ShowMotion
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REAL-TIME MEDIA PLATFORM

Control.
Connect. Play.
Everything.

SHOWMOTION is a next-generation real-time media server, switcher and control platform built for live production, broadcast and immersive installations for APPLE SILICON Systems. Switcher Mode delivers a real hardware-style PGM/PVW workflow with confident live operation.

  • • Ultra-low latency Metal render engine
  • • Switcher Mode with real hardware-style PGM/PVW operation
  • • Multi-screen output and advanced mapping
  • • Real-time timeline and cue system
  • • MTC/LTC/ARTNET Timecode Generator and Receiver
  • • Network-based workflows (NDI, Syphon, Showmotion Display Link Protocol, Airplay)
  • • Remote and collaborative control
Download Explore Engine
ShowMotion running on a laptop
ShowMotion logo ShowMotion Satellite logo ShowMotion Display Link logo

PRODUCT LINE

One platform. Three production roles.

CORE SYSTEM

SHOWMOTION PRO

  • Central Media Server and Switcher
  • Engine-first architecture: Rust / Metal core with a browser-based Web UI for remote control and collaboration
  • The Web UI controls and monitors the engine; final image quality is generated by real output windows, displays, or output devices
  • Multimedia Playback: Movies, Stills, PDFs, ISF, Timer, Timelines
  • Physical Inputs: Blackmagic, AJA, Cameras
  • Stream Inputs: NDI, Syphon, Showmotion Display Link Protocol, Airplay
  • Physical Outputs: HDMI / Displayport / USBC / BLACKMAGIC / AJA (Multi-Monitor and Advanced Mapping)
  • Stream Outputs: Showmotion Display Link Protocol / NDI / Syphon
  • Future ST 2110 / IPMX input and output support
  • Other: Online Streams and direct Recording
  • Remote Control: Web Browser + Bitfocus Companion + API

CAPTURE NODE

SHOWMOTION DISPLAY LINK

  • Generates Virtual Monitors (2 Screens)
  • Desktop Capture
  • Streams via Showmotion Display Link Protocol
  • Showmotion Display Link Protocol low bandwith up to 8192x2160 resolution in less than 100mbit (H265)
  • Showmotion Display Link Protocol high bandwith up to 16384x4320 resolution in RGBA up to 10 gbit
  • Showmotion Display Link Protocol encode/decode latency: about 7 ms end to end
  • Typical glass-to-glass latency: around 40 ms at 4K@60p and 22 ms at 4K@120p
  • Feeds directly into Showmotion Pro

PLAYBACK NODE

SHOWMOTION SATELLITE

  • Platforms: macOS, iOS, Apple TV, Android
  • Receives Showmotion Display Link Protocol streams
  • Automatic Bonjour (DNS-SD) discovery: every Showmotion Satellite appears in the Core app as an output
  • No IP entry or complex network setup required
  • Used for distributed playback and monitoring
  • Includes Virtual Camera functionality

Switcher Workflow

Run screens live with hardware-style confidence.

ShowMotion Switcher delivers full PGM/PVW screen management with unlimited layers and screens in a layout operators already know from presentation switchers. Load and combine media, PDF presenter pages, AirPlay layers, live inputs, ISF generators, and external sources in real time with immediate visual feedback.

ShowMotion switcher with PGM and PVW screen workflow
01

Manage full PGM/PVW routing per screen with live layer control and independent screen contexts.

02

Play movies, stills, PDFs, timers, AirPlay feeds, ISF content, and live camera/network sources directly inside the switcher.

03

Execute reliable CUT, TAKE, and FADE transitions while keeping foreground and background elements synchronized across outputs.

04

Load smart presets into PVW or PGM with stored fade behavior for fast recall in high-pressure show moments.

05

Scale from single-screen confidence monitoring to multi-screen stage operation with one unified operator surface.

Timeline Workflow

Edit like post. Run like live.

ShowMotion includes a full timeline editor with a familiar workflow inspired by Final Cut Pro, Adobe, and DaVinci Resolve. Every parameter supports real-time curve editing, with no render pass and no export step. Timelines run directly inside switcher as live sources, so one timeline can drive a complete show from walk-ons to walk-offs.

ShowMotion timeline with cues, layered clips, and curve editing
01

Build and refine sequences with real-time clip editing and curve control on every value.

02

Use the smart cue system to play between cues, hold on cues, or loop between cues with predictable timing.

03

Fire a full show from timecode or Bitfocus Companion while background loops stay seamless and foreground PDF or external PiP sources stay live.

04

Timelines can combine every media type and live source, including movies, stills, PDFs, ISF content, timers, and external video or network inputs.

05

Timelines are stored in the integrated file management system and can be shared between ShowMotion installations for fast, repeatable show deployment.

Output & Mapping Workflow

Build destination canvases with precise region control.

Configure physical and network outputs in one workflow, then map source regions to destination canvases with pixel-level control. ShowMotion supports complex multi-screen layouts with independent crop, scale, placement, and per-output routing behavior.

ShowMotion output mapping editor with destination canvas regions
01

Add outputs across DisplayPort, HDMI, Blackmagic, AJA, NDI, Syphon, and Showmotion Display Link Protocol targets.

02

Define source-to-destination regions in the visual editor to build custom canvases for LED walls, DSMs, and preview feeds.

03

Tune crop, scale, and placement per output path without compromising the central switcher workflow.

04

Route PGM, PVW, multiview, or dedicated screen busses to each destination according to show needs.

05

Save output setups as repeatable configurations for quick deployment across venues and installations.

Operator Control Workflow

Coordinate operators in one shared control surface.

Run live with browser-based control clients, Bitfocus Companion integration, and API access in parallel. Operators can manage switcher, timeline, and output behavior simultaneously while maintaining a clear live-state view.

ShowMotion operator view with layer control and live switcher state Bitfocus Companion Stream Deck layout for ShowMotion cues, transitions, and timer control ShowMotion preset list with cue-based recall and multi-screen preset entries
01

Assign dedicated operator clients for switcher actions, timeline execution, and monitoring tasks.

02

Keep live state synchronized across clients so PVW/PGM context and transition intent remain clear for every operator.

03

Trigger cues, transitions, and preset recalls from Bitfocus Companion with immediate visual confirmation.

04

Integrate external tooling through API and telemetry for custom dashboards, automation, and show control bridges.

05

Scale from one operator to multi-user teams without splitting the production workflow across disconnected tools.

Ingest Workflow

Bring every source into ShowMotion with minimal setup.

Ingest laptops, cameras, capture hardware, and network streams in a single source pipeline. From Showmotion Display Link Protocol virtual displays to AirPlay, NDI, and Syphon inputs, sources are immediately available for switcher and timeline use.

ShowMotion live source ingest view with cameras, AirPlay, and capture devices Showmotion Display Link quick menu with stream profile and output options Showmotion Display Link setup dialog with resolution, FPS, and profile controls Source discovery panel listing Showmotion Display Link, NDI, and Syphon sources
01

Connect physical ingest paths from Blackmagic, AJA, and camera sources for low-latency acquisition.

02

Add laptop presentation feeds through Showmotion Display Link Protocol virtual monitor capture.

03

Receive network sources through NDI, Syphon, and dual AirPlay receivers for side-by-side presenter workflows.

04

Monitor source status in one ingest panel and prepare sources before taking them live.

05

Route ingested signals directly into switcher layers, timeline clips, multiview outputs, and recording paths.

Interactive Ecosystem

Connected Production Ecosystem

Explore how inputs, the ShowMotion engine and outputs connect together in a single unified workflow with always-on signal flow visibility.

CORE CAPABILITIES

Built for live reliability and technical depth.

Ultra-Low Latency Render

Pure Metal pipeline with zero-copy decode paths for responsive playback and seamless transitions.

Advanced Effects Stack

HSB, chroma key, black/white key, mirror, borders, shadows, MetalFX upscale, and frame blending.

Control + Telemetry APIs

TCP JSON IPC, WebSocket events, FPS/frame-time telemetry, and runtime output control for custom tooling.

Switcher

The switcher runtime supports unlimited screen busses with full PVW/PGM operation and dependable CUT, TAKE, and FADE transitions for live execution.

Multi-Output Routing

Display, DeckLink, AJA, NDI, Syphon, and Showmotion Display Link Protocol outputs with configurable regions, crop, scale, and placement.

Native AirPlay Receiver

Two integrated AirPlay receivers allow two simultaneous AirPlay streams, so presenters can join and run side by side with independent control in ShowMotion.

Playback System

Playback stays frame-accurate with seamless loops across ProRes and H264/H265 sources, while container clips keep timeline loops independent and stable.

Rendering

Integrated Metal effects for color, keying, and utility FX run in a GPU-native compositor with unlimited layers per screen for dense, responsive scene construction.

HDR / SDR / 10-Bit Pipeline

Unified HDR, SDR, and 10-bit render pipeline across playback, real-time compositing, and streaming outputs for consistent color fidelity from source to destination.

Realtime Timeline System

Edit timelines live with curve editing on every parameter, drop timelines directly into the switcher as sources, and run shows with a smart cue system plus timecode-driven playback.

Video Engine

ProRes, H264, and H265 playback runs through Apple Media Engine for near-zero decode overhead, with headroom for up to eight simultaneous 8K ProRes 444 streams.

Presentation + Companion

Integrated Timer and PDF Presenter are built directly into ShowMotion, with a fully dynamic Bitfocus COMPANION plugin for live control, feedback, and fast operator workflows.

Smart Preset System

In switcher mode, smart presets can be loaded directly into PVW or PGM with stored fade transitions, and each preset can target either single-screen outputs or coordinated multi-screen layouts.

Scalable Apple Silicon Performance

ShowMotion runs across the full Apple Silicon Mac range, from MacBook-class systems to M3 Ultra machines. Performance scales directly with host hardware while fully utilizing the Apple silicon SoC and Media Engine for decode, playback, and render.

ISF and TouchDesigner

Use Interactive Shader Format (ISF) shaders or TouchDesigner TOX as effects or generators, then manipulate them in real time with the animation tool in Switcher mode or with curve editing in the Timeline Editor. TOX files require an installed TouchDesigner Pro license. TouchDesigner can be ordered at www.derivative.ca.

DOWNLOAD

Download the ShowMotion Pro public beta demo.

Try the public beta demo and explore the current ShowMotion Pro workflow.

System Requirements:
  • macOS Sequoia or later
  • Apple Silicon only
Download ShowMotion Pro

Release Notes

V1.03

ShowMotion Pro V1.03 expands the public beta with stronger professional live I/O workflows, faster local previews, and a more robust foundation for distributed production setups.

Highlights:
  • SRT streaming support for inputs and outputs
  • New ShowMotion redundancy system with media sync and main-to-backup mirroring
  • NVIDIA Bridge prototype for upcoming native NVIDIA card outputs; not user-ready yet without a signed driver stack
  • GUI preview performance updates with native texture handling
  • Improved output mapping, grid/timeline workflows, thumbnail handling, and startup readiness
V1.02

The next major Showmotion update is on its way, bringing a more powerful technical foundation, greater flexibility for complex shows, and a significantly improved user experience.

At the center of this update is a new timeline system with function cues. These allow you to trigger timelines, send network commands, recall screen presets, pause, jump, use markers, wait, control timing, create loops, and much more. The Companion plugin has also been updated to support the new timeline workflow.

The user interface has been enhanced as well. With the new Electron UI, Showmotion becomes clearer, faster, and more comfortable to use in daily production work.

Under the hood, the render system has received a major upgrade. On an M4 Max, Showmotion can now handle up to 16 x 8K @ 60p RGBA videos. Timelines and grids can also now be output directly, opening up new workflows for playback, mapping, and multi-screen setups.

Additional Highlights:
  • Expanded video codec support
  • Improved pacing for PTP sync and other clock sources
  • Open Media Transport Protocol input and output
  • Updated Companion plugin for the new timeline system
  • New Generator: Electronic Control. ArtNet, HTTP, UDP, TCP, Companion, and other electronic devices can be controlled directly from Showmotion
  • Introduction of the new SMFX plugin system for generators, effects, and later system plugins
  • SDK for custom extensions
  • Cooperation with Plugin Fabric: a node editor powered by a fully Metal-based 3D engine

This update is a major step toward more open, scalable, and powerful show and media server workflows on macOS.

V1.01
Bugfixes:
  • Performance fixes, especially in unlicensed mode
  • Render pipeline improvement for better FPS pacing on mixed Display/Output FPS
  • Faster and non-blocking thumbnail creation for Apple codecs

Q&A

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common setup and workflow questions.

Why ShowMotion when there are already many media servers, video players, and software tools?

ShowMotion grew out of more than 20 years of real stage and live production experience. We have used tools such as Resolume, Millumin, and WATCHOUT, often alongside Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, and additional hardware just to get the right image onto multiple screens. ShowMotion brings playout, switching, timelines, routing, mapping, and control into one system, while still fitting comfortably into existing workflows as a dedicated playout engine when that is all a production needs.

Does ShowMotion support capture devices?

Yes. ShowMotion supports HID capture devices, as well as Blackmagic and AJA cards. ST 2110 and IPMX input/output support is planned for the near future, with the Macnica MEP100 expected to be the first supported card.

Why do my previews, videos, or camera feeds in the web UI sometimes look lower quality or glitchy?

ShowMotion uses a browser-based interface so several operators can work remotely and collaboratively. The images you see in the web UI are monitoring previews encoded and streamed from the main engine; they are not the final render output. Depending on browser, network, and system load, these previews can look softer, show compression artifacts, or feel less stable than the real output. To judge the original quality, open the Output menu, add an output to the relevant screen, and select your target display in the following dialog.

How can I connect to a ShowMotion server in a web browser?

Use the IP address of the server Mac and add port 3000 in your browser. Example: http://192.168.0.11:3000

Can I drag media from Finder directly onto the canvas?

No. ShowMotion is designed for remote browser clients, so local Finder drag and drop into the canvas is not supported. To add media, use the Upload tool in the Storage Manager or copy files on the ShowMotion Engine server to USER/Documents/ShowMotion/Media.

CONTACT

Start a ShowMotion conversation.

Tell us what you want to build, test or license. We will reply with a practical next step for demos, production workflows or ShowMotion Pro licensing.

Address eLed Tech GmbH, Marzahner Str. 21F, 13053 Berlin, Germany Email info@eled.de Phone +49 176 99582348