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BirdDog 4K Quad NDI Encoder/Decoder

BH #BIBD4KQUAD • MFR #BD4KQUAD
 3 reviews
BirdDog 4K Quad NDI Encoder/Decoder
Key Features
  • Up to UHD 4K/60 Input
  • Full-Bandwidth I-Frame Compression
  • 4 x 12G-SDI Selectable Inputs/Outputs
  • 3.5mm Audio Input/Output
Based on BirdDog's custom NDI silicon chip, the BirdDog 4K Quad NDI Encoder/Decoder supports up to UHD 4K/60 video input for distribution on NDI networks in full-bandwidth I-frame compression. This compact device is housed in an aircraft-grade aluminum case and features four 12G-SDI selectable inputs/outputs. An HDMI 2.0 output is available but is currently inactive until an expected future firmware update. When the output becomes active, a built-in cross converter will allow you to loop out an SDI input via the HDMI port.
In Stock
$2,099.00
$175/mo. suggested payments for 12 Mos.
with the credit card.§ 
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Used from$1,719.95
Version
4K HDMI 2.0 NDI Encoder/Decoder
4K 12G-SDI NDI Encoder/Decoder
4K Quad NDI Encoder/Decoder
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BirdDog BD4K Overview

  • 1Description
  • 2Key Features
  • 3Network Connectivity
  • 4Included Comms Lite Software
  • 5Additional Features with Optional Comms Pro Upgrade

Based on BirdDog's custom NDI silicon chip, the BirdDog 4K Quad NDI Encoder/Decoder supports up to UHD 4K/60 video input for distribution on NDI networks in full-bandwidth I-frame compression. This compact device is housed in an aircraft-grade aluminum case and features four 12G-SDI selectable inputs/outputs. An HDMI 2.0 output is available but is currently inactive until an expected future firmware update. When the output becomes active, a built-in cross converter will allow you to loop out an SDI input via the HDMI port.

Another major feature is an SFP+ expansion slot that supports SFP+ modules for fiber connectivity and Ethernet protocols from 1-10 GbE (you may require a free firmware update that's already available from BirdDog). A Tally system with a large bicolor Tally light is also built for indicating which camera is live to on-air talent. The Tally system also allows user-selectable Tally borders on loop out. The device is complete with 3.5mm audio input/output, a 4-line OLED display, and USB 3.0 interface. It can be powered by a standard power supply or over PoE+.

The 4K Quad NDI Encoder/Decoder comes with the BirdDog Comms Lite audio intercom software, which supports up to four BirdDog devices. Comms Lite is Windows compatible and offers features such as Director Push-to-Talk, Mute Camera Operator, Auto Detect NDI Sources, Monitor Camera Audio, and Shortcut to Web Console. For a more complete version of the application, an optional upgrade is available to Comms Pro. The Encoder/Decoder is also compatible with the optional BirdDog Central software, which helps you decode NDI back to SDI or HDMI.

Key Features
  • Up to UHD 4K/60 video input
  • Distribution on NDI networks in full-bandwidth I-frame compression
  • 4 x 12G-SDI selectable inputs/outputs
  • HDMI 2.0 output (currently inactive until an expected future firmware update)
  • 3.5mm audio input/output
  • Built-in cross converter (can be used when the expected firmware update for the HDMI output becomes available)
  • SFP+ expansion slot (a firmware update may be required and is already available on the BirdDog website)
  • PoE+ support
  • 4-line OLED display
  • Includes BirdDog Comms Lite audio intercom software for Windows (upgradeable to the complete Comms Pro application)
  • Compatible with the optional BirdDog Central software for decoding NDI back to SDI/HDMI
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
Network Connectivity
  • Ethernet RJ45 1000baseT with integrated PoE
  • Open SFP+ Cage (10GB SFP+ adapters sold separately)
  • Embedded Web configuration panel
Included Comms Lite Software
  • Windows 10 and above compatible
  • Groups: 1
  • Max BirdDog devices per group: 4
  • Live video windows: 4
  • Director Push-to-Talk buttons: 1
  • Director to All
  • BirdDog to Director
  • Mute Camera Operator
  • Shortcut to Web Console
  • Monitor Camera Audio
  • Auto-detect NDI sources
  • Volume slider bar
Additional Features with Optional Comms Pro Upgrade
  • BirdDog Push-to-Talk
  • Director to Group
  • BirdDog Operator Broadcast
  • Mix Minus
  • Keyboard shortcuts / hot case
  • Refresh NDI Sources

BirdDog BD4K Specs

Inputs / Outputs
Inputs/Outputs
4 x BNC (12G-SDI) (Switchable)
Audio Inputs
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS
Video Outputs
1 x HDMI (HDMI 2.0)
Audio Outputs
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo
Format Support
Input Video Format
SDI
UHD 4K at 23.98/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
1080p 23.98/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
1080i 50/59.94 fps
720p 50/59.94/60 fps
Output Video Format
SDI
UHD 4K at 23.98/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
1080p 23.98/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
1080i 50/59.94 fps
720p 50/59.94/60 fps
HDMI
UHD 4K at 23.98/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
1080p 23.98/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
1080i 50/59.94 fps
720p 50/59.94/60 fps
Embedded Audio
SDI Input/Output: 2-Channel
HDMI Output: 2-Channel
Standards
HDR Compatibility
None
Connectivity
Other I/O
1 x USB-A PoE
Expansion Slots
1 x SFP+ Slot
IP Streaming
Tally Light
Yes
Power
Power I/O
1 x Barrel (12 VDC) Input
1 x RJ45 Input
PoE Support
PoE+ 802.3at
Power Consumption
Device: 16 W
General
Dimensions
5.31 x 3.35 x 0.98" / 13.5 x 8.5 x 2.5 cm
Weight
0.7 lb / 320 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.02 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.5 x 6.2 x 4.2"

BirdDog BD4K Reviews

Finally working reliably

By Jacob
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2023-06-27

I had purchased these units about 18 months ago and they were totally unusable, and ended up returning them (the other review here is mine). They've finally got this thing working reliably and I use it in a 24/7 environment without issue. Did knock 1 star as they originally advertised it as it could be a mix of encode and decode, but that eventually changed to all of one or the other.

Update On: Worthless Piece...

By David
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2023-02-28

In fairness to BirdDog, I was mistaken that the 4K Quad received NDI-HX from Vmix. It actually received full NDI. And, this product will apparently receive a firmware update that will allow it to decode NDI-HX streams - including HX-3 - but no word on when. Here is the entirety of the reply from Clay at BirdDog Tech Support on this: Hi David, Thank you for contacting support. The issue here is that the Quad does not currently support H'X signals of any kind and will only decode Full NDI. While we are working through some current decode issues on the Quad, we do have some customers decoding four streams in certain installations with success. But only for Full NDI, as that is the only protocol currently supported. But H'X signals are coming in a future update called Silicon 2. It is not out yet, so the signals you were trying to send simply are not compatible with the device today. If you want to know more about Silicon 2, our website has more information here: https://birddog.tv/silicon2/ ~ A launch date is not currently announced, and I am unable to provide a theoretical timeline for when it will be available. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!

Firmware still in Beta, buggy

By Jacob
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2021-07-20

I've been excited about this product for about a year now, but held off because I knew some features were to be released in a future firmware update. I've been watching the updates and when I saw enough of the features I was waiting for get posted, I purchased a set. Well, to get the advertised features, requires a firmware that is still in beta, and it's buggy, and not reliable. Getting 4 signals to detect and lock, is a test of patience. Web interface is clunky and slow to update. Interlaced formats (a standard broadcast format), are not clean with jagged edges making them unusable. I reached out to support and they escalated my case to engineering. I've gotten acknowledgement that the case was created, but a week later and no response. Ended up returning the items and will go with the Kiloview N3 which I've had much better success with.

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Can this product handle four simultaneous UHD 4K ...

Can this product handle four simultaneous UHD 4K inputs converted to NDI? can it handle the reverse?
Asked by: John
Yes, this has Four 12G-SDI connections that are selectable between and input or output. This is both an Encoder/Decoder.
Answered by: Joseph
Date published: 2020-11-11

Am I able to have 4 1080p59.94 (3G-SDI) video ...

Am I able to have 4 1080p59.94 (3G-SDI) video feeds running through this instead of 4k?
Asked by: Jacob
Yes, the unit supports up to 4K, as follows: SDI: UHD 4K: 23.98/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps 1080p: 23.98/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps 1080i: 50/59.94 fps 720p: 50/59.94/60 fps HDMI UHD 4K: 23.98/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps 1080p: 23.98/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps 1080i: 50/59.94 fps 720p: 50/59.94/60 fps
Answered by: Bruno
Date published: 2022-04-30

Does this equipment work or not? Also, based on ...

Does this equipment work or not? Also, based on BD Website, the BNCs can be independently assigned as an encoder or decoder; is this not true?
Asked by: Matt
The 4K Quads will be able to do that, once the final firmware is released. It is not in that current state, but eventually that feature is planned to be on the QUAD. Right now, you can ENCODE all or DECODE all.
Answered by: Nicholas
Date published: 2021-04-12

Can I use this to decode four P400 cameras from ...

Can I use this to decode four P400 cameras from NDI to SDI ? Will it then output each camera on its own SDI out?
Asked by: Lewis
Yes, this can be accomplished while also using their central pro software: https://bird-dog.tv/centralpro-overview/
Answered by: stephenc
Date published: 2021-08-30

Can one unit simultaneously provide 2 ins & 2 ...

Can one unit simultaneously provide 2 ins & 2 outs?
Asked by: Kenneth
As of 5/8/2021 the firmware still does not support simultaneous encode/decode on the SDI ports. The SFP+ port is disabled limiting the interface to 1gb/sec ethernet. The HDMI jack also is not supported for use as stated in the product description. Major features that make this box worth its purchase price are all "coming soon". Very disappointing as this box is a great concept with some exciting features, once they actually are useable as described.
Answered by: Eli
Date published: 2021-05-09

This unit will decode NDI|HX Cameras, like the ...

This unit will decode NDI|HX Cameras, like the PTZOptics 30X-NDI Broadcast Camera?
Asked by: Matt
No it will not. It will only decode Full NDI video signals.
Answered by: Jabari
Date published: 2021-03-15

Will this unit decode four P400 cameras from NDI ...

Will this unit decode four P400 cameras from NDI and Output them each on their own SDI out?
Asked by: Lewis
Yes, this can be accomplished while also using their central pro software: https://bird-dog.tv/centralpro-overview/
Answered by: Victor
Date published: 2021-04-23

Will this interfere with any PTZ control if ...

Will this interfere with any PTZ control if plugged into the same router? ie. to control & video with 1 Ethernet.
Asked by: Mark
No, the BirdDog 4K Quad NDI Encoder/Decoder should not impact other cameras connected to your router as far as control.
Answered by: Chris H
Date published: 2023-02-27
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