NDI is the Easiest Way to Stream from your AVID, Premiere, or Final Cut Pro Timeline

In a recent article from Sofi Marshall, they detail how you can easily stream your timeline for real-time remote editing using just a few simple tools. The vast majority of these collaboration platforms are built on the same (mostly) free software that anybody can set up.

NDI is a technology developed by NewTek that allows for high-quality, low-latency video and audio streaming over an IP network. Avid is a popular video editing software used in professional video production workflows. By using NDI, you can stream your Avid timeline to other devices or systems on the same network for real-time collaboration, remote viewing, or broadcasting purposes.

Do I Need Any Hardware?

This is a software-only solution, so all you need is your computer (Sofi Marshall recommends a MacBook Pro or higher with at least 32GB RAM) and a solid internet connection.

Is Streaming Your Timeline Better Than Screen Sharing?

You should consider streaming your timeline using NDI instead of screen sharing if you prioritize low latency, high-quality video output, interactivity, and flexibility for multiple viewers. NDI is a dedicated video over IP protocol designed for real-time video streaming with low latency and high-quality performance. It allows for smooth and responsive playback, with the ability to interact with the timeline in real-time. Additionally, NDI can support multiple viewers on the same network, making it ideal for collaboration or broadcasting scenarios. Screen sharing, on the other hand, may have limitations in terms of video quality, interactivity, and privacy, and may be better suited for simpler use cases where lower video performance is acceptable.

NewTek’s NDI Tools

NDI (Network Device Protocol) is a powerful video-over-IP protocol. Rather than using cables or hardware to bring video from point A to point B, NDI sends a high quality, low latency video feed over your local network that can be picked up by a variety of software and hardware. NDI’s capabilities are pretty wide-ranging so I recommend exploring other fascinating ways to add NDI to your video workflow.

Install NDI Tools

Head over to the NDI website and download NDI Tools for Mac (or Windows).

Run the installer package and restart your computer when prompted.

NDI Tools includes everything you need to stream your timeline from Premiere, After Effects, or FCP X.

For Media Composer versions 2018.7 and higher, the Avid NDI plugin automatically installs with the software (unless you manually deselect it), but you’ll still need to install the above NDI Tools to get set up.

Avid Media Composer

With your project open in Avid Media Composer, first locate the HW/SW icon above the timeline, right-click it, and check that “OpenIO_NDI” and “Play local audio when broadcasting” both have a checkmark next to them. Then simply click the HW/SW button. The arrow will blink red to indicate an active NDI stream.

Activate NDI Virtual Input To Stream Your Timeline

Last but not least, you need to activate it as a virtual camera.

NDI Virtual Input (NDI Webcam on Windows) is one of the apps that installs with the NDI Tools package. Locate it in your applications folder and open it up.

There’s not much to this app on MacOS. It’s really just a top menu bar.

Navigate to the NDI menu, then select your computer, and then select your NLE as your NDI source. Avid and FCP X may shows up as macOS AV Output.

Read the full article from Sofi Marshall HERE