NDI|HX3, PoE+, SDI, HDMI & USB: The Connectivity Inside the Atomos A-Eye PTZ Cameras
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The Atomos A-Eye PTZ cameras aren't just competitive on price — they're built for professional AV-over-IP and broadcast workflows. Here's what the connectivity stack actually means for your production.
What Is NDI|HX3 — and Why Does It Come Pre-Licensed?
NDI (Network Device Interface) lets cameras transmit high-quality video over a standard Ethernet network. No long SDI or HDMI runs — just plug into your network switch and the camera appears as an IP video source in any NDI-compatible software (vMix, Tricaster, OBS with NDI plugin, etc.).
NDI versions compared:
- NDI full — highest quality, highest bandwidth
- NDI|HX2 — compressed, lower bandwidth, older standard
- NDI|HX3 — current standard: best balance of image quality, low latency, and network bandwidth
Every A-Eye PTZ camera ships with an NDI|HX3 license pre-installed at no extra cost — a meaningful saving since NDI licenses purchased separately are not cheap, and many competing cameras ship with HX2 or no license at all.
What Is PoE+ and What Switch Do I Need?
PoE+ (Power over Ethernet, IEEE 802.3at) means a single Cat5e or Cat6 cable carries both data and power to the camera. No separate power supply, no outlet near the mount point — one cable handles everything.
Requirements: a managed PoE+ switch with at least 30W per port (802.3at). The Netgear M4250 series is a go-to for AV-over-IP PTZ deployments. For multi-camera NDI installations, size your switch for 30W per camera plus 20–40 Mbps uplink bandwidth per NDI|HX3 stream.
Four Simultaneous Output Options
Every A-Eye PTZ camera supports all four outputs at the same time:
| Output | Best used for |
|---|---|
| HDMI | Monitors, capture cards, HDMI switchers |
| 3G-SDI | Broadcast switchers, long cable runs, production trucks |
| USB 3.0 | Plug-and-play webcam for Zoom, Teams, OBS — no capture card |
| IP (NDI|HX3, RTSP, RTMP, ONVIF) | Streaming, software switchers, video management systems |
RTMP enables direct push to YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and streaming servers. ONVIF ensures compatibility with IP camera management platforms and security systems.
USB Recording to External Drive (4K Models Only)
The A-Eye 4K 12X and 4K 20X include a USB port for direct-to-drive ISO recording — no dedicated external recorder required. Benefits:
- Independent ISO backup — doesn't route through your switcher or add load to your production system
- Failsafe recording — if your stream or switcher recording drops, the local drive keeps rolling
- Lower production cost — eliminates a dedicated recorder per camera in smaller live event workflows
Compression: H.265, H.264, MJPEG
- H.265 (HEVC) — best image quality per bitrate; reduces network bandwidth and storage
- H.264 (AVC) — widest compatibility across platforms, decoders, and production tools
- MJPEG — lowest latency; useful for specific legacy hardware workflows
Image prompt: "Professional PTZ camera mounted on a wall bracket with a single Ethernet cable connected, clean studio environment, technical product photography"
Questions about NDI networks, PoE+ switches, or multi-camera PTZ setups? Call us at 1-800-323-2325.