Oct. 20, 2021 - If you own a PTZOptics camera, you already understand the benefits of having a professional-grade video camera that can be discreetly mounted and controlled remotely. The quality, versatility, and flexibility of these cameras make them a perfect choice for broadcasters, educational institutions, and houses of worship. As powerful as these cameras are, they can be made even more functional with an upgrade to NDI®|HX.

At PTZOptics, we currently offer PTZOptics NDI® cameras that are compatible with NDI®|HX. However, if you own a different model of camera, such as the USB or SDI PTZOptics camera, you can now upgrade to an NDI®|HX license and take advantage of the power of this new protocol. With this license upgrade, you can get all the benefits of your PTZ camera with the added power and convenience of the most advanced video over IP solution available. Here are a few reasons why you should upgrade your camera to NDI®|HX.

Say Goodbye to SDI Cables

SDI (serial digital interface) has been around since the late ‘80s and has become the industry standard for professional and semi-professional broadcast production. SDI cabling provides for excellent quality video over long cable runs with low latency. However, the major disadvantage of this method is it requires a direct line run from each camera to the switcher or computer interface. This can become problematic with a large number of cameras or in places where the architecture makes installation difficult. With NDI®|HX, you can use a standard ethernet cable to attach the camera to your closest ethernet switch. Then, as long as that switch is on the same network as your production computer or switcher, you can connect.

One Cable Does it All

Without NDI®|HX, you could be using up to three cables to operate your PTZ camera. First, as mentioned above, you may use an SDI cable to connect to your switcher or production computer. Next, you may have a power adapter running to an electrical outlet. Finally, you might be using a serial cable to connect to a camera control such as a joystick controller. With NDI®|HX, you can handle everything over that one ethernet cable. As long as you plug into a PoE (power over ethernet) switch, that line can handle video, audio, power, and remote control.

Multiple Simulcast Options

With NDI®|HX, you can access any compatible camera from any computer or switcher on the network. That means you can produce multiple, custom simulcast options simultaneously. For instance, one switcher might handle the iMag (image magnification) in the room. Another might handle the main live stream. Another might send a different stream with subtitles and graphics in Spanish. Yet another could produce a custom feed for an overflow room.

Simplified Signal Flow for Easier Troubleshooting

If you have ever had a camera go offline right before or during production, you know how complex it can be to figure out why. This is especially true if you are using a multi-cable setup. There could be a problem with the power connection, the SDI connection, or serial control connection. Many times you will need to go to the camera to check and trace the cables. With an NDI®|HX upgrade license, you can handle everything right from your computer. With a managed PoE switch, you can even cycle the power on and off remotely, when necessary.

Next-Level Video Conferencing

Most popular video conferencing solutions such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet work well with USB webcams. However, using NDI®|HX, you can use any equipped camera on your network as a source for your meeting. This means that, during a session, you can switch between cameras and even control the pan, tilt, zoom features, adding a new level of production value to your meetings.

Extremely Low Latency

If you run your system using traditional video over IP and not NDI®|HX, you may have issues with latency. Because of this, some producers are reluctant to make the switch. However, with the latest version of NDI®|HX, suitable computers, and a gigabit ethernet switch, you can share video with no noticeable latency issues.

Simple Installation

If you are used to running cables, installing capture cards, and adjusting settings to get a camera to show up on your switcher or production computer, NDI®|HX is a real time saver. Once you have your network operating, adding a new camera can be done in minutes.

Works for Any Size and Budget Production

NDI®|HX is the perfect solution whether you work in professional broadcast operations, run a YouTube channel, or just want to live stream your church services. It is easy to set up and integrate with just one camera and free software like OBS. Still, it is a robust solution suitable for a professional production studio.

Ultimate Scalability

No matter what type of content you are looking to share, chances are you will eventually expand your setup. With traditional cabled configurations, adding additional cameras, switchers, computers, and simulcasts can be overwhelming. Upon reaching a certain size, some producers must start over with new equipment for additional connections, because hardware switchers can only handle so many inputs. Many computers are also limited in the number of different capture cards or boxes they can handle. Using NDI®|HX, all you need to add a camera is an open ethernet port on your network. There is virtually no limit to the number of cameras that can be added to a network or the number of computers that can access it.

Works with Most Popular Software

NDI®|HX marks an evolution in video production. Not only is there a variety of dedicated software to handle many production tasks, but connectivity is also available in most popular production software. Programs compatible with NDI®|HX include: vMix, Wirecast, OBS, NewBlueFX Titler, and more.

What Are You Waiting For?

If you’re not yet convinced to take a leap into the future of video delivery, take a look at our Unofficial Guide to NDI®, a free resource to help you better understand this new technology. Ready to upgrade your USB or SDI PTZOptics camera with the purchase of an NDI®|HX license? Visit our website and get started.