Basics
What NDI is and why it’s useful for video streaming in your mosque.
NDI (Network Device Interface) changes how video and audio are transmitted. Learn how NDI can simplify your mosque’s infrastructure.
What is NDI?
NDI is a protocol by NewTek for sending video, audio, and metadata over standard IP networks. It enables:
- High-quality video transport
- Very low latency
- Bidirectional communication
- Camera control over the network
Technical basics
| Property | NDI High Bandwidth | NDI|HX (compressed) |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Minimal | H.264/H.265 |
| Bandwidth (1080p) | ~150 Mbit/s | ~10–20 Mbit/s |
| Latency | Very low (~1 frame) | Low (~2–4 frames) |
| Quality | Highest | Very good |
| Best for | LAN | LAN/Wi‑Fi |
Benefits of NDI
No expensive video cabling
Traditional:
- SDI cables (costly, rigid installs)
- HDMI cables (max ~15 m without boosters)
- Special converters and extenders
With NDI:
- Standard network cables (Cat5e/Cat6)
- Use existing network infrastructure
- Flexible to lay and change
Multiple sources and destinations
One NDI signal can:
- Be received by multiple endpoints at once
- Be sent to many destinations
- Without extra splitters or distributors
Remote control
NDI supports PTZ control (pan/tilt/zoom):
- Pan and tilt the camera
- Control zoom
- Recall presets
Scalability
Easy to expand:
- Plug in a new camera → instantly available
- Add a new display → connect an NDI receiver
- No complex cabling plans
Software integration
Many apps support NDI natively:
- OBS Studio
- vMix
- Wirecast
- Zoom (with plugin)
- Microsoft Teams (with plugin)
Limitations & considerations
Network requirements
NDI needs significant network bandwidth. A basic consumer router is often not enough.
Recommended infrastructure:
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Switch | 100 Mbit/s | 1 Gbit/s managed |
| Cabling | Cat5e | Cat6/Cat6a |
| Wi‑Fi | Not recommended | WiFi 6 (NDI |
Bandwidth planning
Per NDI stream (1080p60):
| NDI version | Bandwidth |
|---|---|
| NDI High Bandwidth | ~150 Mbit/s |
| NDI|HX | ~15–20 Mbit/s |
| NDI|HX2 | ~8–12 Mbit/s |
| NDI|HX3 | ~6–10 Mbit/s |
Example:
- 3 cameras (NDI|HX): 3 × 20 = 60 Mbit/s
- 2 displays (NDI): 2 × 150 = 300 Mbit/s
- Total: 360 Mbit/s → Gigabit switch required
Real-world latency
- On LAN: 1–3 frames (~16–50 ms at 60 fps)
- Over Wi‑Fi: 2–5 frames (~33–83 ms at 60 fps)
- NDI|HX over Wi‑Fi: 3–8 frames
For livestreaming and translation this latency is acceptable.
Compatibility
Not all “NDI-compatible” devices are equal:
- Full NDI: Highest quality, highest bandwidth
- NDI|HX: Compressed, lower bandwidth
- NDI|HX2/HX3: Newer, more efficient compression
Check which NDI version a device supports before buying.