZCam: Compact NDI camera with a built-in NDI encoder, suitable for flexible video capture in NDI environments.
• PTZOptics 20X-SDI Gen 2: PTZ camera with SDI output, complementing NDI workflows with high-quality video sources.
• PTZOptics 12X-NDI ZCam: PTZ camera with integrated NDI support, offering remote controllability and NDI video streaming.
• PTZOptics 30X-SDI Gen 2: High-zoom PTZ camera with SDI output, providing versatile video options for NDI integration.
• PTZOptics 20X-NDI ZCam: PTZ camera with built-in NDI encoder, supporting remote-controlled pan, tilt, and zoom functionalities.
• PTZOptics 12X-SDI Gen 2: PTZ camera with SDI output, designed for professional video production environments and NDI compatibility.

FAQs

What types of inputs do NDI converters support?
NDI converters can support a variety of inputs, including HDMI, SDI, and VGA. Some converters also support audio input.

What types of devices can I use with NDI converters?
You can use NDI converters with a wide range of devices, including cameras, switchers, and other video production equipment.

Can NDI converters work with wireless networks?
Yes, some NDI converters are designed to work with wireless networks, allowing for greater flexibility in video production and streaming applications.

How do I choose the right NDI converter for my needs?
When choosing an NDI converter, consider factors such as the types of inputs you need, the level of portability required, and the budget available. It is also important to research different products and read reviews to ensure that the NDI converter you choose meets your specific needs and requirements.