NGS-D320 FLEX

What the NGS-D320 FLEX does in a networked video setup

The Barco NGS-D320 FLEX is a single-channel encoder. It takes one video signal from a laptop, camera, media player or other source and turns it into a network stream, so the same picture can reach displays and video walls elsewhere on the local network. The unit supports H.264 compression and the V2D format, giving buyers a choice between a lower-bitrate stream and a higher-bitrate one.

Because each unit handles one channel and one stream, it serves one source. Where a site needs several sources, the number of units should be planned at the start of the project rather than added later.

Video, audio and connection ports

The unit provides one Dual Link DVI, one DisplayPort 1.1a and one HDMI 1.4 input, with matching Dual Link DVI, DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4 outputs. Audio is handled through 3.5mm jacks for stereo line in and line out, alongside a combined mono microphone input and stereo headphone output. Three USB Type A ports and one Micro-B port complete the connections.

• Inputs: one Dual Link DVI, one DisplayPort 1.1a and one HDMI 1.4
• Outputs: one Dual Link DVI, one DisplayPort 1.2 and one HDMI 1.4
• Input bandwidth: maximum 330 MHz, with flexible loop-through
• Audio: 16-bit, 48 kHz stereo, uncompressed

Compression, resolution and bandwidth choices

H.264 streams run from 384 kbps to 12 Mbps, which suits constrained links where picture quality is balanced against available bandwidth. V2D streams run from 25 Mbps to 100 Mbps, suiting sites with spare network capacity that want to carry more detail. The codec listing gives up to 1920x1200 at 60 fps, 2560x1600 at 30 fps and 4096x2160 at 15 fps, so frame rate sets the resolution ceiling. End-to-end latency between encoder and decoder is listed at 80 to 200 ms, typically 100 ms, and should be tested on your own network before any live event.

Network and control features

The encoder has two 1GbE full-duplex Ethernet ports and an RJ45 copper connection. It obtains an address by DHCP, link-local or fixed IP, and works with unicast and multicast delivery using IGMP v3, RTP and RTSP. Multicast allows up to 12 simultaneous RTSP sessions per channel, while unicast allows 2. Devices can be found through Zeroconf and SAP discovery. Administration runs through a secure HTTPS web interface, and firmware can be updated from that interface or from a USB storage device. Remote keyboard and mouse control is supported with the native keymap.

Where it fits in Qatar

In Education City, a university can use the encoder to send a lecture hall presentation source to a second room, keeping an overflow audience in step with the speaker. A school in Al Wakrah fitting out a central assembly hall could deploy several units on a multicast-capable network, so one source reaches classrooms across the campus within the 12-session multicast limit per channel. An energy company in Mesaieed or Ras Laffan could route a control-room source to a wall display for shift briefings.

Planning the installation

• Size: 38 mm high, 170 mm wide and 170 mm deep, weight 1 kg
• Mounting: optional VESA adapter plate, or a 1U rack mount for two devices
• Power: external 12VDC, 100-240VAC 60W locking supply; typical 35W, maximum 48W
• Operating temperature 0°C to 40°C, so use an air-conditioned room or cabinet, as Qatar summers can exceed 45°C
• Typical sound level 32 dBA at 20°C, useful for quiet boardrooms

Listed certifications include CE, FCC Part 15 Class A, ICES-003, and UL, cUL, EN and IEC 60950-1 with a CB report. Before ordering, a free site survey from SmartRooms Qatar can confirm rack space, cable routes, network switch capability and the room's cooling. Quotations are usually issued within one working day, and we accept purchase orders (LPOs) and government tenders, including Monaqasat. Request a quote for the NGS-D320 FLEX and our team will prepare it for your project.