NDI Hardware Decoder Accelerates IP Video Workflows

Magewell’s Pro Convert AIO RX hardware-based NDI decoder converts live NDI streams into high-quality SDI or HDMI outputs for connection to baseband devices such as monitors and projectors. A low-latency decoder, it simplifies the use of NewTek's popular media-over-IP technology in applications such as digital signage and video walls.

As the company's Pro Convert encoders enable users to connect SDI or HDMI-based video sources such as cameras into IP-based production infrastructures, the Pro Convert AIO RX lets integrators and end-users output any NDI stream to baseband presentation or distribution equipment. It can also be used to integrate legacy equipment such as switchers into NDI-enabled production workflows or paired with an NDI encoder to enable long-distance transport of audio, video and power (PoE) over a single IP network cable.

The compact plug-and-play Pro Convert AIO RX features DHCP-based automatic network configuration, while a browser-based interface provides access to status monitoring and advanced features such as FPGA-based up/down/cross-conversion. Two on-device buttons also enable users to select source content and match the output format to their target display without requiring a computer: one for choosing between all NDI streams available on the network, and a second for picking a preset output resolution and frame rate.

Slated for release in Q2, the Pro Convert AIO RX decodes NDI streams and outputs them over HDMI or SDI interfaces at resolutions up to 1080p HD. Users wishing to decode and output 4K NDI streams can do so with the recently-upgraded Pro Convert HDMI 4K Plus or Pro Convert SDI 4K Plus encoder/decoder models.

Owners of existing Pro Convert HDMI 4K Plus, Pro Convert SDI 4K Plus, Pro Convert HDMI Plus and Pro Convert SDI Plus encoders can add decoding abilities with a simple firmware update. Once upgraded, the units can be switched between encoding and decoding modes through the browser-based interface, providing exceptional versatility for users with varying project- or event-based workflows. In decoding mode, the device's HDMI or SDI loop-through connection becomes the output interface, with the unit's input connection able to serve as a "hot backup" source if the chosen NDI stream is interrupted.