NDI Encoders and Decoders: Getting Any Source onto Any Church Screen

The two bridges

NDI works best when every device speaks it. Most churches have equipment that doesn’t, at least not yet. Two kinds of small boxes bridge the gap:

• Encoder: HDMI or SDI in, NDI onto the network out
• Decoder: NDI from the network in, HDMI to a screen out

Between them, any source can reach any screen over an affordable network, which is a big part of how NDI saves churches money.

Encoders: put existing gear on the network

A Magewell Pro Convert encoder (HDMI or SDI models) takes a signal and publishes it as an NDI source with a name you choose.

Churches use encoders to:

• Keep cameras they already own. An SDI or HDMI camera far from the booth joins the network instead of needing a new long cable run.
• Bring in a source from another room, like a youth room camera or a fellowship-hall feed.
• Put a hardware switcher’s output on the network, so its program can reach the stream and other rooms.
• Add a second computer, like a sermon-notes laptop, without a capture card.

Decoders: any screen, anywhere

A Magewell Pro Convert NDI to HDMI decoder sits behind a TV, plugs into the network, and shows whichever NDI source you pick. Overflow monitors and displays can show your stream output.

Churches use decoders for:

• Overflow rooms on Easter and Christmas Eve
• Lobby and foyer TVs, so late arrivals can see where the service is
• The cry room and kids’ check-in
• Confidence monitors on stage, fed from the network instead of a long cable

Adding a room means adding a decoder and a network drop, not a new cable back to the booth. (See how to put your livestream on lobby and overflow TVs.)

Encoder or software?

Many computers can send NDI on their own: ProPresenter, vMix, OBS (with the free DistroAV plugin) and Present through Tech Manager. You don’t need an encoder for those.

Reach for a hardware encoder when:

• The source only outputs HDMI or SDI, like most cameras and switchers
• You want a path that doesn’t depend on a computer’s settings
• The source is in another room and a network drop is easier than a video cable

Where to get them

Both are in our Livestream Systems Extras, and both work with a system you already own. Our Better and Best Livestream Systems use decoders for lobby and overflow outputs.

Not sure which you need? Map your current system. We’ll tell you which sources need an encoder, which screens need a decoder, and what you can reuse.

See everything WorshipMetrics does with NDI on our NDI for churches page.