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What is new in WATCHOUT 7?

Core Features

WATCHOUT 7 is packed with new features. Click the list to the left to see more details! Here are some of the most important updates:

• Support for 10-16-bit color depth
• Wide Colour Space (REC.2020+ and beyond)
• HDR (High Dynamic Range)
• Support for codecs, such as NotchLC and H265
• New video and audio engine
• Asset Manager

Asset Manager

One of the most important new features in WATCHOUT version 7 is the Asset Manager. The Asset Manager can be run on a stand-alone computer or the production unit, basically it can be anywhere on the WATCHOUT network and can be used by anyone with access rights.

The Asset Manager contains all the show data (such as media, display settings, composition, and EDID) and has a multi-user functionality that allows multiple users to collaborate on show creation.

To maximize predictability and performance in playback, the Asset Manger will either automatically optimize content used in the show before distribution to the media server, or you can define and pre-program your choice of playback formats.

Multi-User Collaboration

WATCHOUT now supports multi-user collaboration on show creation. With the Asset Manager, it is possible for content creators and show programmers to work simultaneously on the same WATCHOUT show.

This allows better collaboration between content creators, directors, show operators, and programmers. 

User Interface

For WATCHOUT programmers, the user interface will still seem familiar, although more streamlined, and with a more modern look. There are some important updates to the user interface that should be kept in mind:

• New Property window that is context-dependent
• Discovery features for network objects and WATCHOUT nodes in the new Devices window
• Media files are stored in the Asset Manager and listed in the Assets window

Video Engine

The video engine has been totally re-designed for added power, speed and performance.

• Up to 16-bit color depth
• HDR (High Dynamic Range)
• Enhanced sync across servers
• 120 Hz frame rate
• REC 2020
• New codecs and file formats such as NotchLC and H265
• NDI now supports output
• Overall better visual quality and improved playback performance

Audio Engine

The audio engine has been rebuilt from scratch, with new possibilities and new architecture. This increases the flexibility of the utilizing audio in show design, for better multisensory experiences for the audience.

• Dante ready
• Improved playback performance and sync
• New audio bus concept (as mixer devices) can be routed to different outputs
• Multiple audio devices are allowed on the same server

Synchronization Engine

In WATCHOUT version 7, time-sync is done through NTP (Network Time Protocol), with less than 2 milliseconds delay on local networks.

Additional improvements:

• Less network usage
• Allows sync across wireless networks such as WiFi, 3G, 4G, and 5G
• External app for LTC inputs
• Multiple timelines can sync with multiple LTCs

Free Producer Version

In WATCHOUT version 7, you can create, edit and run a show from the Producer (production interface) without a license key. Shows created without a license key have access to a limited suite of codecs (stills and HAP video).

With a version 7 license key running on the Producer, you gain more features such as high-end codecs, for example NotchLC and H-265, and full access to the collaboration features in the Asset Manager.

Note: You'll need a version 7 license key/s for your media server/display computer regardless.