NDI Tools 6.3.2: find and check a video source

Choose by function and platform

NDI Tools contains applications with different roles: capture sends a source and a monitor receives the selected source. To use it in another application, also check the integration for that application’s version, including any required plugin or runtime. Check reception there as well as in the monitor.

Prepare recognizable computer and channel names, a visible reference and authorized sound. Capture utilities may share desktop and audio on launch: close private material and agree on the scope before starting capture on a working network.

Prepare a source showing only the agreed content

On Windows, Screen Capture runs in the system tray. Settings include frame rate, capture region and audio source. Check on the receiver which desktop or region is actually being sent. If you change windows on the sending computer, check the captured picture again rather than assuming the selection follows it.

On Mac, Scan Converter selects Desktop or an application from File. Audio and capture permissions depend on macOS. Identify the selection already authorized for rehearsal; a picture-only check does not need remote control or KVM enabled.

Find and check the selected source

In Windows Studio Monitor, select the device and channel from the menu or right-click menu. In Mac Video Monitor, use the NDI button in the top menu bar. Match the name to the source’s visible identification before accepting the selection.

Studio Monitor offers Low Bandwidth to receive the proxy stream. A useful picture in that mode does not verify the full stream path. Lowest Latency bypasses frame-sync and can reduce smoothness; record the observation mode before comparing results.

Three symptoms, three different checks

If the picture reaches the monitor but not the production application, compare both paths and their versions to guide the next check. Review the integration and network before attributing the fault to either. Combine traffic readings with observation of picture and sound; an isolated reading cannot establish quality.

• Not listed? Confirm the sender is active and record names, versions and the intended network. Review groups and discovery with the network owner; do not disable firewalls or change infrastructure at random.
• Listed but black or wrong picture? Compare the channel, visible identification, capture selection and receive mode. A listed name confirms discovery; separately check that the expected content is received.
• Picture without sound? Check sender audio selection, receiver mute and listening destination. Listen to an authorized reference before investigating the final mixer.

Example: slides from another computer

To prepare slides with video shared from another computer, identify the source on screen and use reference audio and a slide-advance sequence. Check the monitor first, then the application that will add the feed to program. Keep the source name consistent during rehearsal to compare both paths.

If the network path does not meet the room’s needs, compare other capture or distribution options with the technical team. Consider NDI, SDI or HDMI alongside the planned infrastructure and destinations. Complete those signal-design checks in addition to finding and inspecting the source with these tools.

1. Record versions, source, monitor mode and audio destination.
2. Check text, motion and sound at each planned receiver.
3. Note results and pending items; closing a monitor does not necessarily stop the capture sender.