Overview

This article addresses some common concerns with BirdDog decoders:

• The decoder won’t find sources

• The decoded feed is poor quality (lagging, dropped frames, etc.)

• The decoder is outputting a black screen

• Audio will not pass through the decoded stream

Many common issues with decoding can be addressed with quick, simple solutions and troubleshooting steps. Below, we have outlined some troubleshooting steps you can take to get the unit back up and running again: 

1. Confirm that mDNS is configured on your network, and that there is a single VLAN dedicated solely to NDI traffic
   A proper network setup ensures reliable packet transmission as well as discovery of sources. For a more comprehensive list of BirdDog’s networking guidelines, please refer to the following article: NDI Networking 101
   
   

2. Confirm that the video format is compatible with your device
   For a full list of product specifications, please visit our website. Each product page offers a “Tech Specs” tab, which lists compatible video formats.
   
   

3. Make sure that your source is compatible with your device
   BirdDog decoders are not all compatible with the same flavors of NDI. Some convertors are only compatible with Full NDI, while some offer support for HX2 and HX3. For a more comprehensive list of NDI compatibility for each BirdDog decoder, please refer to the following article: BirdDog Decoder Compatibility 
   
   

4. For audio issues, make sure the source audio is compatible

1. BirdDog decoders require line level audio at 48kHz.

2. BirdDog Support recommends that audio be balanced before reaching the unit itself; the decoder cannot balance audio. 

3. Decoders require TRRS cables. TRS cables are not compatible with convertors.
   
   

5. Confirm that the issue is not occurring at the source level
   This can be done by viewing your NDI source in Studio Monitor. For further instructions on how to use Studio Monitor to test your encoder or camera, please refer to the following article: NDI Tools & BirdDog Setups
   
   

6. Decode a Test Pattern
   This test will help determine whether the issue is stemming from the unit itself or from somewhere else in the setup (such as network). You can find instructions for this process in the following article: NDI Tools & BirdDog Setups
   
   

Need More Help?

If you have questions or concerns beyond what is addressed above, please reach out to help@BirdDog.tv for further, one-on-one assistance. In your ticket, please include the following information:

1. A detailed summary of the issue

2. The signal flow from source to destination

3. The make and model of the source

4. The video format being output from the source

5. Troubleshooting steps already attempted
   
   

You can also book a phone call with one of our technicians using the following link: Schedule a Call with BirdDog Support