SWIT BM-215-NDI and BM-245-NDI Monitors Now Shipping

November 8^th, 20212

SWIT BM-215-NDI and BM-245-NDI Monitors Now Shipping

by Jeff LochNovember 8^th, 2021

SWIT recently launched two NDI monitors, based on the latest NDI 5 SDK, that are now shipping: the SWIT BM-215-NDI and BM-245-NDI. These 21.5″ and 23.8″ monitors feature a 1920 x 1080 400nits QLED backlight display, an RJ45 input port for high bandwidth NDI support up to 4K30p, a 4K HDMI 2.0 input port, as well as 3G-SDI input/output/loop ports. Let’s take a closer at these new SWIT studio monitors!

If you’re working in the broadcast industry, you’re probably already familiar with NDI monitors. In short, the Network Device Interface is now a standard protocol developed by Newtek that allows you to send and receive multiple video and audio signals via an RJ45 Ethernet cable. In addition, the NDI SDK is free to use and does not require a license, making it one of the most significant IP video standards.

SWIT has expanded its lineup of studio monitors with the addition of two new models: the BM-215-NDI and the BM-245-NDI. The company is well-known for making high-quality professional batteries, LED lights, and video monitors like the CM-S75F 7″ on-camera monitor that I reviewed here.

SWIT BM-215-NDI and BM-245-NDI display

The SWIT BM-215-NDI is a 21.5″ monitor, while its bigger brother, the BM-245-NDI, boasts a 23.8″ display. However, except for the size difference, both monitors have very similar specifications, including:

The display is a QLED panel with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080.
The maximum brightness is 400nits.
According to SWIT, viewing angles are quite large, with a 178° H/V viewing angle.
Both monitors have a 1000:1 contrast ratio.
The panels itself are 10-bit (8+2 FRC), so not “true” 10-bit. An 8+2 FRC panel is less expensive for manufacturers to produce, as it’s based on a “software trick” to simulate 10-bit on an 8-bit panel.
In terms of color gamut, SWIT claims that both monitors covers 100% of DCI-P3. Also, they provide HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma), Dolby Vision PQ, Sony S-Log3 HDR and Gamma 1.0/1.8/2.2/2.4/2.6 SDR EOTFs, and Color Gamut selection from panel native, REC.709, DCI-P3 and REC.2020.
You can easily calibrate your monitor with an X-rite i1 or Jeti Specbos 1211 probe connected to the monitor’s USB port. The monitors have a built-in 3DLUT calibration software.

As you can tell, the panels inside the BM-215-NDI and BM-245-NDI are clearly on the professional side but with some shortcuts (no “true” 10-bit) to keep the price affordable.

Connectivity

You’ll find various input and output ports at the back of the monitors, including one RJ45 NDI input port that supports resolutions up to 4K30p and a lossless audio codec. Then, the NDI decoded signal can go to a dedicated SDI output port at a maximum resolution of 2048×1080 at 60p.

Furthermore, if you’re not yet in the NDI ecosystem, you can still use the SWIT BM-215-NDI and BM-245-NDI thanks to their HDMI 2.0 input, SDI input, and output ports.

Last but not least, you’ll find RSI485 input and output ports, as well as a GPI input, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and some built-in speakers.

Powering options

You have three ways to power the monitors. The first one is to connect it to mains power via the AC 100-240V input. Next, you can connect it to an external battery via the 4-pin XLR DC 12-17V input. Lastly, the monitors come with a V-mount battery plate (Gold mount is available as an option), so you can run them in on location.

Monitoring tools

As I always say, a good monitor is nothing without great monitoring tools. These SWIT NDI monitors do not disappoint with plenty of built-in tools, including waveform, vectorscope, histogram, focus assist, blue-only, scale markers, 3DLut support, false color, zebra, and 16-ch audio meters with the ability to display a Lissajous pattern to avoid audio phasing.

Within the monitors’ menu, you can select various NDI sources from a list. Also, they support NDI discover server to pull NDI sources from different IP segments.