KILOVIEW N3 3G-SDI/NDI Bi-Directional Converter User Manual

1 Product Introduction

NDI® is the world's leading standard for video-over-IP technology. The KILOVIEW N3 for NDI® can convert 3G-SDI video and NDI® in both directions, leveraging the advantages of NDI®. This converter is compact, fitting easily into a pocket. The N3 supports up to 1080P60 video input (Encoder) or video output (Decoder). It features a built-in tally system with a large tally light to indicate program or preview status. The N3 supports a wide DC input range from 5V to 18V, allowing power via USB, power bank, camera battery, or PoE. A threaded screw camera mount is included for mounting. PTZ control is supported via USB adapter or Ethernet. It also includes a 3.5mm audio input/output that supports intercom functionality (requires KILOVIEW software).

Device Overview: The KILOVIEW N3 features a front panel with an NDI/PoE Ethernet port, SDI output, SDI input, a 3.5mm audio port, a DC 5V-18V power input, and a Tally output. The rear panel includes a TYPE-C expansion port, a Tally indicator, and a working indicator.

Device Interfaces (Front):

• 1. TYPE-C expansion port
• 2. Tally [Tally Light]
• 3. Working indicator [Indicator Lights]
• 4. 1000M Ethernet (PoE)
• 5. SDI output
• 6. SDI input
• 7. Audio port (3.5mm)
• 8. TYPE-C power port
• 9. Small Tally light

Device Interfaces (Bottom):

• 10. Reset button [Reset Button]

1.1 Product Features

• Bi-Directional converting: Functions as both an NDI video encoder and an NDI decoder.
• Plug and play: Easily converts 3G SDI to NDI, or NDI to display.
• Tally light: Built-in indicator for PGM (Program) or PVW (Preview) status.
• Flexible power options: Supports PoE, and 5-18V DC input via USB, power bank, or camera.
• SDI I/O: Configured with 1x SDI input and 1x output interface for monitoring during NDI streaming or decoding.
• High-resolution support: Up to 1080P60 video resolution for high-quality transmission, downward compatible with SD/HD/VESA resolutions or custom resolutions.
• Mounting: Standard camera screw mount provided for installation on cameras.
• PTZ Control: Optional control cable/Ethernet for PTZ control over Visca/Visca over IP/Pelco etc. (Customization available for other protocols).
• High-quality coding: NDI high quality coding ensures excellent picture quality, and lossless audio coding ensures high fidelity sound.
• Synchronization: Precise clock and intelligent algorithms ensure frame synchronization and accurate video and audio synchronization.

1.2 Technical Parameters

2 User Guide

Installation and Connection: Connect the power and video input source correctly, then power on the device.

Network Connection and Configuration: The easiest way is to connect the device to the network via wire, which automatically obtains the IP address and DNS. Use NewTek Studio Monitor to connect to the NDI stream. Clicking the gear icon ⚙️ in the software interface opens the device's WEB page directly. For the first login or after factory reset, agree to the EULA. The default IP address is 192.168.1.168, with default username and password 'admin/admin'.

NDI Streaming: After connecting to the network, NDI-supporting tools like Newtek Studio Monitor, OBS, or vMix can automatically discover and pull the NDI stream.

NDI Decoding: Switch to decoding function on the Web page. The device automatically discovers NDI sources on the same network segment. You can select a source to decode and output to a monitor, or manually add sources across network segments.

3 Packing List and Interface Description

3.1 Packing List

3.2 Interface

The device features several ports and indicators:

• Front Panel:
• 1. TYPE-C expansion port
• 2. Tally [Tally Light]
• 3. Working indicator [Indicator Lights]
• 4. 1000M Ethernet (PoE)
• 5. SDI output
• 6. SDI input
• 7. Audio port (3.5mm)
• 8. TYPE-C power port
• 9. Small Tally light
• Bottom Panel:
• 10. Reset button [Reset Button]

3.3 LED Indicators

4 Installation and Connection

4.1 Connect Video Signal

Connect the SDI signal from a source (e.g., a camera) to the device's SDI input using a cable. Connect the SDI output to a display device via another SDI cable.

4.2 Connect Network

Connect a network cable to the device's Ethernet port. The other end connects to a switch, or you can connect directly to a computer's network port.

4.3 Connect Audio

Use a 3.5mm interface headset with a microphone to connect to the device, or connect 3.5mm analog audio. (Note: Voice intercom function is not realized in this version).

4.4 Connect Power Supply

After connecting the power adapter (DC 5V), the power light will turn on, and the device will start working. If your switch supports PoE, no external power supply is needed.

5 Login and Network Configuration

5.1 Login to the Device via Ethernet

Connect the device's Ethernet port and your computer to the same switch, or connect the encoder directly to the computer's network port. Ensure both are in the same network segment for the computer to access the device's web page. Open a web browser and navigate to the default IP address 192.168.1.168 or the URL http://192.168.1.168. Log in using the default username 'admin' and password 'admin'.

⚠️ Note: Due to browser compatibility issues, display may be abnormal. Chrome or Firefox are recommended. For the first login or after restoring factory settings, you must agree to the EULA for the NDI stream service to function correctly.

After logging in, you can configure encoding and function parameters via the encoder management web page.

5.2 Network Configuration

The Ethernet port can be configured with an IP address, supporting dual IP addresses. The IP address configured here is separate from the default management IP address. The Ethernet port defaults to DHCP to obtain an IP address, including IP, Gateway, and DNS. The Failsafe address is the default management IP address (192.168.1.168).

There are two methods for obtaining an IP address: DHCP (automatic) or manual setting. DHCP is convenient but the IP can change. Manual setting provides a fixed IP.

5.3 Local-link (Failsafe)

The Failsafe feature uses a dedicated IP address (192.168.1.168) on the Ethernet interface for management. This IP address is independent and does not affect other network cards. It allows access even if Ethernet IP settings are forgotten or DHCP fails. ⚠️ Note: Your computer must have an IP address in the same network segment (e.g., 192.168.1.x) to access the device via the Failsafe address.

6 NDI

The N3 for NDI converter is a professional video encoding/decoding device for NDI video production. It converts SDI video sources into NDI streams and transmits them via Ethernet to compatible systems, devices, or software on the network.

6.1 NDI Tools Installation

Download and install NDI Tools from the NewTek website: https://www.newtek.com/ndi/tools/. NDI Tools are available for Windows and Mac, including applications like NDI Studio Monitor, NDI Scan Converter, and NDI Virtual Input.

6.2 NDI Discovery and Connection

On a PC, other NDI-enabled tools on the same subnet can automatically discover the encoder. To discover and pull NDI video streams:

1. Using NewTek Studio Monitor: Open Studio Monitor, click the icon in the upper left corner to display discovered device names. Select the desired device and channel to pull the video stream. Clicking the gear icon ⚙️ in the player opens the converter's web page for management.
2. Using vMix: In vMix, click "Add Input", select "more", then "NDI/desktop capture". Choose the device from the list and click "OK" to add it to the play source list.

⚠️ Note: NDI discovery uses multicast. NDI devices must be in the same subnet for automatic discovery and communication. Otherwise, NDI streams may not be discovered.

6.3 NDI Encode Bitrate

The N3 requires a high bit rate for transmission, necessitating a Gigabit network connection for both the device and the pulling device to ensure smooth stream playback. The table below shows reference bit rates:

7 Encoding Parameter Configuration

7.1 Status Column

The status column displays key information about the video source:

• Resolution: Displays the video source resolution, up to 1080p60.
• Framerate: Displays the video source framerate.
• Bitrate: Displays the real-time encoding bitrate.
• Audio format: Displays the encoding audio sample rate and audio channel.

7.2 Basic settings

NDI is a protocol by NewTek for high-quality, low-latency video over IP. Configure NDI parameters in the "Basic settings" section:

• Group: Assign devices to groups using combinations of characters and figures. Multiple groups can be configured, separated by commas. Default group is "public".
• Device Name: The name of the NDI source.
• NDI channel name: Assign unique names to NDI sources in the same network for easy identification.
• Audio source: Select SDI embedded audio (default) or analog input. Analog audio can be used as a source or for intercom (voice intercom not realized in this version).
• Volume: Adjust gain for input line-in audio or SDI embedded audio.
• Encoding quality: Adjusting encoding quality also affects encoding bitrate.

Note: Changes to group, device name, and channel name take effect immediately upon clicking elsewhere on the web page.

7.3 Advanced settings

7.3.1 NDI Connection

For multicast mode, NDI transmission is executed in multicast. Click "Generate" to get a random multicast IP, or configure it manually and click "Apply".

7.3.2 PTZ control

The device supports PTZ control via Ethernet and serial port. PTZ over Ethernet requires correct protocol address, port, and protocol type (Sony Visca, Pelco-D/P supported). PTZ over serial port requires a USB to RS232/RS422/RS485 adapter connected via TYPE-C. PTZ control can be realized through the PTZ control panel of NewTek Studio Monitor after correct configuration.

8 NDI Decoding Configuration

Click "Decoding" to switch to the decoding function on the Web page. Ensure the Ethernet IP address is correct and log in to the WEB page for management before switching to decoding.

⚠️ Note: Encoding and decoding cannot run simultaneously. Switching to decoding stops encoding. Decoding mode generates an NDI stream named "Decoding Channel" for discovery. Use Studio Monitor to connect and access the WEB page via the gear icon ⚙️.

8.1 Discover NDI Source

In the same LAN, NDI sources are displayed via automatic discovery. Click the refresh icon ? to update the source list. Click the corresponding icon to add a source to the decoding preset box, or click the icon to directly decode and output the video. You can add NDI sources from different groups or network segments. To search for devices with specific group names, enter the group name in the "Group" box and click "Enter". Multiple group names can be added.

8.2 Decoding and output

You can add up to nine preset decoding sources. Clicking an NDI source in the preset box starts decoding. Click 'x' to remove a source from the preset box. A blank output box can display a set color for testing. Smooth switch settings allow for adjusting transition time. Decoding output switching can also be controlled via a USB keypad.

Keypad Control: Connect a keypad via USB. Press [NumLock] to enable control. Press 1-9 to select preset decoding sources, and 0 to select blank.

8.3 Decoding Parameters Setting

The "Current decoding output" displays details of the active NDI source: name, channel name, resolution/refresh rate, audio parameters, source IP, bitrate, and frame rate. A warning notice is shown if the source is disconnected. Click the gear icon ⚙️ to configure output parameters like resolution, frame rate, and audio sample rate.

8.4 Discovery service

The NDI discovery server centralizes NDI source registration, allowing receiving ends to obtain sources from the server, useful for cross-network segment transmission or networks without UDP multicast. Install the NDI SDK on the receiving computer and run "NDI discovery Service.exe". Configure the NDI encoder with the receiving IP address in the discovery server. A static IP address for the receiving address is recommended.

Receiving via Kiloview FULL NDI decoder: Switch to decoding mode, click "discover server", "Enable", and fill in the server address. All registered sources will be found.

Receiving via computer-based software: Install NDI tools, open "NDI access manager", enable "Use discovery server" in advanced settings, and set the "Server IP" address to the computer running the discovery server. This allows the receiving end to discover server-registered NDI streams.

9 System Settings

9.1 User Management

Add, delete users, and modify user passwords. A user list displays existing users.

9.2 Quick Reset

Resets the coding service. Applied after parameter modifications or for abnormal encoding/decoding. Takes approximately 3 seconds, interrupting the current coding service.

9.3 Reboot

Restarts the device software. The process takes about one minute.

9.4 Restore Factory Settings

Restores the device configuration to default parameters, useful if the device becomes inaccessible after parameter changes (e.g., IP modification). Two methods:

1. Via Web page: Select "System Setup" > "Restore".
2. Using RESET Button: Press and hold the reset button on the bottom of the device for more than 5 seconds.

Restoring factory settings initiates a hard reboot, taking approximately one minute.

9.5 Firmware Upgrade

Product improvements are ongoing through firmware upgrades. Contact technical support for upgrade packages or download from the website. Upgrade via "System Setup" > "Firmware". The process takes 2-3 minutes and the device restarts automatically. Do not power off during the upgrade to avoid failure.

After upgrading, confirm the current software version matches the latest package via the information icon ℹ️ in the upper right corner of the WEB page.

Thank you for reading!

Changsha KILOVIEW Electronics CO.,LTD.

Tel: 86-731-88315979

Website: en.kiloview.com

Technical support Email: support@kiloview.com

Skype: kiloview-support/keqiu wang

WhatsApp: +86-18573195156/18573195256

Address: 188#, Middle Huanbao Rd, Yuhua District, Changsha, Hunan Province, China