A1 NDI Bi-Directional Codec

Welcome to the CND Live A1. The A1 is a professional video gateway that bridges the gap between traditional HDMI equipment and IP-based video networks. Unlike standard converters, the A1 is a Bi-Directional Codec, capable of Encoding (Sending) and Decoding (Receiving) video simultaneously.

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1. Product Overview

1.1 Introduction

The A1 is designed for live production, broadcast monitoring, and interactive AV integration. Its standout feature is Bi-Directional Operation: it can transmit your camera feed to the network while simultaneously receiving a return program feed to a local monitor.

1.2 Key Features

• Simultaneous Encode & Decode: Process bi-directional video streams up to 1080P @ 60Hz.
• Dual Gigabit LAN: Two independent network ports that can be used simultaneously for flexible network configuration (e.g., separate control and data networks).
• High-Performance Single Mode: Dedicated modes for 4K UHD @ 60Hz Encoding or Decoding.
• Dual Protocol Support: Native support for both NDI|HX 2/3 (High Efficiency) and NDI|HB (High Bandwidth / Full NDI).
• PoE+ Power: LAN 1 supports Power over Ethernet for single-cable operation.
• Intercom & Control: USB interface for voice talkback and PTZ camera control.

💡 Knowledge Base: What is “Bi-Directional”?

Most NDI devices are either just an Encoder (Camera ➡️ Network) or a Decoder (Network ➡️ TV). The A1 acts as both at once.

• Scenario: In a remote interview, you can send the guest’s camera feed to the studio (Encode) and simultaneously receive the studio host’s video to show on a monitor for the guest (Decode)—using just one device.

1.3 Interface Description

ID	Component	Function
1	USB 3.0	Connect USB headset (Intercom) or numeric keypad (Preset switching).
2	Reset	Factory reset button (Hold for 5 seconds).
3	Type-C	Auxiliary expansion/debugging port.
4	Tally Light	Large status indicator (Red=Program/Live, Green=Preview).
5	HDMI OUT	Connect to a TV/Monitor (Decoding Output).
6	HDMI IN	Connect Camera/PC (Encoding Input).
7	HDMI LOOP	Zero-latency local loop-through output for monitoring.
8	LAN 2	Static IP Port. Non-PoE. Default IP: 192.168.1.10. Ideal for direct PC configuration or non-DHCP networks.
9	LAN 1 / PoE	Primary Network Port. Supports PoE. Obtains IP via DHCP automatically (No default static IP).
10	DC 12V	Power input (required if connecting via LAN 2 or non-PoE switch).
11	Power Switch	Physical On/Off rocker switch.

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2. Installation & Connection

2.1 Power Supply

You have two options to power the device:

1. PoE (LAN 1 Only): Connect an Ethernet cable from a PoE Switch to LAN 1. No power brick is needed.
2. DC Adapter: Connect the provided 12V/2A adapter.

2.2 Video Connections

• To Encode (Send): Connect your video source (Camera/Laptop) to HDMI IN.
  • (Optional) Connect a local monitor to HDMI LOOP to see the camera shot without delay.
• To Decode (Receive): Connect your display (TV/Projector) to HDMI OUT.

2.3 Network Connection

The A1 features two distinct network ports that can be used simultaneously. Choose the port that fits your setup:

• LAN 1 (PoE / DHCP):

  • Use this for standard network connections with a router/switch.
  • Supports PoE power.
  • Automatically obtains an IP address (DHCP).

• LAN 2 (Static / Config):

  • Use this for initial configuration without a router, or for a dedicated management network.
  • Does not support PoE.
  • Fixed Default IP: 192.168.1.10

⚠️ Network Requirement

NDI video requires high-speed data transfer. Ensure you are using Gigabit (1000Mbps) switches and cables. Older 100Mbps networks will cause video stuttering or signal failure.

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3. Web Management (Configuration)

3.1 Login Methods

Since the A1 is a “headless” device, you must access it via a web browser.

Method A: Via LAN 1 (Standard DHCP Network)

1. Connect LAN 1 to your network router.
2. On a computer on the same network, open Windows File Explorer -> Network.
3. Look under “Other Devices” for A1-XXXX (where XXXX is the serial number).
4. Double-click the icon to open the management page.
   • Alternatively, use the free NDI Studio Monitor tool, find the source named “A1…”, and click the Gear Icon (⚙️).

Method B: Via LAN 2 (No DHCP / Direct Connection)

Use this method if you do not have a router or are configuring the device for the first time offline.

1. Connect an Ethernet cable directly from your computer to LAN 2.
2. Configure your computer’s network adapter to a static IP in the same range:
   • IP Address: 192.168.1.20 (or any available IP in the 1.x segment)
   • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
3. Open a web browser and enter the default address:

   http://192.168.1.10

Default Credentials:

• Username: admin
• Password: admin

3.2 Dashboard Overview

The Home Page provides a real-time preview and system status. The most critical setting here is the Device Mode.

3.2.1 Select Operation Mode

Click the Mode Switch button to choose how the A1 utilizes its processing power:

Mode	Description	Performance Limit
Encode & Decode	Simultaneous Mode. Performs both tasks at once.	Max 1080p60 for both In and Out.
Encode Only	Dedicated Transmitter. Focuses all power on quality.	4K 60Hz (NDI|HX) 4K 30Hz (NDI|HB)
Decode Only	Dedicated Receiver. Focuses all power on playback.	4K 60Hz Decoding.

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4. Encoding Configuration (Sending Video)

Configure how the A1 converts HDMI video into an NDI network stream.

4.1 Choosing a Protocol: NDI|HX vs. NDI|HB

The A1 supports two types of NDI. Understanding the difference is vital for your workflow:

💡 Knowledge Base: Which NDI should I use?

• NDI|HB (High Bandwidth / Full NDI):
  • Quality: Visually lossless, lowest latency (1 frame).
  • Bandwidth: High (~120Mbps). Requires wired Gigabit LAN.
  • Use Case: Studio production, vMix/TriCaster inputs.
• NDI|HX (High Efficiency):
  • Quality: High (H.264/H.265), low latency.
  • Bandwidth: Low (~15-20Mbps). Friendly to Wi-Fi and WAN.
  • Use Case: Remote contribution, limited network capacity.

4.2 Connection Settings

• Channel Name: Set a unique name (e.g., “A1-Cam01”) to identify this stream on the network.
• Connection Mode:
  • TCP: Reliable standard connection.
  • RUDP: (Reliable UDP) Recommended for NDI|HB to ensure smoothness on busy networks.
  • Multicast: Advanced mode. Sends one stream to multiple receivers efficiently.

⚠️ Warning: Multicast

Only enable Multicast if your network switch is configured with IGMP Snooping. Without this, multicast traffic will flood every port on your network, potentially crashing Wi-Fi routers and other devices.

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5. Decoding Configuration (Receiving Video)

Configure what network video is displayed on the HDMI OUT port.

5.1 Source Discovery

1. Go to the Decode tab.
2. Search: The list automatically populates with all available NDI sources on your subnet.
3. Manual Add: If a source is on a different subnet, click “Add” to enter its IP manually.

5.2 Preset Switching (Matrix)

You can save up to 9 NDI sources to the Preset Grid.

• Operation: Click any preset button (1-9) to instantly switch the HDMI output to that source.
• Physical Control: Connect a standard USB Numeric Keypad to the A1. Pressing keys 1-9 on the keypad will physically switch the video output, turning the A1 into a mini router.

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6. Advanced System Settings

6.1 Network

• LAN 1 (DHCP): Use for main internet/network access.
• LAN 2 (Static): Default is 192.168.1.10. You can change this if it conflicts with your existing network scheme.
• SNMP: Enable for IT-level network monitoring (Port 161).

6.2 NDI Discovery Server

In complex enterprise networks where mDNS (automatic discovery) is blocked across subnets (VLANs):

1. Go to Settings > NDI Settings.
2. Enable Discovery Service.
3. Enter the IP address of your central NDI Discovery Server. The A1 will register itself there instead of broadcasting.

6.3 NDI Bridge

This advanced feature allows the A1 to join an NDI Bridge host. This enables the device to send or receive NDI streams over the Internet (WAN), breaking the limitation of local networks.

6.4 Security (HTTPS)

To secure the web management interface:

1. Go to Settings > Security.
2. Enable HTTPS.
3. Upload your CA Certificate (.crt) and Private Key (.key).
   • Note: Ensure the key and certificate match perfectly, or the web server may not restart.

6.5 Firmware Upgrade

1. Go to Settings > System.
2. Click Select File and upload the .bin firmware file provided by CND Live.
3. Click Upgrade.
   • ⚠️ Caution: Do not unplug power during the upgrade process.

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7. Troubleshooting

Q: I cannot find the device IP address.

A:

1. Try LAN 2: Connect your PC directly to the LAN 2 port using an Ethernet cable. Set your PC IP to 192.168.1.100 and access http://192.168.1.10.
2. Try LAN 1: Use NDI Studio Monitor to find the source A1-XXXX and click the configuration gear icon.

Q: The video is choppy or stuttering.

A:

1. Bandwidth: If using NDI|HB (Full NDI), ensure you are using a Gigabit Switch and CAT6 cables. 100Mbps is insufficient.
2. Optimization: Try switching the Encoding Protocol to NDI|HX, which uses significantly less bandwidth.
3. Mode: Ensure the RUDP connection mode is selected in the Encoding settings.

Q: No Audio on Output.

A:

1. Check the Decoding Output Settings. Ensure “Audio Sample Rate” is not set to Disable.
2. Verify the “Audio Channels” setting (2 for Stereo, 8 for Surround).