BirdDog Flex 4K IN NDI encoder
Showcaller AI manages a BirdDog Flex 4K IN encoder by voice or chat. It covers encode settings, NDI transport, NDI groups and the discovery server.
Overview
The BirdDog Flex 4K IN NDI encoder with Showcaller
The BirdDog Flex 4K IN is a small HDMI to NDI encoder, only slightly larger than a credit card. It takes an HDMI 2.0 input and sends it to the network as full-bandwidth NDI. It also carries tally, PTZ control and power on the same Ethernet cable. Showcaller AI connects to the BirdDog Flex 4K IN through the Bridge App on your show network. Then you check and adjust it by voice or chat. The BirdDog NDI converter integration page lists every Tool Function.
Encoder settings by voice
In every plan, Showcaller reads device info, the hostname and the hardware version. It also lists the NDI sources the encoder can see on the network. From the Pro plan, it reads and changes the encode settings. For example, BirdDog lists the stream name, bitrate mode, chroma subsampling, tally and NDI audio. Showcaller also sets the encode transport, such as TCP, UDP or multicast. In addition, it sets the NDI group name, the discovery server and off-subnet sources. Then it reads back the group name and the discovery server to check the change. However, encode settings and transport are reported as the converter answered.
What the BirdDog Flex 4K IN does not offer
The Flex 4K IN is an encoder only. So Showcaller hides the decode settings, decode status and decode transport for it. Similarly, there is no encode or decode mode switch, and no video output interface. Showcaller does set the analog audio in and out gain. However, BirdDog’s API has no analog output select on this model. With Enterprise, Showcaller resets the NDI source list, restarts video or reboots the unit, after you confirm.
End of life
BirdDog has announced the end of life of the Flex family. Meanwhile, BirdDog says it will keep supporting these units until an end-of-support date. For new installs, BirdDog recommends the 4K HDMI. For full specs, see BirdDog’s Flex 4K page.
What you can do
Run the BirdDog Flex 4K IN NDI encoder by voice or chat
Encode settings
Read or change the encode settings, such as stream name, bitrate mode, tally and NDI audio. Pro.
NDI transport
Read or set the encode transport: TCP, UDP or multicast. Pro.
Groups and discovery
Set the NDI group name, the discovery server and off-subnet sources. Group and server changes are read back. Pro.
Device check
Read device info, hostname and hardware version, and list the NDI sources on the network. Starter.
Recovery steps
Reset the NDI source list, restart video or reboot the encoder, after you confirm. Enterprise.
Specifications
BirdDog Flex 4K IN NDI encoder at a glance
Video
- Video input
- 1 x HDMI 2.0 input
- Video formats
- UHD 2160p at 25, 29.97 and 30; HD 1080p at 25 to 60; 1080i at 50 and 59.94; 720p at 50, 59.94 and 60
- NDI codec
- NDI full bandwidth (i-frame)
Audio
- Audio input
- HDMI 2 channels, 48 kHz; 3.5 mm mic/line input
Control & network
- Network
- RJ45 1000BaseT with integrated PoE; embedded web configuration panel
- Tally and PTZ
- Integrated tricolor Halo tally; 2.5 mm 4-pole RS232 (VISCA) for PTZ control
Physical
- Size and weight
- 107 x 63 x 31 mm; 140 g
- Power
- PoE+ (802.3at) or 12 V DC (30 W max); 12 V DC output (15 W max)
- Status
- End of life (BirdDog notice, March 2026); support continues until an end-of-support date
Specifications from the manufacturer. Check the product page for the current details.
Connection
Connecting the BirdDog Flex 4K IN NDI encoder
- 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, for example from BirdDog Central or Fleet Manager, and the model BirdDog Flex Encode.
- 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 Flex 4K IN NDI encoder uses the BirdDog NDI Converter integration. Each group shows the plan it is included from.
FAQ
Questions about the BirdDog Flex 4K IN NDI encoder
Can Showcaller change the NDI stream name on a BirdDog Flex 4K IN?
Yes, from the Pro plan, through the encode settings. BirdDog's API lists the stream name there with the bitrate mode, tally and NDI audio. Showcaller reports these changes as the converter answered.
Why are decode functions missing for the Flex 4K IN?
The Flex 4K IN is an encoder. BirdDog's API has no decode settings, decode status or mode switch on it, so Showcaller hides those functions. For decoding, see the Flex 4K OUT or Play.
Is the BirdDog Flex 4K IN still supported?
BirdDog has announced its end of life but says support continues until an end-of-support date. Showcaller keeps the model for existing installs. BirdDog recommends the 4K HDMI as the replacement.
Can Showcaller set audio on the Flex 4K IN?
Yes, from the Pro plan. It reads and sets the analog audio in and out gain. BirdDog's API has no analog output select on this model.
Same integration
Other BirdDog NDI Converter models
BirdDog Flex DecodeModel page
BirdDog HDMI4KModel page
BirdDog PlayModel page
BirdDog QUADModel page- BirdDog SDI4KModel page
BirdDog StudioModel page
