Recommended Free Tools
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Use NDI Router to assign NDI sources to virtual destination outputs on a local network, and use Studio Monitor to preview feeds. For links between separate networks over the internet, use NDI Bridge rather than treating Router as a WAN transport.
What each NDI tool does
| Tool | Use it for | What it does not do |
|---|---|---|
| NDI Router | Assigning a discovered NDI source to a virtual destination output on a local NDI network. | It is not the media relay in the documented route, and it is not the tool for connecting separate networks over a WAN. |
| NDI Studio Monitor | Previewing available NDI channels, viewing multiple feeds, and controlling supported PTZ cameras. | It displays and inspects sources; it does not replace Router’s source-to-destination assignment. |
| NDI Bridge | Connecting remote NDI infrastructures, or operating as a local transcoder or repeater. | It is not needed just to route discovered sources and receivers on one local NDI network. |
NDI describes Router as a virtual switcher: it creates virtual outputs that NDI receivers can use as sources. In the documented workflow, the Router application manages the assignment, while the media stream travels directly between the NDI transmitter and receiver. A separate hardware video matrix is not required for this software-routing procedure.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Prepare the computer and network
Install the current NDI Tools package
- Open the official NDI Tools download page and choose the package for the operating system you will use. The download page listed version 6.3.2 on October 3, 2026; versions can change, so use the page’s current listing rather than assuming that number remains current.
- Install NDI Tools and launch Router and Studio Monitor from the installed tools. Follow the installer and OS-specific instructions shown for your package; the cited step-by-step Router documentation is under NDI’s Mac documentation path, while Router’s product page publishes Windows minimum requirements.
Check source discovery before configuring routes
Router can only assign sources it can discover. NDI’s 2023 NDI 5.6 white paper explains the general principle: once two NDI devices discover one another on a network, they can pass video. If a transmitter does not appear in Router or Studio Monitor, troubleshoot discovery first rather than repeatedly changing destination assignments.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
NDI’s Access Manager can set a Discovery service address. Use it when the devices’ discovery configuration requires it; consult the current NDI network documentation for your deployment rather than treating this older white-paper description as a complete networking manual. The Windows NDI Tools requirements page specifies a 1Gbps LAN minimum. That is a published minimum, not a guarantee that a given network will handle a particular number of feeds or workload.
#1 Best Overall
Osee GoStream Duet Multiple Camera SDI and HDMI Live Stream Video Mixer Switcher
- Enriched inputs selection: unlimited inputs select from 4*SDI, 4*HDMI and USB-type C, NDI HX source and SD/SSD playback. Supports landscape and portrait for both inputs and outputs.
- Multiple control methods: control your live event via GoStream built-in GUI & GoStream computer software (both for MAC and Win) & Bitfocus Companion.
- Rich key effects and transitions: Multisource, Luam Key, Chroma Key, Pattern Key, PIP, DSK. Transition with MIX, DIP, WIPE and T-Bar.
- Highly compatible live streaming methods: Up to 3 streaming platforms at one time. Streaming directly via Ethernet or Smart Phone hotspot(via USB cable). Or you can connect to all streaming software, like OBS, Vmix to streaming.
- Affordable Professional Streaming Solution: A GoStream Duet equals a GoStream Deck + 4 HDMI & SDI converter + a FREE NDI HX LICENSE(need to download the latest firmware to unlock free NDI) as a gift.
Route a source to an NDI receiver with Router
- Confirm the endpoints. Start the NDI transmitter and the intended receiver, put them on the network where they should discover one another, and confirm the source is visible in Studio Monitor or Router.
- Enter Router configuration mode. In Router, switch to its configuration mode so you can set up buttons. The exact interface can vary by OS or release; follow the controls in the documentation for your installed package.
- Create source buttons. Add the NDI sources you want to route and give each button a recognizable name. Router documentation states a limit of up to 64 sources.
- Create destination buttons. Add destinations for the receiving devices and define a virtual stream name for each one. Router documentation states a limit of up to 64 destinations. These are application limits, not a recommendation that every computer or network should run 64 active feeds.
- Connect the receiver to the virtual output. On the receiver, choose the Router virtual output named for that destination. Router creates these outputs for receivers; the receiver must select the correct output before the assigned source can reach it.
- Assign the source. In Router, select the destination, then select the source to send to it. The receiver should now receive that source through the destination’s virtual output.
- Save useful presets if needed. Create preset buttons for recurring source/destination arrangements, so an operator can switch between known configurations without rebuilding the assignments.
Preview and inspect feeds in Studio Monitor
Launch Studio Monitor and choose an available NDI channel to preview it before routing or while monitoring a live setup. The tool can display multiple feeds, which is useful for checking that sources are present and visually correct. For cameras with supported PTZ control, Studio Monitor also provides PTZ controls. Previewing helps distinguish a source problem from a Router assignment problem; it does not by itself establish that a receiver is subscribed to the intended Router output.
Connect NDI networks remotely with Bridge
When transmitters and receivers are on separate network infrastructures, use Bridge for the remote link. Its Host, Join, and Local modes serve different roles: Host and Join establish the remote connection, while Local can transcode or repeat a requested stream to multiple local receivers. Configure the Bridge endpoints and network reachability for the topology in use.
Rank #2
osee GoStream Deck HDMI Pro Live Streaming Multi Camera Video Mixer Switcher
- 【Rich Connection Ports】 The Osee GoStream Deck video switcher comes with 4 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs, allowing you to connect four different media sources and two displays for MultiView and monitoring. It also includes 2 Type-C ports (input/output) for webcam input/output, SSD connection, and PC connectivity, 1 Ethernet port for live streaming, 2 audio inputs and 1 headphone output for monitoring audio quality or recording, and 1 SD card slot for recording or playing files directly.
- 【Audio Control, Recording and Playback 】 The Osee GoStream Deck video switcher features various audio control buttons and adjustable knobs. It comes with headphone and microphone input for your live-streaming audio system. Additionally, it provides professional audio effects, including EQ, Limiter, Fader, etc. The GoStream Deck can record your PGM to an SD card or USB SSD while simultaneously playing back MP4 files for intros, breaks, etc.
- 【3 Streaming & Landscape / Portrait streaming】 This live streaming video switcher can simultaneously stream to 3 platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Zoom, or any RTMP server via the Ethernet port. Alternatively, you can use the USB output to stream through PC software like OBS or vMix. In addition, it supports both landscape and portrait modes to suit your various needs.
- 【Efficient Control】 The GoStream Deck features a hard control panel with PVW/PGM buses, T-Bar, and Macros - perfect for broadcast-quality streaming in education, conferences, worship, live events, and weddings. With its built-in menu system, you can control your live production without a PC. Additionally, we provide free PC control software and a companion control module for expanded functionality.
- 【Convenient Graphics Overlay】 This video mixer supports MultiSource functionality with dual video windows, background options, and graphics overlay - ideal for church broadcasts, podcasts, online meetings, panel discussions, and TV-quality live productions. Downstream keyer for logo and lower-third overlays. Upstream keyer supporting green screen, chroma key, PIP (Picture-in-Picture), and pattern effects.
- Bridge’s product page lists default port 5990, 256-bit encryption, and H.264 or HEVC compression. These details apply to Bridge, not local Router configuration.
- Remote setup involves reachable IP and port, a group and key, and matching encryption settings as applicable to the selected mode.
- Bridge documentation describes buffer size as a tradeoff: more buffering favors smoother playback, while less buffering favors lower latency. Choose according to the link and the tolerance for delay.
Router remains the local source-to-destination assignment tool; Bridge supplies the remote network interconnection. Check the current Bridge documentation for the precise settings in your release and deployment.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Requirements and capacity to verify
NDI’s Router product page lists these minimum requirements for Windows: Windows 10 64-bit or later, an Intel or AMD processor with SSE4 or later, 6 GB RAM or better, a supported GPU/APU, and 1Gbps LAN. Confirm current OS and package support on the download page before deployment, since packages and availability can change. A stated minimum does not determine how many simultaneous sources your particular network and hardware can handle.
Rank #3
Tenveo 4K60FPS HDMI Video Switcher Mixer, 4*SDI & 4*HDMI Input, 5CH Live Streaming Switcher, 5.5’’ FHD Screen, 1080P60FPS Output, USB/SD Recording, Support PTZ Camera and Controller, NDI|HX3 Certified
- 【𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐨 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫】Tenveo PC500 - a professional live streaming Video Mixer Switcher, Integrates video encoding, multi-channel switching, PTZ/NDI Camera control, multi-camera Live streaming, real-time monitoring and USB recording. Designed and produced for professional Audio Video System Live Streaming /Live Production /Live Broadcasting. Suitable for Church Worship Live Services, Studio Live, Stage Shows, Product Launch, Sport Events, Government Activities, Online Training, University, Factory live, Classroom, High end Summit, Large Conference, Weddings, Podcasts, etc.
- 【𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝟒𝐊 𝐇𝐃𝐌𝐈 + 𝐒𝐃𝐈 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫】Tenveo PC500 supports 4CH flexible inputs - Video Input: 4*HDMI inputs(2*HDMI with 4K60FPS), 4*SDI inputs, 1*USB input(PGM recording/Video Playback/File Loading/UVC Input, NDI|HX3 is also supported). Video Output: 1*SDI PGM output, 1*HDMI PGM output, 1*HDMI AUX output(All outputs can be customized as input channel/PST/PGM/Multi-view) and 1*USB3.0 output(UVC live streaming). Recording Output: USB2.0. Audio Input: 2*MIC, Audio Output: 1*PHONE. (4K60FPS and 1080P60FPS Input, 1080P60FPS Output.)
- 【𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭】The Video Switcher supports up 2 Live Streaming platforms simultaneously, supporting UVC Streaming(USB3.0 Type-C)and IP Streaming which are SRT, RTMP, RTSP and NDI|HX3 Streaming Via Ethernet. Enjoy seamless compatibility with major social media and professional software like YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, TikTok, OBS and vMix. Meanwhile, built-in web server, the video switcher supports control via web browser on any platform, providing you with the flexibility to manage live productions. This enhances operation efficiency and convenience.
- 【𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭-𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤】Supporting Dual Recording via SD Card/USB Disk/HDD, serving as auxiliary sources for PGM streams. With H.264 encoding, it simultaneously supports records and streams at separate bitrates(up to 1080p60fps). And the USB Recording becomes instant auxiliary sources - seamlessly integrated into live production via dedicated AUX for instant replay and live production. The recorded PGM file is production-ready, minimizing post-editing time. This ensures secure backup and storage of video content, providing peace of mind during critic productions.
- 【𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧】Easily manage and switch between 4 PTZ cameras to deliver compelling, multi-angle live streams. Once cameras are properly connected, press the magnifier/search icon to automatically detect PTZ cameras on the same LAN and add them by selecting their IP address. Customize operational parameters(pan-tilt-zoom, focus speed, exposure, WB, Gain), save/recall 10 preset positions per camera, trigger AI tracking on camera, record and recall 5 cruise tracks from the camera. The multi-camera capability enables you to capture diverse angles and deliver dynamic content, ideal for professional live streaming.
Troubleshooting common routing problems
| Symptom | Likely area to check | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The source is missing from Router and Studio Monitor. | Discovery or source availability. | Confirm the transmitter is running and discoverable on the intended network. Review the Discovery service address in Access Manager where relevant, and verify the devices can discover each other. |
| The source appears, but the receiver shows no video. | Receiver selection or destination assignment. | Make sure the receiver selected the virtual output named for its destination. In Router, select that destination and assign the intended source. |
| The receiver is connected to the wrong feed. | Destination-to-source mapping. | Check the destination name and its current source assignment in Router; select the correct destination before choosing the source. |
| A remote receiver cannot see a source on another network. | Local routing used in place of WAN transport, or Bridge connectivity. | Use Bridge for remote NDI infrastructures. Check the selected Host or Join role, reachable IP and port, group and key, and matching encryption settings. |
| Remote video is choppy or has too much delay. | Bridge buffer and WAN conditions. | Adjust Bridge buffering with the latency-versus-smoothness tradeoff in mind, then assess the actual network path. The cited material does not specify workload bandwidth targets for a particular deployment. |
Or let it run in the cloud
NDI Router is for routing NDI feeds between devices; it is not a service for keeping a YouTube channel live from prerecorded video. If that is a separate goal, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos as an always-on YouTube stream: upload a recording or playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home. Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Start your free first day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro HDMI Live Stream Switcher
- FEATURE RICH: Includes 4-camera multiview; cut, mix, dip, wipe, and DVE transitions; luma, linear, chroma, and pattern upstream keys; downstream keyer; and a built-in 6-input, 2-channel audio mixer.
- APPLICATIONS: Multicamera live streaming to the Internet or broadcast applications. Perfect for education & training, business presentations, livestream eSport events and more.
- INPUTS: 4 x HDMI Type A (10-bit 4:2:2 YUV), 2-channel embedded audio; 2 x 3.5mm stereo analog audio; 1 x RJ45 Ethernet.
- OUTPUTS: 1 x HDMI Type A (10-bit 4:2:2 YUV) with 2-channel embedded audio; multiview output; 1 x USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 1 (for webcam output, panel connection, and external drive recording).
- INCLUDES: ATEM Mini Pro HDMI live stream switcher and external 12V DC power supply with international socket adapters.
Rank #4
Osee GoStream Duet 8 ISO Live Streaming Video Switcher, 4 HDMI + 4 SDI, XLR
- HYBRID HDMI + SDI, WITHOUT THE CONVERTER CLUTTER — Build one production around the cameras you already own. GoStream Duet 8 ISO combines 4 HDMI 2.0 inputs and 4 3G-SDI inputs in one 8-channel live streaming video switcher. HDMI accepts signals up to 4K60, while SDI supports dependable long cable runs—letting mirrorless cameras, computers, camcorders and professional SDI cameras work together without stacks of external converters.
- 8-CHANNEL ISO RECORDING + PGM FOR A SAFER PRODUCTION — Keep every camera angle—not just the live cut. Record 8 individual ISO feeds plus the PGM output, with selectable H.264 or H.265 encoding and up to 50Mbps per recording channel. Preserve original camera footage for post-production, highlights or recovery when a live switch misses the moment, while dedicated recording workflows help protect production quality during simultaneous streaming.
- PROFESSIONAL XLR AUDIO BUILT INTO THE WORKFLOW — Bring professional sound directly into the switcher instead of relying on camera audio or extra interfaces. Two external audio channels provide XLR and 3.5mm connection options with Mic/Line support, while XLR Mic mode adds 48V phantom power and up to 68dB gain. Built-in HPF, noise gate, EQ, compressor, limiter and delay give churches, podcasts and event crews the tools to shape cleaner audio before it goes live.
- IP VIDEO + DIRECT 3-DESTINATION STREAMING — Expand beyond cameras connected by cable. Configure available channels for NDI|HX, SRT and RTMP network feeds, add UVC webcams or play prepared H.264/H.265 MP4 media from the built-in players. The integrated Gigabit Ethernet streaming engine can send the program directly to up to three RTMP destinations simultaneously, while USB UVC output connects the finished production to compatible computer-based streaming or conferencing software.
- BROADCAST VISUAL EFFECTS MADE EASIER — Create more than simple camera cuts with a 4-window MultiSource layout, up to 8 configurable video layers, Upstream Key and dual DSK. The integrated Web Browser engine turns compatible web content into dynamic Alpha overlays for scoreboards, tickers, titles, countdowns, statistics and other live graphics—without occupying an HDMI or SDI camera channel. VFA Video Follows Audio also helps automate active-speaker switching for podcasts, panels and interviews.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
