This month, Commercial Integrator explores the term “interoperability” and what it truly means across the AV industry. This buzzword is frequently used, yet frequently misunderstood. Interoperability isn’t just about compatibility; it’s about creating seamless, efficient and scalable solutions that bring together diverse technologies into a cohesive, functional system. It is, perhaps, one of the keys to delivering exceptional user experiences.
The industry is at a pivotal moment in its journey toward true interoperability (think protocols and standards like SDVoE, Dante, AES67, IPMX, SRT, AVB, SMPTE ST 2110). While significant progress has been made, thanks to the rise of IP-based workflows and the adoption of open standards, challenges such as vendor lock-in, legacy systems and fragmented ecosystems persist. In this exclusive Q&A, Roberto Musso, technical director of NDI, sheds light on the current state of interoperability, the role of NDI in fostering seamless integration and the steps organizations can take to future-proof their AV setups.
Commercial Integrator: How would you define the current state of interoperability in the AV industry, and what challenges still need to be addressed?
Roberto Musso: The AV industry has made significant strides in interoperability, driven by the shift to IP-based workflows, and a growing demand for open, flexible solution. We’re also seeing more product developers become certified, ensuring compatibility across a broader ecosystem of devices, applications and workflows
While more organizations are recognizing the value of standardized approaches, full adoption and smooth integration will take time. Many still rely on legacy systems or closed ecosystems that were never designed to work together. Fragmentation remains a core challenge, with too many siloed solutions and competing standards slowing progress.
Even so, the industry is moving in the right direction. More professionals are embracing standards such as NDI, enabling a more connected, scalable and future-ready AV ecosystem.
CI: What role does NDI play in fostering interoperability across diverse AV ecosystems, and how does it differentiate itself from other IP-based solutions?
Musso: NDI was designed to make video-over-IP accessible and flexible for everyone. From solo creators to major live broadcasters managing dozens of feeds, NDI is built to scale with your needs. It works over standard networks, with everyday hardware and software, and doesn’t require expensive infrastructure to achieve high-quality results.
What sets NDI apart is its versatility and ease of use. In addition to video, it supports audio, metadata, tally and PTZ control in one streamlined protocol. Our auto-discovery system also makes connecting devices fast and simple, even in complex environments.
To support NDI’s growing ecosystem, we offer users a range of free learning tools, including NDI Basics and advanced training modules. These resources are designed to empower industry professionals at all skill levels. For manufacturers and developers, the NDI Certified program allows their products to meet key industry standards.
CI: What are the biggest barriers to achieving true interoperability in the AV industry?
Musso: One major hurdle is vendor lock-in. Too many systems are designed to only operate within their own ecosystem. That makes it harder for users to mix and match the tools that work best for them. Additionally, not every organization has the networking infrastructure to support IP-based AV. For those in the middle market, there’s a strong need for solutions that are powerful yet not overly complex.
CI: How does NDI ensure compatibility with such a wide range of products and platforms, especially as the AV industry continues to evolve?
Musso: It starts with being software-based and cross-platform by design. Our base level SDK is free for developers who need simplified solutions for their work, continuing our commitment to open innovation and accessibility. The NDI Advanced SDK is a royalty-based offering that has been available for years and remains the preferred choice for developers seeking advanced features, product certification and continuous support.
We also put a strong focus on backward compatibility. We want users to feel confident that when they upgrade or expand their system, NDI will still work as expected. And with features like our discovery system, finding and connecting devices, even in complex environments, is smooth and reliable. This ensures users, no matter the size of the team, can future-proof their systems without needing to start from scratch.
CI: What role do you see NDI playing in the rise of hybrid and remote workflows, especially in live production and broadcasting?
Musso: NDI is already playing a critical role in powering hybrid and remote workflows. When the pandemic hit, NDI became a go-to solution for users turning to remote and virtual tools to keep their productions going, often from multiple locations and without access to traditional broadcast infrastructure.
The shift to hybrid workflows isn’t temporary. With tools like NDI Bridge, we make it easy to securely interconnect NDI infrastructures over the internet with low latency and without the need for a satellite truck. We’re helping connect studios, remote teams and home setups in ways that weren’t previously possible. Our tools are being adopted at a rapid pace, from education to corporate events, where decentralized collaboration has become the new standard.
CI: What’s your long-term vision for interoperability in the AV industry? What role will NDI play in that transformation?
Musso: Our vision is for true plug-and-play interoperability, where any device can connect to any other device without friction. No custom cabling, no complex setup. Just clean, efficient communication between tools.
NDI is already helping build that future. We act as the connective tissue between all these systems. As workflows continue to move toward the cloud and the edge, NDI is evolving to stay ahead of the curve so our users aren’t stuck rebuilding their stack every time the industry shifts. We strive to be the go-to standard for all video and audio connectivity users, enabling smooth communication from anywhere in the world.
CI: What advice would you give to organizations looking to future-proof their AV setups?
Musso: Start thinking IP-first. If you’re still relying on traditional AV infrastructure, now is the time to modernize. Focus on building up your networking knowledge and invest in tools that support open, flexible protocols; not ones that keep you boxed in.
Flexibility is key. The more modular and software-driven your system is, the easier it will be to adapt to your needs. And of course, we believe NDI is a great foundation to build on because it’s designed to grow with you. It lowers the cost to deploy, simplifies infrastructure and gives teams the freedom to expand without completely overhauling what already works.
Courtesy / NDI
Roberto Musso is a veteran in video production, computer graphics, and IP-based workflows, with over 40 years of experience. Starting at Wang Laboratories in 1979, he contributed to the personal computer revolution and later advanced desktop video innovation through roles in leading video technology firms in Italy. As a sales agent (1999–2016), he built NewTek’s European distribution network before founding MediaNews S.r.l., providing cutting-edge live sports and event production services for major clients like Fox Sports and Sky Italy. Now Technical Director at NDI, Roberto collaborates with its million of users, shaping NDI as a universal connectivity standard. An innovator and jazz enthusiast, he blends technical expertise with artistic creativity, pushing the boundaries of video and IP-based technology.
