birddog Studio NDI User manual

STUDIO NDI
THE WORLD’S BEST NDI ENCODER AND DECODER.
USER GUIDE |OCTOBER 2018

WELCOME TO THE FUTURE.

STUDIO NDI
USER GUIDE OCTOBER 2018
4.
GETTING TO KNOW STUDIO NDI
Physical connectors
Powering Studio NDI
PoE (Power over Ethernet)
DC/D-Tap
Thermal management
5.
POWERING ON SEQUENCE
Indication of system boot process
OPERATING STUDIO NDI
Web configuration panel
Access via web browser (URL)
BirdDog Finder application
Accessing Studio NDI via an IP address
Accessing Studio NDI on a network without a DHCP server
6.
PASSWORD MANAGEMENT
Default password
Password reset
CONFIGURING VIDEO INPUTS
Automatic input
7.
Semi-automatic input
Manual input
8.
AUDIO
Enabling or disabling Audio
Audiosetup
8.
NDI DECODE OPERATION
Changing modes from NDI Encoder to NDI Decoder
Selecting an NDI source to decode
Changing back to NDI Encode operation
9.
NETWORK SETTINGS AND DEVICE NAMING
Device naming
IP configuration method
DHCP IP address
Static IP address
10.
TALLY SUPPORT
Onboard Tally
Program Tally
Preview Tally
Tally border overlay on loop
11.
RENAMING THE LED SCREEN
FACTORY RESET
Settings reset
FIRMWARE UPDATE
12.
RECEIVING STUDIO NDI STREAMS
NewTek Studio Monitor
NewTek TriCaster Series

GETTING TO KNOW STUDIO NDI
Thanks for purchasing BirdDog Studio NDI. Please take
some time to read this document to allow you to get the
most out of your purchase and familiarize yourself with the
features available in the unit.
Physical connectors
1. LED Display monitor
2. Audio Headset connector
3. DC Input (5-18v DC)
4. 1Gb Ethernet (Power over Ethernet)
5. HDMI Input
6. HDMI Output
7. External tally connector (GPIO)
8. 3G-SDI Input
9. 3G-SDI Output
10. USB Accessory port
11. Factory reset
Powering Studio NDI
Studio NDI is equipped with a sophisticated system
allowing power from various sources:
PoE (Power over Ethernet)
PoE is a convenient way to power Studio NDI as it allows
both data and power to be sent through the same standard
Ethernet cable.
To take advantage of PoE, the network switch that Studio
NDI is directly plugged into must support PoE, in either
802.11at or 802.11af standard.
Different network switches are capable of providing
differing amounts of total power to all connected devices.
Studio NDI uses approximately 7 watts in PoE mode.
DC/D-Tap
Located at the bottom of Studio NDI is a DC connection
port. This power input socket is capable of accepting power
in a range of voltages from 5–18 volts DC. Studio NDI can
be powered by the included AC adaptor or alternatively via
the included D-Tap cable to power using a D-Tap compati-
ble battery.
Thermal management
Studio NDI has been engineered to be passively cooled, no
fans are required. In order to achieve this the entire enclosu-
re of Studio NDI is designed to dissipate heat. The main
processor is capable of operating up to 100 degrees Celsius
/ 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some factors affect how much heat BirdDog will produce,
and it is normal for it to feel warm to the touch.
In extreme circumstances (a hot day/direct hot sun) it is
advised to power Studio NDI via DC or D-Tap as this
produces less heat than PoE.
BirdDog has been tested in extreme environments.
4

POWERING ON SEQUENCE
Indication of system boot process
When BirdDog is initially powered it will immediately indica-
te on the LED screen ‘STARTUP’, there are two stages to
startup and you will notice after around 5 seconds the text
becomes brighter indicating the unit is in the final stages of
powering up.
Once the unit has finished the initial bootup sequence it will
display several informational pages, firstly the IP address,
this is only displayed if the BirdDog is set to acquire an IP
address from a DHCP server (see Network Settings section
for more detail).
After displaying the IP address of your device, the page will
then display the input detected, including the source
(HDMI/SDI) and the detected rate. (ie. 1080i50).
Once completely booted and with a valid video source the
BirdDog will settle to a ‘CAM1’ display, this name is custo-
mizable, settings can be accessed via the web configuration
panel.
OPERATING STUDIO NDI
Web configuration panel
In this release, the web configuration panel allows you to
alter key settings of Studio NDI, specifically video source
(HDMI/SDI), and video frame rates, restarting the video
processing engine, changing networking parameters, and
applying firmware updates.
Access via web browser (URL)
To access the web configuration panel please point your
computer web browser to: http://birddog-xxxxx.local/
“xxxxx” is the serial number of the Studio NDI, the serial
number is printed on the box and on the main unit. Note
the web address is case sensitive and should be all lower
case. Your computer will need to have ‘Bonjour’ services
loaded in order to access the unit via it’s ‘friendly’ name
described above.
Apple devices come pre-installed with Bonjour, while
Windows devices need a small plugin available here:
https://support.apple.com/kb/dl999?locale=en_AU
BirdDog Finder application
In addition to typing this URL in manually there is an applica-
tion: BirdDog Finder, which is available from http://www.-
bird-dog.tv/firmware-updates. This application looks on the
local network for any NDI capable Studio NDI and launches
the web configuration interface directly from the application.
Accessing Studio NDI via an IP address
Studio NDI is configured to automatically receive a network
(IP) address from the computer network via DHCP (Dynamic
Host Configuration Protocol). Most corporate, education
and home networks have a DHCP server present on the
network to allow this to occur. Usually your Internet Router
provides this.
If Studio NDI receives an IP address automatically from this
server (DHCP) the IP address can be discovered in several
ways, including the BirdDog Finder application available
from: http://www.bird-dog.tv/firmware-updates
Accessing Studio NDI on a network without a DHCP server
Some standalone or private networks may not have a DHCP
server. After 15 seconds of searching for an automatically
assigned IP address Studio NDI will fall back to a default
address which is:
192.168.100.100
In order to access the web configuration panel on a network
which is configured to a different subnet, change your
computers IP address to match the BirdDog unit. Once you
gain access to the BirdDog web configuration panel choose
your IP address to match the rest of the devices on your
network.
For instructions on setting your computers IP address
please consult your computer operating system manual or
IT support resources.
BirdDog Studio NDI - REV nº
SERIAL xx:xx:xx:x x:xx:xx
5
Note: only the last 5 digits are required
for accessing the web interface.

PASSWORD MANAGEMENT
Once you direct your web browser to the web configuration
panel you will need to log in to change any settings.
Default password
The web configuration panel is secured by a user-selectable
password. The default password is:
birddog (one word, lower case).
It is recommended to change this password in a network
environment where Studio NDI is shared with other users
(e.g. not private). By entering this password, the user is
granted full access to the Studio NDI configuration settings
and could interrupt a live program.
To change the password simply login using the default
password, navigate to the network tab in the web interface,
and select change password.
Password reset
If you lose or forget your password, you must reset the
Studio NDI to factory settings, which will allow logging back
in using the default birddog password. Please see page 11
for instructions.
CONFIGURING VIDEO INPUTS
Automatic input
Studio NDI will search for any active video input on startup.
It will search both SDI and HDMI inputs until an active input
is found.
Please note that the source from your camera or video
device needs to be in a supported video format.
Please check firmware release notes for list of supported
video formats.
In full automatic mode if you plug in a secondary source
while Studio NDI is operating it will automatically switch to
the new input. For example if Studio NDI has an SDI input
at 1080p60, and you plug an HDMI source into the unit it
will automatically halt the current SDI input and switch to
HDMI. The same is true in reverse.
STUDIO NDI
Enter Password
Current video input:
Audiosetup:
Mute:
Tally:
Input selection:
AUTO/HDMI/1080i/25.0/YUV/ON
DASHBOARD NETWORK VIDEO DECODE SETTINGS LOGOUT
STUDIO NDI
6

Semi-automatic input
In the web configuration panel under the video tab you can
change the input selection from automatic to manual. This
will stop Studio NDI from searching both sources and
instead will look at the selected source.
In manual input mode, Studio NDI will sync to any valid
video input format (i.e. 720p60/1080i/1080p) and colour
space in HDMI (YUV/RGB/YVU).
In semi-automatic mode, Studio NDI will be seen on any
NDI compatible receiver as: BIRDDOG-xxxxx [HDMI]
or BIRDDOG-xxxxx [SDI]
(Depending on the input that is selected for semi-automatic
operation).
Manual input
Manual input configures Studio NDI to only look at the
selected video source for a specific video format and color
space.
This can be useful if your source is not correctly detected
by Studio NDI.
BirdDog has taken as much care as possible to ensure any
source is automatically detected in the correct format,
however some cameras may send nonstandard timing
signals or incorrect metadata. In this case please configure
Studio NDI with manual input to enable correct operation
and report your camera model and video format to BirdDog
so it can be added to the list of supported cameras.
Current video input:
Audiosetup:
Mute:
Tally:
Input selection:
Input:
Configuration:
AUTO/HDMI/1080i/25.0/YUV
DASHBOARD NETWORK VIDEO DECODE SETTINGS LOGOUT
STUDIO NDI
Current video input:
Audiosetup:
Mute:
Tally:
Input selection:
Input:
Configuration:
Format:
Framerate:
Colorspace:
AUTO/HDMI/1080i/25.0/YUV
DASHBOARD NETWORK VIDEO DECODE SETTINGS LOGOUT
STUDIO NDI
7

AUDIO
Enabling or disabling Audio
Studio NDI can be configured to process embedded audio
from SDI or HDMI from within the web configuration conso-
le. This setting is located in the Video section of the console
and operates in the following way:
Audio Mute ON
Audio is not passed through embedded SDI or HDMI.
Audio Mute OFF
Audio is passed through the embedded SDI or HDMI input
and streamed to the NDI receiver.
Audiosetup
The Audiosetup option is only relevant for Studio NDI
boards with a serial number of less than 7e350 and will
resolve an issue where the HDMI audio is received in a
corrupted manner. The default setting applies for all other
Studio NDI devices.
NDI DECODE OPERATION
Changing modes from NDI Encoder to NDI Decoder
BirdDog Can operate in either NDI Encode (converting
from HDMI or SDI to NDI) or NDI Decode (receiving an NDI
signal from the network and displaying it out the HDMI and
SDI ports).
To change modes from the default NDI Encoder mode into
NDI decode navigate to the decode section of the web
interface.
Select DECODE mode from the selection box and press
APPLY.
Note that you must reboot the BirdDog unit once a new
operating mode is selected, dynamically switching will be
added in an upcoming firmware release.
Selecting an NDI source to decode
Once your BirdDog device has entered NDI decode mode
and successfully rebooted – during the boot process the
LED display will show DECODE to confirm the status – you
are able to select the source that you wish to decode via the
web interface.
All available sources are listed in the drop down menu in the
decode section of the web interface, select the desired
source and press apply to begin receiving this source.
Once your BirdDog unit is in Decode mode you can switch
between any available sources on the network by choosing
them from the drop down menu and pressing APPLY again.
Note. BirdDog can only decode video format and frame rate
sources, these formats are the same as what BirdDog
capable of encoding. If you are unable to successfully
receive a source, please double check that the video format
and frame rate are ones that are supported by your unit.
Changing back to NDI Encode operation
To change modes from NDI Decode mode back into NDI
Encode navigate to the decode section of the web interface.
Select ENCODE mode from the selection box and press
APPLY.
Note. You must reboot the BirdDog unit once a new opera-
ting mode is selected, dynamically switching will be added in
an upcoming firmware release.
AUTO/SDI/1080i/25.0/YUV
DASHBOARD NETWORK VIDEO DECODE SETTINGS LOGOUT
STUDIO NDI
DASHBOARD NETWORK VIDEO DECODE SETTINGS LOGOUT
STUDIO NDI
8
APPLY
DECODE ENCODE
DESKTOP-EVS0MMN
DESKTOP-EVS0MM

IP configuration method
You can configure Studio NDI to operate on the network
with a dynamic (DHCP) IP address or a fixed address.
For smaller networks DHCP networking is generally
suitable, however larger networks with managed opera-
tions will often determine each device needs to have a
dedicated and static IP address.
DHCP IP address
DHCP is set as the network configuration by default for
Studio NDI.
Static IP address
To enable a static IP address, change configuration method
to static and fill in the details required in Address, Mask and
Gateway. Particular attention should be paid to the Address
and Mask fields as incorrect information entered will result
in Studio NDI not being visible on the network and a factory
reset will be required in order to recover the unit.
IP address recovery
In the event that the Studio NDI is not visible on the
network, the network has changed, or the static IP address
details have been lost, reset the BirdDog back to its default
settings by following the factory reset procedure.
BirdDog name
You can name each Studio NDI with a friendly name that
makes sense for each production (Camera 1, Camera 2, etc).
This name will appear on any NDI receiver when it looks for
video coming from Studio NDI over the network. The name
must not include any special characters and can be any
combination of ‘a-z, 1-0, and –‘.
Note: no uppercase characters are valid.
On NDI receiving devices, Studio NDI will present as a
source as follows:
birddog-name [AUTO]
when the unit is set to automatic input.
birddog-name [SDI]
when set to SDI in either semi-automatic or manual mode.
birddog-name [HDMI]
when set to HDMI in either semi-automatic or manual mode.
Configuration method:
Address:
Mask:
Gateway:
DHCP timeout:
Static fallback address:
Static fallback mask:
BirdDog Name:
DASHBOARD NETWORK VIDEO DECODE SETTINGS LOGOUT
STUDIO NDI
NETWORK SETTINGS AND DEVICE NAMING
Device naming
When Studio NDI is first powered on it defaults to the
naming convention as described in the web configuration
panel section of this manual.
http://birddog-xxxxx.local/
It is possible to change the name along with the network
settings to better suit your environment.
In the web configuration panel, navigate to the network
section.
9

TALLY SUPPORT
Onboard Tally
Studio NDI supports Tally within the NDI protocol. Tally is a
method of identifying which source is being used ‘on air’ at
any particular time.
Whenever a Studio NDI source is being used on the
program output of an NDI compatible receiver that suppor-
ts Tally metadata, the screen will light up red on the front of
the Studio NDI unit.
Program Tally
Studio NDI also supports preview tally. The onboard screen
will light up green when the Studio NDI source is placed in
the preview bus of the receiving switcher.
In the situation where the BirdDog source is loaded on both
the program and preview bus of the receiver the light will
be red.
Preview Tally
Tally border overlay on loop
Studio NDI is capable of enabling Tally borders on the video
loop out. This feature is particularly useful for a camera
setup that has a video monitor attached.
The camera operator is able to quickly see if their camera is
being used in a current or preview shot in a live environ-
ment. This feature is enabled via the Video settings tab in
the web configuration panel.
Note the Tally borders now appear on the outside edges of
the external monitor and update in real time as you select
sources on your vision switcher.
Current video input:
Audiosetup:
Mute:
Tally:
Input selection:
AUTO/SDI/1080i/25.0/YUV
DASHBOARD NETWORK VIDEO DECODE SETTINGS LOGOUT
STUDIO NDI
10

RENAMING THE LED SCREEN
It is possible to rename the Studio NDI device’s on-board
LED screen to reflect the location or identification of the
source to adjust the name from the default ‘CAM1’, locate
the Miscellaneous settings on the settings page in the web
configuration panel.
Note that only standard characters may be used (a…z,
A…Z, 0-9).
FACTORY RESET
Settings reset
If Studio NDI is not found on the network and the web
configuration console is inaccessible it is possible to
perform a factory reset on the network settings. To reset
Studio NDI simply press and hold the reset micro switch for
6 seconds at any time after Studio NDI has booted up
(approx. 20 seconds after power on).
Once the reset process begins, BirdDog Studio NDI will
flash the LED screen between red and green repeatedly.
Once the screen stops flashing, the reset process has
completed and all network settings will return to default
(device name and DHCP network address).
The reset switch is located on the top of the unit here:
FIRMWARE UPDATE
Studio NDI is updateable via the web interface. Please
check the below address regularly to ensure you have the
latest firmware available for your device.
Having the latest firmware ensures you have all the latest
features and performance updates to get the most out of
Studio NDI: bird-dog.tv/firmware-updates
After downloading the latest firmware release, navigate to
the settings tab on the Studio NDI web configuration conso-
le click on Choose file… select the firmware update file and
press the update button.
SYSTEM UPDATE
Update file:
CONFIG. UPDATE
Update file:
DASHBOARD NETWORK VIDEO DECODE SETTINGS LOGOUT
STUDIO NDI
MISCELLANEOUS
BirdDog shortname
Led display brigthness
CAM 1
DASHBOARD NETWORK VIDEO DECODE SETTINGS LOGOUT
STUDIO NDI
11

The screen will update the status of the update procedure,
once complete it will show the line Please power cycle your
device…
Remove all power from the Studio NDI and wait for 5
seconds before re-powering the device.
RECEIVING STUDIO NDI STREAMS
There are many applications that support receiving the NDI
signal that Studio NDI produces. Each application will vary
slightly on how you choose your source.
NewTek Studio Monitor
NewTek provide a free Studio Monitor application that
allows you to monitor many NDI sources on a standard
Windows computer. Once Studio Monitor is launched on
your computer, simply right click anywhere in the interface
and select your Studio NDI from the drop-down list.
Once connected to the Studio NDI you will notice a configu-
ration cog appears on the bottom right-hand side of the
video display, this is a shortcut to access the Studio NDI
web configuration panel.
NewTek TriCaster Series
NewTek TriCaster series devices allow several NDI sources
to be received simultaneously, the amount of simultaneous
connections varies by what model TriCaster you have.
Consult your TriCaster user manual to determine how many
connections are available on your device.
To select Studio NDI as a source on your TriCaster, simply
click on the configuration cog below your desired source
location, this will bring up the Input Setting dialog, select
from the drop-down list your Studio NDI source.
Once connected to the Studio NDI you will notice a configu-
ration cog appears next to the source drop down window,
this is a shortcut to access the Studio NDI web configura-
tion panel.
UPDATE - PROGRESS
Waiting for update service...
Connected to updater service...
Processing update package: birddog-bdstudio01-0_le.tar.gz
Extracting...
Changing directory...
Checking if update script exists in packaging...
Running in-packaging updater script...
Updating package repositories...
Installing required packages...
Stopping BirdDog services...
Copying new BirdDog data...
Setting default systemd target...
Rebooting...
DASHBOARD NETWORK VIDEO DECODE SETTINGS LOGOUT
STUDIO NDI
12

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