What are some of the common challenges or pitfalls of using NDI for video streaming?

1 Bandwidth and network requirements

One of the main challenges of using NDI is that it requires a lot of bandwidth and a reliable network. NDI can consume up to 100 Mbps per video stream, depending on the resolution, frame rate, and compression. This means that you need a fast and stable network that can handle multiple NDI streams without dropping packets, causing latency, or affecting the quality. Make sure that your network is properly configured and secured, and that your devices are compatible and updated. Ideally, you should use a dedicated gigabit Ethernet network for NDI. Avoid using Wi-Fi, VPN, or other network-intensive applications.

2 Hardware and software compatibility

Another challenge of using NDI is that it depends on the hardware and software compatibility of your devices and applications. NDI is supported by many video production software and hardware, such as OBS, vMix, Wirecast, TriCaster, and more. However, not all devices and applications support the same version or features of NDI. For example, some devices may only support NDI HX, which is a lower-bandwidth version of NDI that uses more compression and may affect the quality. Some applications may not support NDI audio, or may have limited options for NDI inputs or outputs. Therefore, you need to check the compatibility and specifications of your devices and applications before using NDI, and update them regularly to ensure optimal performance.

4 Scalability and reliability

Another challenge of using NDI is that it can be difficult to scale and maintain reliability when you are using a large number of NDI streams or devices. NDI can handle up to 16 streams per device, but this may vary depending on the device's capabilities and network conditions. As you add more NDI streams or devices, you may encounter network congestion, performance degradation, or device failure. To avoid or solve this problem, plan your NDI setup carefully and optimize your network and devices. It's also important to have a backup plan in case of any unexpected issues or interruptions.

5 Security and privacy

NDI can pose security and privacy risks if you are not careful. NDI uses multicast and broadcast protocols to send and receive video and audio over a network. This means that anyone on the same network can access your NDI streams or devices unless you use encryption or authentication methods. This can expose your video and audio content to unauthorized viewers or listeners, or allow malicious actors to interfere with your NDI streams or devices. To avoid or solve this problem, secure your network and devices with firewalls, passwords, encryption, or other methods. It's also important to be aware of the legal and ethical implications of using NDI, such as copyright, consent, or confidentiality.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?