Ghost Arcade vs LightAct

Ghost Arcade is projection-mapping and VJ software for arranging visual layers, applying effects, mapping them onto surfaces, and performing live. Mapping tools include corner and mesh warping, slices, shape masks, soft-edge blending, and independently warped multi-display outputs. A 3D stage simulator and projection simulator support show planning and rehearsal. VJ mode offers two decks, an A/B crossfader with ten transition types, beat-quantised clip launching, macros, and snapshots. The software includes more than 180 effects, real-time GPU shader instruments, and ISF and GLSL shader support. Connections include MIDI, OSC, Ableton Link, Syphon/Spout output, and NDI video over a local network. AI shader generation accepts plain-English descriptions but requires the user’s own API key. The iPhone and iPad app supports clip launching, touch effects, projection mapping, camera inputs, and LiDAR point-cloud scans on supported devices. Desktop software is open source under AGPL-3.0, and the site permits paid gigs, installations, broadcasts, and subcontracted work. The desktop app costs nothing; version 2.0.16 requires an email to download, while Linux is listed for the legacy build.

LightAct combines software and hardware for live events and immersive fixed installations, including projection mapping. Its Layer Layouts support video and audio playback, conditional logic, and messaging with third-party apps. The 3D mapping workflow includes camera-projector calibration and manual warping and blending. Multi-server clusters can distribute workloads and synchronize frame by frame. Integrations include Notch blocks, TouchDesigner components, and Unreal Engine; content I/O includes Deltacast, Blackmagic, DirectShow-compatible sources, NDI, Spout, and Unreal Texture Share. Network messaging supports OSC, TCP, UDP, and TUIO, and the software supports third-party camera and object tracking. Its customizable WebUI runs in a browser but is available only on LightAct servers. LightAct is self-hosted on Windows; minimum requirements include Windows 10 or later, a discrete Nvidia graphics card, and at least 8 GB of RAM. The free Creator plan unlocks all features and unlimited outputs, but outputs are watermarked. Easy Perpetual costs €1,770, paid once; the Live Perpetual price is available by request. LightAct does not support sending or receiving interlaced video streams.