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