NewTek Connect Spark

Description

The NewTek Connect Spark is a Wi-Fi-capable IP video converter designed for the NewTek open-source NDI standard. It supports up to 1080p59.94 video, and allows for remote recording to optional USB or microSD storage media. It can also be controlled via a web-based user interface for configuration and monitoring.

Key Features

HDMI

SDI

HDMI video input with embedded audio
Simultaneous HDMI loop-through out with embedded audio

3G/HD/SD-SDI (75 Ohm impedance) video input with embedded audio
Simultaneous 3G/HD/SD-SDI (75 Ohm impedance) loop-through out with embedded audio

Support for 1080p and 720p video at up to 59.94 frames per second
Remote configuration and monitoring via web-based user interface
Remote recording onto microSD or USB storage media, with control via web-based interface
Integrated tally lights
Compatible with professional and prosumer production solutions, including NewTek live production systems and third-party video switchers, as well as software-based video tools like Livestream Studio, OBS, Streamstar SW, Telestream Gameshow and Wirecast, VidBlaster, vMix, XSplit, and all other NDI-compatible products (NDI version 2.0 or higher)
Compatible with popular desktop video applications via included software driver, including Google Hangouts, GoToMeeting, Skype, Skype for Business, WebEx, Zoom, and more

With the new Connect Spark IP video converters, NewTek expands the capabilities of their NDI ecosystem to include nearly any HDMI or SDI source. Two different models of the Connect Spark are available. The aptly named spark SDI features BNC SDI connections while the Spark HDMI sports—you guessed it—HDMI terminals.

While capture interfaces have been around since the dawn of digital video, the Spark differentiates itself by being able to integrate seamlessly with NewTek’s open source NDI protocol. NDI utilizes existing IP infrastructure to rout uncompressed video signals that can be recorded, streamed, or broadcast. The advantages of NDI-compatibility on the Spark include being able to have a single Spark interface with multiple devices on the network simultaneously. For example, one Spark can connect to a switching desk, one computer for recording, and a second computer for streaming with no penalty on video quality. Conversely, multiple Sparks can exist on the same network, sending their video signals to a single destination for live switching, recording, or streaming.

The NDI standard (Network Device Interface) allows all NDI-compatible video equipment to freely recognize and interact with one another, as long they’re connected to the same network over Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

Connect Spark is designed to provide an ideal way to get SDI/HDMI video into a computer or IP-based video workflow. It allows you to convert either SDI source for compatibility with hundreds of NDI-compatible systems, devices, and applications that can be connected on the same network, enabling you to efficiently incorporate that SDI/HDMI source into IP-based video capture and production workflows.

You won’t need all the cables you normally would, but can rather send and receive video to/from your computer through the network. (Your computer would need to be NDI-enabled, and this is easily done with NDI software such as Connect Pro, sold separately.)

As soon as you plug the Connect Spark to a network, the SDI source connected to it will instantly become available as an input for any NDI-compatible hardware and software on the network.

Specifications

	Spark SDI	Spark HDMI
Video Input	1 x 3G/HD/SD-SDI	1 x HDMI
Loop Out	1 x 3G/HD/SD-SDI	1 x HDMI
Audio Input	3.5mm Line Level SDI embedded	3.5mm Line Level HDMI embedded
Encoding	NDI\|HX	NDI\|HX
Ethernet	1 x RJ-45 port for 10/100 M Ethernet networking	1 x RJ-45 port for 10/100 M Ethernet networking
Wireless	Built-in WiFi radio 2 x 5db 2.4G/5.8G dual-band antennas IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n	Built-in WiFi radio 2 x 5db 2.4G/5.8G dual-band antennas IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
Interface	Web-based user interface for configuration and monitoring	Web-based user interface for configuration and monitoring
Tally	Tally support via NDI, with built-in program/preview tally lights	Tally support via NDI, with built-in program/preview tally lights
Formats	1080p: 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98 1080i: 59.94 720p: 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98	1080p: 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98 720p: 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98
Standards	SDI: SMPTE ST-424M, ST-292M	SDI: SMPTE ST-424M, ST-292M
Recording*	Video: MPEG-TS Audio: AAC *Optional USB or Micro SD card required (not included)	Video: MPEG-TS Audio: AAC *Optional USB or Micro SD card required (not included)
BNC	75 Ohm impedance	Not Applicable
USB	"2 x USB 2.0 Type-A 1 x USB 2.0 Mini-USB	"2 x USB 2.0 Type-A 1 x USB 2.0 Mini-USB
Power	External DC 12V 1A adapter included 4W max power consumption	External DC 12V 1A adapter included 4W max power consumption
Environmental	Operating temperature: -20°C to 80°C Relative humidity: 20% to 90%	Operating temperature: -20°C to 80°C Relative humidity: 20% to 90%
Physical	5.0 x 4.25 x 1.125 in (127 x 108 x 28 mm) 7.76 oz (220g)	5.0 x 3.5 x 1.125 in (127 x 89 x 28 mm) 7.76 oz (220g)