Video Streaming and Control Protocols

This section is for Video Streaming protocols that may work on various operating systems, or be specific to an operating system. As well as control protocols. Add links to software that is particularly relevant to visual/video art.

DMX

• DMX (Digital Multiplex) is a communication standard used to control stage lighting, special effects, and other theatrical equipment.

MIDI

• The OG control protocol, originally for musical instruments it can be used to control visual instruments.
• 16 channels (channels = think instruments), 128 Continuous Control values (mostly not-pitch things) per channel
• MIDI notes start from C-1 (note number 0) and go up to G9 (note number 127). This range covers more than 10 octaves

NDI

• NDI stands for Network Device Interface. It is a protocol developed by NewTek that enables high-quality, low-latency video, audio, and metadata transmission over local networks.
• Understanding NDI Technology and its Compression Options
• https://www.dicaffeine.com/ - NDI Player/Streamer for Raspberry Pi
• https://andreijaycreativecoding.com/VIDEO-WAAAVES-how-to-use-NDI 

Open Sound Control (OSC)

• Open Sound Control (OSC) is a communication protocol used for networking multimedia devices, software, and computers in a flexible, high-speed way. It allows for the real-time exchange of sound, music, and performance data between different systems over a network.
• Not to be confused with the Open Source Scan Converter (OSSC)
• https://hexler.net/touchosc

Syphon (macOS)

• Direct memory access sharing of video signal amongst apps.
• Syphon to NDI - https://docs.vidvox.net/freebies_ndi_syphon.html
  

Spout (Windows)

• Direct memory access sharing of video signal amongst apps.
• Spout2 Github - https://github.com/leadedge/Spout2
• Spout to NDI - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/leadedge/leadedge.github.io/downloads/SPOUTtoNDI_2021.pdf