BirdDog Flex 4K OUT NDI decoder
Showcaller AI runs a BirdDog Flex 4K OUT decoder by voice or chat. It picks the NDI source, reads the decode status and sets decode settings and NDI groups.
Overview
The BirdDog Flex 4K OUT NDI decoder with Showcaller
The BirdDog Flex 4K OUT is a small NDI to HDMI decoder. It takes a full-bandwidth NDI stream from the network and plays it out on an HDMI 2.0 port. So it often sits behind a confidence monitor, a projector or a screen in the foyer. Showcaller AI connects to the BirdDog Flex 4K OUT through the Bridge App on your show network. Then you change what it shows by voice or chat. The BirdDog NDI converter integration page lists every Tool Function.
Choose what the BirdDog Flex 4K OUT shows
First, Showcaller lists the NDI sources the decoder can see. Then it connects the decoder to a source by name, for example “the main program feed”. Because a switch changes the picture, 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 connected right now. When a source is missing, Showcaller refreshes the list. These functions are in every plan.
Decode settings, groups and audio
From the Pro plan, Showcaller reads and changes the decode settings. For example, BirdDog lists NDI audio on or off, the screensaver and tally mode. It also sets the decode transport, such as TCP, UDP or multicast. In addition, Showcaller sets the NDI group name, the discovery server and off-subnet sources. Then it sets the analog audio in and out gain and the analog output select. After a change, it reads back the group name, the discovery server and the audio settings. However, decode settings and transport are reported as the converter answered. With Enterprise, Showcaller resets the source list, restarts video or reboots the unit, after you confirm.
Limits and end of life
The Flex 4K OUT is a decoder only. So Showcaller hides the encode settings for it. There is also no mode switch and no video output interface. BirdDog has announced the end of life of the Flex family. Still, BirdDog says support continues until an end-of-support date. For new decoders, BirdDog recommends the Play or Play Pro. For full specs, see BirdDog’s Flex 4K page.
What you can do
Run the BirdDog Flex 4K OUT NDI decoder by voice or chat
Switch the source by name
List the NDI sources the decoder sees and connect to one by name. Showcaller confirms first, then checks the decode status. Starter.
What is on screen
Read the connected source and the decode link status. Refresh the list when a source is missing. Starter.
Decode settings and transport
Read or change decode settings, such as NDI audio, screensaver and tally, and the decode transport. Pro.
Groups, discovery and audio
Set the NDI group name, discovery server, off-subnet sources and analog audio. These changes are read back. Pro.
Recovery steps
Reset the NDI source list, restart video or reboot the decoder, after you confirm. Enterprise.
Specifications
BirdDog Flex 4K OUT NDI decoder at a glance
Video
- Video output
- 1 x HDMI 2.0 output
- 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 output
- HDMI 2 channels, 48 kHz; 3.5 mm headphone/line output
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)
- 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 OUT NDI decoder
- 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 Decode.
- 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 OUT NDI decoder uses the BirdDog NDI Converter integration. Each group shows the plan it is included from.
FAQ
Questions about the BirdDog Flex 4K OUT NDI decoder
Can Showcaller change the source on a BirdDog Flex 4K OUT?
Yes, in every plan. Ask for the NDI source by name. Showcaller asks you to confirm, connects the decoder, then reads the decode status to check the switch.
Can I mute the NDI audio on the Flex 4K OUT?
Yes, from the Pro plan, through the decode settings. BirdDog's API lets the decoder turn NDI audio on or off. Showcaller reports that change as the converter answered.
Why are encode functions missing for the Flex 4K OUT?
The Flex 4K OUT is a decoder. BirdDog's API has no encode settings or mode switch on it, so Showcaller hides those functions.
Is the BirdDog Flex 4K OUT 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 Play or Play Pro for new decoders.
Same integration
Other BirdDog NDI Converter models
BirdDog Flex EncodeModel page
BirdDog HDMI4KModel page
BirdDog PlayModel page
BirdDog QUADModel page- BirdDog SDI4KModel page
BirdDog StudioModel page
