NDI (Network Device Interface) and SongShow Plus - A Primer

Applicable SongShow Plus Versions:  
This article applies to SongShow Plus 9.1 and Later using Network Device Interface (NDI).

* Updates affecting this feature may be available. Ensure that you are using the most current build of SongShow Plus from the Download page before proceeding. *

NDI (Network Device Interface) is a high performance standard that allows anyone to use real time, ultra low latency video on existing IP video networks. 

Starting with SongShow Plus 9.1, the Ultra Edition has the capability to broadcast output window content (video only) via NDI to any location on your local network. SongShow Plus utilizes a subset of available NDI features to perform specific tasks in SongShow Plus.

To use NDI with SongShow Plus, the following are required:

• SongShow Plus 9.1 or later - Ultra Edition 
• Enabling NDI broadcast for the selected Display Output Window
• Setup and use of destination NDI display using NDI Studio Monitor (This is done outside of SongShow Plus)

(If Needed) Upgrading to the Ultra version on the SongShow Plus website:

• Log into the SongShow Plus website using the organization credentials.
• Once logged in select the Store page and then click on the Upgrade link.
• Follow the prompts to select the Ultra feature upgrade.
• Confirm that the Item and Amounts are correct and click the Confirm button.
• Enter the appropriate credit card information for payment and click the Confirm button.  Storing the information is optional.
• Once payment is complete the user should get an email receipt automatically.
• The user can also confirm the version upgrade by selecting the Account page and locating the SongShow Plus section under the Desktop Products section.  Locate the Edition section to confirm what is applied.  NOTE: it may be necessary to refresh the account page by logging out and back in if the changes do not show up right away.
• Once the purchase is complete, the user can simply launch SongShow Plus on the machine(s) the bible was added to.  In SSP versions 9.x and later, it will automatically detect the update.  If you are using an older version, we recommend updating to the latest version of SongShow Plus for the best results.

Generic NDI setup for SongShow Plus

NOTE: The Ultra Edition is required for this to work

1. Determine which output(s) will be used as an NDI video source.
2. Launch SSP
3. Settings > Display...
4. Locate the output(s) that will be used to broadcast as NDI source and select the associated Output Window tab.
5. Scroll to the bottom of the settings screen, find the NDI Enabled setting and select Yes.
6. Repeat if additional displays will be set to broadcast.
7. Click OK to close.

Validating the SSP NDI broadcast stream using NDI Monitor

This setup is not related to SongShow Plus specifically, in that the setup is external to SongShow Plus.  This software/configuration would most likely be done on a PC other than the SongShow Plus Presenter machine to validate the content that is coming from SongShow Plus when NDI is enabled.
 NDI Studio Monitor is a tool that runs on any compatible laptop or workstation and allows you to see any available NDI channel broadcast in real time. This could be used to drive any compatible display or projector. Technically, any device that is capable of playing an NDI stream could be used as a destination for a SongShow Plus broadcast.

1. Obtain the latest version of the NDI Tools
2. Install latest version of NDI tools on your destination machine.
3. From the Start menu, find and launch the NDI Studio Monitor.
4. Right-click in the NDI Studio Monitor display to select the source.  This should be shown as the system name and then a list of enabled SSP outputs.  Select the desired source.
5. For additional information regarding setup and configuration of NDI Studio Monitor refer to the NDI Tools documentation.

NDI Features and Limitations in SongShow Plus

• Features
  • NDI broadcast from SongShow Plus is available for all Output Windows.
  • NDI broadcast from SongShow Plus supports Video ONLY.
  • NDI broadcast from SongShow Plus supports overlays such as Instant Message and Overly Improv.
• Limitations
  • NDI is intended to be an accessory output and should not be used in place of the Windows Display Device(s) connected to the computer.
  • NDI broadcast from SongShow Plus does not support External Players. 
  • NDI broadcast from SongShow Plus has only been verified on the local network. The source and target machines must both be available on the same local network with the appropriate Firewall settings adjustments.
  • SongShow Plus does not currently accept NDI inputs.

Additional SongShow Plus NDI related help and information on known issues can be found by reviewing the self-help resources and training options for SongShow Plus.

Training Videos - A video walk-through of this process may be available.  Depending on your current subscription level, you can go to the GoFishMedia website training page and log in with the same Customer ID and password that you use to log in to the SongShow Plus site or activate SongShow Plus. - Review this article for more details.

If you have any questions regarding the use of, or issues with, any of the NDI features, please contact the Support Team.

(SW28)