Overview
An NDI source is a camera or video device on your local network that uses the NDI (Network Device Interface) protocol to send video over an Ethernet connection. Iris lets you add NDI-capable cameras as video sources in your Studio, so you can view, control, and manage them alongside any other connected sources.
NDI is an industry-standard protocol for low-latency, high-quality video transport over IP networks. When you add an NDI source in Iris, you can take advantage of features like PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera control, image adjustments, advanced camera settings, and NDI-specific configuration -- all from within the Studio interface.
What you need
An Iris account and access to a Studio.
A supported NDI camera connected to the same local network as the computer running Iris.
Network connectivity: Your camera and the computer running Iris must be on the same local network (or reachable via NDI Discovery Server if on different subnets).
An available video source slot: Each Iris plan allows a certain number of video sources per Studio. The exact number depends on your plan.
How to use Adding an NDI Source
Start
Open Iris on your computer and navigate to your Studio.
Iris automatically discover compatible devices on your local network. NDI cameras that broadcast their presence should appear as available devices.
Select the NDI camera you want to add from the list of discovered devices.
If your camera requires authentication, enter the username and password when prompted. Some cameras support passwordless linking.
Iris will establish a connection between your Studio and the camera. Once linked, the camera appears as a video source in your Studio.
While it's active
Once added, your NDI source will appear in the Studio as a live video feed.
You can control PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) for supported cameras directly from the Studio.
You can adjust image settings (exposure, white balance, focus, etc.) depending on the camera model.
Advanced NDI Settings are available under a dedicated "NDI" section in Advanced Settings, where you can configure:
NDI Mode (High, Medium, Low, Off)
NDI Format (various NDI|HX3 options, DanteAV-H, etc.)
NDI Video Resolution
NDI Discovery Server (enable/disable and set IP)
NDI Group (enable/disable)
NDI Multicast (enable/disable, set IP and netmask)
NDI Stream to Network
NDI Device Name and Channel Name
Multicast Time-to-live and Transmit Preferred Method (TCP, UDP, RUDP, Multicast)
The specific settings available depend on your camera model and brand.
Stop / Finish
To remove an NDI source from your Studio, delete the device through the Studio interface.
The camera will stop streaming to Iris but will remain on your network and can be re-added later.
Limits and restrictions
Network requirement: The camera and your computer must be on the same local network. For cameras on different subnets, you may need to configure an NDI Discovery Server.
Supported protocols: Iris communicates with cameras via VISCA (serial/IP), HTTP, and other brand-specific APIs. NDI is the video transport layer; camera control uses the protocol appropriate for your camera model.
Some NDI settings require a camera reboot: Certain configuration changes (like changing the NDI format or encoding on some camera models) require the camera to reboot before taking effect.
Camera model compatibility: Not all cameras support all NDI settings. The available options are determined by the specific camera model registered in our database.
What happens if…
Your internet drops: NDI operates on your local network, so local camera connections remain active even without internet. However, features that rely on cloud services (like Cloud Control or remote access) will be unavailable until your internet connection is restored.
You try to add more sources than your plan allows: You will not be able to add additional video sources beyond the limit set by your plan. Upgrade your plan to increase the number of allowed sources.
Your NDI camera is not discovered: Make sure the camera is powered on, connected to the same local network, and has NDI enabled.
The device disconnects: If the camera loses its network connection or is powered off, its feed will become unavailable in the Studio. Reconnecting the camera to the network should restore the source.
You don't have permission: Access to a Studio and its sources depends on your role and permissions within the organization. If you cannot add a source, check with your Studio admin.
Troubleshooting
Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
Camera not appearing in discovery | Camera is off, on a different network, or NDI is disabled on the camera | Ensure the camera is on, connected to the same network, and has NDI enabled in its own web interface |
"Link" fails with authentication error | Incorrect camera credentials | Double-check the username and password for the camera |
Cannot add more sources | Plan source limit reached | Upgrade your plan or remove an existing source |
NDI settings not showing | Camera model does not support those settings | Not all cameras expose all NDI options; check your camera's documentation |
Video feed is choppy or laggy | Network bandwidth or configuration issue | Check your network connection; try switching the NDI transmit method (TCP vs. UDP); lower the NDI format or resolution |
Settings change requires reboot | Some NDI format/encoding changes require a camera restart | Reboot the camera after making the change |
FAQ
What is NDI?
NDI (Network Device Interface) is a protocol for sending high-quality video over a standard Ethernet network. It allows cameras and other video devices to be discovered and connected without special hardware.
Do I need a special plan to use NDI sources?
No. NDI Discovery is included on all Iris plans, including the Free plan. However, the total number of video sources you can add depends on your plan.
Which cameras are supported?
Iris supports NDI cameras from AIDA, BirdDog, PTZOptics, Sony, Telycam, Lumens, HuddleCamHD, BZBGear, BOLIN, Marshall, and other brands. The full list of supported models can be found in the Iris device compatibility list.
Can I use NDI cameras on a different subnet?
By default, NDI discovery works on the local subnet. To use cameras on a different subnet, you can configure an NDI Discovery Server in the NDI section of Advanced Settings.
Can I control my NDI camera (PTZ, image settings) from Iris?
Yes, if your camera model supports it. Iris provides PTZ control, image adjustment, and advanced camera settings for supported models.
What NDI formats are supported?
Depending on your camera, you may see options like NDI|HX (High, Medium, Low, Ultra), NDI|HX3, and DanteAV-H.
Does my camera need to be wired, or can I use Wi-Fi?
A wired Ethernet connection is strongly recommended for reliable NDI video. Some cameras support Wi-Fi, but performance may vary.
What happens if I change NDI settings while the camera is streaming?
Some settings take effect immediately; others (like format changes) may require the camera to reboot. Iris will indicate when a reboot is needed.
Can multiple Studios use the same NDI camera at the same time?
This may depend on your camera and plan settings. Consult your camera documentation for simultaneous connection limits.
How do I remove an NDI source from my Studio?
Delete the device from the Studio interface. The camera will stop streaming to Iris but can be re-added at any time.