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WATCHOUT
Linköping, Sweden
What it is
WATCHOUT is Windows software for composing and synchronizing shows across multiple displays. It combines video, still images, animations, graphics, live streams, and sound, and is described for uses including live events, projection mapping, broadcast studios, museums, showrooms, visitor attractions, cruise ships, houses of worship, and experience centers. Shows can use any resolution or aspect ratio, with no stated limit on display devices. Video and images support 4K at up to 120Hz, up to 16-bit color, REC2020, HDR, and codecs including NotchLC, H265, Apple ProRes, and HAP. Audio support includes Dante, ASIO/WASAPI, multiple devices on one server, and audio-bus routing. NDI capture and distribution can carry multiple streams over a shared connection. Synchronization uses NTP with less than 2 milliseconds of delay on local networks and also supports external LTC inputs. Mapping tools include marker-based calibration, 3D model formats, and imported auto-alignment display data. The Asset Manager supports multiple users creating shows and can optimize content before distribution. WATCHOUT Producer is free to use, but output devices and media servers require licenses; WATCHPAX servers include a license.
For and against
For
- Supports shows with any resolution or aspect ratio.
- Playback supports 4K at up to 120Hz.
- Includes NDI capture and distribution.
- Asset Manager supports multiple users.
Against
- Windows-based; not available on Mac.
- Output devices require license keys.
- Media servers require a WATCHOUT 7 license.
The verdict
WATCHOUT offers show composition, synchronization, mapping, and audio and video integration tools for multi-display installations. Producer is free to use, but output hardware and media servers can require licenses.
Who it suits
WATCHOUT suits teams creating synchronized multi-display shows for venues such as museums, live events, broadcast studios, or visitor attractions. It is for Windows users, not Mac users.
Plans and prices
WATCHOUT Producer
Free to download and use; output devices such as projectors require license keys
Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com
WATCHOUT 7 license
Media servers require a WATCHOUT 7 license; WATCHPAX servers include one
Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com
On the record
- Audio integrations
- The audio engine supports Dante, ASIO/WASAPI, multiple audio devices on one server, and routing through audio buses.dataton.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Collaboration
- The Asset Manager stores show data and supports multiple users collaborating on show creation; content can be automatically optimized before distribution to media servers.dataton.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Company
- Dataton says it was founded in 1973 and is based in Linköping, Sweden.dataton.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Current release
- The download page identifies WATCHOUT 7.8.4, released September 7, 2026, as the current version and says a download form and valid email are required.dataton.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- License requirement
- WATCHOUT Producer can be used free, but media servers require a WATCHOUT 7 license; Dataton says WATCHPAX servers include a license.dataton.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Platform
- WATCHOUT is Windows-based software and is not available on Mac.dataton.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Projection mapping
- Mapping tools support marker-based calibration, three stage views, 3D model formats, and imported auto-alignment display data.dataton.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- WATCHOUT composes and manages video, still images, animations, graphics, live streams, and sound for synchronized playback across multiple displays.dataton.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Scale and resolution
- The product page says shows have no limit on display devices and can use any resolution and aspect ratio.dataton.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- Dataton provides a help center with support tickets, user guides, release notes, a knowledge base, user forum, videos, partner network, and training.dataton.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Synchronization
- WATCHOUT synchronizes through NTP with less than 2 milliseconds delay on local networks and supports external LTC inputs.dataton.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- Dataton describes WATCHOUT for live events, projection mapping, broadcast studios, museums, showrooms, visitor attractions, cruise ships, houses of worship, and experience centers.dataton.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Video
- WATCHOUT supports uncompressed video or images at 4K resolution and frame rates up to 120Hz, with up to 16-bit color, REC2020, HDR, and codecs including NotchLC, H265, Apple ProRes, and HAP.dataton.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Video integrations
- WATCHOUT supports bidirectional NDI capture and distribution, including multiple video streams on a shared connection.dataton.com · read 7 Oct 2026
