Overview
This article explains how to connect an NDI (Network Device Interface) source into Iris via a linked Iris Bridge. NDI is a real-time, low-latency video-over-IP protocol commonly used for screen sharing, virtual webcams, and production feeds. Iris automatically detects NDI sources broadcast on the same network as the Bridge, allowing seamless integration for live workflows.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Navigate to Sources
From the left panel, click the “+” button to add a new source.
2. Select "NDI Source"
In the source discovery menu, you will see an auto-populated list of available sources that Iris automatically scans on your network. You will see the following fields:
The Source & Product name
The IP Address (if applicable)
The Protocol that the source is currently using
The Linked Iris Bridge name where the scan originated and where your source is connected to on your network.
NOTE: You can filter your choices by protocol as well so you only see NDI sources in the Source Discovery window.
Click on the NDI source you wish to add.
Once you click on the source, the preview window will attempt to connect to the device. You will see a notification in the center of the preview window with the status of the connection. Upon successful connection, you will see the video signal in the preview window.
Once you see a successful connection, click continue in the lower right corner. This opens the source configuration page.
3. Configure the NDI Source Settings
Video Protocol: NDI may be your only choice in this field. Depending on the type of source you are trying to add, you may have other protocols to choose from. For this workflow, choose NDI.
NDI Bandwidth Mode: Choose your bandwidth mode. For more info on NDI bandwidth modes, please follow this link to an NDI Help Article for understanding Bandwidths: https://docs.ndi.video/brand/ndi-formats/understanding-ndi-formats/ndi-high-bandwidth.
NDI Frame Sync Mode: Turn this feature on if you’d like to automatically activate NDI’s frame synchronization features. Turn it off if you plan to manipulate it in a different manner based on your workflow or setup.
Frame Rate: Choose the frame rate in which you’d like your signal broadcast. Please consider that higher frame-rates per second equate to higher bandwidth needs. Be sure to consider this when calculating your upload/download speeds and cloud data usage.
Encoder Profile: Choose your NDI standard encoder profile from the drop down list:
Low: Highest performance, lowest image quality.
Medium: Balanced.
High: Great image quality, high network usage.
Very High: Best image quality, highest network usage.
For more information on NDI Encoder profiles, please read through this NDI Help Center Article: https://docs.ndi.video/brand/ndi-formats/understanding-ndi-formats/ndi-high-bandwidth
Click Continue to proceed.
4. Select Your Sources Manufacturer & Model from the List
Chose your Brand: Iris continuously partners with OEM’s and device manufacturers, expanding the list of brands often. Choose the brand of source you are trying to add. If you do not see it, choose “Other-brand is not listed”
Choose your Model: Scroll until you see the model of the source you wish to add. If you do not see the source, choose “Other”
You will notice a driver badges next to the driver info that note the current fidelity of the make & model of the camera. This is an ever evolving list that the Iris Engineering team works on daily! If you notice your camera isn’t badged as “Stable”, please be patient! We’re working hard every day on new and stable drivers.
Rename your Source: You can type a name for your camera in the field, or you can leave the source’s original name as it is.
We are consistently adding new Manufacturers, OEM’s, Partners, and their products to our lists. If you do not see your products and would like to, please send us a note at [email protected]!
5. Confirm Addition
Your NDI source will appear in the Source list.
Allow the camera a few seconds to link its controls to your UI, and begin using your source!
How It Works and What to Expect
When an NDI source is broadcast on the same network as a linked Iris Bridge, Iris detects it automatically and lists it during source configuration. Once added, the source remains available for routing and monitoring. No manual IP entry or discovery configuration is needed.
Tips, Limitations, and Best Practices
NDI sources must be on the same network as the linked Iris Bridge to appear.
If a source doesn’t appear, verify the source is outputting to NDI and not another protocol.
Lower video quality settings improve performance but reduce image fidelity with the bandwidth of your production must follow a data budget.
Restart Iris or your NDI source if the source doesn’t appear in automatic scanning first, then proceed to troubleshoot further.
Avoid Wi-Fi when possible, use wired Ethernet for optimal stability.
Each studio can support up to 50 video sources and 100 audio channels but is limited based on your subscription plan.
FAQs
1. What is NDI?
NDI (Network Device Interface) is a low-latency protocol that allows video and audio to be sent over IP networks in real time.
2. Do I need additional software to use NDI with Iris?
No. Iris supports NDI out of the box. However, you may need NDI Tools (e.g., Scan Converter, Virtual Input) to generate or receive NDI streams from your non-NDI native sources.
3. Why isn’t my NDI source showing up?
Ensure your NDI source is broadcasting over the network and set to use the NDI protocol. The Iris Bridge and the source must be on the same network segment. Restarting devices, ensuring similar IP ranges, or checking firewalls may help.
4. Can I rename or delete an NDI source?
Yes. Open the source settings panel in Iris to rename it.
5. Is there a limit to how many NDI sources I can add?
Yes. Iris currently supports up to 50 video sources and 100 audio channels per studio but is limited based on your subscription plan. NDI protocol also depends heavily on device specifications for better performance.
6. Are NDI sources available on all Iris plans?
Yes. All Iris users, including those on the free plan, can use NDI sources. The free plan is limited to one active source at a time.
Use Cases
Remote Cameras – Pull feeds from NDI-enabled PTZ cameras without needing capture hardware.
Presentation Capture – Capture screen content from another computer using NDI Scan Converter.
Virtual Guests – Route virtual webcams from conferencing tools into Iris using NDI Virtual Input.
Live Content Display – Use NDI-enabled production tools (like OBS) to send overlays or graphics into Iris.
Conclusion
Adding an NDI source to Iris is a fast, network-native way to ingest live video from compatible apps and devices. By following the outlined steps and ensuring your devices share a network with your Iris Bridge, you can achieve reliable, low-latency input for production use.