Panasonic Connect now offers expanded support for NDI technology in professional audio-visual applications.
In a significant development for the AV industry, Panasonic Connect has announced its collaboration with NDI, an open standard for connecting video equipment over IP networks, to expand the NDI ecosystem. This collaboration marks a milestone in the expansion of the NDI ecosystem, as stated by Daniel Nergard, president of NDI.
The NDI upgrades, previously requiring a paid license from Vizrt NDI AB, will be made available via a free firmware update between December 2024 and April 2025. This move will allow more Panasonic devices to access NDI-enabled systems on the network, providing greater efficiency and flexibility in workflows.
The NDI-supported products, designed for use in a variety of applications, including sports broadcasting, will include Panasonic's 4K integrated cameras (AW-UE40, AW-UE50, AW-HE145, AW-UE150) and Memory Card Camera Recorder (AG-CX350). Additionally, the NDI-enabled systems can include switchers, cameras, and media servers.
Panasonic's NDI-enabled PTZ cameras, such as the AW-UE160, AW-UE100, AW-UE80, and AW-UCX1004K, transmit audio/video via a single Ethernet cable, a feature that significantly reduces cabling costs. The enhanced products will also support Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) control, further simplifying installation and reducing the need for additional power sources.
The NDI upgrades will not require any additional hardware or software purchases, as they will be available via a free firmware update. This enhancement can significantly reduce cabling costs and simplify installation processes, making it an attractive proposition for broadcasters and production companies.
While the exact timeline for Panasonic Connect's free firmware update to enable NDI support on its lineup of 4K integrated cameras and other devices is yet to be announced, industry trends suggest that such updates are usually released within months following an official announcement to coincide with major industry events or quarterly update schedules. It is recommended to check Panasonic Connect's official press releases or contact their support channels directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
This move is expected to help expand the NDI ecosystem, enabling devices to build systems in standard gigabit IP networks, and offering a more streamlined and cost-effective solution for sports broadcasting and other applications.
This collaboration between Panasonic Connect and NDI is expected to extend the NDI ecosystem, allowing more business efficiencies through the use of data-and-cloud-computing technology. With the free firmware update in 2024-2025, Panasonic's products, such as the 4K integrated cameras and PTZ cameras, will feature NDI support, enabling seamless integration with NDI-enabled systems and reducing cabling costs and installation complexity.
