Season 1 Episode 4 - anyone for NDI?
Links to the Episode:
Episode published - 9th July 2025
On this episode I talk with Elais Puurunen, a leading expert in NDI and its applications in Pro-AV and Broadcast. We explore how NDI is transforming the way we handle video production, especially in the context of virtual conferences, conventions, and trade shows.
You can fidd Elias at:
Elias is also the Author of Memorable, Profitable, Virtual - How to run virtual conferences, conventions, and trade shows that create meaning, value, and lasting connections. Find out more here
What is NDI?
Using all sources on the network, not just the video materials connected to the SDI video router. NDI® (Network Device Interface) is an open standard for connecting video devices over a network. With this NDI® technology, all NDI® compatible devices on the network, such as switchers, camera systems, and media servers, can be accessed from any device, allowing more sources to be used for live production than ever before.
In addition, NDI® compatible devices can be automatically recognized from any devices on the same network, even if IP addresses are unknown, which enables video production workflow to be more flexible.
NDI® was first released in 2015, at the International Broadcast Conference (IBC) show in Amsterdam. Dr. Andrew Cross had been working on IP video technology as the chief technology officer at NewTek prior to the release. The predecessor to NDI® was called AirSend and it was used primarily as an IP video tool for NewTek TriCaster users. In 2015, Dr. Cross became the CEO of NewTek which marked a transition for the company toward the future of IP video. While other IP video standards existed at the time including SMPTE 2022 which was released in 2007, Dr. Cross and his team at NewTek were determined to create a new standard for IP video.
NDI® is a video connectivity technology and is registered as a trademark by Vizrt NDI AB in the United States and other countries.
NDI - 2 Types?
There are mainly two formats of NDI® that Panasonic products support: NDI® High Bandwidth and NDI® HX2/HX3, both of which can transmit high quality video over IP. NDI® High Bandwidth is characterized by low latency IP transmission of high quality video, while NDI® HX2/HX3 is characterized by efficient video transmission even with limited bandwidth.
NDI Recent Updates
NDI, the global video-over-IP connectivity standard, announced the release of NDI 6, a key update set to significantly impact broadcasting and content creation. NDI 6 introduces native HDR support and expands WAN connectivity for hardware, addressing critical industry requirements and pushing the boundaries of visual quality and remote workflows, says NDI.
“The highly anticipated NDI 6 introduces 10+ bit HDR support to answer growing quality demands coming from our users,” says Nick Mariette, director of product management, NDI. “The feedback from our customers and beta testers played a pivotal role in developing NDI 6. Many of our partners want to adopt NDI workflows more profoundly, and further improved image quality will enhance the usage of NDI. Now, anyone seeking high-end quality can stream in HDR with the flexibility, efficiency, and interoperability NDI has always offered.”
Equipped with native HDR and 10+ bit color support, NDI 6 is a option for tier 1 broadcast, meeting industry demands for professional-grade video streaming over IP and making broadcast-quality streaming widely available. The update empowers broadcasters and content creators with higher contrast, which expands brightness headroom. Additionally, it offers wide color gamut and minimal color banding, which ensures seamless transitions and gradients, and broad compatibility, with support for PQ and HLG formats expanding streaming to most HDR and non-HDR devices
Relase 6.2
NDI has launched a plan to enhance its metadata capabilities, unlocking unprecedented control in live-production and broadcast workflows.
Newly updated documentation details how to leverage seamless, bidirectional XML metadata exchange between NDI senders and receivers to enable new workflows, remote control and smarter automation for live events and broadcast environments.