What is OBS-NDI and How Do I Install It?

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What is OBS-NDI and How Do I Install It on Linux?

Introduction to OBS-NDI
OBS-NDI is more than just an extension for OBS (Open Broadcasting Software)[obsproject.com]. It's a bridge that facilitates video and audio sharing across your network, making it invaluable for those using multiple devices or PCs in their setups.

Key Terms Explained:
- OBS: Popular software for streaming and recording.
- NDI (Network Device Interface): Think of it as a tech language that lets devices share video and audio over a network.

With OBS-NDI, OBS can communicate with other software and devices over your network, making tasks like multi-camera streaming or collaborating with other NDI tools a breeze.

Getting OBS-NDI Installed
While OBS is feature-rich, it doesn't have NDI capabilities out-of-the-box. That's where OBS-NDI plugin comes into play. For Arch Linux users, here's your guide to get started:

1. Direct Installation via Pacman
You can try a straightforward installation using your package manager:

sudo pacman -S obs-ndi

2. Manual Compilation
If the above method doesn't pan out, don't fret. Here's a detailed compilation guide:

- Get the foundational tools:

sudo pacman -S base-devel git cmake

- Download the plugin's source code:

git clone https://github.com/Palakis/obs-ndi.git

- Dive into the directory:

cd obs-ndi

- Set the stage for the build:

mkdir build && cd build

- Initiate the build. Note: This assumes you have the NDI SDK from NewTek in /opt/NDI_SDK. If it's somewhere else, adjust the path.

cmake -DLIBNDI_DIR=/opt/NDI_SDK -DCMAKE_INSTALL_PREFIX=/usr ..

- Craft the plugin:

make

- Seal the deal by installing:

sudo make install

Once done, fire up OBS, and the NDI option should be at your fingertips.

If this guide illuminated your path, don't forget to peruse other insightful topics in our DanishFurryGame group. For any queries or feedback, the comment section awaits below.