NDI (Network Device Interface) is a standard protocol that sends video, audio, and metadata over a regular computer network in real time, with low latency and high quality. Wirecast supports NDI natively. Every edition can receive NDI sources from your local network, and Wirecast Pro can also send its live program out over NDI.
How does NDI work?
Instead of running SDI or HDMI cables to a capture card, an NDI device or app publishes its video and audio on the local network. Any NDI-capable receiver on that network can find it and use it. Common NDI sources include PTZ cameras, screen output from other computers, and NDI camera apps on iOS and Android phones. You can learn more about the standard at ndi.video.
NDI uses your network for discovery and transport. The Wirecast User Guide lists port 5353 for mDNS device discovery, plus one port per video channel starting at 5960, and one more port for messaging.
How does Wirecast use NDI as an input?
Wirecast automatically detects NDI sources on your local network and lists them under Network in the Add Shot window. Once added, an NDI source works like any other shot: you can layer it, add titles, and switch to it live. Each NDI source has its own settings for bandwidth, GPU decoding, timestamps, and video delay. NDI input is included in both Wirecast Studio and Wirecast Pro.
Can Wirecast send video out over NDI?
Yes, in Wirecast Pro. NDI Output in the Output menu sends the Live Program feed to your network at the resolution you choose. Other NDI receivers can then pick it up, for example:
- IMAG screens, projectors, or confidence monitors in the venue
- Another Wirecast computer or a secondary switching station
- Other NDI hardware on the same network
Compare editions on the Wirecast pricing page, or see the full list of network features on the Wirecast NDI feature page.