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SPECIFICTION
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WATCHOUT

dataton.com

Free plan Windows
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Spec score 7.2 #22 of 24 in Projection Mapping Software

What it is

WATCHOUT is Windows software for composing and synchronizing video, still images, animations, graphics, live streams, and sound across displays. Dataton lists it for 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 and have no limit on display devices. Video and image playback supports 4K, frame rates 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. Bidirectional NDI handles capture and distribution, including multiple streams on one connection. NTP synchronization is specified at under 2 milliseconds on local networks, with external LTC inputs also supported. Projection-mapping tools include marker calibration, three stage views, 3D model formats, and imported auto-alignment data. Asset Manager supports multiple users and content optimization before distribution. WATCHOUT Producer is free; output devices and media servers require licenses. WATCHOUT 7 licenses are price on request.

Spec sheet

Purpose
WATCHOUT composes and manages video, still images, animations, graphics, live streams, and sound for synchronized playback across multiple displays.Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com
Support
Dataton provides a help center with support tickets, user guides, release notes, a knowledge base, user forum, videos, partner network, and training.Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com
Headquarters
Linköping, SwedenRead 28 Sep 2026 · dataton.com
Founded
1973Read 28 Sep 2026 · dataton.com
Company
Dataton says it was founded in 1973 and is based in Linköping, Sweden.Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com
Audio integrations
The audio engine supports Dante, ASIO/WASAPI, multiple audio devices on one server, and routing through audio buses.Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com
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.Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com
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.Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com
License requirement
WATCHOUT Producer can be used free, but media servers require a WATCHOUT 7 license; Dataton says WATCHPAX servers include a license.Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com
Platform
WATCHOUT is Windows-based software and is not available on Mac.Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com
Projection mapping
Mapping tools support marker-based calibration, three stage views, 3D model formats, and imported auto-alignment display data.Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com
Scale and resolution
The product page says shows have no limit on display devices and can use any resolution and aspect ratio.Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com
Synchronization
WATCHOUT synchronizes through NTP with less than 2 milliseconds delay on local networks and supports external LTC inputs.Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com
Use cases
Dataton describes WATCHOUT for live events, projection mapping, broadcast studios, museums, showrooms, visitor attractions, cruise ships, houses of worship, and experience centers.Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com
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.Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com
Video integrations
WATCHOUT supports bidirectional NDI capture and distribution, including multiple video streams on a shared connection.Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com

Plans and prices

WATCHOUT Producer Free Free to download and use; output devices such as projectors require license keys Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com
WATCHOUT 7 license Priced on request Price request; the current product page does not list a price. Media servers require a WATCHOUT 7 license; WATCHPAX servers include one Read 7 Oct 2026 · dataton.com

Every WATCHOUT plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • No stated limit on display devices
  • Supports 4K and up to 120Hz playback
  • NTP and external LTC synchronization
  • NDI, Dante, and advanced mapping tools
  • Free WATCHOUT Producer download

Limits

  • Windows only, not available on Mac
  • Media servers require WATCHOUT 7 license
  • Output devices require license keys

Who it suits

It suits Windows-based teams producing synchronized multi-display shows, mapped projections, broadcasts, exhibitions, or venue experiences. Users planning media-server output should account for the required license.

Verdict

WATCHOUT covers synchronized playback, mapping, live inputs, audio routing, and collaborative show management. The free Producer download does not remove licensing requirements for output devices or media servers.

Where Specifiction places it

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