Production Questions Answered by the Videoguys. NDI, Atomos, Storage, & more

Oliver hosts this months Ask the Videoguys Live Webinar, where we address some of the most frequently asked live streaming, video editing, and production questions from our users.  This month we discuss NDI solutions for houses of worship, the Atomos Ninja Family, CFast and CFexpress, the expanded TriCaster Family, NDI Bridge, YoloBox, motion graphics and more.  

Check out webinar below:

Ask us a Question for Ask the Videoguys: 

We are available to answer questions Monday Through Friday, 9AM-5PM Eastern Time.  We can be accessed through multiple avenues, including the following:

Question 1: What is the difference between Ninja V, Ninja V+ and now the Ninja Cast?

Ninja V and Ninja V+ Monitors:

The Atomos Ninja V line of monitors started with the Atomos NInja V.  This is a popular five inch monitor and recorder.  This HDMI device is compatible with most cameras and a host of file formats including ProRes and ProRes RAW.  

Atomos continued the line with the Atomos Ninja V+, which added 8K capability to this new monitor, as well as 4K 120p capabilities.  

Check out this chart comparing the two monitors:

Ninja V+ End of Year Special:

Its also worth noting that those who think the Ninja V+ might be right for them, now may be the time to act!  The Ninja V+ is on sale currently, with a $500 savings from Atomos.  This sale started on November 1st, 2021, and is running through January 31st, 2022.  The regular price of the monitor is $1,499, and the promo price comes out to $999.  This offer also includes the deluxe starter kit, which includes:

  • Ninja V+ Monitor
  • Power Kit
  • Sunhood
  • EVA Case
  • Screen Protector
  • Necessary cables

Add SDI with Atomos Ninja V and Ninja V+ Pro Kits:

The Atomos Ninja V and Ninja V+ Pro Kits take these HDMI monitor/recorders and adds SDI capabilities, as well as providing a wealth of accessories.  These Pro Kits Include:

  • Atomos Ninja V or Ninja V+ (depending on the pro kit)
  • RAW Over SDI Pre-Activated License
  • AtomX SDI Module
    Plus Accessories Including:​
  • Battery Eliminator
  • Sun hood
  • All Necessary Cables

The Ninja V Pro Kit comes in at $949, and the Ninja V+ Pro Kit's regular price is $1,699, with a promo price of $1,299 running from November 1st, 2021 through January 31st, 2022.  

Want to Add Switching?  Add AtomX CAST:

AtomX Cast is a companion device for the Atomos Ninja V or (with the latest update) Ninja V+.  This device allows the monitor/recorder to switch between four different inputs, which renders it a powerful multi-camera system.  

Check out this recent article which highlights how to update your AtomX CAST and get setup for switching!

Users who do not have the Atomos Ninja V, can also invest in our Ninja CAST bundle which includes the monitor and the AtomX CAST module.  

Question 2: What do I need to set up NewTek NDI Bridge between our main studio and our hockey rink center?

Initially, you will need 2 NDI Productions Systems "Bridged" to each other. 

In this case, there is the Hockey Rink with its NDI sources. These NDI signals will then be sent via Bridge to the main studio. NDI Bridge sends the sources and streams that is needed making the most of your bandwidth. 

Check out this fantastic demo we did with NewTek demoing NDI Bridge.

Question 3: What is the new TriCaster 1 Pro?  If I have a TriCaster TC1 can I upgrade?

The TriCaster 1 Pro is an incredibly powerful production system for the modern producer, publisher, ​and content creator. Perfect for productions ​with intense demands on quality​ and feature set.

TriCaster TC1 Can NOT be Upgraded to TriCaster 1 Pro, as they are Two Separate Hardware Solutions!

That being said, there is are multiple way to upgrade the TC1. Upgrade your TriCaster TC1 with Premium Access to get even more from your system. 

NewTek Premium Access 1 Year Subscription

  • LiveGraphics™ 
  • LivePanel™ 
  • Advanced Audio I/O
  • NDI® KVM 
  • Virtual PTZ 
  • Virtual Set Library

Question 4: ​I read that I can use YoloBox to stream to Facebook and YouTube at the same time. How does that work?

Oliver demos live the options available within the OG YoloBox in terms of destinations to stream. It is easy as putting the information in and selecting which destinations you wish to go to. ​

Question 5: What can I use to bring our stream into an overflow room in our Church?

The easiest way is to use an NDI decoder. There is nothing that needs to be installed since the NDI decoder simply runs over your local network. In other words, anywhere in your building will have access to your video via NDI with no installations at all. Simply use a Cat 6 ethernet cable, then put an HDMI or SDI cable into a monitor/TV and your overflow room is all set to go. 

There is multiple NDI decodes your can choose from. This chart will help you decide which NDI decoder will work best with your workflow. 

Question 6: I shoot on Cfast and CFExpress, what is the fastest and best way to ingest my footage?

The fastest ways to ingest footage would be with a USB Reader or a Dock Solution. AngelBird and SanDisk Professional offer great and reliable USB reader solutions for Cfast and CFExpress cards​. 

In terms of docks, SanDisk professional also offers the new PRO-DOCK 4. This is a 4-Bay Reader and Docking Station. While it works exclusively with SanDisk Professional PRO-READER devices, these include readers for CFExpress and CFast Cards

Question 7: Can I use the PTZOptics SuperJoy if I don't have NDI setup?

This answer is yes. In fact, that is how many people are using the SuperJoy. ​Adam made this video showing how you can use the SuperJoy over IP without needing NDI, and gives some good advice for standard IP setup. 

The description of the video also gives step by step instructions of what needs to be done along with good tech tips when installing. 

If using Panasonic PTZ cameras, we recommend using a Panasonic PTZ controller.

Panasonic VISCA Protocols are different and have been reported not to work with the SuperJoy. However, BirdDog, NewTek, RGBlink, and PTZOPtics PTZ cameras all work without any issues. 

Question 8: What is the best way to add better animated titles and graphics to my production?

Adam has been using NewBlue Titler Live to create lower thirds. These graphics are important to keep audiences entertained but also showcase good information. This can be score boards, people's names, etc.

You can watch a full demo of how Titler Live works, and even how these graphics can be brought in via NDI right here!

Watch this month's Ask the Videoguys in full right here!


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