NDI GO Decoder

1. Product Overview

1.1 Foreword

Welcome to the CND Live NDI GO Decoder. As a specialized manufacturer in the IP video sector, CND Live is dedicated to providing high-quality and reliable equipment.

The NDI GO is a compact, cost-effective professional device designed for 4K video production and display scenarios. It balances portability with powerful decoding capabilities, allowing you to receive video over a network and output it to standard HDMI displays with ultra-low latency.

1.2 Key Features

Full Protocol Support: Fully compatible with NDI High Bandwidth, NDI|HX2, and NDI|HX3.
4K UHD Output: Supports decoding up to 4Kp60 resolution via HDMI.
Plug-and-Play: Integrated PoE (Power over Ethernet) allows power and data transmission over a single cable.
Intercom Support: Front USB port supports headsets for voice intercom with the CND Live Manager platform.
Peripheral Control: Supports USB numeric keypads for physical channel switching.

💡 Concept Explainer: What is NDI? NDI (Network Device Interface) is a standard that allows video devices to communicate over a standard local Ethernet network.

NDI High Bandwidth: Highest visual quality, very low latency, requires a Gigabit network.

NDI|HX: High efficiency, uses less bandwidth (compressed), works well over complex networks or WiFi.

The NDI GO automatically detects and decodes both types.

1.3 Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification
Video Output	1x HDMI 2.0 (Up to 3840x2160p 60Hz)
Network	1x Gigabit Ethernet (1000M) with PoE Support
Audio Interface	1x 3.5mm Line Out (Analog Stereo)
USB Interface	1x USB 3.0 (Type-A), 1x USB Type-C
Power Input	DC 12V/2A or PoE (802.3af)
Audio Decoding	Up to 8 Channels
Working Temp	-10℃ ~ 45℃

1.4 Package Contents

NDI GO Decoder x1
Power Adapter x1
Quick Start Guide x1
Warranty Card x1

2. Hardware Interfaces

2.1 Interface Diagram

Front Panel

USB 3.0 (Type-A): Connect a USB headset (for intercom) or a USB Numeric Keypad (for channel switching).
Line Out: 3.5mm analog audio jack. Connect headphones or speakers to monitor audio.
Status Indicator: LED light indicating power and network connection status.

Rear Panel 4. HDMI OUT: Connect to a TV, Monitor, or Projector. 5. LAN / PoE: Gigabit Ethernet port. Connect to your network switch here. 6. DC 12V: Input for the power adapter (optional if using PoE). 7. Power Switch: Toggle to turn the device On/Off. 8. Reset (Bottom): Pinhole button. Press and hold for 5 seconds to restore factory settings.

3. Installation & Connection

3.1 Power Supply

You can power the NDI GO using one of two methods:

Method A: PoE (Recommended): Connect an Ethernet cable from a PoE-capable network switch directly to the LAN/PoE port. No extra power cable is needed.
Method B: DC Adapter: Connect the provided 12V/2A power adapter to the DC port and a wall outlet.

💡 Concept Explainer: What is PoE? PoE (Power over Ethernet) allows electrical power to travel through the network cable along with the data. This makes installation cleaner (fewer cables) and allows you to mount the device in locations without power outlets, such as behind a TV.

3.2 Video & Audio Connection

Video: Use a high-quality HDMI cable to connect the HDMI OUT port to your display.
Audio: (Optional) Connect headphones to the Line Out port for private monitoring or to an external amplifier.

3.3 Network Connection

Connect the device to your local network using a CAT5e or CAT6 cable.

Important: By default, the device is set to DHCP. This means it will automatically request an IP address from your router.

Since the NDI GO does not have a screen, you must access its settings via a computer on the same network.

Method 1: Windows Network Discovery (Easiest)

On a Windows PC connected to the same network, open File Explorer.
Click on Network in the left sidebar.
Look under “Other Devices” for a device named NDI_GO_XXXX.
Double-click the icon. This will automatically open your web browser to the device’s login page.

Method 2: NDI Studio Monitor

Install the free NDI Tools (available from ndi.video).
Open the Studio Monitor application.
Click the menu icon (top left) and find your NDI GO device in the list.
Click the Gear Icon (Settings) in the bottom right corner of the Studio Monitor window. This will automatically launch the Web UI in your browser.

Username: admin
Password: admin

5. Web Management Interface

5.1 Decoding Dashboard

The dashboard is the main control center for managing video sources.

Preview Window: Shows the current video output.
- Video Stream Mode: Live, low-latency WebRTC preview.
- Image Stream Mode: Periodic snapshots (saves bandwidth).
Source List: The device automatically scans the local network for NDI sources.
- Search: Find sources by name or IP.
- Add (+): Manually add a source IP if it is on a different subnet.
Presets (Channels 1-9):
- How to use: Drag an NDI source into a numbered slot (1-9).
- Switching: Click the number to instantly switch the HDMI output to that source.
- Physical Control: If you plug a USB Numeric Keypad into the device, pressing a number key (1-9) will physically switch the channel.

5.2 Output Settings

Configure the HDMI signal format in the settings panel.

Resolution: Select the output resolution (e.g., 1920x1080 50Hz or 3840x2160 60Hz).
Color Space: Set to AUTO for most displays. Select RGB or YUV for professional monitors.
Audio Mixer:
- Volume: Adjust the output gain.
- Channel Mapping: Map specific source audio channels (1-8) to the physical HDMI output channels (e.g., map Source Ch 3 to Output Left).

5.3 Network Settings

Navigate to Network > Wired Network.

DHCP (Auto): Default setting.
Static IP: Turn off “Auto” to manually set the IP, Gateway, and DNS. Use this for fixed installations (e.g., TV studios) where the device address must not change.

5.4 NDI Settings (Discovery Server)

Navigate to Settings > NDI Settings.

💡 Concept Explainer: Discovery Server By default, NDI devices “shout” (broadcast) to find each other. In large corporate or campus networks, this “shouting” is often blocked by firewalls.

A Discovery Server acts like a central phonebook. You tell the NDI GO the IP of the server, and it looks up the cameras there instead of searching the whole network.

Service Status: Enable this if your network requires a Discovery Server.
Server Address: Enter the IP address of your NDI Discovery Server.

5.5 Security (HTTPS)

Navigate to Settings > Security. You can enhance security by enabling HTTPS and uploading a custom CA Certificate and Private Key. You may also change the default HTTP/HTTPS ports if required by your network administrator.

5.6 System Maintenance

Navigate to Settings > System.

Firmware Upgrade:
1. Click Select File and upload the .bin firmware file.
2. Click Upgrade.
3. Warning: Do not unplug the device during the update.
Factory Reset: Resets all settings (Network, Password, Presets) to default.
Reboot: Restarts the device remotely.

6. Troubleshooting FAQ

Q: I cannot find the NDI GO IP address.

A: Ensure your computer is on the same network subnet. Try using Method 1 (Windows Network) or Method 2 (Studio Monitor) listed in Section 4. If that fails, please ensure there is a DHCP server on the network, which is typically provided by the router.

Q: How do I factory reset without the password?

A: While the device is powered on, use a paperclip to press and hold the Reset button (inside the small hole on the bottom) for 5 seconds. The status light may flash, indicating a reset.

Q: The video is stuttering or glitching.

A: 4K NDI requires high bandwidth.

Ensure you are using a Gigabit Switch and CAT5e/6 cables.

Check if other large downloads are saturating the network.

Ensure the source is sending a frame rate compatible with your TV.

Q: Can I use a keyboard to switch channels?

A: Yes. Plug a standard USB numeric keypad into the front USB port. Press keys 0-9 to switch between the presets you configured in the Web Dashboard.