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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →NDI (Network Device Interface) is a technology that lets compatible cameras, computers, mixers and other devices send and receive video, audio and metadata over an IP network. It is a way for devices to connect—not a codec. NDI formats use different codecs and make different tradeoffs in bandwidth, latency and image quality.
What does NDI mean, and what does it do?
NDI stands for Network Device Interface. An NDI sender makes a source available on an IP network; a compatible receiver can find and use that source. The connection can carry video, audio and metadata, and NDI describes its operation as bidirectional, with multiple streams able to share a network connection. In a streaming setup, that can connect devices such as cameras, graphics systems, mixers, capture cards and media players to compatible software or hardware.
NDI is not a single video-compression method. The format determines which codec is used and affects bandwidth, latency and image quality. NDI’s overview of NDI associates SpeedHQ with NDI High Bandwidth and H.264/AVC and H.265/HEVC with NDI HX formats. There is no single bandwidth or latency figure that applies to every NDI stream: requirements vary by format, resolution, frame rate, number of streams and network implementation.
NDI High Bandwidth vs. NDI HX
High Bandwidth and HX are NDI formats, not separate connectivity standards. Choose based on your devices, network and production needs; confirm the supported formats in the specifications for both sender and receiver.
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#1 Best Overall
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| Format family | Codec information in NDI’s overview | Practical consideration |
|---|---|---|
| NDI High Bandwidth | SpeedHQ | Plan network capacity for the intended sources and test the complete workflow. |
| NDI HX | H.264/AVC or H.265/HEVC, depending on format | Can suit bandwidth-constrained workflows; confirm the particular device’s format support. |
NDI’s 2023 white paper on NDI 5.6 describes HX as offering similar video quality at a lower bit rate and identifies PTZ cameras and mobile phones as common HX hardware examples. Treat this as background, not a guarantee about every current model or a benchmark against every High Bandwidth setup. The same source notes that HX can suit contexts such as Wi-Fi or WAN connections, but actual performance still depends on the equipment and network.
What you need for an NDI streaming setup
- A source: an NDI-capable camera, computer application, mixer, capture device or other sender.
- A receiver: compatible software or hardware that can use the sender’s NDI format.
- A reachable network: sender and receiver must be able to communicate across the network. Wired Ethernet is a practical starting point for a multi-device production, but requirements depend on the workflow.
- Discovery: devices need a way to locate sources. Typical discovery may work on a local network; segmented networks or restricted multicast may call for NDI Discovery Service and environment-specific configuration.
Get started with NDI Tools
- Download NDI Tools from NDI’s official site. NDI describes the suite as a free collection of applications for NDI workflows. Its installation guidance warns that third-party download sites may not carry the latest release. Start at NDI Tools and follow the official installation guide.
- Check sender and receiver compatibility. Confirm that both ends support the NDI format you intend to use, as well as the required resolution and frame rate.
- Connect the devices to a reachable network. For a multi-device installation, wired Ethernet can simplify capacity planning. NDI recommends a network interface set to 1 Gbps Full Duplex or higher if supported, but this is adapter guidance—not a guaranteed per-stream requirement. Actual reliability depends on the format, workload and network.
- Open the sender and receiver applications. Make the source available on the sending device, then select it in the receiving application. Exact controls depend on the software or device.
- Test under realistic load. Check the stream at the resolution, frame rate and number of simultaneous sources you expect to use. NDI advises testing network changes with a network analyzer; changing adapter properties can improve or reduce reliability.
Use NDI with OBS
NDI’s OBS page identifies the NDI plugin for OBS as unofficial and points users to a setup guide. Do not assume the plugin is maintained by NDI or compatible with every current OBS release. Confirm support for your OBS version and operating system in the plugin’s current documentation, then follow its installation and configuration steps: NDI’s OBS information.
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Network planning: bandwidth, Ethernet and discovery
Capacity and adapter settings
NDI’s Network Interface Settings guidance says that, if supported, an adapter should be set to 1 Gbps Full Duplex or higher “to ensure the maximum available throughput.” The page also notes that adapters are usually set to auto-negotiation and cautions that changes to adapter properties may affect reliability positively or negatively. This is not a universal minimum for every stream or a promise that a gigabit link can handle any workload. Consider the format, resolution, frame rate, number of sources and network design, then test.
A gigabit Ethernet switch and Ethernet cables may be useful in a wired multi-device setup. Choose equipment only after estimating how many devices will connect and the stream load; NDI’s cited guidance does not prescribe a switch model, port count, cable category or cable length.
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When sources are not discovered
NDI Discovery Service is worth considering when multicast discovery is restricted or a workflow crosses subnets. NDI describes the service as a centralized registry that can work alongside mDNS. NDI Discovery can display registered senders and receivers, addresses and server connection settings. Configuration depends on the network; discovery tools do not automatically resolve firewall, VLAN, routing or device-compatibility problems. See NDI Discovery and the Discovery documentation.
Troubleshoot common NDI problems
| Symptom | Likely checks and fixes |
|---|---|
| The receiver cannot see a source | Confirm both devices are on reachable networks and that sender and receiver support the same intended NDI format. Check whether multicast discovery is restricted or devices are on different subnets; consider Discovery Service and inspect firewall, VLAN and routing rules. |
| The source appears, but video does not work as expected | Verify format support at both ends and check the selected resolution and frame rate. Test the workflow with the expected number of streams rather than relying on a generic bandwidth estimate. |
| Performance or reliability changes after a network adjustment | Review adapter settings and link negotiation. NDI cautions that changing network-interface properties can help or hurt; test changes with a network analyzer and compare results. |
| NDI is missing from OBS or the plugin fails | Remember that NDI documents the OBS plugin as unofficial. Check the plugin’s current setup instructions and its compatibility with your OBS and operating-system versions. |
Licensing and device compatibility
For developers, NDI’s SDK licensing page says the standard SDK is royalty-free subject to its terms and conditions. Developers distributing applications must follow attribution and implementation requirements. The page also says AAC, H.264 and H.265 formats may require separate licensing, which is the developer’s responsibility. The NDI Advanced SDK has separate commercial-use instructions; do not treat its terms as identical to the standard SDK.
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For hardware buyers, NDI’s FAQ says it stopped selling NDI-HX upgrade licenses on December 31, 2025. That policy does not establish whether an individual camera already supports HX or whether its manufacturer offers another upgrade route. Verify the exact model and its available formats with the manufacturer: NDI’s HX license FAQ.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
NDI connects compatible devices over a network; it is not itself a service for keeping a prerecorded YouTube stream live around the clock. If your goal is to loop uploaded videos on a YouTube channel, StreamNeo is a separate option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It runs the loop in the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one price, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or start the free day.
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