How to Use OBS Studio NDI for LAN Streaming

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to broadcast high-quality, low-latency video over your local area network (LAN) using OBS Studio and the Network Device Interface (NDI) protocol. You will learn how to install the necessary NDI integration plugins, configure OBS to send a video feed from one computer, and set up a receiving computer on the same network to capture that feed without relying on external internet bandwidth.

Step 1: Install OBS Studio and the NDI Plugin

To use NDI with OBS Studio, you must install the OBS-NDI plugin and the NDI runtime on both the sending and receiving computers.

1. Download and install OBS Studio on both machines.
2. Go to the official GitHub repository for the obs-ndi plugin.
3. Download the latest release installer compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
4. Run the installer, which will install both the OBS-NDI plugin and the required NDI Redistributable/Runtime files.
5. Restart your computer after the installation is complete.

Step 2: Configure the Sending Computer

Once the software is installed, you need to configure the primary computer to broadcast its OBS output to the local network.

1. Launch OBS Studio on the computer you want to broadcast from.
2. Set up your scene, sources, and audio just as you want them to appear on the network.
3. In the top menu bar, click on Tools and select NDI Output Settings.
4. In the settings window, check the box for Main Output.
5. Give your output a recognizable name in the Main Output Name field (e.g., “Gaming PC” or “Main Camera”).
6. Click OK. OBS Studio is now actively broadcasting your live canvas over your local network.

Step 3: Configure the Receiving Computer

To capture the broadcasted NDI stream on another computer connected to the same LAN, follow these steps:

1. Launch OBS Studio on the receiving computer.
2. Under the Sources dock at the bottom of the screen, click the + (Add) icon.
3. Select NDI Source from the list.
4. Name the source and click OK.
5. In the properties window, click the dropdown menu next to Source Name. You should see the name of the sending computer and the output name you created in Step 2. Select it.
6. Set the Bandwidth to Highest for maximum quality, or Lowest if you need to save network bandwidth.
7. Set the Sync option to Source Timing (recommended for low latency).
8. Click OK. The video and audio feed from the sending computer will now appear in your receiving OBS scene.

Best Practices for Stable NDI Streaming

• Use Wired Ethernet: NDI requires significant bandwidth. For the best results and lowest latency, connect both computers to your network router or switch using Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables instead of Wi-Fi.
• Match Frame Rates: Ensure both the sending and receiving OBS instances are set to the same base resolution and frame rate (e.g., 1080p at 60fps) to prevent stuttering.
• Firewall Access: If the receiving computer cannot detect the NDI source, ensure that OBS Studio is allowed through the Windows Defender Firewall or any third-party antivirus firewall on both machines.