WATCHOUT alternatives
Looking for something other than WATCHOUT? These 12 tools cover similar ground — from the same media servers category to tools that can replace or complement it. Compare platforms and licences below.
1 disguise Designer
disguise · Media servers · Windows · Software with disguise media-server hardware
Stadium tours, broadcast, large permanent installations.
- 3D stage visualiser
- Projection study & calibration (OmniCal)
- Large multi-server playback
- xR / virtual production
2 PIXERA
AV Stumpfl · Media servers · Windows · Paid licences (free version with limitations)
Permanent attractions, theme parks, touring shows.
- Real-time 3D media server
- Projection mapping & auto-calibration
- Timeline & control
- Large-scale multi-output
3 Smode
Smode Tech · Media servers · Windows · Paid licences
Live shows and immersive venues needing real-time content.
- Real-time compositing
- Media server & mapping
- Generative content
- Live show control
4 Hippotizer
Green Hippo · Media servers · Windows · Hardware media servers
Concert touring and live events driven from lighting desks.
- Media-server hardware range
- Lighting-console control
- Mapping & blending
- Touring reliability
5 TouchDesigner
Derivative · Real-time & node-based · Windows, macOS · Free non-commercial; paid Educational, Commercial and Pro licences
Interactive installations, generative content and custom show systems.
- Node-based real-time 3D & compositing
- Projection mapping (Kantan, CamSchnappr)
- Sensor input (Kinect, LiDAR, MIDI, OSC)
- Python scripting
6 vvvv
vvvv group · Real-time & node-based · Windows · Free non-commercial; commercial licence
Custom interactive media installations and prototyping.
- Visual programming (vvvv gamma)
- Real-time 3D graphics
- Sensor & device integration
- .NET ecosystem
7 Notch
Notch · Real-time & node-based · Windows · Subscription / licences
Real-time concert visuals and broadcast graphics.
- Real-time node-based VFX
- Media-server integration (disguise, etc.)
- Particle & volumetric effects
- Live tracking
8 Unreal Engine nDisplay
Epic Games · Real-time & node-based · Windows, Linux · Free to use; see Epic licensing terms
Immersive rooms, domes and LED volumes with real-time 3D.
- Cluster rendering across many projectors/LED walls
- Real-time 3D worlds
- Warp & blend via MPCDI
- Virtual production
9 Ventuz
Ventuz Technology · Real-time & node-based · Windows · Paid licences
Corporate shows and broadcast with real-time graphics.
- Real-time 3D presentations
- Multi-display output
- Interactive touch content
- Live data
10 Millumin
Anomes · Show control · macOS · Paid licence (rental options)
Theatre, dance and live performance with mapped video.
- Timeline & cue-based show control
- Projection mapping & warping
- Edge blending
- DMX, OSC, MIDI control
11 Isadora
TroikaTronix · Show control · macOS, Windows · Perpetual or subscription
Dance, theatre and interactive performance.
- Node-based interactive media
- Projection mapping & blending
- Live camera & sensor input
- Cue-based scenes
12 QLab
Figure 53 · Show control · macOS · Free to program; paid licences to run advanced features
Theatre sound and video playback with simple mapping.
- Cue-based show control
- Video surfaces with corner-pin & mesh warp
- Audio playback & mixing
- MIDI / OSC / Network cues