====== NDI network ======

===== Abstract =====
Hackeriet has 3 permanent video devices:
  * The "pinball" TV
  * The "Hackeriet" TV
  * A projector in the ceiling

Currently, the only semi-permanent way to control these is using Chromecasts.
This is suboptimal for a variety of reasons, including:
  * Latency in realtime settings
  * Compatibility with certain types of equipment

If we were to install NDI receivers on these video devices, we'd be able to support a decent amount of realtime usecases in addition to more casual Youtube video playback.

===== Solutions evaluated so far =====
**Receivers**
  * https://dicaffeine.com/
    * Provides a significantly low bar-of-entry for getting NDI devices up and running, and managing them remotely
    * Performance
      * Runs like utter shit on our RPis -- Low resolution mode must be used, and drops frames
      * Runs pretty good on our Intel NUCs -- Sometimes lag/frame drop on high res, but generaly works satisfiably, I have some theories on what's happening here

**Sources**
  * The [[https://github.com/DistroAV/DistroAV|DistroAV project]] provides NDI plugins for OBS, with support for Windows, Linux, and MacOS.

**The protocol itself**
  * 1080p60 can easily go up to 130 Mbps persistent throughput and 150 Mbps peaks -- <del>Should wire up the LAG on the audio rack switch</del> forgot that the access ports are 100 Mbps, need to use another switch
  * Hackeriet wifi introduces significant latency compared to other locations, even though it can handle the bandwidth. Old AP? Radio time congestion due to so many WiFi devices?
  * Works fine for audio, but doesn't really help for most of our use cases there

===== Work so far =====
  * Installed Dicaffeine on (wired networking expected):
    * ''ndi-nuc1'' (mounted on Hackeriet TV)
    * ''lydrack-pc'' (currently unconnected)
  * Setup:
    * Ubuntu 22.04 (per deps, fixes appreciated)
    * Hacker-ID SSO (group ''project-avinfra'')
    * User ''ndi-screen''
      * Timed autosign-in in GDM (10 secs, see ''/etc/gdm3/custom.conf'')
      * Sway WM
      * i3status with custom statusbar (IP + hostname + date)
      * dicaffeine disabled on personal user (the post-install script is CURSED)
      * dicaffeine enabled on ''ndi-screen''
      * Custom wallpaper