entity
What it is
Entity is a C++ media server for live shows and installations, combining video playback, projection mapping, and OSC control. It decodes and composites video in real time, supports frame-accurate seeking, and handles ProRes, HAP, and PNG sequences. Projection tools include anchor-point calibration, soft-edge blending, and persistent display identification through EDID. Its timeline supports clip, object-animation, and generative layers, with clips running at their native frame rates. Layers can use ordered shader chains with nine built-in effects or custom HLSL effect packs. Entity supports inbound and outbound OSC and can pair with Bitfocus Companion for show control. It is aimed at projection-mapping artists, theatre and festival video technicians, museums, galleries, and themed entertainment. The Community plan is free under GPLv3, and commercial shows can run without redistributing the engine. Entity is pre-release, with no signed binary installers available; the current installation path is building from source. It requires 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 and a DirectX 12 GPU. Audio playback is not yet supported, and audio tracks in source files are ignored.
For and against
For
- Free Community plan under GPLv3
- Supports ProRes, HAP, and PNG sequences
- Offers soft-edge blending
- Supports inbound and outbound OSC
Against
- Pre-release; no signed binary installers
- Installation currently requires building from source
- Windows 10/11 and DirectX 12 GPU required
- Audio playback is not supported
The verdict
Entity offers layered playback, projection tools, and OSC control for Windows-based show workflows. Its pre-release status, source-build installation, and lack of audio playback are important constraints.
Who it suits
Entity is suited to live-show and installation teams working with projection mapping, including theatre and festival technicians, museums, galleries, and themed entertainment.
Plans and prices
Community
Free · GPLv3 · full media server features
Read 8 Oct 2026 · entitymedia.art
Pro
Not for sale yet · NDI/SDI output, Notch block playback, multi-node sync, and priority support planned
Read 8 Oct 2026 · entitymedia.art
On the record
- Audience
- It is aimed at projection-mapping artists, theatre and festival video technicians, museums, galleries, and themed entertainment.entitymedia.art · read 8 Oct 2026
- Cloud
- Entity is local-first, and cloud rendering, remote playback, and SaaS dashboards are not on its roadmap.entitymedia.art · read 8 Oct 2026
- Commercial use
- The engine is GPLv3, and the FAQ says running shows with entity without redistributing the engine is unrestricted commercial use.entitymedia.art · read 8 Oct 2026
- Effects
- Each layer can use an ordered shader chain with nine built-in effects or custom HLSL effect packs.entitymedia.art · read 8 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Entity supports inbound and outbound OSC and pairs with Bitfocus Companion for show control.entitymedia.art · read 8 Oct 2026
- Notable limitations
- Audio playback is not yet supported, and audio tracks in source files are ignored.entitymedia.art · read 8 Oct 2026
- Platform requirements
- The available platform is Windows 10/11 64-bit with a DirectX 12 GPU; macOS and Linux ports are on the roadmap without an ETA.entitymedia.art · read 8 Oct 2026
- Playback
- It decodes and composites video in real time with frame-accurate seeking and supports ProRes, HAP, and PNG sequences.entitymedia.art · read 8 Oct 2026
- Projection
- Projection features include anchor-point calibration, soft-edge blending, and persistent display identification by EDID.entitymedia.art · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Entity is a C++ media server for live shows and installations, with multi-layer video playback, projection mapping, and OSC control.entitymedia.art · read 8 Oct 2026
- Release status
- Entity is pre-release and no signed binary installers have shipped; the current install path is building from source.entitymedia.art · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site directs bug reports to GitHub Issues and says Pro priority support is planned.entitymedia.art · read 8 Oct 2026
- Timeline
- The timeline supports clip, object-animation, and generative layers, with clips playing at their native frame rates.entitymedia.art · read 8 Oct 2026
