Based on BirdDog's custom NDI silicon chip, the BirdDog 4K Quad NDI Encoder/Decoder supports up to UHD 4K/60 video input for distribution on NDI networks in full-bandwidth I-frame compression. This compact device is housed in an aircraft-grade aluminum case and features four 12G-SDI selectable inputs/outputs. An HDMI 2.0 output is available but is currently inactive until an expected future firmware update. When the output becomes active, a built-in cross converter will allow you to loop out an SDI input via the HDMI port.
Another major feature is an SFP+ expansion slot that supports SFP+ modules for fiber connectivity and Ethernet protocols from 1-10 GbE (you may require a free firmware update that's already available from BirdDog). A Tally system with a large bicolor Tally light is also built for indicating which camera is live to on-air talent. The Tally system also allows user-selectable Tally borders on loop out. The device is complete with 3.5mm audio input/output, a 4-line OLED display, and USB 3.0 interface. It can be powered by a standard power supply or over PoE+.
The 4K Quad NDI Encoder/Decoder comes with the BirdDog Comms Lite audio intercom software, which supports up to four BirdDog devices. Comms Lite is Windows compatible and offers features such as Director Push-to-Talk, Mute Camera Operator, Auto Detect NDI Sources, Monitor Camera Audio, and Shortcut to Web Console. For a more complete version of the application, an optional upgrade is available to Comms Pro. The Encoder/Decoder is also compatible with the optional BirdDog Central software, which helps you decode NDI back to SDI or HDMI.
Key Features
- Up to UHD 4K/60 video input
- Distribution on NDI networks in full-bandwidth I-frame compression
- 4 x 12G-SDI selectable inputs/outputs
- HDMI 2.0 output (currently inactive until an expected future firmware update)
- 3.5mm audio input/output
- Built-in cross converter (can be used when the expected firmware update for the HDMI output becomes available)
- SFP+ expansion slot (a firmware update may be required and is already available on the BirdDog website)
- PoE+ support
- 4-line OLED display
- Includes BirdDog Comms Lite audio intercom software for Windows (upgradeable to the complete Comms Pro application)
- Compatible with the optional BirdDog Central software for decoding NDI back to SDI/HDMI
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
Network Connectivity
- Ethernet RJ45 1000baseT with integrated PoE
- Open SFP+ Cage (10GB SFP+ adapters sold separately)
- Embedded Web configuration panel
Included Comms Lite Software
- Windows 10 and above compatible
- Groups: 1
- Max BirdDog devices per group: 4
- Live video windows: 4
- Director Push-to-Talk buttons: 1
- Director to All
- BirdDog to Director
- Mute Camera Operator
- Shortcut to Web Console
- Monitor Camera Audio
- Auto-detect NDI sources
- Volume slider bar
Additional Features with Optional Comms Pro Upgrade
- BirdDog Push-to-Talk
- Director to Group
- BirdDog Operator Broadcast
- Mix Minus
- Keyboard shortcuts / hot case
- Refresh NDI Sources
