WATCHOUT 7 QUICKSTART

This guide will help you get a basic WATCHOUT show up and running in 15 minutes.

1. INSTALLATION & SETUP

  • Download from Dataton website. You will have to fill in a form, but the download is free.

  • Install the software by following the on-screen instructions.

    Installation screen

  • Start Producer and Backend by clicking

    Installation screen

2. CREATE YOUR FIRST SHOW

  • Launch Producer

    Producer interface

  • Create a show by clicking NEW SHOW

3. ADD CONTENT

Add content interface
  1. Add an Image to Asset Manager by dropping it in Asset Window (1)
  2. Then drag the image to Main Timeline (2). This will make the image appear on Main Timeline and in Stage
  3. Now feel free to explore settings and effects by right-clicking to open context menu for (2) or (3)

4. TEST AUDIO

Audio setup interface
  1. Add Audio to Asset Manager by dropping it in Asset Window
  2. Drag Audio to Main Timeline Window
  3. Create an Audio Device from the context menu in Devices Window
  4. Set which node should play in Device Property Window
  5. Configure Audio Device in Device Property Window
  6. Enable Audio Device in Device Property Window

Start playing by hitting the play button in Main Timeline Window

NOTE: Property Window changes its content depending on what object you have selected. For Device Properties, select the Device in the Device Window.

5. DEPLOY TO DISPLAYS

This requires a license, but the steps are similar to adding an Audio Device:

  • Create a Display in Devices Window
  • Configure it in Properties Window
  • Enable it in Properties Window

Start playing by hitting the play button in Main Timeline Window

6. NEXT STEPS

  • Learn more in depth:

  • Essential keyboard shortcuts:

    • Ctrl+S: Save your show
    • Ctrl+O: Open a show file
    • Alt+[1-9]: Load saved window layouts
    • Ctrl+Alt+[1-9]: Save current window layout
    • Alt+0: Reset to default layout
    • See the complete Keyboard Shortcuts Guide

  • Troubleshooting tips:

    • Use the Node Info window to monitor performance and diagnose issues
    • Customize window layouts to optimize your workflow
    • For audio issues, check audio device properties and bus configuration