BirdDog 4K SDI NDI converter
Showcaller AI runs a BirdDog 4K SDI by voice or chat. It puts an NDI source on the decoder, adjusts encode settings and NDI transport, and recovers a stuck unit.
Overview
The BirdDog 4K SDI NDI converter with Showcaller
The BirdDog 4K SDI turns 12G-SDI into NDI and NDI back into SDI or HDMI. It has two 12G-SDI connectors, and each one works as an input or an output. It also has one HDMI 2.0 output and encodes or decodes up to 4Kp60. Showcaller AI connects to the BirdDog 4K SDI through the Bridge App on your show network. Then you run it by voice or chat. For example, say “put the stage camera on the foyer screen”. The BirdDog NDI converter integration page lists every Tool Function.
The BirdDog 4K SDI as a decoder
In decode mode, the converter turns an NDI stream back into SDI. First, Showcaller lists the NDI sources the converter can see. Then it connects the decoder to a source by name. Because a switch changes what is on screen, Showcaller asks you to confirm it. After the switch, it reads the decode status to check the new source. It also tells you which source is on the decoder right now. If a source is missing, Showcaller refreshes the list on the converter. These functions are in every plan.
SDI to NDI encode settings
In encode mode, the converter sends an SDI signal to the network as NDI. From the Pro plan, Showcaller reads and changes the encode settings. BirdDog lists the stream name, bitrate mode, video format, tally and NDI audio among them. Showcaller also sets the NDI group name, the discovery server and the NDI transport, such as TCP, UDP or multicast. In addition, it switches the video output interface between SDI and HDMI and sets the analog audio gain. After a change, Showcaller reads back the group name, discovery server, output interface and audio settings. However, encode settings and transport are reported as the converter answered.
Mode changes and recovery
Showcaller reads whether the converter is in encode or decode mode. However, BirdDog reports that switching the mode over its API does not work on the 4K SDI. So change the mode on the converter’s web page, BirdUI. With Enterprise, Showcaller resets the NDI source list, restarts the video engine or reboots the unit. It asks you before each of these steps. For full specs, see BirdDog’s 4K Family page.
What you can do
Run the BirdDog 4K SDI NDI converter by voice or chat
Pick the NDI source by name
List the NDI sources the converter sees and put one on the decoder. Showcaller confirms first, then checks the decode status. Starter.
Check the decoder
Ask which source is on the decoder and read its decode link status. Refresh the source list when a source is missing. Starter.
Encode settings and transport
Read or change encode and decode settings, plus the NDI transport for each direction. Pro.
Groups, discovery and output
Set the NDI group name, the discovery server, SDI or HDMI output and analog audio gain. Each change is read back. Pro.
Recover a stuck converter
Reset the NDI source list, restart the video engine or reboot the unit, after you confirm. Enterprise.
Specifications
BirdDog 4K SDI NDI converter at a glance
Video
- Video connectors
- 2 x 12G-SDI, each selectable as input or output; 1 x HDMI 2.0 output
- Video formats
- UHD 3840x2160 and HD 1080p at 23.98 to 60 fps; 1080i at 50 and 59.94; 720p at 50, 59.94 and 60
- NDI codecs
- NDI full bandwidth (i-frame) and NDI HX2/HX3
- Cross converter
- Any 12G-SDI input can be looped out of the HDMI 2.0 port
Audio
- SDI audio
- 2 channels, 48 kHz, in and out
- 3.5 mm audio
- Microphone input and stereo headphone output for BirdDog Comms
Control & network
- Network
- RJ45 1000BaseT with PoE, plus an open SFP+ cage for 10GbE (SFP+ modules sold separately)
- Status and tally
- 4-line OLED status display, bi-color tally light, selectable tally border on loop outputs
- Configuration
- Embedded web panel (BirdUI) and BirdDog RESTful API
Physical
- Size and weight
- 135 x 85 x 25 mm; 260 g
- Power
- 12 V DC (16 W) or PoE+ (802.3at)
Specifications from the manufacturer. Check the product page for the current details.
Connection
Connecting the BirdDog 4K SDI NDI converter
- Control protocol
- BirdDog's RESTful API over HTTP on port 8080, through the Showcaller Bridge App. The API needs no password.
- What Showcaller needs
- The converter's IP address, shown on its OLED display, and the model BirdDog SDI4K.
- Network
- Connect the converter to the same network as the computer running the Bridge App. Port 80 is the BirdUI web page; Showcaller uses port 8080.
- Firmware
- Built on BirdDog's REST API 2.0. Showcaller reads the firmware version when it connects.
- First check
- Showcaller runs Get device info, then lists the NDI sources the converter can see.
Tool Functions
Everything Showcaller can do with BirdDog NDI Converter
The BirdDog 4K SDI NDI converter uses the BirdDog NDI Converter integration. Each group shows the plan it is included from.
FAQ
Questions about the BirdDog 4K SDI NDI converter
Can Showcaller change the NDI source on a BirdDog 4K SDI?
Yes, in every plan. Showcaller lists the NDI sources the converter can see and connects the decoder to one by name. It asks you to confirm, then reads the decode status to check the switch.
Can Showcaller switch a BirdDog 4K SDI between encode and decode?
No. BirdDog reports that mode switching over its API does not work on the 4K SDI. So change the mode on the converter's BirdUI web page. Showcaller still reads which mode the converter is in.
Can I set the NDI stream name and bitrate by voice?
Yes, from the Pro plan, through the encode settings. BirdDog's API lists the stream name, bitrate mode and bandwidth there. Showcaller reports these changes as the converter answered them.
What is the difference between the 4K SDI and the 4K HDMI in Showcaller?
The Tool Functions are the same. The 4K SDI has two 12G-SDI connectors and an HDMI output. The 4K HDMI has an HDMI input and output plus one 12G-SDI connector. Pick the matching model when you connect.
Does Showcaller need the BirdUI password?
No. Showcaller uses BirdDog's API on port 8080, which needs no password. The BirdUI web page on port 80 keeps its own password.
Same integration
Other BirdDog NDI Converter models
BirdDog Flex DecodeModel page
BirdDog Flex EncodeModel page
BirdDog HDMI4KModel page
BirdDog PlayModel page
BirdDog QUADModel page
BirdDog StudioModel page
