Free and open-source software we use on shows, where each manufacturer keeps its manuals and firmware, and the online tools that earn a bookmark. Every link was checked on 9 November 2026 and goes to the maker's own site.
Free software for live production
Switching, streaming and control
- OBS Studio Free, open source
Switching and streaming for small shows, and a quick test encoder. - Bitfocus Companion Free, open source
Turns a Stream Deck into a control panel for switchers, recorders, PTZs and more. - NDI Tools Free
Studio Monitor, Test Patterns, Screen Capture and the bridge tools for NDI networks. - CasparCG Free, open source
Graphics and video playout server used by broadcasters.
Running the show
- Ontime Free, open source
Rundown and stage timer on any browser in the venue. - Stagetimer Free tier, paid plans
Remote-controlled countdown timers and messages to the stage. - QPrompt Free, open source
Teleprompter that runs on a laptop with a second screen.
Checking and converting media
- MediaInfo Free, open source
What a file really is: codec, frame rate, bit depth, audio tracks. Run it on every client video. - Shutter Encoder Free
Converts anything to anything, with sensible presets for playback. - HandBrake Free, open source
Quick H.264 and H.265 encodes for laptops and screens. - LosslessCut Free, open source
Trims a recording without re-encoding it. - FFmpeg Free, open source
The command-line engine behind most of the above. - VLC Free, open source
Plays files and streams the client's laptop refuses to. - DaVinci Resolve Free version, paid Studio
Editing and colour for same-day edits.
Audio
- Dante Controller Free
Routes and monitors a Dante network. - Shure Wireless Workbench Free
Frequency coordination and monitoring for radio mics and IEMs. - Room EQ Wizard Free
Room and PA measurement with a measurement mic. - Audacity Free, open source
Quick edits, checks and recordings.
Networks and drawings
- Wireshark Free, open source
What is really on the network when NDI or Dante misbehaves. - draw.io Free
Signal flow and floor plans that the client can open. - easyschematic Free
AV signal flow and rack diagrams in the browser.
Manuals and firmware
Download the manual and the current firmware notes before the show, not on the venue Wi-Fi. Check the version on the kit you are hiring against the release notes.
Vision and switching
- Barco Event Master (E2, S3)
Event Master Toolset with version history - Analog Way
Firmware, software and documents - Blackmagic Design
ATEM, HyperDeck, Videohub and converters - Ross Video Carbonite
Software, documents and simulator
Cameras
- Panasonic Pro-AV software
PTZ camera software and firmware - Canon PTZ firmware
Firmware by model
LED and projection
- Brompton Technology
Tessera software and fixture packs - ROE Visual
Support and download centre - Christie
Manuals and firmware by product - Epson projectors
Manuals, software and CAD - Panasonic projectors
Manuals, command lists and throw calculator
Audio and comms
- Allen & Heath
Firmware, software and user guides - Yamaha Pro Audio
Firmware and editors - DiGiCo
Console software and offline editors - Sennheiser
Downloads and instructions - Riedel
Bolero and Artist firmware and software
Streaming and IP
Online tools
- Cloudflare speed test
Upload, latency, jitter and packet loss. Better than a headline speed for judging a venue line. - TestUFO
Motion tests for screens and refresh rates. - White screen
A full-screen colour on any device, for a quick panel check. - time.is
An accurate clock for syncing countdowns and comms. - AV Tools Pro
A set of free AV and IT calculators. - Stagerack
Rack and system design in the browser (paid).
And ours: the LED wall, screen and projector, camera lens, power and recording storage calculators, and the test pattern generator.
Rather we did the paperwork?
Send the client brief and floorplan to Production Office and get back the kit list, signal flow, crew plan and schedule, checked by a broadcast engineer, with nothing of ours on it.