In the realm of live streaming and video production, OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) has emerged as an indispensable tool. To enhance its capabilities, a myriad of plugins have been developed, among which the NDI (Network Device Interface) plugin stands out as a game-changer. By integrating this plugin, you unlock the ability to seamlessly capture video and audio from remote sources over a network, opening up a plethora of possibilities for multi-camera productions, live collaboration, and remote guest appearances.
The installation process of the NDI plugin on OBS is a straightforward yet crucial step in unlocking the plugin’s full potential. By providing a comprehensive guide, we aim to equip you with the necessary knowledge to integrate the NDI plugin seamlessly into your OBS setup. Follow the steps outlined below, and you will be ready to revolutionize your live streaming and video production workflow.
As a prerequisite, ensure that you have a stable internet connection and that your network devices support NDI. OBS should be closed before beginning the installation process. Download the NDI plugin from the official website and extract the contents of the ZIP file into the OBS plugins directory, typically located in “C:\Program Files\obs-studio\plugins.” Once the plugin is installed, restart OBS and navigate to the “Tools” menu. Enable the “NDI Tools” plugin by checking the box next to its name. You are now ready to harness the power of NDI within OBS and elevate your live streaming and video production endeavors to new heights.
Prerequisites for Installing the NDI Plugin
1. Compatible OBS and Operating System
OBS Studio requires a recent version that supports the NDI plugin. For seamless integration, ensure you’re running OBS Studio 27.0 or later. Additionally, the operating system plays a critical role in NDI functionality. Windows users should have Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (64-bit) or higher, while macOS users need at least macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later. Linux support is also available for various distributions, but specific requirements may vary.
2. Internet Connectivity
An active internet connection is essential for downloading the latest NDI plugin and keeping it updated. If you encounter any issues during installation, checking your internet connection is recommended, as stable access is crucial for a successful installation process.
3. Hardware Compatibility
NDI (Network Device Interface) technology leverages the computer’s network interface card (NIC) to transmit video signals over IP networks. To ensure optimal performance, a network card with sufficient bandwidth and low latency is recommended. If you experience frame drops or other video quality issues, consider upgrading your network card to improve the NDI signal’s stability and reliability.
| Operating System | Minimum NIC Speed |
|---|---|
| Windows | 1 Gbps |
| macOS | 1 Gbps |
| Linux | 1 Gbps |
Downloading the NDI Plugin
To install the NDI plugin on OBS, you first need to download the plugin installer from the NewTek website. Here’s how:
- Go to the NewTek NDI Tools page at https://www.newtek.com/ndi/tools/.
- Under the “NDI Tools for Video Production” section, click on the “Download” button for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Once the download is complete, open the installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the NDI plugin.
Installing the NDI Plugin on Windows
To install the NDI plugin on Windows, follow these steps:
1. Download the NDI plugin for Windows
Go to the NewTek website and download the NDI plugin for Windows. The download link is located at the bottom of the page.
2. Install the NDI plugin
Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the NDI plugin. The installation process is straightforward and should only take a few minutes.
3. Configure the NDI plugin in OBS
Once the NDI plugin is installed, you need to configure it in OBS. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open OBS and click on the “Settings” icon in the bottom-right corner.
- Click on the “Video” tab and then click on the “Device” drop-down menu.
- Select the “NDI” option from the drop-down menu.
- Click on the “Configure” button and then select the NDI source that you want to use. {“source-code”:”
NDI Source Name Description NDI Scan Converter A general-purpose NDI source that can be used to capture any type of video content. NDI Fullscreen A source that captures the entire screen of the computer. NDI Window A source that captures a specific window on the computer. “}
- Click on the “OK” button to save your changes.
- Input/Output: Select the input or output device you want to use with the NDI plugin.
- Resolution: Select the resolution you want to use for the NDI stream.
- Framerate: Select the framerate you want to use for the NDI stream.
- Bitrate: Select the bitrate you want to use for the NDI stream.
- Download the NDI plugin from the OBS website.
- Extract the contents of the zip file to a folder on your computer.
- Open OBS and go to the “Settings” menu.
- Click on the “Plugins” tab.
- Click on the “Add” button and select the NDI plugin from the folder you extracted in step 2.
- Click on the “OK” button to add the plugin to OBS.
- Create a new source in OBS and select the “NDI Source” option.
- In the “Source” field, enter the name of the NDI stream you want to receive.
- Click on the “OK” button to add the NDI source to OBS.
- Create a new source in OBS and select the “NDI Source” option.
- In the “Source” field, enter the name of the NDI stream you want to receive.
- Click on the “OK” button to add the NDI source to OBS.
- Create a new scene in OBS and add the sources you want to stream.
- Right-click on the scene and select the “Add Output” option.
- Select the “NDI Output” option from the list.
- In the “Output Name” field, enter a name for the NDI stream.
- Click on the “OK” button to add the NDI output to OBS.
- Make sure that the NDI plugin is installed and enabled in OBS.
- Make sure that the NDI source you are trying to connect to is available on the network.
- Make sure that the firewall is not blocking NDI traffic.
The NDI plugin is now configured and you can use it to capture NDI sources in OBS.
Installing the NDI Plugin on macOS
To install the NDI plugin on macOS, you need to:
1. Quit OBS.
2. Download the NDIプラグイン for macOS.
3. Install the NDIプラグイン.
4. Open OBS.
5. Click on the “Plugins” menu.
6. Click on the “Install” button.
7. Select the NDIプラグイン file that you downloaded earlier.
8. Click on the “Install” button.
9. The NDI plugin will now be installed and you can use it to send and receive NDI sources.
NDI Plugin Options
Once the NDI plugin is installed, you can find it under the “Sources” menu in OBS. You can add an NDI source by clicking on the “+” button and selecting “NDI Source”. The NDI source settings will allow you to select the NDI source that you want to add. You can also choose to add audio or video only.
The NDI plugin also has a number of options that you can configure. These options can be found in the “Settings” menu under the “NDI” tab. The options include:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Enable NDI | Enables the NDI plugin. |
| NDI Server Address | The address of the NDI server that you want to connect to. |
| NDI Source Name | The name of the NDI source that you want to add. |
| Audio Output Mode | The audio output mode for the NDI source. |
| Video Output Mode | The video output mode for the NDI source. |
Configuring the NDI Plugin in OBS
Once the NDI plugin is installed, you can configure it within OBS to use NDI sources:
NDI Source
To add an NDI source, right-click in the Sources box and select “Add” > “NDI Source.”
NDI Input
In the NDI Source settings, select the desired NDI input from the dropdown menu.
Video and Audio Settings
Configure the video and audio settings as needed, including resolution, frame rate, and audio channels.
NDI Output
You can create an NDI output to share your OBS scene with other devices. Go to “Settings” > “Output” and enable “NDI Output.” Configure the output settings, including the NDI name and the video and audio formats.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| NDI source not appearing | Check firewall settings, network connectivity, and ensure the NDI source software is running. |
| Audio not working | Check audio settings in both OBS and the NDI source software, ensure audio devices are correctly selected, and adjust audio levels if necessary. |
| Video or audio flickering | Check network stability, adjust NDI output settings to reduce bandwidth usage, or optimize the NDI source to improve encoding efficiency. |
| Performance issues | Reduce the number of NDI sources, lower resolution or frame rates, close unnecessary programs, or upgrade hardware to enhance performance. |
| OBS freezes or crashes | Update OBS and NDI plugin, check for any conflicts with other software, ensure sufficient system resources are available, and troubleshoot hardware issues. |
Using the NDI Plugin in OBS
Once the NDI plugin is installed, you can start using it in OBS. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Open OBS and Add a New Source
Launch OBS and click on the “+” button in the “Sources” panel. Select “NDI Source” from the list.
2. Configure the NDI Source
In the “NDI Source” settings, enter the NDI name of the source you want to add. You can find this name in the NDI output settings of the application or device that is sending the NDI stream.
3. Preview the NDI Source
Click on the “Preview” button to see a preview of the NDI stream. If the source is being received correctly, you should see the video and audio on the preview.
4. Add the NDI Source to the Scene
Once you are satisfied with the preview, click on the “OK” button to add the NDI source to the current scene.
5. Adjust the NDI Source Settings
You can adjust the settings of the NDI source by right-clicking on it in the “Sources” panel and selecting “Properties.” This will open a settings window where you can modify the source’s size, position, and cropping.
6. Advanced Configurations for High-Bandwidth NDI Sources
If you are encountering performance issues or video quality degradation when using high-bandwidth NDI sources, you can enable the following advanced configurations to optimize the NDI plugin:
**Choose the Preferred Video Format**: In the NDI plugin settings, you can specify the preferred video format (e.g., NV12, YUY2). Select the format that is most compatible with your hardware and provides the best performance.
**Optimize the NDI Network Configuration**: If possible, use a dedicated network adapter for NDI traffic. This will minimize network congestion and improve the stability of the NDI connection.
**Configure NDI Output Settings**: In the NDI output settings of the application or device that is sending the NDI stream, adjust the following parameters:
– **Video Bitrate**: Reduce the video bitrate to a level that is appropriate for your network bandwidth and the desired image quality.
– **Frame Rate**: Lower the frame rate to reduce the bandwidth requirements and improve performance.
– **NDI Version**: Ensure that the NDI version used is compatible with the version of the NDI plugin you are using.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Video Format | Select the preferred video format for the NDI source. |
| Network Configuration | Use a dedicated network adapter for NDI traffic to minimize network congestion. |
| NDI Output Settings | Adjust the video bitrate, frame rate, and NDI version in the NDI output settings. |
Troubleshooting NDI Plugin Installation Issues
If you encounter any problems installing the NDI plugin for OBS, try the following troubleshooting steps:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of OBS.
2. Download the NDI plugin from the OBS website.
3. Extract the plugin files to your OBS plugins folder.
4. Restart OBS.
5. Open the OBS settings menu and go to the Plugins tab.
6. Find the NDI plugin in the list of plugins and click on the Enable button.
7. Configure the NDI plugin settings according to your needs.
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Input/Output | Select the input or output device you want to use with the NDI plugin. |
| Resolution | Select the resolution you want to use for the NDI stream. |
| Framerate | Select the framerate you want to use for the NDI stream. |
| Bitrate | Select the bitrate you want to use for the NDI stream. |
8. Click on the Apply button to save your changes.
Advanced Configuration Options for the NDI Plugin
The NDI plugin for OBS offers a range of advanced configuration options that allow users to fine-tune their NDI integration. These options are accessible through the “Properties” dialogue box of the NDI source in OBS.
Network Adapter Selection
Users can specify the network adapter that the NDI plugin should use for sending and receiving NDI signals. This option is particularly useful when multiple network adapters are available, such as Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections.
Maximum Bandwidth
This setting allows users to limit the maximum bandwidth used by the NDI plugin. This can be useful for optimizing performance on networks with limited bandwidth or for prioritizing other network traffic.
Video Settings
Users can configure various video settings, including resolution, frame rate, and color space. These settings affect the quality and performance of the NDI video signal.
Audio Settings
The NDI plugin also supports audio transmission. Users can configure the number of audio channels, sample rate, and bit depth. These settings determine the quality of the audio signal.
Latency Settings
NDI offers flexible latency options to accommodate different use cases. Users can specify the desired latency for both sending and receiving NDI signals, balancing performance and visual fidelity.
NDI Output Settings
The NDI plugin provides the ability to output NDI signals to other applications or devices. Users can specify the desired output resolution, frame rate, and other settings.
Debug and Logging
For troubleshooting and debugging purposes, users can enable debug and logging options. These features provide detailed information about the plugin’s operation and can help identify any potential issues.
Security Settings
NDI supports security measures to protect against unauthorized access. Users can configure passwords and encryption settings to ensure the privacy and integrity of their NDI signals.
Best Practices for Using the NDI Plugin
Here are some tips for using the NDI plugin effectively:
1. Use the latest version of the plugin
The latest version of the plugin will always have the latest bug fixes and performance improvements.
2. Use a high-quality NDI source
The quality of your NDI source will directly affect the quality of your stream. Use a source with a high frame rate and bitrate.
3. Use a low-latency NDI source
A low-latency NDI source will help to minimize the delay between your source and your stream.
4. Use a reliable network connection
A reliable network connection is essential for a smooth NDI stream. Use a wired connection whenever possible.
5. Use a powerful computer
Encoding and decoding NDI streams can be computationally intensive. Use a computer with a powerful CPU and GPU.
6. Use the correct settings
The NDI plugin has a variety of settings that can be adjusted. Be sure to use the correct settings for your setup.
7. Monitor your stream
Once you have started your stream, be sure to monitor it to make sure that it is running smoothly. Check for any dropped frames or other issues.
8. Use the NDI monitor tool
The NDI monitor tool is a valuable tool for troubleshooting NDI streams. It can be used to view the status of your NDI sources and streams.
9. Read the NDI documentation
The NDI documentation is a comprehensive resource that can help you to learn more about NDI and how to use it effectively. Be sure to read the documentation before using the NDI plugin.
| NDI input setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Source name | The name of the NDI source that you want to use. |
| Resolution | The resolution of the NDI source. |
| Frame rate | The frame rate of the NDI source. |
| Bitrate | The bitrate of the NDI source. |
Installation Process:
1. Download the latest version of the NDI plugin for OBS from the OBS website.
2. Extract the downloaded .zip file to a folder on your computer.
3. Open OBS and go to “Settings” -> “Plugins” -> “Installed Plugins”.
4. Click on the “Add” button and browse to the location of the extracted NDI plugin files.
5. Select the “ndi.dll” file and click “Open”.
6. The NDI plugin will now appear in the list of installed plugins.
7. Click on the “Configure” button to open the NDI plugin settings.
8. In the NDI plugin settings, you can configure various options such as the network interface to use, the maximum bandwidth, and the maximum number of NDI sources.
9. Once you have configured the NDI plugin, click on the “OK” button to save your changes.
10. You can now start using NDI sources in OBS by adding a new source and selecting “NDI Source” from the list of source types.
Troubleshooting:
If you are having trouble installing or using the NDI plugin for OBS, here are some troubleshooting tips:
1. Make sure that you have installed the latest version of the NDI plugin for OBS.
2. Make sure that the NDI plugin is correctly installed and configured.
3. Make sure that you are using a supported network interface.
4. Make sure that you have enough bandwidth available for NDI.
5. Make sure that there are no firewalls or other network issues preventing NDI from working.
How to Install the NDI Plugin on OBS
The NDI plugin allows you to send and receive video and audio over a network using the NewTek NDI protocol. This can be used to stream live video from OBS to other devices on the network, or to receive video from other devices and display it in OBS.
To install the NDI plugin on OBS, follow these steps:
Once the plugin is installed, you can use it to send and receive video and audio over a network. To do this, follow these steps:
You can now use the NDI plugin to stream live video from OBS to other devices on the network, or to receive video from other devices and display it in OBS.
People Also Ask
How do I connect to an NDI source in OBS?
To connect to an NDI source in OBS, follow these steps:
How do I send an NDI stream from OBS?
To send an NDI stream from OBS, follow these steps:
How do I troubleshoot NDI problems in OBS?
If you are having problems with NDI in OBS, try the following:
