---
title: "BirdDog Play NDI decoder"
url: "https://showcaller.ai/integrations/birddog-ndi-converter/birddog-play/"
type: "integration_model"
published: "2026-10-07T15:21:38+00:00"
modified: "2026-10-07T15:21:38+00:00"
author: "admin"
---

The BirdDog Play is a compact NDI decoder for getting NDI video onto a screen. It plugs into a TV or projector over HDMI 2.0 and runs on USB-C power. It decodes full NDI up to 1080p60 and NDI HX2 or HX3 up to UHD 60p. Showcaller AI connects to the BirdDog Play through the Bridge App on your show network. So the crew can change a screen by voice or chat, without a TV remote. The [BirdDog NDI converter integration](/integrations/birddog-ndi-converter/) page lists every Tool Function.

### Put a source on a BirdDog Play

First, Showcaller lists the NDI sources the Play can see. Then it connects the Play to a source by name, for example “put the slides on the green room TV”. 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 on the Play right now. When a source is missing, Showcaller refreshes the list. These functions are in every plan.

### Decode settings and NDI groups

From the Pro plan, Showcaller reads and changes decode settings. For example, BirdDog lists NDI audio on or off and the screensaver for the Play. 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. After a change, it reads back the group name and the discovery server. However, decode settings and transport are reported as the converter answered. With Enterprise, Showcaller resets the source list, restarts video or reboots the Play, after you confirm.

### What the Play does not offer

The Play is a decoder only. So Showcaller hides encode settings, encode transport and the mode switch for it. There is also no video output interface. Similarly, Showcaller does not set analog audio on the Play. The Play has a 3.5 mm audio output, but BirdDog’s API has no analog audio settings for it. For full specs, see BirdDog’s [Play page](https://birddog.tv/play-overview/).