BirdDog 4-Channel 12G SDI openGear Card

BirdDog OG4 4-Channel 12G‑SDI / NDI openGear Encoder & Decoder Card

The BirdDog OG4 is the world’s first NDI openGear card, capable of converting up to four 12G‑SDI signals to and from NDI. It enables high‑performance 4K IP video workflows in modular rack systems for professional broadcast and production environments.

The BirdDog OG4 is designed for modern broadcast and IP video infrastructures. As an openGear card, it integrates seamlessly into industry‑standard 2RU rack frames, enabling high‑density NDI deployments in professional environments.

With four independently configurable 12G‑SDI ports, each channel can be set as an input or output, allowing flexible configurations such as full encoding setups, decoding environments, or hybrid signal workflows. [birddog.tv], [markertek.com]

The OG4 performs real‑time conversion between SDI and full‑bandwidth NDI, supported by a 10 GbE SFP+ interface for high‑throughput network performance. This makes it ideal for demanding workflows involving multiple simultaneous 4K streams.

System management is handled via the openGear Dashboard software, enabling centralized control of multiple cards. Combined with redundant power and active cooling provided by openGear frames, the OG4 becomes part of a robust and scalable broadcast system.

Technical Specifications

• Form factor: openGear card (for oGx frames)
• Function: NDI encoder & decoder
• Video I/O:
  • 4 × 12G‑SDI (configurable I/O)
• NDI channels:
  • up to 4 × 4Kp60 encoding
  • up to 2 × 4Kp60 decoding
  • up to 4 × 1080p60 decoding
• Resolutions:
  • up to UHD 2160p60
  • HD formats
• Network:
  • SFP+ (10GbE)
• NDI Support:
  • Full NDI (high bandwidth)
• Audio:
  • embedded SDI audio
• Control:
  • openGear Dashboard (Mac, Windows, Linux)
• Operation:
  • requires openGear frame

Features

• 4‑channel SDI ↔ NDI conversion
• Fully configurable I/O per channel
• Simultaneous multi‑channel workflows
• 4K60 support
• 10GbE high‑performance networking
• openGear ecosystem compatibility
• Centralized control via Dashboard

Advantages / USPs

• First NDI openGear card on the market
• High‑density multi‑channel processing
• Flexible encode/decode configuration
• Perfect for scalable IP broadcast systems
• Seamless integration into rack infrastructures

Typical Applications

• Broadcast infrastructure
• Live production and OB vans
• SDI to NDI migration projects
• Virtual production workflows
• Post‑production and signal distribution