outputting to a NDI spark

[Jerald Pierucci]

Hello,

Ill explain my current method of video projection work flow in my theater.

booth Mac running Qlab.  

Stage 2 NDI sparks outputing to 2 projectors for rear projection.

Both booth and stage are plugged into switches that are on a 10 gig fiber network.   

How do I get Qlab to output to the Sparks. Am I on the right track or am I asking for something that is not possible.

[Chris Evans]

My guess is that you are outputting NDI correctly, and the issue lies with the decoder box. Outputting only requires you to set up two NDI outputs in the Video Outputs tab of Qlab settings. Then you will just need to set up the decoders and select the NDI source you want each one to display. As long as the computers and decoders are all connected to the same network, you should be able to see the NDI signal. A quick way to test is to connect another computer (Mac or PC) to the network, open NDI Video Monitor on this computer, select the source from Qlab (usually labeled with the computer's name), and verify that it appears. 

Do you have to use the Sparks? I have had trouble with the decoder boxes in scenarios where they aren't being used all the time. I've actually had much better luck running a second, lightweight computer that runs two instances of NDI Video Monitor. You can even wake it up with network commands, so it can be tucked away if needed. If it's a permanent install, it's the option I would go with.

[Jerald Pierucci]

Thanks Chris,

You helped me figure out what I was doing wrong.  Im new to Que lab so thanks for the direction.

As far as the sparks go, we are a heavy NDI school.  We have multiple Tricasters and cameras that all are connected via NDI.  So it is a realm I am very comfortable.   We have multiple Sparks that running on our campus decoding video for different things and they have been solid.  Although I know they will all fail now that I said that.....lol.  

This answer is only temporary.  I have Blackmagic IP 2110s in the booth and stage for  video transfer, and a decklink duo 2 that's in my Mac.  I purchased everything when they first came out and didn't really understand the networking backbone needed to run this hardware.  The 10 gig background is all there, just don't have the PTP clock to make the video go consistently.  If you have any knowledge on the front Ill take it all.

Once again thank you

Jerald