Show Properties
Every show carries a set of properties that define how it behaves globally—settings that affect all timelines, all displays, and all output behavior. These properties establish the fundamental parameters under which your entire production operates.
Accessing Show Properties
Show properties are accessible through the Properties panel when no specific element is selected. The properties panel displays all configurable settings organized into logical sections.
General
Frame Rate
The Frame Rate determines the temporal resolution for all timeline operations throughout your show. This setting affects how precisely you can position cues in time and how smoothly animations play back.
Available Presets:
- 23.98 FPS – Standard film rate (24000/1001)
- 24 FPS – Film rate
- 25 FPS – PAL/SECAM broadcast standard
- 29.97 FPS – NTSC broadcast standard (30000/1001)
- 30 FPS – Standard video rate
- 48 FPS – High frame rate film
- 50 FPS – PAL high frame rate
- 59.94 FPS – NTSC high frame rate (60000/1001)
- 60 FPS – High frame rate video
- 120 FPS – Ultra high frame rate
- Custom – Specify any frame rate using frequency and clock divisor values
When selecting Custom, you can specify the exact frequency (numerator) and clock divisor (denominator). The clock divisor options are 1 (for integer frame rates) or 1.001 (for NTSC-compatible fractional rates).
Note: Frame rate changes affect how timeline positions are calculated. Changing this setting mid-production may shift the timing of existing cues.
Eye Point
The Eye Point defines the default viewer position in 3D space, used for perspective calculations across displays. This setting consists of three coordinates:
- X – Horizontal position of the viewer
- Y – Vertical position (height) of the viewer
- Z – Distance from the stage/display plane
The eye point is particularly important for:
- 3D projection mapping scenarios
- Multi-display perspective corrections
- Virtual camera positioning
Genlock SDI
The Genlock SDI option enables hardware synchronization for outputs using SDI (Serial Digital Interface) connections. When enabled, WATCHOUT locks video output timing to an external reference signal.
| State | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Enabled | Synchronized multi-display setups with SDI infrastructure |
| Disabled | Standard software-timed output |
Genlock ensures frame-accurate synchronization across multiple displays, eliminating tearing or timing drift. This requires compatible SDI hardware with genlock input capability.
Hardware Sync Groups
Hardware Sync Groups coordinate playback timing across multiple display servers. By grouping nodes together, you ensure their timelines run in lockstep, which is essential for seamless multi-display presentations.
Managing Sync Groups
To create a new sync group:
- Click Add Group
- Enter a name for the group
- Add member nodes by typing or selecting from available devices
Each sync group displays its member nodes, which can be added or removed using the multi-select chip interface. Nodes are identified by their host reference names as they appear on the network.
When to Use Sync Groups
- Multi-server installations – When content spans multiple playback machines
- Edge-blended displays – Where precise frame alignment prevents visible seams
- Redundant systems – To keep backup servers synchronized with primary units
Note: Nodes must be network-accessible to participate in sync group coordination. Verify network connectivity before adding nodes to sync groups.
Audio Bus
The Audio Bus section lets you configure the number and names of audio buses used in the show.
- Count – Set the number of audio buses available for routing audio output.
- Bus Names – Each bus is listed and can be renamed by clicking on it. The default buses are Left and Right.
You cannot remove an audio bus that is currently in use. Before reducing the bus count, you must first remove any Audio Device or Cue that references the bus you want to remove.
Default
The Default section controls the default behavior applied to newly created cues.
Image Duration
Sets the default duration for image cues when they are added to a timeline.
Use Last Fade
When Use Last Fade is enabled, newly created cues inherit the fade-in and fade-out settings from the most recently created cue. When disabled, the explicit fade-in and fade-out values below are used.
Fade In / Fade Out
Configures the default fade-in and fade-out duration and transition curve for new cues. These fields are disabled when Use Last Fade is enabled.
Default Anchor
The Default Anchor determines the reference point for newly created media cues. When you add a media cue to a timeline, this anchor point defines which part of the media aligns with the specified position.
Available Options:
| Position | Description |
|---|---|
| Top Left | Upper-left corner as reference |
| Top | Center of top edge |
| Top Right | Upper-right corner |
| Left | Center of left edge |
| Center | Center of the media (default) |
| Right | Center of right edge |
| Bottom Left | Lower-left corner |
| Bottom | Center of bottom edge |
| Bottom Right | Lower-right corner |
The anchor position is represented visually using a 3×3 grid selector in the Properties panel.
Warp
The Warp section controls defaults for warp geometry editing.
- New Warp Handles Should Have Fixed Length – When enabled, new warp control handles are created with a fixed pixel length rather than being free-form. You can specify the handle length in pixels.
- New Warp Points Should be Smooth – When enabled, new warp points are created with smooth (continuous) tangent handles.
NDI® Extra IPs
A list of additional IP addresses for NDI source discovery. This is useful when NDI sources are on different subnets that are not automatically discovered via mDNS.
You can add, edit, or remove IP addresses from the list using the corresponding buttons.
Show Info
The Show Info section provides a read-only overview of the current show, including statistics, asset counts, and technical details. See Show Information for a full description of each subsection.
Live Show Considerations
If a property change becomes necessary during a live show, pause playback to a safe state before making adjustments. The brief transition is preferable to unexpected disruptions during active content playback.