NDI vs SMPTE ST 2110 — Which IP Video Standard is Right for You?

NDI and SMPTE ST 2110 are both IP video standards, but they serve different use cases. We break down the differences and help you choose the right approach.

NDI (Network Device Interface) and SMPTE ST 2110 are both IP video standards, but they are designed for different use cases and operate at different levels of the broadcast ecosystem.

NDI, developed by NewTek (now Vizrt), is a software-defined IP video protocol designed for ease of use and flexibility. It runs over standard IP networks, requires no specialist hardware, and is widely supported by production software and devices. NDI is ideal for studio environments, live production, and workflows where flexibility and ease of integration are priorities.

SMPTE ST 2110 is a professional broadcast standard designed for the highest quality, lowest latency IP video transport. It separates video, audio, and ancillary data into individual IP streams, requires precision timing (PTP/IEEE 1588), and is designed for mission-critical broadcast infrastructure. ST 2110 is the standard of choice for large-scale broadcast facilities, OB units, and transmission infrastructure.

The choice between NDI and ST 2110 depends on your use case, scale, and budget. Many organisations use both — NDI for production and contribution workflows, ST 2110 for core infrastructure. Bronet can help you design the right approach for your specific requirements.