BirdDog 4K QUAD
Four independently configurable 12G-SDI channels — set each as encode or decode. Maximum NDI channel density in one unit. HDMI monitoring output, SFP+ 10GbE, PoE+.
- Four independently configurable 12G-SDI channels — set any combination of encode and decode per port, giving maximum flexibility within one unit
- Each port operates independently — Channel 1 encoding a live camera, Channel 2 decoding NDI program return, Channel 3 encoding a replay feed, all simultaneously
- Maximum NDI channel density — four Full NDI channels in one device versus four separate single-channel encoders, significantly reducing rack space, cabling and power consumption
- HDMI monitoring output — view any NDI source or multiview of all channels on a connected HDMI monitor without additional hardware
- SFP+ 10GbE connectivity — handles the combined bandwidth of four simultaneous Full NDI 4K streams over a single 10GbE connection
- PoE+ powered — the entire unit powered from PoE+, eliminating separate power distribution for four channels of NDI encoding and decoding
What is the BirdDog 4K QUAD?
The BirdDog 4K QUAD is a four-channel Full NDI gateway — a single device with four 12G-SDI ports that can each be independently configured as either an NDI encoder (SDI to NDI) or decoder (NDI to SDI). It is the highest channel density BirdDog device, putting four independent Full NDI channels in one compact unit that can be powered from a single PoE+ switch port.
The practical value is significant. A four-camera studio position — two cameras encoding to NDI, one decoder receiving program return, one decoder receiving graphics — would previously require four separate single-channel devices. The 4K QUAD consolidates all four into one unit with one power connection, one physical housing and one management interface.
Mixed encode and decode simultaneously
The 4K QUAD's ability to mix encode and decode on adjacent ports simultaneously is its defining capability. A live sports OB workflow might use the 4K QUAD as follows: Ports 1 and 2 encode two 12G-SDI camera feeds to Full NDI. Port 3 decodes the NDI program mix to 12G-SDI for the stadium video wall feed. Port 4 decodes an NDI replay feed to 12G-SDI for a replay server. All four operations simultaneously from one device.
Channel density in broadcast racks
In broadcast facilities where NDI channel count is high, the 4K QUAD dramatically improves rack density. Eight cameras require two 4K QUADs versus eight single-channel encoders. The reduction in rack units, cables, switch ports and PoE power draw is substantial in a large deployment.
| SDI Channels | |
| Number of Channels | 4 — each independently configurable |
| Per-Channel Mode | Encode (SDI to Full NDI) or Decode (NDI to SDI) — set per port |
| SDI Standard | 12G-SDI per port (SD/HD/3G/6G/12G auto-detect) |
| Max Resolution per Channel | 4K Ultra HD at 60fps |
| NDI | |
| NDI Standard | Full NDI — all channels |
| Max Simultaneous Channels | 4 Full NDI streams simultaneously |
| Monitoring | |
| HDMI Output | 1× HDMI monitoring output — any source or multiview |
| Network | |
| SFP+ | 10GbE — handles bandwidth of 4 simultaneous Full NDI streams |
| Power | |
| Power | PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) — entire unit from one switch port |
| Product Information | |
| SKU / Model | BD-4K-QUAD |
| Warranty | 2-year BirdDog warranty |
| Pricing | Price on Application — contact us for a quote |
Specifications correct at time of publication. Contact us to confirm before specification.
The 4K QUAD is for production environments requiring maximum NDI channel density — four simultaneous Full NDI encode/decode channels in one device.
Multi-Camera Broadcast Studios
Consolidate four camera position encoder/decoder requirements into a single rack unit. Two cameras encoding to NDI, one program return decoder, one graphics decode — all from one 4K QUAD.
Stadium Production
Four-channel NDI gateway at stadium camera cluster positions — multiple cameras at a single rack position all encoding to Full NDI with a shared 10GbE connection.
OB Truck and Mobile Production
Maximum channel density in OB truck rack space — four Full NDI channels in the space and power budget of less than two separate single-channel units.
Broadcast Training Facilities
Multi-camera teaching studios where students work with both encoding and decoding simultaneously — the 4K QUAD provides a complete NDI I/O gateway in one device.
Master Control Rooms
At master control room positions where multiple channels both enter (encoding) and leave (decoding) the NDI network simultaneously, the 4K QUAD provides the highest density NDI I/O.
Broadcast Facility Design
Specified by broadcast integrators for facilities where NDI channel count is high and rack density, power efficiency and cable reduction are design requirements.
Can I set different channels to encode and decode simultaneously?
Yes — this is the core feature of the 4K QUAD. Each of the four 12G-SDI ports is independently set as encode or decode mode. Any combination is valid and all four channels operate simultaneously.
Does the 4K QUAD require a 10GbE switch?
For Full NDI at 4K60 on four simultaneous channels, 10GbE is strongly recommended. Full NDI at 4K60 requires approximately 3-4 Gbps per channel — four channels would exceed Gigabit Ethernet capacity. The SFP+ port connects to a 10GbE switch port for the necessary bandwidth.
All BirdDog devices output Full NDI — the highest quality NDI standard — making them immediately compatible with any NDI-capable production software on the local network.
NDI Production SoftwareBirdDog devices output Full NDI and are discovered automatically by all NDI-capable production software on the same Gigabit network subnet via mDNS. No manual IP configuration required.
Video Conferencing (via NDI plugin)Contact us to confirm compatibility with a specific platform or version not listed above.