5 Simple Steps to Add NDI Signals to Tricaster

Enhancing your live production capabilities? Integrate NewTek NDI sources seamlessly into your TriCaster system and unlock a realm of possibilities. With the power of NDI, you can effortlessly connect to an array of cameras, computers, and other devices, expanding your production horizons like never before.

To embark on this transformative journey, follow these comprehensive steps and empower your TriCaster with the unparalleled flexibility of NDI. From initial configuration to managing multiple sources, we’ll guide you through the process with precision, ensuring a seamless integration that will revolutionize your live production workflow.

Furthermore, you’ll gain the ability to harness the full potential of NDI’s low latency and high-quality video transmission. This opens up a myriad of creative possibilities, allowing you to incorporate real-time video feeds, remote guests, and dynamic content into your productions. By mastering the art of NDI integration, you’ll elevate your live events to new heights of professionalism and engagement

Importing the NDI Source

NDI (Network Device Interface) technology enables real-time video and audio transmission over standard IP networks. To use NDI signals in Tricaster, you need to import them as sources. Here’s a detailed guide:

Open the NDI Source Setup Window: Click on the “Sources” tab in the Tricaster interface. Right-click anywhere in the source list area and select “New Source” > “NDI.” This will open the “NDI Source Setup” window.
Select the NDI Source: In the “Source Name” field, enter a name for the NDI source. In the “Device Name” dropdown menu, select the NDI source you want to import. You can filter sources by typing in the “Name” or “Group” fields.
Configure Source Settings: Specify the resolution, frame rate, and aspect ratio of the NDI source. You can also configure additional settings such as color correction, cropping, and keying. Click “Apply” to save the settings.
Preview the NDI Source: Click on the “Preview” button to view a preview of the NDI source. This helps you ensure that the source is properly configured and working as expected.
Add the NDI Source to a Scene: Once the NDI source is imported, you can drag and drop it into a scene in the Tricaster interface. Resize and position the source as needed.

Supported NDI Features

Tricaster supports various NDI features, including:

Feature	Description
NDI Send	Sends video and audio signals to other devices over an IP network.
NDI Receive	Receives video and audio signals from other devices over an IP network.
NDI PTZ Control	Allows control of pan, tilt, and zoom functions of compatible NDI cameras.
NDI Audio Intercom	Enables two-way audio communication between Tricaster and external devices.

By following these steps and utilizing the supported NDI features, you can seamlessly integrate NDI signals into your Tricaster productions.

Configuring the NDI Input Properties

To configure the NDI input properties, follow these steps:

Set the NDI Source:

In the NDI Input Properties panel, select the desired NDI source from the dropdown list. This is the NDI stream that you want TriCaster to receive.

Enable the Input:

Ensure that the “Enable Input” checkbox is checked. This activates the NDI input and allows TriCaster to receive the video signal.

Configure the Frame Rate:

Set the frame rate for the NDI input. The frame rate determines how many frames per second are received from the source. Most sources use a frame rate of 29.97 fps or 59.94 fps.

Configure the Resolution:

Specify the resolution for the NDI input. The resolution determines the size and aspect ratio of the video. Common resolutions include 1920×1080 (Full HD), 1280×720 (HD), and 640×480 (SD).

Configure the Audio Input:

Select the audio input source for the NDI stream. If the NDI source includes audio, you can choose to receive it as embedded audio or as a separate audio stream.

Configure the Advanced Settings:

The Advanced Settings section provides additional options for fine-tuning the NDI input. These settings include:

Setting	Description
Packet Size	Adjusts the size of the NDI packets received by TriCaster. Smaller packets can improve performance, but may result in more dropped frames.
Multicast Address	Specifies the IP address for multicast NDI sources. This setting is only relevant if the NDI source is using multicast.
Multicast Port	Specifies the port number for multicast NDI sources. This setting is only relevant if the NDI source is using multicast.

Previewing the NDI Signal

To preview the NDI signal, open the TriCaster Advanced Edition software and select the “NDI Input” tab from the main menu. In the NDI Input tab, you will see a list of all available NDI sources on your network. Select the source you want to preview and click the “Preview” button.

The preview window will show you a live preview of the NDI signal. You can use the preview window to check the quality of the signal and make sure that it is what you want. If you are not satisfied with the quality of the signal, you can adjust the settings for the NDI source in the NDI Input tab.

Once you are satisfied with the quality of the NDI signal, you can add it to your TriCaster project. To do this, click the “Add to Project” button in the NDI Input tab.

Troubleshooting Previewing the NDI Signal

If you are having trouble previewing the NDI signal, try the following:

Make sure that the NDI source is turned on and broadcasting.
Make sure that your computer is connected to the same network as the NDI source.
Make sure that the TriCaster Advanced Edition software is up to date.
If you are still having trouble, try restarting the TriCaster Advanced Edition software.

NDI Source	IP Address	Port
Camera 1	192.168.1.100	5000
Camera 2	192.168.1.101	5001
Computer 1	192.168.1.102	5002

Adjusting the NDI Encoding Settings

Encoding Presets

Tricaster offers a series of optimized NDI encoding presets tailored to various use cases. These presets provide a quick and convenient way to adjust the encoding settings to suit the desired application. The available presets include:

* Standard (4Mbps): A balanced preset suitable for most streaming and recording applications.
* High (8Mbps): Provides higher video quality with increased bitrate, suitable for high-quality streaming and recording.
* Extreme (12Mbps): Maximizes video quality by utilizing the highest bitrate, ideal for critical applications where pristine image quality is essential.

Customizing the Encoding Settings

For more granular control over the NDI encoding settings, Tricaster allows users to customize various parameters:

* Bitrate: Adjusts the data rate (in bits per second) allocated to the NDI stream. Higher bitrates result in higher video quality, but also increase bandwidth requirements.
* Frame Rate: Sets the number of frames per second captured and transmitted in the NDI stream. Standard frame rates include 25, 29.97, 50, and 59.94 fps.
* Resolution: Specifies the pixel dimensions of the NDI stream. Common resolutions include 720p (1280×720), 1080p (1920×1080), and 4K (3840×2160).
* Color Depth: Determines the number of bits used to represent each color channel. Higher color depths result in more vibrant and accurate colors, but also increase file size.
* Encoding Method: Tricaster supports various NDI encoding methods, including H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and MPEG-4. Each method offers different performance and quality trade-offs.

Troubleshooting NDI Connectivity Issues

If you’re experiencing issues with NDI connectivity, try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Check the Firewalls

Ensure that Windows Firewall or any other third-party firewalls are not blocking the NDI ports (5960-5984).

2. Verify Network Connectivity

Confirm that the NDI sources and TriCaster are on the same network and can communicate with each other.

3. Check NDI Packet Loss

Use an NDI monitoring tool, such as NewTek’s NDI Studio Monitor, to check for packet loss on the NDI network.

4. Update Drivers

Make sure that the NDI drivers on both the NDI sources and TriCaster are up to date.

5. Troubleshooting Detailed NDI Connectivity Issues

Issue	Solution
NDI Signal Not Appearing in TriCaster	– Check NDI device settings in both the NDI source and TriCaster. – Ensure the NDI Name is the same in both applications. – Verify that the NDI output is enabled on the NDI source.
Intermittent Signal or Video Dropouts	– Check for network congestion or packet loss. – Optimize network performance by using gigabit Ethernet and minimizing other network traffic. – Reduce the NDI video resolution or bitrate to reduce network load.
NDI Signal Lag or Delay	– Check network latency and try to reduce it by optimizing network performance. – Use the NDI monitoring tool to identify any sources of delay. – Adjust the NDI “Send/Receive Latency” settings to optimize for lower latency.

Integrating NDI with TriCaster’s Effects and Workspaces

The NewTek NDI protocol allows for seamless integration between multiple devices and software applications on a network. This enables users to effortlessly share video, audio, and data sources across different devices, creating a powerful and versatile workflow.

NDI Sources in TriCaster’s Effects System

With NDI integration, you can easily add NDI sources into TriCaster’s effects system, allowing you to manipulate and enhance these sources in real-time. You can add NDI sources as inputs to effects such as chroma keyers, transitions, and compositing tools, creating dynamic and visually engaging content.

NDI in TriCaster’s Workspaces

NDI integration also extends to TriCaster’s workspaces, giving you flexibility and control over source management. You can create multiple workspaces, each containing a unique set of NDI sources and outputs, allowing you to switch between different configurations with ease.

NDI Studio Monitor Output

The TriCaster’s NDI Studio Monitor Output provides a dedicated channel for monitoring NDI sources and outputs in a separate window. This allows you to keep an eye on sources and ensure they are being sent to the desired locations, ensuring a smooth and consistent production.

NDI Virtual Input

TriCaster’s NDI Virtual Input feature allows you to create virtual inputs that can be populated with NDI sources. This enables you to incorporate NDI sources into the TriCaster’s input list, making them accessible within the show’s workflows and graphics.

NDI Receiver Filters

TriCaster offers advanced NDI Receiver Filters, allowing you to filter and prioritize NDI sources based on specific criteria, such as source name, resolution, or frame rate. This gives you granular control over incoming NDI signals, ensuring only the desired sources are processed.

NDI Audio Monitoring

The TriCaster provides comprehensive audio monitoring for NDI sources, allowing you to listen to the embedded audio associated with each NDI stream. This enables you to verify audio quality and ensure proper audio synchronization, resulting in professional-grade productions.

NDI Feature	Usage
NDI Sources in Effects System	Add NDI sources to effects for manipulation and enhancement
NDI in Workspaces	Create multiple workspaces with unique NDI source configurations
NDI Studio Monitor Output	Dedicated window for monitoring NDI sources and outputs
NDI Virtual Input	Create virtual inputs populated with NDI sources
NDI Receiver Filters	Filter and prioritize NDI sources based on criteria
NDI Audio Monitoring	Listen to embedded audio from NDI sources for quality verification

Using NDI to Share Content with Remote Locations

NDI (Network Device Interface) is a powerful technology that allows you to share video and audio content over a network with minimal latency. This makes it ideal for use in remote production workflows, where you need to share content between multiple locations in real-time.

To use NDI to share content with remote locations, you will need to do the following:

Install the NDI software on all of the computers that you will be using.
Configure the NDI settings on each computer.
Create an NDI source on the computer that will be sending the content.
Create an NDI receiver on the computer that will be receiving the content.
Connect the NDI source to the NDI receiver.
Start sharing the content.

8. Troubleshooting NDI Connections

If you are having trouble connecting to an NDI source or receiver, there are a few things you can check:

Make sure that the NDI software is installed on both computers.
Make sure that the NDI settings are configured correctly on both computers.
Make sure that the NDI source and receiver are on the same network.
Make sure that the firewall is not blocking the NDI traffic.
Try restarting the NDI software on both computers.

If you are still having trouble, you can consult the NDI documentation for more help.

NDI Error	Cause	Solution
NDI_ERROR_NO_CONNECTION	The NDI source and receiver are not connected.	Connect the NDI source to the NDI receiver.
NDI_ERROR_INVALID_ARGUMENT	One of the arguments passed to the NDI function is invalid.	Check the arguments passed to the NDI function and make sure they are valid.
NDI_ERROR_DEVICE_NOT_FOUND	The NDI device could not be found.	Make sure that the NDI device is turned on and connected to the network.

Advanced NDI Applications in Live Production

Scalable Production Workflows

NDI allows for seamless integration of multiple sources, enabling scalable production workflows. From small-scale setups to large-scale events, NDI ensures efficient signal routing and distribution across the entire production system.

Remote Signal Collaboration

With NDI, production teams can collaborate remotely in real-time. Sources from different locations can be effortlessly connected, eliminating the need for physical connections and allowing for greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

NDI Routing and Switching

NDI provides powerful routing and switching capabilities. NDI-compatible hardware and software solutions enable seamless signal routing and switching between multiple sources, allowing for dynamic scene transitions and live production control.

Virtualized Production Environments

NDI enables the creation of virtualized production environments. Software-based production systems can integrate NDI signals, allowing for a highly flexible and scalable approach to live production.

Automated Signal Management

NDI supports advanced signal management tools. These tools automate signal routing, switching, and monitoring, allowing production teams to focus on creative aspects while maintaining a high level of technical efficiency.

Interoperability with Standard Protocols

NDI seamlessly integrates with standard protocols, such as SDI and HDMI. This ensures compatibility with existing production equipment and workflows, enabling a smooth transition to NDI-based systems.

Multi-Device Support

NDI supports a wide range of devices, including cameras, switchers, encoders, and graphics generators. This extensive device compatibility provides production teams with greater choice and flexibility in selecting the right equipment for their specific needs.

IP-Based Infrastructure

NDI utilizes IP-based infrastructure, allowing for easy integration into existing network environments. This eliminates the need for dedicated physical cabling and enables seamless signal distribution over standard network connections.

Video and Audio Synchronization

NDI ensures precise video and audio synchronization. Advanced algorithms compensate for network latency, ensuring that sources are always in sync, even when transmitted over long distances or through congested networks.

Extensive Developer Ecosystem

NDI has a thriving developer ecosystem. Software developers can create custom applications and integrations, further expanding the capabilities and applications of NDI in live production environments.

How To Add Ndi Signal Tricaster

1. In the TriCaster software, click on the “Add Input” button on the main toolbar.

2. In the “Add Input” dialog box, select the “NDI” input type from the drop-down menu.

3. Click on the “Browse” button to select the NDI source you want to add.

4. Click on the “Add” button to add the NDI source to the TriCaster software.

5. The NDI source will now appear in the “Inputs” panel on the left side of the TriCaster software.

6. You can now drag and drop the NDI source onto the main output to add it to your live production.