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WATCHOUT
What WATCHOUT is
WATCHOUT is Windows software for composing and synchronizing video, still images, animations, graphics, live streams, and sound across multiple displays. It 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 limit on display devices. The product supports uncompressed video or images at 4K and up to 120Hz, up to 16-bit color, REC2020, HDR, and codecs such as NotchLC, H265, Apple ProRes, and HAP. Audio options include Dante, ASIO/WASAPI, multiple devices on one server, and routing through audio buses; video can use bidirectional NDI capture and distribution. Synchronization uses NTP with less than 2 milliseconds of delay on local networks and supports external LTC inputs. WATCHOUT Producer is free to download and use, but media servers require a WATCHOUT 7 license; WATCHPAX servers include one. The listed paid starting price is €3,200.
Who it suits
WATCHOUT suits Windows users creating synchronized multi-display shows for events, venues, museums, broadcast studios, and projection mapping. Its free Producer option may suit show creators who do not need licensed output devices or media servers.
What it does well
- Shows have no limit on display devices.
- Supports 4K, HDR, and up to 120Hz.
- Includes bidirectional NDI capture and distribution.
- Asset Manager supports multiple users creating shows.
- Producer is free to download and use.
What to know first
- Windows-based; not available on Mac.
- Media servers require a WATCHOUT 7 license.
- Output devices such as projectors require license keys.
Limits
WATCHOUT Producer is free, but output devices such as projectors need license keys. Media servers require a WATCHOUT 7 license; WATCHPAX servers include one.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| WATCHOUT Producer | Free to download and use; output devices such as projectors require license keys | Free |
| WATCHOUT 7 license | Price request; the current product page does not list a price. · Media servers require a WATCHOUT 7 license; WATCHPAX servers include one | On request |
As dataton.com lists them, read 7 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the WATCHOUT website.
- Download WATCHOUT Producer using the download form and a valid email address.
- Install the software on a Windows computer.
- Use Producer free, then obtain license keys for output devices or a WATCHOUT 7 license for media servers.
- Use a WATCHPAX server if you need a server that includes a license.
Verdict
WATCHOUT combines multi-display show composition with mapping, synchronization, and media-server workflows. Check the licensing requirement for output devices and media servers before planning a deployment.
Questions
Is WATCHOUT free?
WATCHOUT Producer is free to download and use. Output devices such as projectors require license keys, and media servers require a WATCHOUT 7 license unless they are WATCHPAX servers that include one.
How much does WATCHOUT cost?
The listed pricing is a free plan and paid plans from €3,200. The WATCHOUT 7 license is priced by request.
Which platforms does WATCHOUT support?
WATCHOUT is Windows-based and is not available on Mac.
What can WATCHOUT synchronize and display?
It coordinates video, still images, animations, graphics, live streams, and sound across multiple displays. Shows can use any resolution or aspect ratio and have no limit on display devices.
Who makes WATCHOUT?
Dataton makes WATCHOUT. The company says it was founded in 1973 and is based in Linköping, Sweden.
Where can I get WATCHOUT support?
Dataton provides a help center with support tickets, guides, release notes, a knowledge base, a user forum, videos, a partner network, and training.
Facts from WATCHOUT's own pages
- Audio integrations
- The audio engine supports Dante, ASIO/WASAPI, multiple audio devices on one server, and routing through audio buses. · dataton.com, 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, 7 Oct 2026
- Company
- Dataton says it was founded in 1973 and is based in Linköping, Sweden. · dataton.com, 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, 7 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1973 · dataton.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Linköping, Sweden · dataton.com, 28 Sept 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, 7 Oct 2026
- Platform
- WATCHOUT is Windows-based software and is not available on Mac. · dataton.com, 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, 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, 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, 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, 7 Oct 2026
- Synchronization
- WATCHOUT synchronizes through NTP with less than 2 milliseconds delay on local networks and supports external LTC inputs. · dataton.com, 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, 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, 7 Oct 2026
- Video integrations
- WATCHOUT supports bidirectional NDI capture and distribution, including multiple video streams on a shared connection. · dataton.com, 7 Oct 2026
Where WATCHOUT stands on Freedom251
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