NDI (Network Device Interface) Output is a groundbreaking feature in Iris that revolutionizes the way video and audio sources are integrated and managed in live production environments. By enabling NDI Output, users can send their video sources, audio sources, and even their preview or program feeds as independent NDI streams. This facilitates a highly flexible and efficient workflow, especially when working with various software tools and hardware solutions. This article guides you through the steps to enable, configure, and use NDI Output in Iris, ensuring a smooth and enhanced production process.
Enable and Configure NDI Output in Iris:
Open Iris and locate the top bar to find the Start Output button.
Configure Your Output: Click the settings icon on the output button to open the output settings tray from the right-hand side.
Select Video and Audio Sources: In the output settings tray, select the video and audio sources you wish to send out via NDI by checking the box next to each source.
Manage Performance: Ensure your computer has the necessary performance capabilities to handle multiple NDI streams without compromising stream consistency.
Start Your NDI Stream: Once configured, click the Start Output button located at the top right of the output settings to begin streaming via NDI.
Monitoring Output Streams
Access the Monitoring Section: Within Iris, navigate to the monitoring section, typically located on the main dashboard or within the output settings area.
Select Streams to Monitor: In the monitoring section, you'll find a list or grid of all active streams, including NDI outputs. Click on the streams you wish to monitor to view their real-time status.
View Stream Metrics: Once a stream is selected, you'll be able to see detailed metrics such as bitrate, frame rate, and resolution. This information is crucial for diagnosing any issues or bottlenecks.
Check for Alerts or Warnings: Keep an eye on any alerts or warnings that may appear, indicating issues like dropped frames, high latency, or encoding problems. These alerts can help you preemptively address problems before they affect your output quality.
Adjust Settings if Necessary: Based on the monitoring feedback, you may need to adjust your NDI stream settings. This could involve changing the video source quality, reducing the number of active streams, or tweaking the encoding settings to better match your system’s capabilities.
UI States:
UI Element | Description | Action |
Start Output Button | Located in the top bar; initiates the NDI output process. | Click to begin configuration. |
Settings Icon | Adjacent to the Start Output button; for configuring NDI output settings. | Click to open output settings tray. |
Output Settings Tray | Slides out from the right; contains settings for video and audio source selection. | Use to select sources for NDI output. |
Video/Audio Source Checkboxes | In the output settings tray; represents available sources for NDI output. | Check to include in NDI output. |
Start Output (in Settings) | Button in the output settings tray; finalizes and starts NDI streaming. | Click to start NDI stream. |
Tips or Limitations and Best Practices:
Performance Consideration: The primary limitation of NDI Output is your computer's performance, particularly CPU and RAM usage. Ensure your system is adequately equipped for the number of NDI streams you plan to output.
Source Quality: NDI Output will use the same configuration as the original video source. Be mindful of the bitrate and quality settings of your sources to ensure optimal NDI stream quality.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
What is NDI Output in Iris? NDI Output allows you to send video and audio sources, including your preview or program feed, from Iris as independent NDI streams. This enables seamless integration with other software or hardware solutions.
How do I start using NDI Output in Iris? To start using NDI Output, navigate to the top bar in Iris , click the Start Output button, and then click the settings icon to configure your output settings, including selecting your video and audio sources.
Can I send both video and audio sources via NDI Output? Yes, you can select both video and audio sources to send out as NDI streams.
Is there a limit to how many NDI sources I can output? There's no inherent limit to the number of NDI sources you can select. However, the practical limit is determined by your computer's performance capabilities, especially CPU and RAM usage.
How does my computer's performance affect NDI Output? Higher CPU and RAM usage can occur when sending out multiple NDI streams. It's important to ensure your computer has adequate performance capabilities to handle the streams without compromising consistency or quality.
How do I ensure my NDI streams maintain consistent quality? To ensure consistent quality, monitor your computer's performance and adjust the number of NDI streams accordingly. Also, ensure the source quality settings are optimal for streaming.
Are there any specific settings for audio when configuring NDI Output? The audio sources are sent out as separate streams.
9. What should I do if I experience performance issues while streaming NDI Output? If you experience performance issues, consider reducing the number of active NDI streams, lowering the quality settings of your sources, or upgrading your computer's hardware to better support the demands of NDI Output.
10. Can I adjust the settings of NDI Output while live streaming? Yes, NDI settings on the output tab are currently only “Start/Stop”. Please refer to Advanced Settings to modify the output settings of the camera for further NDI setting adjustments.
Use Cases:
Live Event Production: Seamlessly integrate live video and audio feeds into your production workflow using NDI Output.
Remote Broadcasting: Send high-quality video and audio sources to remote broadcast software without the need for physical hardware connections.
Educational Webinars: Enhance the quality of educational content by incorporating multiple video sources into your presentations through NDI Output.
Gaming Streams: Elevate your gaming streams by managing and switching between multiple video sources live, providing a dynamic viewing experience.
NDI Output in Iris offers unparalleled flexibility and efficiency in managing video and audio sources for live production. By following the steps outlined in this article, users can effortlessly integrate NDI Output into their workflow, ensuring high-quality, seamless production. Remember to consider the performance capabilities of your computer and to configure your sources appropriately to maximize the quality and consistency of your NDI streams.