NDI and SRT are both Video-over-IP technologies used to transmit high-quality, low latency video. In this article, we will look at the differences and how to use them.

▶ What is NDI?

NDI®(Network Device Interface) is a video-over-IP technology developed by NewTek. It is a transport protocol used to simplify the transmission of video content over Ethernet. NDI was specifically designed for live production over the Local Area Network (LAN). The core principal of NDI is that  "All NDI sources are accessible by all NDI destinations on the network."

Image Credit: NewTek

▶ What is SRT?

SRT stands for "Secured Reliable Transmission." It is an open-source video streaming protocol developed by Haivision. SRT is specifically designed for streaming live video over unpredictable networks, for example – the public Internet. The public Internet is ubiquitous and low-cost but not always reliable, with frequent bandwidth fluctuations. With packet loss recovery and AES encryption, SRT protects the transmission from delays, jitters, and packet losses caused by congested networks.

 

Image Credit: Haivision

▶ Remote Contribution

Both SRT and NDI are well adapted to connect multiple locations. This allows a remote studio to receive video contribution from any venue, whether that's an interview with a foreign correspondent, camera feeds from a sports field, or the output from a satellite production desk. SRT is ideal for one-way communication, delivering low latency, high quality video. Set up is easy, requiring an SRT hardware or software encoder attached to your camera or switcher, and an Internet connection. The same can be achieved with the web-based NDI Remote tool. The output of any smartphone or webcam(s) can be converted into NDI and transmitted over the Internet for inclusion in your production. Up-to 10 remote contributions can be included in your NDI production.

▶ Remote Collaboration

*NDI® is a registered trademark of the Vizrt Group.