I may be misunderstanding some things, but what version of NDI does VDMX6 support? SpeedHQ2? HX2? HX3?
More importantly, what bandwidth does a typical VDMX6 NDI stream require, for instance, a 1080p60 output?
I’m assuming not all formats are supported on VDMX6, since the HX ones (to my knowledge) are h.264/h.265, so perhaps this is too heavy for VDMX to convert coming from a HAP-preferred format? However, I’m unclear if the new HAP-R is more efficient in conversion to NDI streams or something.
Backstory:
I’m trying to achieve an 8-output NDI setup from VDMX6 to 8 different displays on stage. I’ll clearly exceed a 1Gb/s network at 8 outputs if VDMX6 requires ~150Mb/s for SpeedHQ. But if it supported either HX protocol, I could certainly squeeze in additional streams.
I’m at the point of needing to purchase the hardware necessary to realize this, and I’d really like to stay NDI-based if possible, as that seems to provide the best future expansion as needed, and I’m familiar with setting up advanced network configurations, but thought I’d ask here first.
My hardware (Mac Mini M1/Macbook Pro M1 Pro) should be up to snuff according to this post, but need to decide if I require a 10Gb network vs a 1Gb network. Thus the question.
I’d have to check with David to get the details, but I think the only limits with NDI and VDMX actually come down to the way Newtek changed their SDK and licensing fees.
It looks like the basic version can decode NDI HX3 HDX2, and High Bandwidth, but only send High Bandwidth. I believe VDMX6 is on the latest build of the SDK, but it is not using NDI Advanced (which is $$$). I would also avoid BirdDog NDI PTZ cameras and opt for Panasonics. I’ve spoken to a number of touring professionals about this and they’ve run into a crazy number of headaches with the BirdDog’s while on tour. Panasonic is the trust worthy brand.
Thank you, super helpful, and what I suspected once I dug into the NDI SDK a bit more last night.
Thanks too for the tip on the BirdDog’s cameras. I’m actually trying to send 8 NDI streams out of VDMX6, to 8 separate displays on-stage, no cameras involved at the moment. But will def keep this in mind if/when cameras come into it.
And speaking of BirdDog, I reluctantly purchased one of their NDI player devices yesterday after running into an worked-then-didnt-work RaspPi 5 dual-output NDI player solution. Basically worked with an older NDI library, but when updated, it broke. Too bad too, that would’ve been a great and affordable solution.
Thanks again for all the details, I really appreciate it!
