Use NDI Router to assign local NDI sources—such as cameras, screens, and media feeds—to virtual destination outputs. Use Studio Monitor to preview feeds, and use NDI Bridge when you need to connect separate NDI networks over a WAN. The key routing idea is that a receiver connects to a named virtual output; Router then assigns a source to that destination.
What NDI Router, Studio Monitor, and Bridge each do
| Tool | Use it for | What it does not do |
|---|---|---|
| NDI Router | Assigning NDI sources to virtual destination outputs on a local NDI network. | It is not the preview application or the documented WAN transport. |
| NDI Studio Monitor | Viewing available NDI channels, checking multiple feeds, and controlling supported PTZ cameras. | It displays and inspects feeds; it does not assign Router destinations. |
| NDI Bridge | Connecting remote NDI infrastructures, or operating locally as a stream transcoder/repeater for multiple receivers. | It is not needed for ordinary local Router assignments. |
NDI describes Router as a virtual switcher for flexible signal routing without a hardware-based routing system. Its documentation explains that Router creates virtual outputs for NDI receivers. The media stream travels from the NDI transmitter to the receiver; Router controls the assignment rather than serving as the media path.
Prepare the NDI network and install the tools
- Check the operating system and installer. Download NDI Tools from NDI’s official tools page and select the package that matches the computer you will use. The page listed NDI Tools version 6.3.2 on October 3, 2026; that value can change, so confirm the current release before installing. Follow the official installation guide for the current installer instructions.
- Put the sources, Router computer, and receiving devices on networks where they can discover each other. A 2023 NDI 5.6 white paper explains that video can pass once two NDI devices have discovered one another. It also describes Access Manager as a way to set the Discovery service address. If sources do not appear, discovery is an early point to check.
- Check network capacity against the job. NDI’s Windows tools overview publishes a 1Gbps LAN minimum. That is a stated minimum, not a guarantee for any particular number or type of feeds; the cited material does not provide workload-specific bandwidth calculations. Validate the actual network for your sources, receivers, and concurrent traffic.
NDI’s Router product page lists Windows 10 64-bit or later, an Intel or AMD processor with SSE4 or later, 6 GB RAM or better, a supported GPU/APU, and a 1Gbps LAN as minimum requirements. The detailed setup instructions cited here are under NDI’s Mac documentation path, while those product-page requirements are Windows-focused. Check the current OS-specific download and documentation for your deployment rather than assuming identical availability or steps across platforms.
Configure a local route in NDI Router
- Open Router and enter configuration mode. Use the configuration controls in the Router interface to set up the buttons that represent sources, destinations, and optional presets. Consult the current OS-specific Router documentation if the interface differs from these general steps.
- Add source buttons. Choose or name the NDI sources you want Router to offer, for example a camera, screen capture, or media source. A source must be discoverable to the Router computer to be available for assignment.
- Create destination buttons and name their virtual outputs. Give each destination a distinct name that you can identify on the receiving device, such as “Program monitor” or “Room display.” Router can manage up to 64 sources and 64 destinations; this is the documented application limit, not a recommendation that every system can run 64 active feeds reliably.
- Save or finish the configuration. If a source-to-destination arrangement is useful to recall, create a preset where the interface supports it.
- Connect each NDI receiver to its destination output. On the receiving device or application, select the Router virtual output named for that destination. The receiver is connecting to that output—not directly to the source button.
- Assign the source. In Router, select the destination, then select the source to send to it. The receiver should now receive the selected transmitter’s feed. To switch what that receiver sees, choose a different source for the same destination.
For example, a receiver subscribed to the “Room display” output remains attached to that output while the operator changes its assigned source from a camera to a presentation computer. This source-to-output assignment is the switching step; Router’s application is not relaying the video itself.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Enriched inputs selection: unlimited inputs select from 4*SDI, 4*HDMI and USB-type C, NDI HX source and SD/SSD playback. Supports landscape and portrait for both inputs and outputs.
- Multiple control methods: control your live event via GoStream built-in GUI & GoStream computer software (both for MAC and Win) & Bitfocus Companion.
- Rich key effects and transitions: Multisource, Luam Key, Chroma Key, Pattern Key, PIP, DSK. Transition with MIX, DIP, WIPE and T-Bar.
- Highly compatible live streaming methods: Up to 3 streaming platforms at one time. Streaming directly via Ethernet or Smart Phone hotspot(via USB cable). Or you can connect to all streaming software, like OBS, Vmix to streaming.
- Affordable Professional Streaming Solution: A GoStream Duet equals a GoStream Deck + 4 HDMI & SDI converter + a FREE NDI HX LICENSE(need to download the latest firmware to unlock free NDI) as a gift.
Preview and inspect feeds with Studio Monitor
- Launch Studio Monitor and open its list of available NDI channels.
- Select a source to view it before routing, or keep a feed visible while operating Router to confirm the intended source is available.
- Use its multiple-feed viewing capability when you need to inspect more than one channel.
- For a supported PTZ camera, use the available PTZ controls to operate the camera.
Studio Monitor is useful for checking what a source contains and whether the feed is present; Router is where you choose which source feeds a virtual destination.
When to use NDI Bridge instead of Router
Router’s documented workflow assigns sources and receivers on an NDI network. For separate sites or networks connected over a WAN, use Bridge’s Host, Join, and Local modes as appropriate. Host and Join support remote network interconnection; Local mode can transcode or repeat a requested stream to multiple receivers.
Rank #2
- 【Rich Connection Ports】 The Osee GoStream Deck video switcher comes with 4 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs, allowing you to connect four different media sources and two displays for MultiView and monitoring. It also includes 2 Type-C ports (input/output) for webcam input/output, SSD connection, and PC connectivity, 1 Ethernet port for live streaming, 2 audio inputs and 1 headphone output for monitoring audio quality or recording, and 1 SD card slot for recording or playing files directly.
- 【Audio Control, Recording and Playback 】 The Osee GoStream Deck video switcher features various audio control buttons and adjustable knobs. It comes with headphone and microphone input for your live-streaming audio system. Additionally, it provides professional audio effects, including EQ, Limiter, Fader, etc. The GoStream Deck can record your PGM to an SD card or USB SSD while simultaneously playing back MP4 files for intros, breaks, etc.
- 【3 Streaming & Landscape / Portrait streaming】 This live streaming video switcher can simultaneously stream to 3 platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Zoom, or any RTMP server via the Ethernet port. Alternatively, you can use the USB output to stream through PC software like OBS or vMix. In addition, it supports both landscape and portrait modes to suit your various needs.
- 【Efficient Control】 The GoStream Deck features a hard control panel with PVW/PGM buses, T-Bar, and Macros - perfect for broadcast-quality streaming in education, conferences, worship, live events, and weddings. With its built-in menu system, you can control your live production without a PC. Additionally, we provide free PC control software and a companion control module for expanded functionality.
- 【Convenient Graphics Overlay】 This video mixer supports MultiSource functionality with dual video windows, background options, and graphics overlay - ideal for church broadcasts, podcasts, online meetings, panel discussions, and TV-quality live productions. Downstream keyer for logo and lower-third overlays. Upstream keyer supporting green screen, chroma key, PIP (Picture-in-Picture), and pattern effects.
- Host and Join: Configure the remote connection details, including reachable IP and port, group, key, and compatible encryption settings. NDI’s Bridge product page lists default port 5990, 256-bit encryption, and H.264 or HEVC compression. These are Bridge details, not Router requirements.
- Buffering: Bridge documentation describes buffer settings as a trade-off: more buffering can favor smoother playback, while less buffering favors lower latency. Choose based on the network conditions and how much delay the use case can tolerate.
- Local mode: Use it when the task is local transcoding or repeating a requested stream to multiple receivers, rather than connecting remote infrastructures.
Remote operation adds network reachability and connection configuration that local routing does not require. Follow the current Bridge documentation for the mode-specific setup and firewall details.
Troubleshoot missing sources, outputs, or video
- A source is absent from Router or Studio Monitor: Check that its NDI transmitter is running and that the Router computer can discover it. If discovery is centrally configured, verify the Discovery service address in Access Manager. NDI’s 2023 white paper describes discovery as a prerequisite for devices to pass video.
- The receiver cannot find the destination: Confirm Router is running, that the destination was created and named, and that the receiver is selecting that exact virtual output.
- The wrong picture appears at the receiver: Verify the destination selected in Router, then the source assigned to it. Check the receiver is attached to the intended destination output rather than another similarly named one.
- The feed is present but playback is unreliable: Review network capacity and competing traffic. The published 1Gbps Windows LAN minimum is not a workload-specific guarantee, and the cited documentation does not establish a universal bandwidth figure for a given feed count.
- A Bridge connection does not establish: Check that the remote IP and port are reachable, the group and key match, and both sides use compatible connection settings. The documented default Bridge port is 5990; confirm the active configuration rather than assuming that default is unchanged.
- Bridge video is choppy or feels delayed: Revisit the buffer setting as a latency-versus-smoothness trade-off, then assess the WAN path and compression mode.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your separate goal is to keep a prerecorded-video YouTube channel live around the clock, NDI Router is not that service: it routes NDI feeds and does not provide a 24/7 YouTube playout workflow. StreamNeo is a cloud service for looping uploaded videos on YouTube. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay powered on at home; StreamNeo streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FEATURE RICH: Includes 4-camera multiview; cut, mix, dip, wipe, and DVE transitions; luma, linear, chroma, and pattern upstream keys; downstream keyer; and a built-in 6-input, 2-channel audio mixer.
- APPLICATIONS: Multicamera live streaming to the Internet or broadcast applications. Perfect for education & training, business presentations, livestream eSport events and more.
- INPUTS: 4 x HDMI Type A (10-bit 4:2:2 YUV), 2-channel embedded audio; 2 x 3.5mm stereo analog audio; 1 x RJ45 Ethernet.
- OUTPUTS: 1 x HDMI Type A (10-bit 4:2:2 YUV) with 2-channel embedded audio; multiview output; 1 x USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 1 (for webcam output, panel connection, and external drive recording).
- INCLUDES: ATEM Mini Pro HDMI live stream switcher and external 12V DC power supply with international socket adapters.
Rank #4
- HYBRID HDMI + SDI, WITHOUT THE CONVERTER CLUTTER — Build one production around the cameras you already own. GoStream Duet 8 ISO combines 4 HDMI 2.0 inputs and 4 3G-SDI inputs in one 8-channel live streaming video switcher. HDMI accepts signals up to 4K60, while SDI supports dependable long cable runs—letting mirrorless cameras, computers, camcorders and professional SDI cameras work together without stacks of external converters.
- PROFESSIONAL XLR AUDIO BUILT INTO THE WORKFLOW — Bring professional sound directly into the switcher instead of relying on camera audio or extra interfaces. Two external audio channels provide XLR and 3.5mm connection options with Mic/Line support, while XLR Mic mode adds 48V phantom power and up to 68dB gain. Built-in HPF, noise gate, EQ, compressor, limiter and delay give churches, podcasts and event crews the tools to shape cleaner audio before it goes live.
- 8-CHANNEL ISO RECORDING + PGM FOR A SAFER PRODUCTION — Keep every camera angle—not just the live cut. Record 8 individual ISO feeds plus the PGM output, with selectable H.264 or H.265 encoding and up to 50Mbps per recording channel. Preserve original camera footage for post-production, highlights or recovery when a live switch misses the moment, while dedicated recording workflows help protect production quality during simultaneous streaming.
- IP VIDEO + DIRECT 3-DESTINATION STREAMING — Expand beyond cameras connected by cable. Configure available channels for NDI|HX, SRT and RTMP network feeds, add UVC webcams or play prepared H.264/H.265 MP4 media from the built-in players. The integrated Gigabit Ethernet streaming engine can send the program directly to up to three RTMP destinations simultaneously, while USB UVC output connects the finished production to compatible computer-based streaming or conferencing software.
- BROADCAST VISUAL EFFECTS MADE EASIER — Create more than simple camera cuts with a 4-window MultiSource layout, up to 8 configurable video layers, Upstream Key and dual DSK. The integrated Web Browser engine turns compatible web content into dynamic Alpha overlays for scoreboards, tickers, titles, countdowns, statistics and other live graphics—without occupying an HDMI or SDI camera channel. VFA Video Follows Audio also helps automate active-speaker switching for podcasts, panels and interviews.
Rank #3
- 【𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐨 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫】Tenveo PC500 - a professional live streaming Video Mixer Switcher, Integrates video encoding, multi-channel switching, PTZ/NDI Camera control, multi-camera Live streaming, real-time monitoring and USB recording. Designed and produced for professional Audio Video System Live Streaming /Live Production /Live Broadcasting. Suitable for Church Worship Live Services, Studio Live, Stage Shows, Product Launch, Sport Events, Government Activities, Online Training, University, Factory live, Classroom, High end Summit, Large Conference, Weddings, Podcasts, etc.
- 【𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝟒𝐊 𝐇𝐃𝐌𝐈 + 𝐒𝐃𝐈 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫】Tenveo PC500 supports 4CH flexible inputs - Video Input: 4*HDMI inputs(2*HDMI with 4K60FPS), 4*SDI inputs, 1*USB input(PGM recording/Video Playback/File Loading/UVC Input, NDI|HX3 is also supported). Video Output: 1*SDI PGM output, 1*HDMI PGM output, 1*HDMI AUX output(All outputs can be customized as input channel/PST/PGM/Multi-view) and 1*USB3.0 output(UVC live streaming). Recording Output: USB2.0. Audio Input: 2*MIC, Audio Output: 1*PHONE. (4K60FPS and 1080P60FPS Input, 1080P60FPS Output.)
- 【𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭】The Video Switcher supports up 2 Live Streaming platforms simultaneously, supporting UVC Streaming(USB3.0 Type-C)and IP Streaming which are SRT, RTMP, RTSP and NDI|HX3 Streaming Via Ethernet. Enjoy seamless compatibility with major social media and professional software like YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, TikTok, OBS and vMix. Meanwhile, built-in web server, the video switcher supports control via web browser on any platform, providing you with the flexibility to manage live productions. This enhances operation efficiency and convenience.
- 【𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭-𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤】Supporting Dual Recording via SD Card/USB Disk/HDD, serving as auxiliary sources for PGM streams. With H.264 encoding, it simultaneously supports records and streams at separate bitrates(up to 1080p60fps). And the USB Recording becomes instant auxiliary sources - seamlessly integrated into live production via dedicated AUX for instant replay and live production. The recorded PGM file is production-ready, minimizing post-editing time. This ensures secure backup and storage of video content, providing peace of mind during critic productions.
- 【𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧】Easily manage and switch between 4 PTZ cameras to deliver compelling, multi-angle live streams. Once cameras are properly connected, press the magnifier/search icon to automatically detect PTZ cameras on the same LAN and add them by selecting their IP address. Customize operational parameters(pan-tilt-zoom, focus speed, exposure, WB, Gain), save/recall 10 preset positions per camera, trigger AI tracking on camera, record and recall 5 cruise tracks from the camera. The multi-camera capability enables you to capture diverse angles and deliver dynamic content, ideal for professional live streaming.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

