Display your stream on a TV

How to show your NDI camera stream on a TV or monitor.

To show your NDI camera in another room (e.g., women’s area, entrance) on a TV, use one of these methods.

Method 1: Mini PC & NDI Studio Monitor

A flexible, often low-cost option: a small PC (e.g., Windows mini PC, Intel NUC) connected to the TV.

Connect hardware

  1. Connect the mini PC to the TV via HDMI.
  2. Connect the mini PC to your switch via Ethernet.

Install software

  1. Download and install the free NDI Tools.
  2. Launch NDI Studio Monitor.

Select the camera

  1. In Studio Monitor, click the menu icon (or right-click).
  2. Choose your camera from the list of available NDI sources.

Kiosk mode (autostart)

For continuous use, set autostart:

  1. Menu → Application → Settings → enable Run on Windows Startup.
  2. Menu → Settings → enable Always on Top.
  3. Menu → Settings → enable Last NDI Source (remembers the last camera).

Switch sources via web UI

You can change the displayed camera remotely without mouse/keyboard on the mini PC:

  1. In Studio Monitor: Menu → Application → Web Server.
  2. Note the mini PC’s IP address.
  3. On another device, open http://<mini-pc-ip>:81 in a browser.
  4. Use the web interface to switch the NDI source.

Method 2: Hardware decoder (e.g., BirdDog Play)

A hardware decoder receives NDI and outputs HDMI. It’s more reliable and easier to maintain than a Windows PC.

Popular devices:

  • BirdDog Play (4K NDI player, ~€200)
  • Magewell Pro Convert (pro option)

Connect

  1. Connect BirdDog Play to the TV via HDMI.
  2. Connect it to the network via Ethernet (POE power possible).
  3. Or power via USB-C (if no POE).

Set up

  1. The device shows its IP address on the TV.
  2. Enter that IP in a browser on your PC/phone.
  3. Log in (default password in the manual).

Choose the source

  1. In the web UI, go to AV Setup or Decode Settings.
  2. Under NDI Source, select your camera.
  3. Click Apply/Save.

Switch sources

Hardware decoders make remote control easy:

  • Access the web interface anytime from phone/PC.
  • Choose a new source—the TV switches instantly.

Comparison

FeatureMini PC + Studio MonitorHardware decoder (BirdDog Play)
Price~€150–300~€200
ReliabilityGood (watch Windows updates)Very good (purpose-built)
SetupMedium (install software)Easy (plug & play)
MaintenanceHigher (updates, restarts)Low
Remote controlYes (Web Server)Yes (Web Interface)

For a fixed installation, we recommend a hardware decoder like BirdDog Play. After a power outage it restarts and shows the feed automatically without manual steps.

On this page

Method 1: Mini PC & NDI Studio MonitorConnect hardwareInstall softwareSelect the cameraKiosk mode (autostart)Switch sources via web UIMethod 2: Hardware decoder (e.g., BirdDog Play)ConnectSet upChoose the sourceSwitch sourcesComparison