MapMap vs WATCHOUT
MapMap
mapmapteam.github.ioWATCHOUT
dataton.comSide by side
| Figure | MapMap | WATCHOUT |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Spec score · Projection Mapping Software | 8.4 (#5) | 7.2 (#22) |
| Purpose | MapMap is projection mapping software that lets users map video onto surfaces of their choice. | WATCHOUT composes and manages video, still images, animations, graphics, live streams, and sound for synchronized playback across multiple displays. |
| Support | Users can report problems or suggest enhancements by opening a GitHub issue; the page also lists a mailing list, IRC channel, and email contact. | Dataton provides a help center with support tickets, user guides, release notes, a knowledge base, user forum, videos, partner network, and training. |
Plans
In their own words
MapMap
MapMap is projection mapping software for placing video and other media onto surfaces selected by the user. It is aimed at artists and small teams and runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Mapping shapes include quads or meshes, triangles, and ellipses. The media library supports video, still images, animated GIFs, color paints or masks, and webcams on Linux. Preferred containers include MOV, AVI, MP4, OGG, and OGV, with listed codecs including Motion-JPEG or Photo-JPEG, MPEG4, and Apple Pro Res 422. Layers can be shown or hidden, isolated, locked, duplicated, deleted, and rearranged. Projects use the .mmp extension and XML format. OpenSoundControl can change source files, opacity, visibility, and volume, although it is unsupported on macOS. MapMap is free, open source under GNU GPL v3, and offers GitHub issues, mailing-list, IRC, and email support.
WATCHOUT
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.