Add a convenient and compact video player to your NDI network with this PLAY 4K NDI Player from BirdDog. The PLAY is designed to automatically detect all the NDI video streams on your NDI network and display them in a standard set-top box thumbnail view, which allows you to then select and play any video on your NDI network with up to UHD 4K60 resolution on an HDMI display.
The PLAY features an easy, intuitive interface that resembles most popular media players. It is compatible with NDI 5 functionality and supports all the features of NDI, NDI|HX2, NDI Remote, and NDI Bridge to seamlessly detect all the NDI video streams on your network. Built-in CEC support allows you to use a variety of CEC remote controllers you may already have to control the video player features of the box. You can also utilize an API for custom programming with numerous APIs such as RESTful API, Crestron control module, Zoom API, Q-SYS API, among others.
The PLAY has a compact footprint that measures only 3.3" square and can sit anywhere in your environment by mounting it on your desktop with its rubberized base ring or by using its magnetic base. It is powered via the USB Type-C input that can accommodate a separately available 5V power source or adapter.
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Key Features
- NDI 5 to HDMI 2.0 Converter/Player
- Connects to NDI Network via Ethernet
- Auto-Displays NDI Streams as Thumbnails
- Supports Resolutions up to UHD 4K60
Add a convenient and compact video player to your NDI network with this PLAY 4K NDI Player from BirdDog. The PLAY is designed to automatically detect all the NDI video streams on your NDI network and display them in a standard set-top box thumbnail view, which allows you to then select and play any video on your NDI network with up to UHD 4K60 resolution on an HDMI display.
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BirdDog 4K NDI Player Overview
Easy Setup by Design
Connect PLAY to your NDI network, plug it into your TV via HDMI, and use your own remote to browse the new interface
NDI 5
PLAY supports all the new NDI 5 functions including high-bandwidth NDI, NDI HX2, NDI Remote, and NDI Bridge
UHD 4K over HDMI 2.0
Receive NDI in resolutions all the way up to UHD 4K60
BirdDog Cloud Connect
Integrate PLAY with BirdDog Cloud Connect to use as a viewer for all your global BirdDog Cloud endpoints with lightning fast, high-quality video with as little as two-frame latency from anywhere in the world (requires additional Cloud Connect license)
Tiny Footprint
PLAY measures just 3.3 x 3.3 x 0.7" and only weighs 3.4 oz
USB Power
PLAY is powered by standard USB-C for maximum flexibility
Mounting Options
Attach PLAY behind your TV screen with the built-in magnet or sit in front of the TV confidently with its non-slip rubberized grip ring
API Support
Support for RESTful API, Crestron control module, Zoom API, Q-SYS API
Interface
The easy-to-navigate interface automatically scans the network for NDI sources and lists them in a thumbnail view
BirdDog 4K NDI Player Specs
Inputs/Outputs
| Video Inputs | |
| Audio Inputs | |
| Video Outputs | |
| Audio Outputs | |
| Expansion Slots | |
| Latency |
Format Support
| Input Video Format | |
| Output Video Format |
Standards
| HDR Support |
IP Streaming
| Video IP Encoding |
Hardware
| Wireless |
Power
| Power I/O |
General
| Dimensions | |
| Weight |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight | |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) |
BirdDog 4K NDI Player Reviews
Super Product, but please fix the ethernet connector
By Christ F
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2025-06-24
Can't beat the price and performance of these little guys for NDI decoding. We have three of these - two drive remote video displays and one is used to generate a third HDMI output from an M2 Mac mini. Still, room for improvement. The part of the ethernet connector that the plug latch catches has broken on two of our units. These get very little handling. That is a significant reliability concern, and once broken it's a real headache to rig it to keep the cable secure. We have hundreds of ethernet jacks around our facility and these two are the only ones I've had break. The jack should always be more durable than the plug. Also not crazy about the always-on fan of the newer version HW. It's loud enough that you don't want this setting near you at a desk or console. The fan should be temp controlled so the fan noise is minimized unless needed.
Not worth the effort
By Tim
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2024-08-28
I really tried to get this BoardDog Play to work for over 1.5 years but eventually through it away as it wasted more of my time than it was worth. Tested with all sorts of NDI encoders (even BirdDog's), updated firmware when available and it simply wasn't reliable. From image quality, ability to stay connected to the NDI stream, to the remote not working, this thing simply did not work properly. Boggles my mind that it doesn't have POE and the magnet on the back is not powerful enough to stay attached to anything. Don't, just don't get it and save yourself the agony by using something else that actually works.
See any errors on this page?
Is the Ethernet port 100Mbps or 1Gbps?
Is the Ethernet port 100Mbps or 1Gbps?
The BirdDog PLAY 4K NDI Player features a gigabit Ethernet port.
Date published: 2024-09-20
Will this decode a ndi feed that is 1080i ...
Will this decode a ndi feed that is 1080i 59.94fps?
No it will not. It only accepts progressive signals.
Date published: 2022-11-15
Can this item be controlled with the Birddog ...
Can this item be controlled with the Birddog Connect Software?
Yes, You will be able to send a BirdDog Cloud Connect video/audio stream to a BirdDog PLAY if the broadcaster/endpoint/company account has a Cloud License and Cloud Connect setup. The end-user with the PLAY scans or types in a code to view their available streams.
Streams on BirdDog Cloud Connect can be organized in groups with specific PIN # access. Cloud Connect Groups have customizable branding options for uploading logos and colors to match agency and client productions.
Beta signups for Cloud Connect are at the bottom of this page: https://birddog.tv/cloudconnect-overview/
Date published: 2022-03-11
Does an NDI source have to be selected at startup ...
Does an NDI source have to be selected at startup or can it autoplay the previously selected source?
From my experience of using the PLAY for the past couple of weeks, it autoplays the previously selected NDI source on startup.
Date published: 2023-11-13
I have multiple NDI sources on my network -- 2 ...
I have multiple NDI sources on my network -- 2 PTZ cameras and an app running on a PC. I always want the PC app to display on my TV. Can I configure this BirdDog PLAY to select this source every time it starts up?
I've gotten mines to automatically pick up the last used source upon power up.
Date published: 2023-08-12
What is the difference between the birddog play ...
What is the difference between the birddog play and the birddog flex decoder?
Also PoE support on the Flex. The Bird dog play is really only designed to be plugged into a TV. And designed cheap means they skipped on ALL non essentials. Even factory reset doesn't exist on the Play. It's a great purpose built device that does 1 thing well. If you need it to do anything else get the Flex.
Date published: 2024-04-08
Does this support portrait orientation?
Does this support portrait orientation?
No, only landscape (or standard) orientation is available at this time.
Date published: 2021-10-21
Is there WiFi built it or how can we add WiFi?
Is there WiFi built it or how can we add WiFi?
It would really help to have a version with Wifi
Date published: 2022-12-28