Kiloview NDI Bi-Directional Converter

The phrase Kiloview NDI Bi-Directional Converter refers to Kiloview's specialized family of standalone, all-in-one hardware boxes. These devices can function as an Encoder (compressing standard baseband camera signals like HDMI or SDI into low-latency IP networks) or a Decoder (pulling an IP stream off the network and outputting it as physical HDMI or SDI to a video switcher or monitor).

By implementing a software-switchable architecture, these converters eliminate the need for production teams to purchase separate, dedicated encoding and decoding hardware.

The Two Major Product Generations

Kiloview splits its bidirectional converter ecosystem into two technological categories: High-Bandwidth Only (NDI Full) and Multi-Codec Flex (supporting both Full NDI and NDI|HX flavors).

1. Gen 1: Pure Full NDI Lineup

These legacy pocket-sized models operate strictly on high-bandwidth, visually lossless Full NDI (SpeedHQ) compression. They provide sub-frame latency but require a substantial local network bandwidth infrastructure (~125Mbps for HD, ~250Mbps for 4K).

• Kiloview N3: 3G-SDI interface, processing resolutions up to 1080p60.

• Kiloview N4: HDMI interface, processing resolutions up to 1080p60.

• Kiloview N30: 12G-SDI interface, processing resolutions up to 4K UHD at 60fps.

• Kiloview N40: HDMI 2.0 interface, processing resolutions up to 4K UHD at 60fps.

2. Gen 2: Hybrid NDI & NDI|HX Lineup

These updated models feature advanced dual-chip engines capable of handling Full NDI, NDI|HX2, and NDI|HX3 protocols concurrently. They add cross-protocol translation (like native SRT/RTMP encoding) and USB webcam expansion.

• Kiloview N5: 3G-SDI / USB hybrid converter, processing up to 1080p60.

• Kiloview N6: HDMI / USB hybrid converter, processing up to 1080p60.

• Kiloview N50: Professional 12G-SDI / USB hybrid transceiver, processing up to 4K60.

• Kiloview N60: Flagship HDMI 2.0 / USB hybrid transceiver with integrated UI color screen, processing up to 4K60.

Core Shared Features across the Family

• Mutually Exclusive Operational Modes: While they are bidirectional, they are half-duplex transceivers. A single device can encode or decode at any given time; it cannot perform both tasks simultaneously. The mode is selected through the web administration portal.

• Power over Ethernet (PoE): Every converter includes an RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port with integrated PoE support. This enables a single network cable to deliver power, transmit two-way video signals, carry tally light metadata, and route camera control paths simultaneously.

• Unified Control and Intercom Tally: The physical housings include a dedicated, oversized Tally light area that lights up red for Program (PGM) or green for Preview (PVW). They also feature a 3.5mm analog audio interface that supports localized headset intercom loops using the Kiloview Intercom Server (KIS).

• Hardware PTZ Camera Telemetry: They include a built-in serial port extension or support IP pass-through routing. This allows operators to send remote pan, tilt, zoom, and focus commands (via protocols like VISCA or Pelco) straight through the network cable to the connected camera.

Hardware Product Capabilities Matrix

💡 Operational System Tips for Bidirectional Converters

The Dedicated Core Network Switch Calculation: If you are deploying the high-bandwidth variants (N3, N4, N30, N40), keep a close eye on your network infrastructure budgets. A single 4K60 Full NDI stream continuously pulls roughly 250 Megabits per second. Populating a multi-cam live shoot with just four of these converters encoding simultaneously will generate a constant 1 Gigabit per second load. This will completely saturate a standard 1GbE network switch uplink, leading to dropped video frames and severe artifacting. For multi-cam setups, ensure these converters route back to a core network switch utilizing high-capacity 10GbE SFP+ uplinks or isolate them on dedicated VLAN branches.

• Deploying the USB UVC Virtual Webcam Bridge: Gen 2 hybrid models (N5, N6, N50, N60) include a Type-C USB port that supports Universal Video Class (UVC) standards. If you are conducting a high-profile web conference via Zoom, Teams, or vMix, configure the converter into Decoding Mode, pull any NDI feed off your local network, and run a USB cable from the box into your computer. The PC will automatically treat the converter as a driverless, standard plug-and-play USB web camera, allowing you to bridge enterprise IP network video streams into standard video conferencing applications with zero software friction.

• High-Density Studio Consolidation: If your technical control room or OB van uses multiple loose bidirectional converters, avoid clustering them behind racks with independent power bricks. You can use the Kiloview RN01 (1RU) or RN03 (3RU) passive mechanical installation frames. These frames allow you to securely slide and align up to 4 units (1RU) or 10 units (3RU) side-by-side using integrated thumbscrews, providing an organized layout with optimized thermal airflow spacing.