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NDI (Network Device Interface) is a technology for sending video, audio and metadata between compatible devices and software over an IP network. It is not a codec: NDI formats use different codecs and trade off bandwidth, latency and image quality. For a first setup, install the official NDI Tools, check that your sender and receiver support the format you intend to use, and test over a reliable network—preferably wired where practical.
What does NDI stand for?
NDI stands for Network Device Interface. It lets compatible sources—such as cameras, graphics systems, mixers, capture devices, media players and software—make video, audio and metadata available to other devices and applications on an IP network. A receiving application can discover an available source and use it without a separate direct video cable between every sender and receiver.
NDI describes its operation as bi-directional and capable of carrying multiple streams over a shared connection. The exact workflow depends on the devices, software, network and NDI format involved.
Is NDI a codec?
No. NDI is a connectivity technology, not a single codec. Its formats use different codecs and make different tradeoffs in bandwidth use, latency and image quality. NDI’s overview associates SpeedHQ with High Bandwidth, and H.264/AVC and H.265/HEVC with HX formats. The overview does not provide a current, universal bitrate or latency table, so a particular stream’s requirements should be checked and tested in its actual setup. NDI’s overview of what NDI is explains the format distinction.
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NDI High Bandwidth vs. NDI HX
High Bandwidth and HX are NDI format options, not separate connectivity standards. They differ in codec and operating tradeoffs; there is no single choice that is best for every workflow.
| Format family | Codec association in NDI documentation | Practical consideration |
|---|---|---|
| NDI High Bandwidth | SpeedHQ | Assess available network capacity alongside the required resolution, frame rate and number of streams. |
| NDI HX | H.264/AVC or H.265/HEVC, depending on the format | The 2023 NDI 5.6 white paper describes HX as offering similar video quality at a lower bit rate and as potentially suitable for bandwidth-limited contexts such as Wi-Fi or WAN. Confirm support and performance for the specific device and workflow. |
Some PTZ cameras and phones use HX, according to that 2023 white paper, but device capabilities vary. Verify the exact format, resolution and frame-rate support with the device maker and receiving software before buying or building a workflow. NDI’s white paper provides background, not a current model-by-model compatibility list.
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What you need to use NDI
- An NDI-capable sender, such as a compatible camera, computer application or media system.
- A compatible receiver, such as supported production or streaming software or another NDI-capable device.
- A network that allows sender and receiver to communicate. For dependable multi-device workflows, wired Ethernet is a sensible starting point where available.
- Matching format support across the sender and receiver. NDI support alone does not guarantee that every device or software version supports every NDI format.
NDI Tools is a free collection of software utilities for operating NDI workflows. Download it through the official NDI Tools page; NDI’s installation guidance warns that third-party download sites may not have the latest release. Its tools documentation advises users to contact sales for commercial-purpose use. Check the applicable terms rather than treating that notice as a blanket licensing rule. NDI Tools installation guidance
How to get started with an NDI source
- Check both ends first. Confirm the sender and receiver support the same intended NDI format and the resolution and frame rate you need. Check the device or software documentation for model- and version-specific support.
- Install the appropriate software. Get NDI Tools from the official NDI site if the workflow needs its utilities. If you are using OBS, note that NDI documents its OBS plugin as unofficial and links to a setup guide; do not assume it is bundled with OBS or compatible with every current OBS release. NDI Tools · NDI’s OBS information
- Connect the devices to a reachable network. Put sender and receiver on a network where they can communicate. Start with wired Ethernet if practical, especially when using multiple sources or when Wi-Fi performance is uncertain.
- Open the receiver and select the source. Use the receiver’s NDI source-selection controls to look for the sending device or application. Exact menu labels vary by product and version.
- Test the actual production workflow. Check picture, sound, delay and stability under the resolution, frame rate and number of streams you plan to use. A source appearing in a list does not by itself prove that the full workflow will perform reliably.
Network planning: capacity, wiring and discovery
NDI’s network-interface guidance recommends setting an adapter to “1 Gbps Full Duplex or higher” if supported, to maximize available throughput. This is adapter guidance, not a claim that every NDI stream needs 1 Gbps or that a gigabit link guarantees reliable performance. Actual needs depend on format, resolution, frame rate, stream count and network implementation. The guidance also cautions that changing adapter properties can help or harm reliability and recommends testing with a network analyzer before and after changes. See NDI’s network-interface settings.
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For a wired multi-device installation, a gigabit Ethernet switch and Ethernet cabling may be appropriate. Size equipment for the number of devices and expected stream load; the cited NDI guidance does not prescribe a switch model, port count, cable category or cable length.
NDI discovery can be complicated when multicast discovery is restricted or devices are separated across network segments. NDI Discovery Service provides a centralized registry that can operate alongside mDNS, and NDI Discovery can show registered senders, receivers, addresses and server connection settings. These tools can assist diagnosis, but they do not automatically fix a firewall, VLAN, routing or compatibility problem. Configuration depends on the network. NDI Discovery · NDI Discovery Service documentation
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Why can’t OBS or another receiver see my NDI source?
- The sender and receiver cannot reach each other. Confirm they are connected to networks that permit communication; check routing, VLANs and firewall rules with the network administrator.
- Discovery is restricted or crosses subnets. Check whether multicast discovery is available. If it is not, or the workflow crosses network segments, review NDI Discovery Service configuration for that environment.
- The devices do not share format support. Confirm the sending device’s NDI format is supported by the receiving software and its installed version.
- The expected OBS integration is missing or incompatible. NDI identifies its OBS plugin as unofficial. Follow the setup instructions for the specific plugin and OBS version, and verify compatibility rather than assuming support is built in. NDI’s OBS information
- The adapter or network is underperforming. Test the workflow under load; if changing adapter settings, record the original settings and compare results before and after. NDI advises testing changes rather than assuming they improve reliability.
NDI licensing: what users and developers should check
NDI’s standard SDK licensing page says the SDK remains royalty-free subject to its terms and conditions. Developers distributing applications must follow attribution and implementation requirements. The page also says AAC, H.264 and H.265 formats may require separate licensing, which is the developer’s responsibility. The standard SDK should not be confused with the NDI Advanced SDK, which has separate commercial-use instructions. Review the current NDI SDK licensing terms for the intended use.
NDI’s FAQ says sales of NDI-HX upgrade licenses stopped on December 31, 2025. That policy does not establish whether a particular camera already supports HX or has another upgrade route; ask its manufacturer about the exact model. NDI-HX license FAQ
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NDI versus a cloud service for a continuous YouTube stream
NDI is for moving sources across an IP network; a cloud looping service addresses a different need: keeping uploaded video playing as a YouTube live stream without leaving a computer running at home. If you want an always-on YouTube stream rather than a live camera or a local production connection, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it plays the uploaded video rather than broadcasting a camera. It supports the video as uploaded up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card; monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Start a StreamNeo free day.
Choosing an NDI workflow or product
Compare options against the job you need to do, not just the presence of an NDI label. Check format and codec support, target resolution and frame rate, wired/Wi-Fi/WAN capacity, end-to-end latency needs, device and software compatibility, discovery requirements across subnets, and price and licensing terms. Current official material does not establish a universal model-by-model ranking or a single performance figure that applies to every NDI deployment.
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