NDI (Network Device Interface) is a technology for sending and receiving video, audio, and metadata over an IP network. It connects compatible cameras, computers, mixers, and software for live production; it is not a codec. NDI formats use different codecs and make different tradeoffs in bandwidth, latency, and image quality.
What NDI means—and what it does
NDI stands for Network Device Interface. An NDI source makes media available on a network, and compatible receiving software or hardware can discover and use it. NDI describes the connection and workflow; the video itself is encoded using a supported format and codec. As NDI puts it, “NDI is not a codec.” NDI’s technical overview describes formats associated with High Bandwidth and HX.
NDI is used to connect devices and applications such as cameras, graphics systems, mixers, capture cards, and media players. It can carry multiple streams over a shared network connection, with communication described as bi-directional. The formats differ in codec, bandwidth use, latency, and image quality, so “NDI” alone does not specify a stream’s performance.
NDI High Bandwidth vs. NDI HX
High Bandwidth and HX are NDI formats, not separate connectivity technologies. Choose based on the sender and receiver’s supported formats and the demands of the network and production. NDI’s format overview associates SpeedHQ with High Bandwidth and H.264/AVC and H.265/HEVC with HX.
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| Format family | Codec information | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| NDI High Bandwidth | SpeedHQ, according to NDI’s format overview. | Consider available network capacity and the quality and latency needs of the production. |
| NDI HX | H.264/AVC or H.265/HEVC, depending on format support. | NDI’s 2023 NDI 5.6 white paper describes HX as offering similar video quality at a lower bit rate, and notes its suitability for bandwidth-limited settings such as Wi-Fi or WAN. Actual results depend on implementation and device support. |
The white paper names PTZ cameras and mobile phones as common examples of HX hardware. That is category-level background, not confirmation that a particular model supports a specific HX format. Check the manufacturer’s specifications. The available official material does not establish a universal bitrate or latency figure for either family.
What you need to use NDI
- An NDI sender, such as a compatible camera or software application.
- A receiving device or application that supports the sender’s NDI format.
- A network that allows the devices to communicate and has capacity appropriate to the streams being used.
- NDI Tools if its utilities are useful to your workflow. NDI describes the suite as a free collection of software applications; its tools documentation says to contact sales for commercial-purpose use. Check the applicable terms rather than treating that notice as a complete licensing determination.
You do not necessarily need a special NDI camera: compatible software can also send or receive NDI. Some PTZ cameras and phones support HX, but support varies by device and format.
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Getting started with NDI
- Check format compatibility. Confirm the sender and receiver support the same intended NDI format. Also check the required resolution and frame rate against both devices’ specifications.
- Install official utilities if needed. Get NDI Tools from NDI’s official tools page and follow its installation guidance. NDI warns that third-party download sites may not provide the most up-to-date release.
- Connect the devices to a reachable network. A wired connection is a practical starting point for a multi-device production. Verify that routing, firewall rules, and network segmentation do not prevent communication.
- Open the sender and make its source available. The exact control depends on the camera or application. Consult that product’s instructions and select the NDI format both ends support.
- Choose the source in the receiving application. Use the application’s NDI source selection or discovery controls. If the source is not listed, work through the checks below before changing network settings.
- Test the complete workflow. Check picture, sound, responsiveness, and stability under the expected number of streams and production conditions. NDI recommends testing network changes rather than assuming a setting will improve reliability.
Using NDI with OBS
NDI’s own OBS page describes the OBS plugin as unofficial and points users to a setup guide. It is therefore not an official NDI plugin, and compatibility with every current OBS release is not guaranteed. Check the plugin’s current guidance alongside the versions of OBS and the sender or receiver software you use before relying on the setup for a production.
If OBS cannot see a source, first verify that the sender is active, both applications support the same NDI format, and the devices can communicate across the network. Then check whether discovery is blocked by segmentation, multicast restrictions, or firewall configuration. A plugin cannot correct a network reachability or format mismatch by itself.
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Network planning: capacity, wiring, and discovery
NDI’s Network Interface Settings guidance says that, if supported, an adapter should be set to 1 Gbps Full Duplex or higher to ensure maximum available throughput. This is adapter guidance, not a guarantee that every NDI stream needs a particular bandwidth or that a gigabit link will be sufficient for every deployment. Actual demands depend on format, resolution, frame rate, concurrent streams, and network implementation; the guidance does not quantify all those combinations.
Network adapters are commonly configured for auto-negotiation. NDI cautions that changing adapter properties may improve or harm reliability and recommends using a network analyzer to test before and after each change. Avoid changing settings blindly on a production network.
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For a wired installation, a gigabit Ethernet switch and Ethernet cabling may be appropriate, especially when several devices need network access. Size the switch and installation to the number of devices and expected stream load; the cited guidance does not specify a required model, port count, cable category, or cable length.
When discovery across networks is a problem
NDI Discovery Service can be useful when multicast discovery is restricted or devices are spread across subnets. It provides a centralized registry and can operate alongside mDNS. NDI Discovery can show registered senders and receivers, addresses, and server connection settings. See the NDI Discovery page and Discovery Service documentation for details.
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Discovery tools help diagnose or configure source discovery; they do not automatically resolve firewall, VLAN, routing, or device-compatibility problems. The exact configuration depends on the network environment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why an NDI source may not appear
- The sender is not publishing a source: Confirm the sender is running and its NDI output is enabled.
- The formats do not match: Check that the receiver supports the format the sender provides, including the relevant HX variant where applicable.
- The devices cannot reach one another: Check network connection, routing, VLANs, and firewall rules. Being connected to the same organization’s network does not guarantee that devices on separate segments can communicate.
- Discovery is restricted: Multicast or mDNS may be blocked by network policy. For segmented networks, assess whether NDI Discovery Service is appropriate and configure it for the environment.
- A software integration is incompatible: For OBS, confirm the unofficial plugin’s current setup and compatibility guidance as well as the versions in use.
- Changing an adapter setting made things worse: Restore the previous setting if appropriate and test changes systematically. NDI advises testing network behavior before and after adapter changes.
Licensing and device support
NDI’s SDK licensing page says its standard SDK is royalty-free subject to its terms. Developers distributing applications must meet 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 and NDI Advanced SDK have different commercial-use instructions; developers should review the terms that apply to their implementation.
For buyers considering an NDI-HX upgrade, NDI’s FAQ says it stopped selling NDI-HX upgrade licenses on December 31, 2025. That does not establish whether a particular camera already supports HX or whether its manufacturer offers another upgrade route. Verify the exact device with its manufacturer.
NDI and keeping a YouTube channel live 24/7
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