Overview

This article addresses some common concerns with BirdDog encoders:

• The encoder won’t find sources

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

• The encoder is outputting a black screen

• Audio will not pass through the encoded stream

Many common issues with encoding 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.
   
   To ensure that your source is pushing the correct video format, you can test an EDID adapter. BirdDog Support uses the following brand of EDID adapter for testing: Prophecy EDID Adapter
   
   

3. Make sure that your source is compatible with your device
   BirdDog encoders are not compatible with Apple products, because Apple products output HDCP, which is NDI non-compliant. The following article further outlines this incompatibility: Apple, HDCP, & BirdDog Encoders
   
   

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 encoder cannot balance audio. 

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

5. View the unit’s encoded feed in Studio Monitor
   Some methods of viewing an NDI feed from your encoder (such as vMix, OBS, etc.) can cause issues with the NDI feed. To confirm that the issue is not stemming from the unit itself, we recommend viewing the NDI feed 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
   
   

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