Basic hardware setup
A basic Reeltime system allows you to monitor live video, create recordings, and display outputs. The simplest setup can be used for evaluation without dedicated video I/O hardware or for small on-set configurations using a single video I/O device.
This article describes two supported setups that allow you to start working with Reeltime quickly.
Minimal setup without video I/O hardware#
Reeltime can be evaluated using webcams as video inputs. This setup is suitable for testing, training, and learning basic workflows.
If possible, configure two webcam inputs to test group recording and playback.
Configuring webcam inputs#
Within the slot manager (Reeltime Pro/Reeltime Lite > Slot Manager…), you can associate an input video source, such as a webcam, with an input slot:
- Open the Slot Manager and switch to the Input tab.
- Select an input slot (for example Slot A).
- Choose a webcam under Device, for example, the internal “FaceTime HD Camera” of your MacBook.
- Repeat the steps for a second input slot if available.
The live signals appear in the input slots as soon as the devices are configured.
Slot manager with configured webcam inputs
Optional: local streaming outputs#
Even without video I/O hardware, output slots can be configured as local streams.
- Open the Slot Manager and switch to the Output tab.
- Select an output slot (for example Out 1).
- Choose Local Stream as the output device.
By default, input slots are assigned as sources for the output slots. The source can be changed in the slot settings of the selected output slot.
Setting the source of an output slot in the slot settings
To view local streams on an iPhone or iPad, install the Reeltime Viewer app:
- Install the free Reeltime Viewer companion app from the App Store by scanning the QR code in the local streaming settings (Reeltime Pro > Settings… > Local Streaming)
- To access the local streams on your iPhone or iPad, you must enter the password, which you can view in Reeltime Pro’s local streaming settings
Read more about receiving local streams with the Reeltime Viewer companion app for iPhones and iPads under Getting Started With Reeltime Viewer.
Basic on-set setup with one video I/O device#
A typical small on-set setup uses a single video I/O device with one or two camera inputs and one or two SDI outputs, such as an AJA Io X3.
Alternatively, you can use separate devices for input and output, for example a Blackmagic UltraStudio Recorder 3G for capture and an UltraStudio Monitor 3G for output.
Configuring input slots#
Within the Slot Manager (Reeltime Pro/Reeltime Lite > Slot Manager…), you can assign the ports of your video I/O device to input and output slots.
- Connect the video I/O device to your Mac
- Open the Slot Manager and switch to the Input tab.
- Select an input slot.
- Choose the desired video input port under Device.
Slot manager with SDI device configuration for an input slot
The incoming signal automatically determines the video format of the device.
For correct metadata handling and record triggering, set the appropriate camera type and record trigger method.
Configuring output slots#
- Open the Slot Manager and switch to the Output tab.
- Select an output slot.
- Choose the desired video output port under Device.
The video format of outgoing signals usually derives from the input and may not be editable. However, with some devices, the output’s video format can be set manually.
By default, input slots are assigned as sources for the output slots. The source can be changed in the slot settings.
Optional: quick audio setup#
If you want to include audio in your recordings, you can configure multiple audio inputs and mix them down into one main audio track, which is then included in your video recordings:
- Connect an audio interface or use embedded SDI audio via the audio devices provided via AJA and Blackmagic drivers.
- Open the Audio Settings.
- Enable one or more audio inputs.
An output device can be selected for monitoring. The audio source can either follow the current slot selection or remain pinned to a specific slot.
The audio meters in the toolbar visualize the active audio in green (for playback), blue (for live monitoring), and grey (if the audio is muted).
Learn more about working with the main audio in the article Main Audio for Recording and Playback.
Read how to set up audio devices in the article Setting Up Audio I/O Interfaces.
Optional: Stream Deck controller integration#
For faster and more efficient operation, Reeltime can be controlled using a Stream Deck controller. This allows you to operate the application without relying on a mouse and keyboard and significantly speeds up repeated actions.
To get started, install the Reeltime plugin via the menu item Reeltime Pro / Reeltime Lite > Install Stream Deck Plugin….
Pre-configured profiles are available for most Stream Deck devices, allowing you to start immediately. Alternatively, you can create custom profiles tailored to your specific workflow.
Learn more about setting up and using Stream Deck controllers in the dedicated article Setting up Stream Deck controllers.
Next steps#
After completing the basic setup, continue with: