SWIT has just unveiled the NDI EFP Multi-Camera Production System for broadcast applications. It consists of camera adapters that can take an SDI video signal up to 4K60p and encode it into a high-bandwidth NDI stream, as well as a control panel with integrated full-duplex intercom capabilities.
SWIT’s wide product lineup ranges from power solutions to lights, passing through wireless video and audio transmission systems, camera supports, and more. Back in 2021, the company also launched two large production monitors – the BM-215-NDI and BM-245-NDI – combining traditional SDI/HDMI connections with built-in NDI (Network Device Interface) support.
Apparently, they had a long-term plan of creating a whole NDI-driven ecosystem. Indeed, their NDI monitors are now joined by a production system that integrates NDI encoding, intercom, tally, and more. Let’s take a closer look!
SWIT NDI EFP Multi-Camera Production System — Overview
The new SWIT NDI EFP Multi-Camera Production System consists of the EC-N200 and EC-N200-4K camera adapters, plus the ET-N80 full-duplex intercom control panel. The latter can be connected to up to 8 camera adapters simultaneously and allows the director to communicate with camera operators individually or collectively. Moreover, the control panel is also compatible with a 3rd-party intercom system via a 4-wire connection.
The adapter modules can be attached to the back of any camera rig using the included 15mm rod mounting system and can draw power from either the integrated V-mount battery plate, DC input (11-17V), or RJ45 Ethernet port (42-57V 0.5A).
Both the EC-N200 and EC-N200-4K can take an SDI video signal and encode it into a high-bandwidth NDI stream for transmission over an IP network. As their names suggest, the major difference is that the EC-N200 is limited to 3G-SDI inputs and can only produce HD NDI streams (up to 150Mbps). On the other hand, the 4K model also supports 12G-SDI sources up to 4K60p and can encode these into 4K NDI signals (up to 250Mbps).
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Both units feature an SDI in and an SDI loop out, as well as an HDMI output port. The latter can be used to connect the module to an on-camera monitor and features a return program monitoring function with support for picture-in-picture mode. Additionally, an external TALLY light can be connected to the camera adapter via a 3.5mm cable.
Lastly, the camera adapters have a 5-pin XLR port to attach the included headset mic, which allows you to communicate with the director standing behind the ET-N80. Two dedicated buttons on the camera unit allow operators to adjust the volume or talk to the director.
Price and availability
At the moment of writing, there is no official information regarding the price and availability of the new SWIT NDI EFP Multi-Camera Production System. We will update the article as soon as we find out.
For more information, please visit SWIT’s website.
Have you ever used the NDI protocol for broadcast applications? Do you think the new SWIT NDI EFP Multi-Camera Production System can facilitate your work? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
