Launching the Application

Once WATCHOUT is installed, you are ready to launch the software. How you launch it depends on whether you are working on the Production Computer (designing) or a Display Computer (playback).

On the Production Computer

Launch WATCHOUT Producer from the desktop shortcut or Start Menu.

The Welcome Screen

Upon first launch, you are greeted by the Welcome Screen, which serves as your project hub:
  • New: Creates a blank canvas for a new show.
  • Open: Browse your file system for an existing .watch show file.
  • Open show from Director: Connect to a Director on your network to open its currently running show.
  • Learn: Opens the WATCHOUT 7 User's Guide in your web browser.
  • Recent Shows: A list of your most recently accessed show files for quick entry (displayed on the right side of the Welcome Screen).

Layout Presets

WATCHOUT 7 allows you to save and load custom layout presets. You can save up to 9 layout presets and quickly switch between them using keyboard shortcuts or the Window menu. Use Reset Layout from the Window menu to return to the default layout.

On Display Computers

On your media servers, launch the WATCHOUT Manager to start playback services.

  1. Look for the WATCHOUT Manager shortcut on the desktop.
  2. Launch the application.
  3. A splash screen will appear on connected displays, indicating the system is ready and listening for commands from a Director.
  4. Important: The WATCHOUT Manager must be running before you try to connect from the Production computer.

The WATCHOUT Manager coordinates multiple background services including the Director, Runner, and Visual Renderer components that work together to deliver synchronized playback.

Configuring Auto-Launch

For permanent installations, it is critical that WATCHOUT starts automatically when the computer boots. This ensures the system recovers automatically after a power cycle.

Using the WATCHOUT Manager Tray Icon:

  1. Launch WATCHOUT Manager from the desktop shortcut.
  2. Click the WATCHOUT Manager icon in the Windows system tray (notification area).
  3. Check the Auto Start option.
  4. This configures WATCHOUT Manager to automatically start with administrator privileges when you log in.

To disable auto-launch, click the tray icon again and uncheck Auto Start.

Using the Installer:

During installation, select the optional Auto Start component to enable auto-launch immediately.

Auto-Login: Ensure your Windows user account is configured to log in automatically without a password prompt. This can be configured using the netplwiz Windows utility.

Troubleshooting Launch Issues

If the application fails to launch:

  • License Error: Check that your License Key is plugged in and the light is on. Open CodeMeter Control Center to verify it is detected.
  • GPU Driver Error: Ensure your GPU drivers are up to date. WATCHOUT uses OpenGL for rendering.
  • Firewall Prompt: If Windows asks to allow the application access to the network, check both "Private" and "Public" networks and click Allow Access.
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