BirdDog Play NDI decoder
Showcaller AI controls a BirdDog Play by voice or chat. It lists NDI sources, puts one on screen and reads the decode status. It also sets decode settings and NDI groups.
Overview
The BirdDog Play NDI decoder with Showcaller
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 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.
What you can do
Run the BirdDog Play NDI decoder by voice or chat
Change the screen by name
List the NDI sources the Play sees and put one on screen. Showcaller confirms first, then checks the decode status. Starter.
What is playing
Read the connected source and the decode link status. Refresh the list when a source is missing. Starter.
Decode settings
Read or change decode settings, such as NDI audio and the screensaver, and the decode transport. Pro.
Groups and discovery
Set the NDI group name, the discovery server and off-subnet sources. Group and server changes are read back. Pro.
Recovery steps
Reset the NDI source list, restart video or reboot the Play, after you confirm. Enterprise.
Specifications
BirdDog Play NDI decoder at a glance
Video
- Video output
- 1 x HDMI 2.0, full-size connector
- Resolutions
- UHD 2160p and HD 1080p at 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94 and 60; HD 720p at 30, 50, 59.94 and 60
- NDI decode
- Full NDI up to 1080p60 (i-frame, low latency); NDI HX2 and HX3 up to UHD 30p in H.264 and UHD 60p in HEVC
Audio
- Audio output
- Stereo audio over HDMI 2.0; analog audio output (3.5 mm)
Control & network
- Network
- RJ45 1000BaseT
- Control
- RESTful API, Crestron, Zoom and Q-SYS support; HDMI CEC for TV remote source selection
- Streaming
- SRT or BirdDog Connect
Physical
- Size and weight
- 85 x 85 x 19 mm; 97 g
- Power
- USB-C, 5 V DC, 2 A
Specifications from the manufacturer. Check the product page for the current details.
Connection
Connecting the BirdDog Play 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 your DHCP server, and the model BirdDog Play.
- 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 Play NDI decoder uses the BirdDog NDI Converter integration. Each group shows the plan it is included from.
FAQ
Questions about the BirdDog Play NDI decoder
Can Showcaller change the source on a BirdDog Play?
Yes, in every plan. Ask for the NDI source by name. Showcaller asks you to confirm, connects the Play, then reads the decode status to check the switch.
Can Showcaller set the audio level on a BirdDog Play?
No. BirdDog's API has no analog audio settings for the Play, so Showcaller hides those functions. It can turn NDI audio on or off through the decode settings (Pro).
Is the Play Pro covered?
Showcaller lists the BirdDog Play as its model. The Play Pro is not a separate model in Showcaller yet. Contact us before you plan a show around one.
Can the Play send NDI as well?
No. The Play is a decoder. Showcaller hides encode settings, encode transport and the mode switch for it.
Same integration
Other BirdDog NDI Converter models
BirdDog Flex DecodeModel page
BirdDog Flex EncodeModel page
BirdDog HDMI4KModel page
BirdDog QUADModel page- BirdDog SDI4KModel page
BirdDog StudioModel page
