When NDI Meets ST 2110: Collision, Misunderstanding, or a Natural Fit?
December ,12 ,2025
In professional video production—broadcast studios, live events, remote production and more—“IP workflows” stopped being a buzzword a long time ago. But if you’ve spent time on technical forums lately, or joined any project bidding discussions, you’ve probably heard two terms over and over again: NDI and ST 2110.
Some people call them the “consumer player” and the “professional athlete.” Others joke, “Is NDI trying to piggyback on ST 2110’s fame?”
Today, let’s break down this so-called “collision” and see whether it is really a misunderstanding, a competition, or simply a natural complement in the IP video ecosystem.
NDI (Network Device Interface) is a low-latency IP video protocol created by NewTek (now part of the Vizrt Group). Its purpose is straightforward: make video transmission over networks easy.
Traditional setups required multiple SDI cables, dedicated switchers, and timing hardware. NDI, on the other hand, only needs a regular Ethernet network. Devices such as cameras, switchers, and monitors can automatically discover one another, and signals can be pulled directly inside software.
Example:
Setting up a small studio used to mean laying dozens of SDI cables. With NDI, you simply plug devices into the network and they appear instantly. Multiple HD streams—or even 4K using NDI|HX—can run over the same network.
Its low hardware cost, simple deployment, and support for multi-stream workflows make it ideal for education streaming, corporate events, esports, and small-to-mid production studios.
ST 2110 (SMPTE ST 2110) is a set of professional IP video standards jointly developed by SMPTE and the ITU. It is designed specifically for large broadcast centers, OB trucks, and high-end production. It separates video, audio, and ancillary data into independent IP streams, synchronized with high-precision PTP timing. Every frame arrives aligned and stable.
Example:
During an 8K HDR Olympic broadcast, dozens of camera feeds—from handheld rigs to cable cams—must reach the OB truck with microsecond-level accuracy. ST 2110 ensures that timing, color sampling, and reliability meet strict broadcast requirements.
Its strengths include near-zero latency (often under 100 μs), robust QoS control, and highly predictable performance. The trade-off is that it requires high-end switches, PTP-aware infrastructure, and trained engineering staff.
The debate usually comes from the overlapping middle ground.
NDI has been creeping upward from small studios toward more professional use cases—local stations’ non-critical systems, mid-size production companies, even some university broadcast labs.
Traditional engineers sometimes view this as “a lightweight workflow trying to take on a heavyweight standard.”
Their concerns usually center on:
1. Latency and Sync
ST 2110 delivers microsecond-level latency and nanosecond-accurate synchronization via PTP.
NDI typically operates in the 1–10 ms range and relies on general network stability for sync.
2. Bandwidth and Image Quality
ST 2110 supports uncompressed or lightly compressed formats (like JPEG-XS), preserving full fidelity.
NDI|HX uses H.264/H.265 compression; even High-Bandwidth NDI demands very high network throughput.
3. Application Scope
ST 2110 is a compliance standard. Major broadcasts (Olympics, national galas, flagship news programs) often require it.
NDI is oriented toward flexible, cost-effective production.
So some argue that NDI is blurring the line between “professional” and “prosumer.” Others joke that asking NDI to handle full 8K broadcast workflows is like asking a shared bicycle to carry a freight load.
Dropping the binary “which one is more professional” mindset reveals a more realistic picture:
NDI and ST 2110 are built for different needs. They are two legs supporting the same IP-transition journey.
• ST 2110 serves high-end, mission-critical broadcast chains where failure is not an option.
• NDI focuses on flexibility, fast setup, and affordability—perfect for smaller broadcasters, streaming studios, events, and education labs.
The complexity of ST 2110 isn’t a flaw—it’s necessary for zero-tolerance broadcast reliability.
The simplicity of NDI isn’t unprofessional—it is designed to lower the entry barrier so more people can access modern production workflows.
Today:
• NDI deployments exceed one million devices annually, dominating education, corporate, and non-broadcast segments.
• ST 2110 holds roughly three-quarters of the market in large-scale broadcast and UHD production.
These are not competing territories; they complement each other.
The interesting part is how the two ecosystems are slowly approaching one another.
• Newer versions of NDI support higher bandwidth modes and improved latency.
• The ST 2110 ecosystem, through standards like 2110-22/23 and JPEG-XS, is exploring lighter-weight and more efficient workflows.
• Many vendors now offer hybrid infrastructures:
o ST 2110 for core routing
o NDI for auxiliary devices (prompters, graphics engines, reference monitors, training labs)
o ST 2110 ↔ NDI conversion at the edge for mixed environments
This reflects the industry’s real goal:
High-quality video, produced flexibly, at a reasonable cost.
Not “one standard wins,” but “multiple solutions coexist.”
While IP-based technology is clearly the future of the video industry, 12G-SDI over fiber and 3G-SDI over fiber transmission still play an irreplaceable role today. Why? Because in scenarios where absolute stability and zero network dependency are critical, SDI fiber solutions remain the go-to choice.
For example, in the core signal links of large-scale live broadcasts (like national events or major sports tournaments), 12G-SDI fiber cables deliver uncompressed, ultra-low-latency transmission without worrying about network congestion or packet loss. In outdoor OB vans or remote shooting locations where network infrastructure is limited, 3G-SDI fiber systems offer plug-and-play simplicity—no complex network configuration required, just a direct cable connection to ensure reliable signal delivery.
Moreover, many existing broadcast facilities have invested heavily in SDI-based infrastructure. Upgrading to full IP systems is costly and time-consuming, so 12G-SDI/3G-SDI fiber transmission acts as a "bridge"—it works seamlessly with legacy equipment while supporting high-quality video (up to 4K for 12G-SDI) and long-distance transmission (often over 10km without signal degradation). In short, IP and SDI fiber aren’t mutually exclusive; they complement each other to cover the full spectrum of professional video needs.
So, is NDI "copying" ST2110? Definitely not. They’re more like "twin stars" in IP-based video transmission: one rooted in professional broadcast, guarding the "zero-error" gold standard; the other expanding into broader markets, making professional video accessible to more people at low cost. The so-called "clash" is just a blip in the natural evolution of the tech ecosystem.
And let’s not forget 12G-SDI and 3G-SDI over fiber—they’re the reliable backbone that keeps the industry running, even as IP takes center stage. After all, industry progress doesn’t come from one standard’s dominance—it thrives on diverse choices that meet different needs.
Next time you hear someone arguing about NDI and ST2110 (or IP vs. SDI), you can smile and say: "They’re not rivals—they’re the best teammates for different scenarios." What do you think?
Some people call them the “consumer player” and the “professional athlete.” Others joke, “Is NDI trying to piggyback on ST 2110’s fame?”
Today, let’s break down this so-called “collision” and see whether it is really a misunderstanding, a competition, or simply a natural complement in the IP video ecosystem.
What Exactly Are They?
NDI: Making Video Networking as Simple as Sending a Message
NDI (Network Device Interface) is a low-latency IP video protocol created by NewTek (now part of the Vizrt Group). Its purpose is straightforward: make video transmission over networks easy.
Traditional setups required multiple SDI cables, dedicated switchers, and timing hardware. NDI, on the other hand, only needs a regular Ethernet network. Devices such as cameras, switchers, and monitors can automatically discover one another, and signals can be pulled directly inside software.
Example:
Setting up a small studio used to mean laying dozens of SDI cables. With NDI, you simply plug devices into the network and they appear instantly. Multiple HD streams—or even 4K using NDI|HX—can run over the same network.
Its low hardware cost, simple deployment, and support for multi-stream workflows make it ideal for education streaming, corporate events, esports, and small-to-mid production studios.
ST 2110: The Gold Standard of Broadcast-Grade IP
ST 2110 (SMPTE ST 2110) is a set of professional IP video standards jointly developed by SMPTE and the ITU. It is designed specifically for large broadcast centers, OB trucks, and high-end production. It separates video, audio, and ancillary data into independent IP streams, synchronized with high-precision PTP timing. Every frame arrives aligned and stable.
Example:
During an 8K HDR Olympic broadcast, dozens of camera feeds—from handheld rigs to cable cams—must reach the OB truck with microsecond-level accuracy. ST 2110 ensures that timing, color sampling, and reliability meet strict broadcast requirements.
Its strengths include near-zero latency (often under 100 μs), robust QoS control, and highly predictable performance. The trade-off is that it requires high-end switches, PTP-aware infrastructure, and trained engineering staff.
Why Do Some Say NDI Is “Pretending to Be ST 2110”?
The debate usually comes from the overlapping middle ground.
NDI has been creeping upward from small studios toward more professional use cases—local stations’ non-critical systems, mid-size production companies, even some university broadcast labs.
Traditional engineers sometimes view this as “a lightweight workflow trying to take on a heavyweight standard.”
Their concerns usually center on:
1. Latency and Sync
ST 2110 delivers microsecond-level latency and nanosecond-accurate synchronization via PTP.
NDI typically operates in the 1–10 ms range and relies on general network stability for sync.
2. Bandwidth and Image Quality
ST 2110 supports uncompressed or lightly compressed formats (like JPEG-XS), preserving full fidelity.
NDI|HX uses H.264/H.265 compression; even High-Bandwidth NDI demands very high network throughput.
3. Application Scope
ST 2110 is a compliance standard. Major broadcasts (Olympics, national galas, flagship news programs) often require it.
NDI is oriented toward flexible, cost-effective production.
So some argue that NDI is blurring the line between “professional” and “prosumer.” Others joke that asking NDI to handle full 8K broadcast workflows is like asking a shared bicycle to carry a freight load.
They Are Not Rivals — They Serve Different Purposes
Dropping the binary “which one is more professional” mindset reveals a more realistic picture:
NDI and ST 2110 are built for different needs. They are two legs supporting the same IP-transition journey.
• ST 2110 serves high-end, mission-critical broadcast chains where failure is not an option.
• NDI focuses on flexibility, fast setup, and affordability—perfect for smaller broadcasters, streaming studios, events, and education labs.
The complexity of ST 2110 isn’t a flaw—it’s necessary for zero-tolerance broadcast reliability.
The simplicity of NDI isn’t unprofessional—it is designed to lower the entry barrier so more people can access modern production workflows.
Today:
• NDI deployments exceed one million devices annually, dominating education, corporate, and non-broadcast segments.
• ST 2110 holds roughly three-quarters of the market in large-scale broadcast and UHD production.
These are not competing territories; they complement each other.
The Boundaries Are Moving
The interesting part is how the two ecosystems are slowly approaching one another.
• Newer versions of NDI support higher bandwidth modes and improved latency.
• The ST 2110 ecosystem, through standards like 2110-22/23 and JPEG-XS, is exploring lighter-weight and more efficient workflows.
• Many vendors now offer hybrid infrastructures:
o ST 2110 for core routing
o NDI for auxiliary devices (prompters, graphics engines, reference monitors, training labs)
o ST 2110 ↔ NDI conversion at the edge for mixed environments
This reflects the industry’s real goal:
High-quality video, produced flexibly, at a reasonable cost.
Not “one standard wins,” but “multiple solutions coexist.”
12G-SDI over Fiber Transmission: Still a Key Player Despite IP Trend
While IP-based technology is clearly the future of the video industry, 12G-SDI over fiber and 3G-SDI over fiber transmission still play an irreplaceable role today. Why? Because in scenarios where absolute stability and zero network dependency are critical, SDI fiber solutions remain the go-to choice.
For example, in the core signal links of large-scale live broadcasts (like national events or major sports tournaments), 12G-SDI fiber cables deliver uncompressed, ultra-low-latency transmission without worrying about network congestion or packet loss. In outdoor OB vans or remote shooting locations where network infrastructure is limited, 3G-SDI fiber systems offer plug-and-play simplicity—no complex network configuration required, just a direct cable connection to ensure reliable signal delivery.
Moreover, many existing broadcast facilities have invested heavily in SDI-based infrastructure. Upgrading to full IP systems is costly and time-consuming, so 12G-SDI/3G-SDI fiber transmission acts as a "bridge"—it works seamlessly with legacy equipment while supporting high-quality video (up to 4K for 12G-SDI) and long-distance transmission (often over 10km without signal degradation). In short, IP and SDI fiber aren’t mutually exclusive; they complement each other to cover the full spectrum of professional video needs.
Conclusion
So, is NDI "copying" ST2110? Definitely not. They’re more like "twin stars" in IP-based video transmission: one rooted in professional broadcast, guarding the "zero-error" gold standard; the other expanding into broader markets, making professional video accessible to more people at low cost. The so-called "clash" is just a blip in the natural evolution of the tech ecosystem.
And let’s not forget 12G-SDI and 3G-SDI over fiber—they’re the reliable backbone that keeps the industry running, even as IP takes center stage. After all, industry progress doesn’t come from one standard’s dominance—it thrives on diverse choices that meet different needs.
Next time you hear someone arguing about NDI and ST2110 (or IP vs. SDI), you can smile and say: "They’re not rivals—they’re the best teammates for different scenarios." What do you think?