Overview
While Hive is often used with networked PTZ cameras and professional video cameras, it also supports a wide variety of non-camera video sources. These can include HDMI/SDI outputs from production switchers, screen capture feeds from presentation laptops, and AV-over-IP signals from software encoders or specialty devices.
This article explains how to recognize, add, and configure non-camera video sources in Hive. It includes step-by-step guidance for using capture cards, USB inputs, NDI tools, AV-over-IP sources, and more, giving you full flexibility to ingest and route video from virtually any device or software into your studio.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Launch Hive and Navigate to the Sources Tray
Open Hive and select your organization and studio.
On the left-hand side of the UI, locate the Sources Tray.
Select the Video tab to begin browsing available video inputs.
Click the Plus (+) icon or click into an empty frame to open the Add New Source panel.
2. Adding USB and HDMI Ingest Devices
USB and HDMI sources are detected from the bridge or system where they are physically connected. These typically include:
USB Capture Cards: Devices like Elgato, Magewell, or AVerMedia cards used to ingest HDMI video over USB or other connector.
PCIe or Thunderbolt HDMI Cards: Installed in a desktop or rack-mounted bridge; used for capturing feeds from switchers or cameras.
Direct HDMI/SDI Inputs: From field recorders, switchers, or dedicated video ingest modules.
These sources are often labeled generically (e.g., “USB Capture” or “HDMI Input”) and may need to be renamed for clarity.
If you're not seeing your device, confirm it’s powered on, connected to the correct Hive Bridge that is connected to the correct Studio with the correct Organization, and sending an active video signal.
3. Ingesting Video from Switchers and Production Consoles
Video switchers such as Blackmagic ATEM, Roland VR-series, or Panasonic Live Switchers typically output via HDMI, SDI, or USB streaming ports.
To bring these into Hive:
Connect the switcher output to a capture device or bridge input.
Add the resulting device in the Video tab of the Add Source panel.
Label it to reflect its role (e.g., “Switcher Program Out” or “Line Cut Feed”).
Switchers that offer USB webcam emulation (like ATEM Mini) will appear as USB video devices and can be ingested directly without needing a capture card.
Pro Tip: Use the switcher’s multi-view or program output feed to bring the live show signal into Hive for monitoring or backup recording.
4. AV-over-IP Sources (RTSP, NDI, SRT, and More)
Many video workflows rely on AV-over-IP protocols to transmit video from non-camera sources like computers, encoders, or virtual production tools.
Hive supports discovery and ingestion of:
RTSP streams (common with encoders and IP converters)
NDI (NewTek’s Network Device Interface, often used for software-to-software video)
HTTP-based MJPEG feeds
Other TCP/UDP transport formats exposed via standard IP protocols
To add these sources:
Open the Add Source panel.
Select Video and click “Add via URL” or “Add via Discovery” depending on your protocol.
Enter the stream URL (for RTSP, SRT, etc.) or select from detected devices on the network (for NDI).
Click Add.
These sources are ideal for remote desktops, software switchers, or devices like BirdDog, Kiloview, or Magewell Pro Convert.
Note: If your stream requires authentication (e.g., RTSP with login), make sure to pass this information on to your operators or those handling your setup.
For best results, ensure your AV-over-IP sources are on the same subnet as your Hive Bridge, and avoid using networks with aggressive firewall rules.
5. Using NDI Tools and Software Video Feeds
NDI is particularly powerful for non-camera video sources. You can use it to transmit high-quality video and audio between computers and software tools with minimal latency.
Here are common NDI workflows:
NDI Scan Converter (via NDI Tools): Capture a screen or application window from a laptop or desktop and broadcast it into Hive over the LAN.
NDI Webcam Input: Treat a webcam-like video output from a software app (e.g., Zoom, OBS, Skype) as an NDI source.
NDI Bridge or Remote: Transmit video from one network to another using a secure tunnel.
OBS with NDI Plugin: Send output from OBS Studio to Hive over NDI for further monitoring or routing.
Once these sources are on the network, Hive will detect them automatically and list them under Video > Add NDI Source.
🔍 Not seeing your NDI feed? Ensure that the NDI Tools software is running on the sender machine, and that the network allows broadcast/multicast discovery.
6. Screen Capture and Presentation Devices
For capturing slides, browser demos, software tutorials, or local presentations, use:
HDMI output from a laptop into a capture device (USB or PCIe)
NDI Scan Converter to wirelessly stream the screen over IP
USB webcam emulation from software tools like ATEM Mini, Wirecast Gear, or Epiphan devices
These methods turn any computer into a video source for Hive; perfect for hybrid events, remote teaching, or switching between speaker decks and live feeds.
Label your feeds carefully (e.g., “Presentation Laptop,” “Keynote HDMI,” “OBS Feed”) to avoid confusion during production.
How It Works and What to Expect
Hive treats non-camera video sources exactly like camera inputs, as long as the stream or device adheres to supported formats. This includes HDMI feeds from switchers, desktop screen captures over NDI, and AV-over-IP transports like RTSP and SRT.
Here’s what you can expect:
Device detection is automatic for most USB, HDMI, and NDI sources connected to your bridge.
Stream-based sources (RTSP, MJPEG) must be manually added via stream URL.
Most settings are external: Resolution, bitrate, and signal formatting must be set on the source hardware or sending software.
Video appears in the Source Tray just like a camera would, and can be routed, previewed, monitored, and managed with presets.
Hive is protocol-agnostic; you can blend hardware and software sources with no restrictions on how they’re used together.
Tips, Limitations, and Best Practices
Label all non-camera sources clearly, especially if using multiple screen capture or HDMI inputs.
Test signal resolution and compatibility before production. Not all ingest devices auto-scale.
Use static IPs or reservations for recurring stream sources to avoid dropout due to DHCP reassignments.
Route switcher outputs through a single ingest point for simplicity and redundancy.
Use NDI for software-based routing across LAN environments where HDMI cabling isn’t feasible.
Multicast traffic from AV-over-IP devices may need switch support (IGMP Snooping).
USB bandwidth is limited: Avoid overloading bridges with too many concurrent USB capture devices.
RTSP authentication errors can block ingestion: double-check your credentials if using protected sources.
NDI is discovery-based: Subnet misalignment can cause sources to disappear unexpectedly.
FAQs
1. Can I use a laptop HDMI output as a source in Hive?
Yes. Connect the laptop to a capture card or HDMI ingest device on your Hive Bridge.
2. What’s the best way to bring in slides or demos?
Use NDI Scan Converter or a direct HDMI feed from a presentation laptop.
3. Does Hive record non-camera sources differently?
No. Once added, they’re treated as any other video source and can be routed or recorded like cameras.
4. What if my capture device doesn’t show up?
Ensure the bridge detects it at the OS level (in your Audio/Video Source settings on your machine), that the signal is active, and that it supports the resolution/framerate being sent.
5. Can I mix USB and NDI sources in the same studio?
Absolutely. Hive allows mixed workflows from any combination of supported inputs.
6. How many non-camera sources can I add?
The platform currently has a limit of 50 video sources and 100 audio sources, but maxing out is not recommended. Performance depends on your bridge’s hardware capacity and your network infrastructure. You are also limited by your subscription plan and the number of sources that plan allows.
7. Do I need special drivers for my capture cards?
Typically no, if they’re connected to a bridge running a supported OS. But driver installation may be required during bridge setup.
Use Cases
1. Bringing a Slide Deck into Your Studio
Send HDMI output from a laptop into a USB capture card, or use NDI Scan Converter for a software-only approach.
2. Monitoring a Switcher’s Program Output
Connect the switcher’s program HDMI output to a PCIe card or SDI ingest module and monitor the live mix in Hive.
3. Ingesting OBS Output via NDI
Install the NDI plugin for OBS and use its virtual output as a clean feed into Hive for multi-source productions.
4. Using USB Video for Quick Laptop Inputs
Plug in a webcam-style USB capture card to bring in external devices without complex cabling.
5. Remote NDI Routing for Hybrid Events
Use NDI Bridge to bring in software sources from a presenter offsite, and ingest them alongside on-prem cameras.
Hive gives you the flexibility to work with any video source, not just cameras. Whether you're pulling in feeds from switchers, laptops, encoders, or software tools, you can route, monitor, and control them just as easily as you would with a PTZ or broadcast camera. By combining USB, HDMI, IP, and AV-over-IP protocols, Hive enables a modular, scalable studio that adapts to your workflow; whether it's local, remote, or hybrid.