A Guide to Transitioning From an SDI Television Production System to Video Over IP - Part Six - A Closer Look at NDI

NDI (Network Device Interface) is a protocol developed by NewTek that allows for high-quality video transmission over standard gigabit Ethernet networks. It is designed to be a more lightweight and versatile alternative to more bandwidth-intensive protocols like SMPTE ST 2110, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, especially in environments where the infrastructure cannot support the high bandwidth requirements of uncompressed video.

Keep in mind that if you have a large system or the need for uncompressed video, NDI may not work for your main Video Over IP standard. Two years ago I worked on an eGaming facility where NDI worked just fine as the primary IP standard. In my current system, I will be using ST 2110 for the primary standard and NDI to feed some remote locations.

Here are the key features and benefits of NDI:

1. Ease of Implementation

Network Flexibility: NDI can operate over existing network infrastructures, including standard gigabit Ethernet, without the need for specialized network equipment. This makes it easy to deploy in environments that already have networking equipment in place.

Low-Cost Entry: Since it works with existing networks and does not require expensive upgrades to infrastructure, NDI is cost-effective, particularly for small to medium-sized organizations or those just starting with video over IP.

2. Video Quality and Compression

High-Quality Video: NDI provides high-quality video transmission and is capable of supporting up to 4K video resolutions. While it uses video compression to reduce bandwidth consumption, it maintains a high quality with low latency, making it suitable for live production.

Efficient Compression: Unlike SMPTE ST 2110, which primarily handles uncompressed video, NDI uses efficient compression algorithms to keep bandwidth requirements manageable while still delivering professional-quality video.

3. Versatility and Scalability

Multi-Use Capabilities: NDI is not only used for video transmission but also supports audio and metadata, allowing for a comprehensive media transmission solution over IP.

Scalability: It is relatively straightforward to scale an NDI-based system, as adding more sources or destinations often requires minimal network configuration changes.

4. Interoperability

Broad Compatibility: NDI is supported by a wide range of hardware and software, including many popular production tools and systems. This extensive support helps ensure that NDI can be integrated into various production environments with different equipment.

Software Development Kit (SDK): NewTek provides an SDK that developers can use to integrate NDI into their applications, fostering a broad ecosystem of NDI-compatible products and solutions.

5. Low Latency

Real-Time Production: NDI is designed for live video production, offering low latency that is typically only one frame behind, which is crucial for real-time broadcasting and live event production.

6. Networking and Security

Simple Setup: NDI can be configured with minimal network knowledge, making it accessible to users who may not be experts in networking.

Security Measures: While NDI is not inherently encrypted, it can be secured using standard network security practices such as VLANs and firewall configurations to control access and protect the network.

7. Adaptability

Flexible Integration: Because of its lightweight nature and compatibility with standard IT hardware, NDI is particularly well-suited for on-the-fly productions, temporary setups, and mobile broadcasting units.

NDI provides a powerful yet accessible option for organizations looking to transition to video over IP without the higher cost and complexity associated with some other protocols. Its balance of quality, ease of use, and efficiency makes it an attractive choice for many broadcasters, particularly those with less demanding bandwidth capabilities or those looking to supplement their existing setups.