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Network Device Interface (NDI)

NDI (Network Device Interface) is a proprietary protocol developed by NewTek for professional video over IP networks. It has become a popular choice for broadcasters and content creators looking to modernize their video infrastructure.

NDI as an SDI Replacement

NDI serves as an excellent modern replacement for traditional SDI (Serial Digital Interface) connections. While SDI has been the industry standard for decades, NDI offers several advantages in today's IP-based world:

  • IP-Based Infrastructure: Eliminates the need for dedicated SDI cabling
  • Bi-directional Communication: Allows for two-way video and audio transmission
  • Metadata Support: Can carry additional information alongside video streams
  • Network Flexibility: Works over standard Ethernet networks
  • Cost-Effective: Reduces infrastructure costs compared to SDI

Key Features of NDI

NDI offers several important features that make it attractive for professional video:

  • High Quality: Supports up to 4K resolution with high bitrates
  • Low Latency: Typically achieves sub-frame latency
  • Multi-channel Audio: Supports multiple audio channels
  • Device Discovery: Automatic discovery of NDI sources on the network
  • Cross-Platform: Works across Windows, macOS, and Linux

NDI Drawbacks

While NDI is a powerful solution, it does have some limitations:

  • Proprietary Protocol: Requires licensing for commercial use
  • Limited Socket Statistics: Lack of detailed network statistics and monitoring
  • Network Dependency: Performance depends on network quality
  • Bandwidth Requirements: Can be demanding on network infrastructure
  • Version Compatibility: Different NDI versions may have compatibility issues

Common Applications

NDI is widely used in various professional video scenarios:

  • Live production and broadcasting
  • Video conferencing and streaming
  • Remote production workflows
  • Multi-camera setups
  • Content creation and distribution

NDI vs SDI

Compared to traditional SDI, NDI offers unique advantages:

  • vs SDI: More flexible, IP-based, bi-directional, and cost-effective
  • vs SDI: Easier to integrate with modern IP-based systems
  • vs SDI: Better suited for remote production workflows
  • vs SDI: Reduced infrastructure costs

Flussonic and NDI

Flussonic supports NDI in its media server solutions, allowing users to:

  • Receive NDI streams from various sources
  • Convert NDI to other streaming protocols
  • Distribute NDI content to multiple destinations
  • Integrate NDI into existing streaming workflows

While NDI has some limitations, particularly in terms of network statistics and monitoring, it remains an excellent choice for professional video over IP networks. Its advantages in flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and modern features make it a compelling alternative to traditional SDI connections.