The traffic and processing capabilities of Network Device Interface (NDI) video-over IP technology and its surrounding ecosystem of products make it a suitable choice for many complex broadcast IP projects, writes Three Media CTO Craig Bury
By Contributor
Published: November 25, 2021
The traffic and processing capabilities of Network Device Interface (NDI) video-over IP technology and its surrounding ecosystem of products make it a suitable choice for many complex broadcast IP projects, writes Three Media CTO Craig Bury
target=_blank title=Share on LinkedIn class=share-linkedin>
My career in broadcast and media began back in 1971, and I've seen a lot of major technology changes since then: black and white to colour, mono to stereo, analogue to digital. Now we are in the middle of another massive shift - from SDI to IP - and while it is bringing plenty of benefits in making productions and operations more flexible and conducive to remote working, it is also presenting huge challenges as well.
Part of the problem on this occasion is that broadcast workflow needs are changing simultaneously in so many ways. Remote working and remote production were discernible trends before the pandemic - but have surely now accelerated as a result. This calls for more versatile access to content outside of the traditional studio environment, often using mobile connections or the domestic WiFi of reporters or producers. Meanwhile, the number of streaming platforms and services that content producers have to support is growing all the time.
It won't be a surprise to discover that the adoption of the cloud for production and managed services is already playing a big role in providing these more flexible workflows. Cloud services are maturing, and many broadcasters are in the process of implementing (at least) hybrid cloud/on-premises infrastructures. But the shift from SDI to IP networking is arguably proving more problematic as we haven't yet reached the stage where the interoperability issues have been resolved.
For example, there has been a lot of attention given to the SMPTE ST 2110 suite of standards, which have undoubtedly been a big catalyst for the IP movement. But at the moment our experience of it tells us that there are still some tricky areas. In particular, the support that vendors are offering for ST 2110 is variable - some are doing it very well, others less so. That means there is a serious possibility of interoperability issues between systems from different vendors - not something you want to have to contend with!
It's in this context that my team is currently looking towards NDI as a more capable and seamless route into broadcast IP. Developed as an open-source technology by NewTek, which was then acquired by Vizrt, it has more recently spun out into its own operational entity. Developed to allow real-time, ultra-low latency on existing IP networks, NDI offers several major advantages to broadcast users when compared to many other IP technologies.
Practical and cost-efficient Removing the need for costly networking and infrastructure investments, NDI is able to utilise standard Ethernet-based LAN networks, making it possible to connect every system in the MCR and related environments - including cameras, screens, production rooms, control and operational facilities. It also allows every enabled device and source to be visible on the network as a source or destination - giving MCR personnel a complete overview of the network at all times.
Moreover, in contrast to some technologies where the focus is on uni-directional transport, NDI enables multi-directional, two-way signal transmission over IP - to and/or from any NDI-enabled device. This makes the whole process much more efficient and a decisive step up from simply replacing SDI cabling with Ethernet. Other advantages of NDI include a codec that requires less processing power than many competitors, the ability to handle double-digit video streams using a Gigabit network connection, and the fact that it has already been tested extensively in real world' productions.
There are, however, two aspects in particular that we think will mean NDI truly goes the distance in broadcast. Providing a universal workflow, NDI is not beholden to resolution or format - meaning that it can continue to be used successfully as the industry moves from HD to 4K and even 8K. Of course, this also means that it can continue to be refined and augmented without affecting interoperability.
Indeed, with the increase in remote working and production on everyone's mind, the latest version, NDI 5, adds several significant new features, including NDI Bridge (for sharing NDI sources with others beyond your local network) and NDI Remote (sharing or receiving an NDI source over the web). The amount of production being done outside of the studio, and by smaller teams on-site and at home, will continue to increase - meaning that standardised technologies will become ever more critical. NDI provides precisely this kind of reassurance, and it's a key reason why we are supporting its roll-out in broadcast and in particular, the workflows that extend past production and into presentation, linear transmission and distribution. This is new territory for NDI.
The Three Media team have been very fortunate to engage directly with Dr Andrew Cross, the person responsible for bringing NDI to our industry and the wider world. He demonstrated just how comprehensive and flexible NDI is alongside deepening our understanding of the benefits that can be realised from the entire NDI developer and user community. It has been really exciting to work in partnership with Three Media to look how to innovate playout. Using NDI in the cloud we are putting together what is going to be the future of how production all the way through to presentation is pe
Europe Stories
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
04/07/2026
April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
08/05/2026
One-button synth generates random four-track ideas
Cyma Forma and French artist Bambounou have announced RND synth, a compact hardware synthesizer built aro...
08/05/2026
Portable four-layer granular and sampling instrument
Tasty Chips have announced the GR-2, a new granular synthesizer and sampling instrument that combines e...
08/05/2026
Video Show Report
Video of SUPERBOOTH 26: Polyend Drums
Polyends big announcement for Superbooth 2026 is the Drums, a new drum machine that features both ...
08/05/2026
Deal agreed as NI enters new chapter
Native Instruments CEO Nick Williams has announced that a definitive agreement has been signed for the company to be ac...
08/05/2026
Video Show Report
Video of SUPERBOOTH 26: Erica Bullfrog Drums
The Bullfrog Drums is the latest collaboration between Erica Synths and Richie Hawtin, and ...
08/05/2026
In our latest blog, Tim Pearson reflects on the recent launch of Play Snooker, the new digital home of snooker by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker A...
08/05/2026
Pete reunites with Dogs Trust for a fourth series and a two-part overseas special
London, Friday 8th May 2026: The award winning factual entertainment series P...
08/05/2026
Wuppertal May 8, 2026
Riedel to Support Glasgow 2026 as Official Connectivity Integration Provider Riedel Communications today announced its return as a spons...
08/05/2026
ICG is excited to share news of our official launch in Northern Ireland, marking a significant milestone in the agency's growth.
Led by Digital Marketing M...
08/05/2026
Over the past ten years, Thames Water, in partnership with Arqiva, has installed more than 1.2 million smart meters, creating one of the most extensive advanced...
07/05/2026
Journalists reporting on Sudan are working in one of the most complex and fast-m...
07/05/2026
Seit dem Start im Jahr 2023 hat DJ (Beta) das personalisierte H rerlebnis von 94...
07/05/2026
Da quando stata presentata nel 2023, DJ (beta) ha aiutato a definire un'esperienza d'ascolto pi personalizzata per 94 milioni di utenti Spotify Premi...
07/05/2026
Since launching in 2023, DJ (beta) has helped shape a more personalized listenin...
07/05/2026
Desde o lan amento em 2023, o DJ (beta) j ajudou a deixar a experi ncia de ouvi...
07/05/2026
From our earliest days, Spotify has been built on a simple principle: Great audio should be easy to reach. It's what's driven us to expand from music to...
07/05/2026
Asian and Pacific Islander artists continue to shape the global soundscape, pushing creative boundaries and connecting with fans worldwide. This Asian & Pacific...
07/05/2026
Company announce long-requested choir instrument
In the latest expansion of their Symphonic Elements series, UJAM have introduced an all-new vocal instrumen...
07/05/2026
Modular-inspired sound generation with digital control
Buchla have introduced Ziggy, a new compact synthesizer built around the company's complex oscill...
07/05/2026
Combines analogue voices with digital synthesis and sequencing
Polyend have announced Drums, a new hybrid analogue and digital drum machine that combines sy...
07/05/2026
Control surface now officially supports four DAWs
When Nektar launched the Panorama CS12 control surface, it worked exclusively with Apple's Logic Pro, ...
07/05/2026
In the first quarter 2026, SGL Carbon generated consolidated sales of 184.5 million, which was 49.8 million, or 21.3%, lower than in the prior year (Q1 2025: ...
07/05/2026
Rohde & Schwarz and Greenerwave achieve precise and fast ESA antenna characteriz...
07/05/2026
January 8, 2024
Colorfront (colorfront.com), a leader in high-performance, on-s...
07/05/2026
February 9, 2024
Colorfront (colorfront.com), the multi-award-winning pioneer i...
07/05/2026
March 20, 2024
NAB 2024, Las Vegas - Colorfront (colorfront.com), the multi-awa...
07/05/2026
April 1, 2025
CINEMACON, APRIL 1, 2025 - Colorfront (colorfront.com), the multi-award-winning developer of high-performance dailies/transcoding/streaming syste...
07/05/2026
June 15, 2025
Colorfront (colorfront.com), an Academy and Emmy Award-winning de...
07/05/2026
June 15, 2025
Colorfront participated in the ICTA Barcelona Cinema Technology Summit on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Held at The Phenomena Experience, the event feat...
07/05/2026
July 1, 2025
Colorfront (colorfront.com), the multi-award-winning developer of high-performance dailies/transcoding/streaming systems for motion pictures, OTT,...
07/05/2026
July 1, 2025
Passion and dedication will take you places. Come with us on a short trip to the heart of India, where Annapurna Studios is living-up to the inspi...
07/05/2026
July 3, 2025
Colorfront (colorfront.com), the multi-award-winning developer of high-performance dailies/transcoding/streaming systems for motion pictures, OTT,...
07/05/2026
September 1, 2025
IBC 2025, Amsterdam - Colorfront (colorfront.com) - the Acade...
07/05/2026
April 17, 2026
LOS ANGELES - April 17, 2026 - Colorfront today announced Colorf...
07/05/2026
April 23, 2026
NAB 2026, Las Vegas - the Academy and Emmy Award-winning develop...
07/05/2026
Comscore to Announce First Quarter 2026 Financial ResultsRESTON, Va., May 7, 2026 - Comscore, Inc. (Nasdaq: SCOR), a trusted partner for planning, transacting a...
07/05/2026
Thursday 7 May 2026
Sky continues Sphere Abacus partnership with The Death of S...
07/05/2026
Thursday 7 May 2026
Sky Confirms Saturday Night Live UK will return this September for Series Two
Saturday Night Live UK will return for a second series, as S...
07/05/2026
Save 20% on the Sky Glass Gen 2 and Sky Glass Air TVsThursday 7 May 2026
How to watch the World Cup on Sky Glass
Tune into the World Cup on the BBC and ITV vi...
07/05/2026
Production sound mixer Dirk Sciarrotta has mixed Family Feud for 28 seasons. Thats up to 200 syndicated episodes per year, plus primetime celebrity specials - a...
07/05/2026
As audience expectations have evolved, Owen has stopped trying to hide microphones or excuse amplification. Instead, he treats sound as a fully immersive part o...
07/05/2026
Well known Irish faces pushed to the edge in new series of
Uncharted with Ray G...
07/05/2026
RT will premiere A Traveller Family, a compelling new documentary exploring the...
06/05/2026
New pricing tiers for vocal/dialogue restoration tool
NoiseWorks Audio's AI-powered vocal and dialogue processing plug-in is now available in three diff...
06/05/2026
Popular mixing & routing software overhauled
Following a recent public beta test, RME have launched the final release version of the powerful mixing and rou...
The traffic and processing capabilities of Network Device Interface (NDI) video-over IP technology and its surrounding ecosystem of products make it a suitable choice for many complex broadcast IP projects, writes Three Media CTO Craig Bury
