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How we use NDI to run modern, flexible live events

Network Device Interface (NDI) lets us move high-quality video and audio over standard Ethernet. Instead of long copper video runs and stacks of converters, we push clean feeds around the venue on a managed network—fast to deploy, easy to route, and simple to scale.

The backbone: 10 Gb fibre between FOH and stage

Our control world at Front-of-House (FOH) links to a stage-side switch via a 10 Gbit fibre connection. That single fibre carries everything we need for the show: cameras, presentation feeds, return signals for the presenter’s comfort monitor, and comms between devices. It keeps cabling tidy and gives us the bandwidth headroom for multiple low-latency NDI streams.

Encoding the sources

  • Laptops → vMix: We use a mix of BirdDog 4K and Kiloview encoders to turn presenter laptops into NDI sources, which arrive directly inside vMix for mixing and graphics.

  • Cameras: BirdDog P200 PTZ cameras stream over NDI straight into vMix, giving us crisp images and remote control for framing and presets.

Return video for presenters (comfort monitor)

Presenters get a dedicated return feed on a down-stage comfort monitor. Here’s how we do it:

  • Submix in vMix: We create a Submix just for the comfort screen, independent of the main program.

  • What we can show: Presenter view, slide notes, timers, hold slides, mixed layouts (e.g., slides + timer) or simple text prompts.

  • Decoding on stage: The submix is sent as NDI to stage and decoded by an Apple TV running the Sienna NDI app, which feeds the comfort monitor.

AV control room setup with multiple screens displaying a conference room feed, equipment racks, and sound mixing desk.

Routing and control (quick, reliable switching)

Our vMix machine is driven by Bitfocus Companion, so a StreamDeck becomes the brain of the operation. Typical buttons include:

  • vMix routing: cut/take, preview/program, submix selects, lower-thirds

  • BirdDog P200 presets: position recalls and quick re-framing

  • Behringer X32 audio mutes: tidy transitions and mic management

  • VLC playback: stings and pre-rolls

  • Stream control: start/stop for webcast or record
    This setup keeps the operator’s workflow consistent across events and makes complex changes one tap away.

Stream deck with customizable buttons for managing audiovisual setups, including camera angles and mute controls at an event.

Why this approach works for clients and speakers

  • Speed & flexibility: Need to add a last-minute laptop or rearrange inputs? We just patch another encoder and publish the NDI stream—no new point-to-point runs needed.

  • Cleaner stages: Fewer video cables across the floor and faster changeovers.

  • Presenter confidence: A tailored comfort feed with notes, timers, or mixed views helps speakers stay on message and on time.

  • Resilience: With sources as network endpoints, we can reroute quickly if a device plays up, keeping the show flowing.

Typical signal flow at a glance

  1. Presenter laptop plugs into a BirdDog/Kiloview encoder → becomes an NDI source.

  2. BirdDog P200 cameras send NDI directly to vMix.

  3. vMix mixes, adds graphics, and outputs:

    • Program to screens/stream/record

    • Submix for the comfort monitor

  4. Submix travels over the 10 Gb fibre to stage and is decoded by Apple TV (Sienna NDI) to the comfort display.

  5. Operator uses StreamDeck + Companion to switch cameras, fire media, adjust audio mutes, and manage routes.

Audio mixing console and laptops set up for sound and video management at a corporate conference.

Network backbone & connectivity resilience

Our control world at FOH links to stage over a dedicated 10 Gbit fibre between managed switches. That single pipe carries camera NDI streams, presentation feeds, and the return submix for the comfort monitor, keeping cabling tidy and latency low even as inputs scale.

For internet-facing workflows (live streams and hybrid links), we add two layers of protection. On the vMix machine we run Speedify, which bonds multiple paths—typically venue Ethernet, a 4G/5G router, and (where available) secondary Wi-Fi—so the encoder keeps a steady bitrate even if one route stutters. Above that sits a UniFi dual-WAN gateway: the primary circuit is continuously health-checked with automatic failover to a cellular backup if there’s a drop or degradation. We also apply QoS to prioritise real-time media so non-critical traffic can’t get in the way.

Because Speedify operates at the OS level, the same resilience benefits Microsoft Teams and Zoom calls used for remote speakers or backstage coordination. In practice, that means fewer freezes and audio blips, stable screen-shares, and far less chance of a session dropping mid-presentation—even during busy show moments.

If you’d like to bring this NDI workflow to your conference or awards night, we’d love to help: 01635 899551 • [email protected] • aveservices.com