Software comparison

Smode vs Splash

Smode is a media server, while Splash is an open-source mapping tool — they overlap in places but are often used together rather than as substitutes.

	Smode	Splash
Developer	Smode Tech	Société des arts technologiques (SAT)
Country	France	Canada
Category	Media servers	Open source
Platforms	Windows	Linux
Licence	Paid licences	Free & open source (GPL)
Skill level	Pro	Pro
First release	—	—
Best for	Live shows and immersive venues needing real-time content.	Domes and multi-projector immersive spaces on Linux.
Key features	Real-time compositing Media server & mapping Generative content Live show control	Multi-projector video mapping Automatic calibration Dome & immersive spaces Real-time blending

Verdict

Only Smode runs on Windows.

Only Splash runs on Linux.

Choose Smode for live shows and immersive venues needing real-time content.

Choose Splash for domes and multi-projector immersive spaces on Linux.

Facts are curated and checked against vendor websites; licences and prices change — always confirm on the official sites before buying.