NDI Tools

NDI Tools are a suite of tools made by Newtek for sharing video and audio across networks using the NDI protocol. While it is usually geared towards running on local networks as of version 5 it is possible to share video sources across the internet using NDI Bridge. NDI has direct compatibility with most modern video programs and has plugins for the Adobe Creative Cloud.

While NDI can be fairly CPU heavy to encode and decode, it can open up a whole host of possibilities for sharing video across various machines.  There are apps available to share smartphone cameras and screens as NDI sources and the tools package contains the NDI webcam utility which creates a virtual webcam (for zoom, etc) using any NDI feed on the network.

The full set of tools is Windows only but the MacOS tools still offer a lot of functionality.

COST:

  • NDI Tools are free

  • Some apps are paid

  • Specific hardware is also available


Packet Sender

Packet Sender is an open-source utility available on MacOS and Windows that allows for sending of TCP and UDP packets. Extremely useful when troubleshooting network commands (such as shutter commands to a projector or cues to a microprocessor.

COST: Free


TouchDesigner

TouchDesigner is a node-based visual programming language available for Windows and macOS.  It creates real-time interactive content and can be used in performance, installations and to create other pieces of media.  TouchDesigner really shines when paired with some form of real-time data that can be used to drive visuals and it is capable of rendering in both 2D and 3D.  As a creative coding tool, TouchDesigner has almost infinite possibilities and the cap of what can be programmed is usually based on what hardware is running it and the skill of the programmer.  

TouchDesigner is able to take input from almost any digital source and can output to pretty much anything that can be controlled digitally.  This makes it an excellent choice when working with any form of sensor.  

TouchDesigner can stream to any RTMP destination which allows to it connect to services such as Vimeo, Twitch, or Youtube Live

Using nodes, which in TouchDesigner are referred to as ‘operators’, users are able to create complex networks which generate or manipulate content.  What makes it so flexible and open however is also what can make it difficult for new users.  Without some instruction or the time to explore users can get lost in the myriad of possible nodes and unlike Isadora, TouchDesigner has no built-in cueing system. 

There are several nodes that come with specific hardware recommendations, if you run into trouble it’s always worth checking the wiki

COST:

  • Free for Non-Commercial license

  • Educational license: $300USD

  • Commercial license: $600USD

  • Pro license: $2200 USD

Projects that used TouchDesigner:

 


Voicemeeter Potato

Voicemeter Potato is a virtual audio mixer utility for internal audio routing and creating virtual audio devices. It is the most advanced member of the Voicemeeter family and has options for Internal FX and External AUX through a send/return workflow. Potato is particularly useful if you want to route audio from one program (such as chrome) to another (like zoom) and it functions by creating 3 virtual input and 3 virtual output devices. Anywhere that can take a mic input can now be fed whatever audio you desire. It also comes with slots for 5 physical inputs and 5 physical outputs. Voicemeter contains a basic recording function. 

Additionally, Voicemeeter Potato contains a VBAN (or VB-Audio Network) utility. By enabling the VBAN you can send audio from one computer to another over a shared local network (an excellent solution if you want to all be in one zoom meeting and don’t want feedback). VB audio also makes additional iOS & Android apps to add VBAN functionality to mobile devices.

COST:

  • Voicemeeter is built off a donationware model


VPN

Stands for virtual private network.  VPNs extend a private network across a public network (such as the internet).  Many folks use VPNs to change their IP address for security or streaming purposes or to log into a remote office but they have many artistic possibilities as well.  Users on the same VPN can send direct network commands (such as OSC or rtpMIDI) to control software, trigger cues, etc even if they are not in the same physical space.   VPNs can be set up manually but there are also various existing utilities that have free tiers such as VPN Hamachi or ZeroTier.


Accessibility Tools
English (Canada)
Skip to content