Atomos & NDI
NDI (Network Device Interface) makes sending and receiving high-quality video a standard part of any suitable network
What is NDI?
NDI stands for Network Device Interface, a video connectivity standard that enables multimedia systems to identify and communicate with one another over IP and to encode, transmit, and receive high-quality, low latency, frame-accurate video and audio, and exchange metadata in real-time.
The standard operates bi-directionally, with multiple streams on a shared connection. Its encoding algorithm is resolution and frame-rate-independent, supporting 4K UHD resolutions and beyond, along with unlimited floating-point audio channels and custom metadata.
NDI is easy to use and configure. Sources and destinations appear automatically in menus, and any NDI source can connect to any NDI device on the same network.
Two Flavors of NDI
NDI Full Bandwidth delivers visually lossless video with ultra-low latency, making it ideal for live production, broadcast, and other professional workflows where image quality is critical. Using the SpeedHQ codec, it compresses each frame independently for fast, real-time processing while maintaining exceptional video fidelity over dedicated networks.
NDI HX3 is a high-efficiency version of NDI that dramatically reduces bandwidth requirements while maintaining excellent image quality. Built on H.264/H.265 compression, HX3 supports more video streams on standard networks with minimal added latency, making it a perfect choice for flexible AV, education, corporate, and live streaming environments.
-
NDI High Bandwidth
- Uses mild compression for maximum quality and is visually lossless
- It is easy to process
- It has very low latency
- It’s comparable in some ways to Apple ProRes
- It requires a much lower network bandwidth than uncompressed video, but there is still a relatively low limit to how many channels can fit on a given network.
- Full NDI can use bandwidth (around 100-150 Mbps for 1080p video)
-
NDI HX
- Uses very strong compression for remarkably low bitrates while maintaining an excellent image quality
- Is harder to process in software than Full NDI. But virtually all NDI HX supporting devices contain dedicated hardware for processing. This makes it very easy and economical to process NDI HX.
- Has higher latency than Full NDI, but still insignificant in most contexts.
- It is comparable to the kind of compression used by streaming services, but generally higher quality and with massively lower latency.
- NDI HX3 compresses streams, reducing the load to manageable levels (as low as 10 Mbps).
Understanding NDI
A quick, user-friendly guide to understanding NDI – what it is, how it works, and why it’s becoming the go‑to way to move video around using standard networks. It’s perfect for anyone looking to get a clearer, easier grasp of modern video‑over‑IP workflows.
Atomos + NDI Frequently Asked Questions
What is Atomos NDI?
Atomos NDI is a workflow that allows compatible Atomos monitor-recorders, such as Ninja and Shogun models, to transmit and receive video over an IP network using NDI. This allows an Atomos device to become part of a network-based live production, monitoring, or video workflow without relying solely on traditional HDMI or SDI connections.
What is NDI and how does it work with Atomos?
NDI is a network video technology that allows video, audio, and related production data to travel over standard IP networks. With compatible Atomos products, NDI can be used to send a camera feed from an Atomos monitor-recorder to other devices on the network or receive an NDI source for monitoring and production.
Which Atomos products support NDI?
NDI is supported on several current and compatible Atomos products. Ninja TX and Ninja TX GO include NDI6/HX3 functionality, while compatible Ninja, Ninja V, Ninja V+, Ninja Ultra, Shogun, Shogun Connect, and Shogun Ultra models can use NDI with the appropriate Atomos Connect hardware and software option. Compatibility depends on the specific model, firmware, and NDI feature activation.
Does the Atomos Ninja support NDI?
Yes, compatible Atomos Ninja models can support NDI. Ninja TX and Ninja TX GO include NDI functionality, while Ninja, Ninja V, Ninja V+, and Ninja Ultra models require Atomos Connect and the appropriate NDI option. Supported features can vary by Ninja model and firmware version.
What is the difference between Atomos NDI and NDI HX3?
NDI HX3 is a bandwidth-efficient version of NDI designed to deliver high-quality video over IP networks while using less bandwidth than full-bandwidth NDI. Atomos uses NDI HX3 on compatible products to provide network video transmission and reception while maintaining a practical workflow for Wi-Fi and Ethernet environments.
Can Atomos send video over NDI?
Yes. Compatible Atomos monitor-recorders can operate as NDI transmitters, allowing a camera feed connected to the Atomos device to be made available as an NDI source on the network. This can be useful for live production, remote monitoring, streaming, and multi-camera workflows.
Can Atomos receive NDI video?
Yes. Compatible Atomos devices can also function as NDI receivers. This allows an Atomos monitor-recorder to receive an NDI source over the network and display it on its built-in screen, providing a portable way to monitor network video sources.
Can Atomos NDI work over Wi-Fi?
Yes. Compatible Atomos products can use NDI over Wi-Fi, making it possible to transmit or receive video without running a dedicated SDI or HDMI cable between every device. Wired Ethernet is generally preferred when maximum network stability and bandwidth are required, while Wi-Fi can provide greater flexibility for mobile productions.
Does Atomos NDI require Ethernet?
No. Atomos NDI does not always require Ethernet. Supported Atomos products can use Wi-Fi for NDI networking, while products such as Atomos Connect also provide Gigabit Ethernet for wired network connections. The best connection depends on the production environment and required reliability.
Can Atomos NDI transmit 4K video?
Yes, selected Atomos products support NDI workflows in 4K UHD. However, supported NDI resolutions and frame rates depend on the specific Atomos model, firmware, and NDI implementation. Users should verify the specifications of their particular Ninja or Shogun model before designing a 4K NDI workflow.
Can I use an Atomos Ninja with NDI for live streaming?
Yes. An Atomos Ninja with compatible NDI functionality can be incorporated into a live streaming workflow by sending or receiving video over an IP network. NDI can allow the Ninja to communicate with compatible production, switching, monitoring, and streaming systems without requiring a direct HDMI or SDI connection between every device.
Can Atomos NDI be used for live production and broadcasting?
Yes. Atomos NDI products can be used in live production and broadcast workflows for camera feeds, network monitoring, remote production, switching, and video distribution. NDI can make it easier to connect cameras and production devices across an IP network instead of relying exclusively on point-to-point video cables.
Can I use Atomos NDI with OBS or other streaming software?
Yes, compatible Atomos NDI sources can be incorporated into software-based production workflows that support NDI. This can allow an Atomos-connected camera to become a network video source for compatible production and streaming software, depending on the software, NDI version, and computer network configuration.
What is the difference between Atomos Connect and Ninja TX for NDI?
Ninja TX has wireless connectivity and NDI functionality integrated into the monitor-recorder, while compatible Ninja and Ninja Ultra models can be upgraded with the Atomos Connect expansion module. Atomos Connect adds Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, 12G-SDI input, and other connected-production capabilities to compatible Ninja products.
Does Atomos NDI support HDR and 10-bit video?
Yes. Atomos NDI6 adds support for HDR and 10-bit color depth, including PQ and HLG formats on supported devices. This allows compatible Atomos NDI workflows to maintain more detailed color and brightness information than traditional 8-bit SDR workflows.
Is Atomos NDI good for wireless camera monitoring?
Yes. Atomos NDI can be useful for wireless camera monitoring because compatible Atomos products can transmit video over Wi-Fi or Ethernet to other NDI-compatible devices. This can allow directors, producers, operators, or other crew members to monitor camera feeds without running additional video cables.
What is the best Atomos setup for an NDI workflow?
The best Atomos NDI setup depends on the camera, resolution, network, and production requirements. Ninja TX and Ninja TX GO provide integrated NDI capabilities, while compatible Ninja and Ninja Ultra models can be paired with Atomos Connect for NDI, Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, and SDI connectivity. For professional NDI workflows, a wired Ethernet network is generally preferred when possible, while Wi-Fi provides greater flexibility for mobile productions.