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In the ever-evolving world of esports, the latest version of NewTek's Network Device Interface (NDI) IP video protocol, NDI 6.1, is making waves. This powerful tool, known for its low-latency, high-quality video transport over standard Ethernet networks, is playing a crucial role in modernizing esports production workflows.

NDI simplifies the integration process of multiple cameras, streaming setups, and graphic systems into a single unified production. This has been demonstrated by Chess.com's cloud-based studio broadcasts and MMG Events' global hybrid and virtual live events that connected 26 countries.

The NDI ecosystem includes a variety of hardware and software such as video switchers, encoders, decoders, media servers, and displays. Notable partners include NETGEAR, Yamaha, and Thinlabs, whose network switches and live production computers are integral to NDI's success.

One of the key selling points of NDI 6.1 is its scalability. It allows for workflows that do not require dedicated video cabling, making setup and teardown a breeze. Moreover, it boasts compatibility with a broad range of video production software and hardware, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems.

NDI's ability to provide high-quality, low-latency video makes it an ideal solution for esports workflows. It allows for capture and mixing of multiple live video feeds from diverse locations without dedicated cabling, facilitating quick setup and remote contributions. Integration with audio over IP and other networking standards enhances the immersive live production experience critical for esports broadcasts.

NDI 6.1 also offers bidirectional metadata support through a single NDI connection, enabling deeper integration and removal of bandwidth limitations. This functionality is being expanded through collaborations with ecosystem partners, with upcoming enhancements including closed captioning, MIDI, and DMX support.

While NDI itself is a protocol freely available under NewTek’s licensing model for software and hardware developers, costs arise from commercial products and tools leveraging NDI such as media servers, software licenses, and hardware encoders/decoders. Some software offers free trials, like Christie Pandoras Box, which includes NDI features.

Under the leadership of President Daniel Nergård, NDI continues to innovate and expand its ecosystem. Most recently, NDI was acquired by the Vizrt Group in 2019, further solidifying its position in the video production industry.

In summary, NDI 6.1 is a significant step forward in NewTek’s ongoing evolution of IP-based video production technology. It offers efficient, high-quality networking solutions that support modern esports workflows, with costs depending on associated hardware and software licensing rather than the NDI protocol itself. Its broad compatibility across professional tools, combined with its flexibility and professional performance, make it a valuable asset in dynamic, flexible esports broadcast and streaming environments.

The expanded NDI ecosystem includes partnerships with companies in diverse industries like finance, technology, data-and-cloud-computing, aerospace, and business, such as NETGEAR, Yamaha, Thinlabs, Vizrt Group, and audio over IP networks.
NDI's low-latency, high-quality video transport over standard Ethernet networks makes it suitable for various events beyond esports, including hybrid and virtual live events, global conferences, and streaming media productions.
The emerging features of NDI 6.1, like bidirectional metadata support and upcoming enhancements for closed captioning, MIDI, and DMX, cater to the evolving needs of modern esports and broadcasting.
In addition to simplifying integration for multiple cameras, streaming setups, and graphic systems, NDI's scalability and compatibility with a broad range of video production software and hardware enable its adoption in diverse industries, including finance, technology, and the aerospace business.