Desktop UI - Layer Types for Integration

In addition to WebViews, Spout and NDI are the most common layer types used to integrate external applications and live content into Igloo Core Engine.

These technologies allow real-time video and graphics to be streamed directly into the canvas from other software, devices, or machines.

Spout Layers (Local Applications)

Spout is a GPU-based texture sharing system for Windows that enables real-time video transfer between applications with near-zero latency.

See - https://spout.zeal.co/

• Works locally on the same machine

• Requires sender and receiver to use the same GPU

• Ideal for high-performance, low-latency workflows

Adding a Spout Layer

1. Press Add

2. Select Capture > Spout

This creates a new layer acting as a Spout receiver.

Selecting a Spout Source

• In the layer properties, use the Sender dropdown to view available Spout sources

• Select a sender to begin displaying content

The Spout toolkit includes a demo application:

• Run SpoutSender.exe

• Select “Spout DX11 Sender”

• A rotating cube will appear in the canvas

Common Use Cases

Spout enables integration with a wide range of creative and real-time tools:

• TouchDesigner – real-time visuals and installations

• Processing – generative and interactive content

• Blender – viewport or render output

• vvvv – live visual programming

Unity Integration
Spout is also used by the Igloo Toolkit for Unity, allowing real-time Unity output to be streamed directly into Igloo Core Engine.

NDI Layers (Network Video)

Network Device Interface (NDI) is a protocol developed by Newtek for network transmission of video and audio ( https://ndi.tv/about-ndi/ ). The NDI Toolkit and API enables applications to act as senders and receivers across the network.

• Works across multiple devices on the same network

• Supports cameras, screen capture, and production tools

• Does not require capture hardware

Adding an NDI Layer

1. Press Add

2. Select Capture > NDI

This creates a new layer acting as an NDI receiver.

Selecting an NDI Source

• Igloo Core Engine automatically scans the network for NDI sources

• Available senders appear in the Sender dropdown

• Select a source to begin playback

The NDI Toolkit includes useful utilities such as:

• Screen Capture – streams your desktop as an NDI source

Common Use Cases

Presentations & Collaboration

• Share a laptop screen without HDMI cables

• Bring in remote presenters or video call feeds

Creative Workflows

• Stream output from tools such as:

  • OBS Studio (graphics, scenes, overlays)

  • Adobe Premiere Pro / After Effects (via plugins/workflows)

Multi-Machine Setups

• Render content on one machine and display it in ICE

• Combine multiple live feeds into a single canvas

Mobile Integration

• Use NDI apps on iOS/Android to stream:

  • Phone screen

  • Camera feed

Notes & Best Practices

• NDI performance depends on network quality and bandwidth

• For best results:

  • Use wired connections where possible

  • Avoid heavy network traffic on the same network

• If a source does not appear:

  • Ensure sender and receiver are on the same network/VLAN

  • Check firewall settings allow NDI traffic

Summary

Next Section: Desktop UI - Setting up a Game Engine Layer