WATCHOUT 7: prepare a show and transfer its assets

Version and machine roles

This preparation uses the WATCHOUT 7.8.2 manual, generated July 2026. Dataton’s release notes identify 7.8.4, dated September 7, 2026. Record the installed version per node and compare differences; avoid mixing WATCHOUT 6 procedures.

In the WATCHOUT 7 architecture, Producer is for design, Director maintains show state, Asset Manager prepares and distributes assets, and Runner plays them on an output node. Record each role’s location, Windows version, GPU, driver, storage and required licensing.

Prepare content and destination mapping

Proposal: panoramic content across three areas. Record each area’s resolution, aspect ratio, content region, node, connector and receiver. Identify cues sharing the file and backgrounds required during a pause.

Preparation path: approved file → optimized asset → cue and design region → Runner and output → physical display. Canvas position does not confirm the received format or synchronization between nodes; those checks require the actual system.

Identify the show and asset package separately

In Import and Export, Transfer Assets offers Export or Export All; the asset package differs from the show file. Preserve both with an inventory. An asset that failed optimization may appear in the package database without its media being copied.

Before rehearsal, verify import and availability per node. Download to Runners allows advance transfers; check progress and errors per Runner. Schedule transfers outside the program and preserve source files.

Three checks before rehearsal

The show opens but content is missing? Compare the asset, optimization state, exported package and receiving Asset Manager. Do not rename references to hide missing content.

Does an area show the wrong crop? Compare the design region, file, assigned output and receiver. Test a labeled pattern per area followed by approved content.

Transfer complete, but playback unverified? Rehearse starting, cue changes, a demanding section and the ending at every destination. Record transfer state separately from observed playback.

Proposed scenario: hand over and check the show

Hand over show version, asset package, node and destination list, cue map, audio path and revision record. On the receiving system, open the copy, check references and observe every display. Include pause and resumption with the planned calls.

If hardware or version changes, prepare a comparison before replacing the operational project. Confirm licensing with Dataton for the roles used; multiple machines alone do not establish license quantities or automatic continuity.

Official sources

Release 7.8.4 · 7.8.2 architecture · Import and Export · Asset Transfer. Consulted October 23, 2026. Use this proposed scenario to prepare checks on the receiving system.