NDI (Network Device Interface) - CBA Glossary
📖 Glossary

NDI (Network Device Interface)

NDI is a protocol for real-time video transmission over IP networks, designed to be simpler and more flexible than SMPTE 2110 or SDI. It's become popular in mid-market broadcasting, corporate AV, and hybrid event production because it works over standard office networks and supports wireless operation.

Unlike SMPTE 2110 (which requires managed networks with precise timing), NDI works over commodity Ethernet without special configuration. A camera sending NDI over WiFi will automatically adapt to network conditions. This flexibility makes NDI attractive for corporate event streaming and hybrid productions where studio-grade infrastructure isn't available.

The technical trade-off: NDI sacrifices timing precision for flexibility. SMPTE 2110 guarantees every frame arrives at exactly the right moment. NDI best-effort delivery works for real-time applications but doesn't guarantee sample-perfect audio sync or frame-accurate timing across sources. For professional broadcast, this matters less than equipment makers admit, but for highly synchronized multi-camera work, SMPTE 2110 is more robust.

For Creative Broadcast Agency productions, NDI shines in remote speaker integration and hybrid event streaming. A remote speaker joining via NDI feed from their office WiFi is simpler than setting up SRT connections. A camera in a venue sending NDI over the corporate network is easier than deploying dedicated networking infrastructure.

NDI is also software-friendly. vMix has native NDI support. OBS supports NDI. Most graphics and video software tools support NDI ingestion. This means designers and technical directors without broadcast equipment experience can participate in production.

However, NDI over WiFi introduces latency variability. The latency might be 100ms on a good connection, 500ms if network congestion occurs. For monitoring purposes (return feeds to talent, confidence monitoring), this variability isn't disruptive. For synchronized playback (multiple sources feeding a vision mixer), variable latency is problematic.

NDI also generates significant network traffic. A 1080p60 NDI feed consumes roughly 500 Mbps on the network. A large event with 10 concurrent feeds consumes 5 Gbps—not practical on typical office networks. Compression modes (visually lossless compression) reduce this, but add latency.

FAQ
Can we use NDI for professional broadcast instead of SDI or SMPTE 2110?
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For controlled environments (studio where network is managed), yes. NDI works fine. For high-precision requirements (esports, high-speed sports) or uncontrolled networks, SMPTE 2110 is more robust. NDI's advantages are flexibility and software integration, not precision. Choose based on your network infrastructure and timing requirements.
Is NDI secure like SRT?
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NDI lacks the native encryption of SRT. Transmission is unencrypted by default, making it unsuitable for sensitive content on public networks. For internal corporate networks, this is often acceptable. For broadcast contribution over the internet, SRT is more secure.
How much network bandwidth does NDI consume?
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Roughly 500 Mbps for uncompressed 1080p60. With visually lossless compression, closer to 250-300 Mbps. Multiple NDI feeds quickly saturate office networks. If you're planning 10 concurrent NDI feeds, plan for 5+ Gbps dedicated network capacity.
Can NDI replace SRT for remote contribution?
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Not reliably. NDI requires stable, low-latency network conditions. SRT is designed specifically for unpredictable networks. For field locations or cellular contributions, SRT is more robust. NDI works better for remote offices on good corporate networks.

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