BirdDog Wingman: A Complete Guide to NDI Live Production

BirdDog Wingman puts live video production at your fingertips, combining multicamera switching, audio mixing, graphics, telestration, livestreaming, and recording in a flexible production workflow controlled through an iPad touchscreen and a physical control surface.

In this Videoguys Live episode, James explores how BirdDog Wingman works with MAKI Live cameras, existing BirdDog NDI cameras, NDI encoders, and computer screen captures. From podcasts and product demonstrations to educational programs and youth sports broadcasts, Wingman offers a way to bring multiple network video sources together in one production.

Whether you're building your first multicamera setup or expanding an existing NDI workflow, here's what you need to know about BirdDog Wingman and how it can fit into your production.

What Is BirdDog Wingman?

BirdDog Wingman is a live production solution designed to make multicamera video production more accessible and flexible. It brings essential production tools together, allowing operators to switch camera sources, manage audio, add graphics, annotate video, livestream, record, and send program output over NDI.

Wingman supports both NDI HX and High Bandwidth NDI sources, making it useful for productions that combine different compatible network video devices.

Potential applications include:

• Podcasts and interviews: Switch between hosts, guests, and wide shots.
• Product demonstrations: Combine presenter shots, overhead views, and product close-ups.
• Education and training: Annotate video, highlight important details, and record lessons.
• Corporate video: Produce presentations, interviews, and internal livestreams.
• Youth sports: Combine multiple camera angles for remote viewers and family members.
• Live events: Bring cameras, computer screen captures, and NDI encoder feeds into one workflow.

Why MAKI Studio Became BirdDog Wingman

The MAKI Studio name suggested a production system primarily intended for MAKI Live cameras. The Wingman name better reflects the solution's broader role in productions using BirdDog cameras and other NDI network sources.

With Wingman, operators can combine MAKI Live cameras with installed BirdDog PTZ cameras, compatible NDI encoders, and computer screen captures. This flexibility makes it possible to expand a production without relying exclusively on one camera type.

The Wingman App and Control Surface

BirdDog Wingman combines an iPad app with a physical control surface, providing touchscreen operation and hands-on control in one workflow. Purchasing the control surface unlocks the app license.

Wingman iPad App

The iPad app provides the production interface for viewing camera feeds and managing switching, audio, graphics, and output. Operators can use the touchscreen to select sources and control the production.

Wingman Control Surface

The physical control surface connects to the iPad over Bluetooth and provides dedicated buttons and a T-bar for hands-on operation. Producers can use the touchscreen, the physical controls, or a combination of both.

The Cut control switches sources immediately, while Auto runs the selected transition. The T-bar allows operators to control the speed and progress of a transition manually.

Add Camera Angles with BirdDog MAKI Live

MAKI Live cameras provide a portable option for productions where camera positions change or running cables is difficult.

Battery power and Wi-Fi help operators place cameras where they're needed, while optical zoom makes it possible to frame a presenter or capture a small product detail without physically moving the camera.

Because MAKI Live's NDI feed can join compatible network sources in Wingman, producers can combine portable cameras with existing BirdDog PTZ cameras and other supported NDI devices.

This flexibility is useful for sports fields, temporary event spaces, classrooms, and product demonstration environments.

Combine NDI Cameras, Screen Captures, and Encoders

One of Wingman's key advantages is the ability to bring different compatible NDI sources into the same production.

Instead of limiting a show to a single camera or a traditional fixed switching setup, producers can combine:

• MAKI Live camera feeds
• Existing BirdDog PTZ cameras
• Compatible NDI HX sources
• High Bandwidth NDI sources
• NDI encoder feeds
• Computer screen captures

Wingman supports up to 10 inputs, depending on the iPad processor. The available capacity and performance depend on the hardware and sources used, so plan your production around the capabilities of your iPad.

Wi-Fi or Ethernet: Planning Your NDI Connections

Wi-Fi can be useful when camera positions change or cables are difficult to run. Test wireless coverage at every camera position before the production begins.

Ethernet provides a wired option for cameras that remain in place and for network connections where a cable is practical. Plan the required cable runs, adapters, and network equipment in advance.

A reliable network plan is essential when combining multiple NDI video sources. Test the entire workflow before going live, particularly when using several cameras over Wi-Fi.

Add Graphics with Captivate BirdDog

Graphics help viewers understand who's speaking, what they're watching, and what they should do next.

Captivate BirdDog comes with Wingman and provides graphics options that can include scoreboards, guest titles, and audience comments.

Producers can use graphics to:

• Introduce hosts and guests with lower thirds.
• Display product names, specifications, or website addresses.
• Show instructions and calls to action.
• Present scores during sports broadcasts.
• Incorporate audience comments into a production.

Prepare names, product information, and other graphics before the show so they're ready when needed. Well-timed graphics make live content easier to follow without interrupting the presentation.

Check Camera Exposure with Built-In Scopes

Consistent camera images help create a more professional production, particularly when switching between cameras in different positions or lighting conditions.

Wingman provides built-in scopes that can be accessed by swiping up on the preview source. Operators can use them to check exposure and compare the picture between cameras.

Before the show, check camera exposure and color to help maintain a consistent look when switching between shots. This is especially useful when a production combines portable cameras with installed PTZ cameras.

Explain Details with Telestration and Freeze Frames

Telestration lets presenters and operators draw or highlight information directly on the program feed. This feature is useful when viewers need to understand a small detail that might otherwise be difficult to see.

For example, a product demonstration can highlight a connector, button, or control while the presenter explains its purpose. A training session can mark a specific area of a screen or equipment panel.

Wingman's telestration workflow includes drawing, highlighting, freezing a frame, capturing a snapshot, and clearing annotations before moving to the next step.

For education, technical demonstrations, and product training, a simple circle around the right port can communicate more clearly than a lengthy verbal explanation.

Livestream, Record, and Output Over NDI

BirdDog Wingman supports several ways to distribute a live production.

• Livestreaming: Stream your production to platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, or Vimeo.
• Local recording: Record the production to the iPad for playback, sharing, or editing.
• NDI output: Send your program output over NDI to another compatible production system.

These options can help organizations reach remote audiences while preserving a recording for later use. For example, a class can be streamed live and remain available as a recording for students who cannot attend.

Confirm your platform settings, network performance, and recording requirements before the event.

Real-World Example: Fredy Alvarez's Youth Baseball Broadcasts

BirdDog Wingman's portable workflow can be particularly useful for youth sports, where camera positions change and production equipment needs to travel between games.

Fredy Alvarez wanted to give grandparents and other family members a way to watch youth baseball games when they couldn't travel to the field.

His setup included three MAKI Live cameras, an iPad, and the MAKI Studio control surface, now known as Wingman. A SlateRouter 7 and Starlink Mini supported streaming from the field.

The result was a portable multicamera production that replaced a single iPhone mounted on the fence. Fredy put the system together in one weekend, and the cameras, cables, and control surface fit into a small Yeti case for transportation between games.

This example illustrates how a compact, network-based production can give remote viewers a more engaging experience without requiring a large traditional broadcast setup.

BirdDog Wingman for Podcasts and Interviews

Podcasts and interviews benefit from multiple camera angles that keep conversations visually engaging.

A typical three-shot workflow can include:

• Wide shot: Shows both people at the table.
• Host shot: Covers the host's questions and introductions.
• Guest shot: Captures responses and reactions.

The producer can switch to the person speaking and return to the wide shot when both participants interact. Adding graphics can also help introduce guests and identify speakers.

BirdDog Wingman for Product Demonstrations

Product demonstrations often require a combination of presenter shots and close-ups. Wingman can bring those views together in a single production.

A useful workflow might include:

• Presenter shot: Introduces the product and explains the task.
• Product close-up: Shows ports, buttons, controls, and small components.
• Overhead view: Shows hands working through each step.
• Picture-in-picture: Keeps the presenter visible beside the product close-up.

Graphics can display product names, website addresses, and important details, while telestration can highlight specific features. Producers can also record the demonstration for future reference or publish it after the livestream.

Build Your BirdDog NDI Production with Videoguys

BirdDog Wingman offers a flexible approach to multicamera live production, combining NDI camera sources, touchscreen controls, physical switching, graphics, audio tools, recording, and streaming.

From portable youth sports broadcasts to podcasts, corporate video, and product demonstrations, Wingman can help producers create workflows tailored to their needs.

Need help choosing BirdDog cameras, planning an NDI network, or building a live production system? Contact Videoguys for free tech advice.

Call Videoguys at 800-323-2325 to discuss your BirdDog production setup.