OMT Explained: Unlock High-Quality, Low-Latency Video on Your Local Network with vMix

For modern live video producers, efficient and reliable signal transport is non-negotiable. While protocols like SRT handle the internet and NDI excels at general network distribution, a new standard has arrived to optimize local production specifically: **Open Media Transport (OMT)**.

Developed and championed by vMix, OMT is an open-source, royalty-free protocol that provides high-quality, low-latency live video transmission—including critical alpha channel support—over standard local gigabit networks [00:00:07]. Fully supported in vMix 29 and newer, OMT is quickly becoming the smart choice for demanding in-house productions.

The Technical Edge: Why OMT is the Local Network Champion

OMT is an open-source and royalty-free protocol, meaning it can be adopted and improved by anyone in the industry [00:01:04]. However, its true competitive advantage comes from the proprietary technology beneath the surface:

Powered by the vMX Codec

Unlike other protocols that rely on generic codecs, OMT utilizes the **vMX codec**, a fast and efficient codec created by vMix itself [00:01:41]. This is the same codec that vMix uses for high-quality features like instant replay and recording. This native integration offers significant performance benefits:

• **Resource Efficiency:** When sending video from one vMix system to another, OMT is ideal because the video is already in vMix's native format. This saves substantial processing resources on the receiving machine, as most of the decoding work is pre-done [00:02:42].
• **High Quality & Low Latency:** OMT is specifically engineered to deliver video over local networks at the highest quality with minimal delay [00:01:34].

OMT vs. The Competition

When should you choose OMT over other common standards?

• **Compared to SRT:** While SRT is perfect for secure and reliable transmission over the *internet* [00:01:18], OMT is strictly optimized for the *local gigabit network*.
• **Compared to NDI:** Both OMT and NDI boast excellent **discoverability**—sources appear automatically in vMix without needing IP addresses or port numbers [00:04:20]. OMT's primary advantage here is the native vMX codec, making it the preferred choice when moving signals between two vMix systems.

Setting Up OMT Sources in vMix

Integrating OMT into your vMix workflow is straightforward, whether you're bringing in a source or pushing out an output.

1. Adding OMT Inputs [00:00:17]

To pull video from another OMT-compatible device (like another vMix system, OBS with the OMT plugin, or a desktop capture app):

1. Click **Add Input** in vMix.
2. Select the **NDI / OMT Desktop Capture** tab.
3. Select your OMT source, which will be easily identifiable with a handy thumbnail [00:04:27].

You can fine-tune your input by right-clicking the source to access OMT-specific settings [00:06:06]:

• **Preview Mode:** Enables a low bandwidth mode, ideal when the source is not actively live in your production [00:06:14].
• **Audio Only:** Brings in just the audio, saving bandwidth [00:05:10].
• **Suggested Quality:** While the sender dictates the quality, the receiver can *suggest* a quality (Low, Medium, or High) if the sender leaves their output on default [00:06:56].

2. Sending OMT Output [00:10:21]

To output your vMix program (or a specific output bus) via OMT for other devices to receive:

1. Go to **Settings** > **Outputs / NDI / OMT / SRT**.
2. Select an output slot and nominate the source you are outputting (e.g., Output).
3. Under the settings, you must specify the **Quality** (Low, Medium, or High). It is recommended that the sender always specifies a quality to ensure it does not fluctuate during the production [00:11:54].
4. You can also adjust the **Alpha Channel** to Straight or Premultiplied, which is crucial for sending transparent graphics to other systems like OBS [00:11:21].
5. Toggle the OMT button to start transmission.

Design and Production Go Hand-in-Hand
The best live videos use flawless graphics and user interfaces. Discover endless inspiration for your next project with Mobbin's stunning design resources and seamless systems—start creating today! 🚀

👉 Browse Mobbin's UX Design Library

Advanced Features and the OMT Ecosystem

OMT is designed not only for performance but also for flexibility and customization. The protocol is constantly evolving, with contributions from users and developers [00:03:45].

Shortcut Control

For professional workflows, OMT fully supports vMix's powerful shortcut system. Instead of consuming bandwidth by adding every OMT source as an individual input, you can use a single input and dynamically switch the source using keyboard keys, MIDI controllers, or Stream Deck buttons [00:07:52]. Simply use the **OMT Select Source by Index** or **OMT Select Source by Name** functions in your vMix shortcuts settings [00:08:35].

Cross-Platform Compatibility

The OMT ecosystem is rapidly growing beyond vMix. The protocol offers free tools for Windows and Mac, including desktop capture apps, viewers, and a dedicated plugin for popular streaming software like OBS. This means you can seamlessly send an OMT output from vMix and receive it directly in an OBS scene, or vice versa [00:13:06]. Even affordable micro-computers like the Raspberry Pi 5 can encode and decode OMT, lowering the barrier to entry for custom hardware solutions [00:03:29].

For in-depth documentation on bandwidth requirements, quality settings, and a list of all current adopters, be sure to visit the official project website at OMT.video [00:01:59].

Final Verdict: OMT is Essential for Studio Workflows

If you rely on vMix and need to move video signals between machines within a single building or production studio, Open Media Transport offers a clear technical advantage. By leveraging the power of the vMX codec, OMT delivers unmatched low-latency performance and efficiency, saving you crucial processing power.

Ready to Upgrade Your Production Quality?
Experience the full suite of OMT capabilities and all the advanced features of the world’s leading live production software.

Download the FREE 60-day trial of vMix Pro today. It includes all features and zero restrictions—no credit card required! [01:43:59]

👉 Get Your Free vMix Pro Trial Now

Video Source: OMT – Open Media Transport by vMix