WATCHOUT
WATCHOUT is Windows software for building and synchronizing shows across multiple displays.
What WATCHOUT is
WATCHOUT is Windows software for building and synchronizing shows across multiple displays. It composes video, still images, animations, graphics, live streams, and sound for settings including live events, projection mapping, museums, broadcast studios, and visitor attractions. Shows can use any resolution or aspect ratio, with no stated limit on display devices. Playback supports uncompressed 4K video or images at up to 120Hz, with up to 16-bit color, REC2020, HDR, and codecs such as NotchLC, H265, Apple ProRes, and HAP. Audio support includes Dante, ASIO/WASAPI, multiple devices on one server, and routing through audio buses. NDI supports bidirectional capture and distribution, while synchronization uses NTP with less than 2 milliseconds delay on local networks and also accepts external LTC inputs. Mapping tools include marker-based calibration, stage views, 3D model formats, and imported auto-alignment display data. The Asset Manager stores show data for collaboration and can optimize content before distribution. WATCHOUT Producer is free to use, but output devices and media servers require licenses.
Good
- Supports shows with no limit on display devices.
- Playback supports 4K at up to 120Hz.
- Includes NDI capture and distribution.
- Mapping tools include marker-based calibration and 3D models.
- Asset Manager supports multiple users creating shows.
Watch out
- Windows-based software is not available on Mac.
- Output devices require license keys.
- Media servers require a WATCHOUT 7 license.
- A valid email and download form are required to download.
Who it suits
WATCHOUT may suit teams producing synchronized visual shows for events, museums, projection mapping, broadcast studios, or other listed venues. It is for Windows, not Mac.
Verdict
WATCHOUT provides tools for composing, mapping, and synchronizing multi-display shows, with support for a broad range of media and integrations. Producer is free to use, but output hardware and media-server use involve licensing requirements.
Plans and prices
From WATCHOUT's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| WATCHOUT Producer | Free | Free to download and use; output devices such as projectors require license keys |
| WATCHOUT 7 license | Priced on request | Media servers require a WATCHOUT 7 license; WATCHPAX servers include one · Price request; the current product page does not list a price. |
The facts
Each one read from WATCHOUT's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Audio integrations
- The audio engine supports Dante, ASIO/WASAPI, multiple audio devices on one server, and routing through audio buses.checked 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.checked 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.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- WATCHOUT composes and manages video, still images, animations, graphics, live streams, and sound for synchronized playback across multiple displays.checked 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.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Synchronization
- WATCHOUT synchronizes through NTP with less than 2 milliseconds delay on local networks and supports external LTC inputs.checked 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.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Video integrations
- WATCHOUT supports bidirectional NDI capture and distribution, including multiple video streams on a shared connection.checked 7 Oct 2026
The company
- Company
- Dataton says it was founded in 1973 and is based in Linköping, Sweden.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1973checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Linköping, Swedenchecked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Platform
- WATCHOUT is Windows-based software and is not available on Mac.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Projection mapping
- Mapping tools support marker-based calibration, three stage views, 3D model formats, and imported auto-alignment display data.checked 7 Oct 2026
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