NDI technology is taking the world of video production by storm, but what is this technology and how does it benefit you? Before you run out and purchase NDI PTZ cameras, it’s crucial to understand why and when this technology is best utilized.
What is NDI?
An NDI is short for Network Device Interface, and it’s a way to produce shows or videos using multiple sources across your network to work correctly. The NDI works alongside your SDI video router.
However, NDI is now able to be added to an array of video equipment, including:
- Media server
- Production switch
- Capture equipment
- Etc.
If you’re unsure if your device can handle NDI video technology, simply look to see if it has NDI-enabled mentioned. Any NDI-enabled device will work with this technology so that you can view and use any content across devices.
PTZ Camera Networking with NDI
Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras are built to make filming scenes as effortless and easy as possible. These cameras are designed to swivel, tilt and zoom effortlessly to allow you to capture video and images of scenes like never before.
Since PTZ cameras make production easier, it makes sense that networking with NDI would make the technology even more fluid.
NDI allows for low latency, high-resolution transmission without loss of quality across the network. When working with 4K resolutions, the technology empowers production teams to capture and transmit video at the highest resolution with minor quality loss.
PTZ cameras, such as those created by Panasonic, are now built with NDI support.
NDI support is being added alongside other technology to offer video production end-to-end, from events directly to the Internet.
How is it Useful?
Now that we’ve answered, “what is NDI technology,” it’s time to really dig into the usefulness of this technology. Live production can be very time-consuming and tedious because media can be scattered across multiple sources.
NDI brings all of these sources together to make live production easier and more natural than ever before.
The technology of NDI is such that it allows production teams to do more with the equipment that they already use. For example, video production, using NDI, allows teams to offer video production on gigabit IP networks without any changes or advancements to the network.
Since production teams use a lot of proprietary hardware and multiple paths when producing video, it can be tedious to access all video destinations.
NDI allows these teams to access video from all of these sources, so the following thresholds are removed:
- Inputs
- Outputs
Instead, the only real place of concern is the bandwidth of the network, which is easier to increase.
Imagine being able to connect multiple control rooms at once without needing separate setups or cables to do so. Teams can allow for true production creativity with NDI because it’s a technology that is easier to connect and deploy.
Creating an Ecosystem for NDI Technology
Production teams know that they rely on a massive ecosystem of devices to help them create high-end productions. The ecosystem can consist of multiple devices that work together, such as:
- Integrated production switches
- I/O cards
- Media
- Cameras
When combined, these devices can be used for presentation, graphics, instant replay and even live interviews.
Single cable IP distribution combines multiple technologies into one to reduce the need for SDI, HDMI, DC and others. In addition, a single cable can offer ultra low latency audio and video, IP control and power.
From a networking standpoint, the setup and transfer of systems are also easier, thanks to the single cable distribution model.
NDI PTZ cameras offer flexibility and ease of use for production teams. When cameras have NDI technology built into them, it’s easier to connect to the network and have the device discovered.
Over time, and it’s already occurring today, we can expect NDI to transform the world of production with seamless connection across multiple control rooms.
We’re already seeing manufacturers, such as Panasonic, offer state-of-the-art cameras with PTZ and NDI combined. If you’re a production team leader or someone that works in video production, the addition of NDI to new devices is something to take seriously.
The limits that hinder video production are much lower thanks to the addition of NDI and the rapid adoption of NDI by manufacturers.
