Can I rent PLAYDECK for a single project or just one month?

Yes, absolutely. In addition to our perpetual licenses, we offer highly flexible rental models. You can easily rent PLAYDECK for a short-term project or for exactly one month—ideal for temporary events, festivals, trade shows, or private functions.

Is PLAYDECK suitable as a reliable video player for corporate or private events?

Yes, PLAYDECK is engineered for rock-solid, glitch-free operation. Unlike standard Windows media players, our software guarantees that the Windows desktop never flashes, taskbars remain hidden, and videos or playlists transition seamlessly without any technical lag.

Does the software support automatic slideshows and seamless video loops?

Yes. You can effortlessly mix image and video playlists, set up seamless loops for exhibition booths or museums, and define precise start times. PLAYDECK handles all common formats and ensures a professional workflow without manual intervention.

Stream Inputs - PLAYDECK

PLAYDECK can take live network streams in two ways:

Permanent Stream Input — configured under Settings → Inputs. The stream stays connected in the background (like a camera or NDI input) and you cut to it from the playlist when you need it.
Playlist Stream clip — a one-off URL dropped onto the playlist. PLAYDECK connects when that clip is scanned / played.

For live cams, YouTube Live, and anything you cut to often, use a permanent Stream Input. For a single ad-hoc SRT/RTMP/HLS URL, a playlist stream clip is fine.

In this article:
→ Permanent Stream Input (Settings)
→ Use a Stream Input in the playlist
→ Insert a stream URL directly into the playlist
→ YouTube and website videos

Permanent Stream Input (Settings)

Open Settings → Inputs and select an Input slot (1–12).

Under Stream Input:

Paste the stream URL (SRT, RTMP, UDP, HLS .m3u8, YouTube Live / VOD URL, …).
Enable the URL checkbox next to Stream Input. That starts the permanent connection.
Leave it on. The input stays warm while PLAYDECK runs (same idea as Device / NDI / Display inputs — only one source type per Input slot).

Notes:

Turn URL off to stop the permanent stream.
You cannot combine Stream Input with Device / NDI / Display / Channel on the same Input at the same time.
If the feeder is offline, the input may show no signal until the remote stream is back — reconnect behavior follows your usual input monitoring.
Recording / outbound stream: set the source to this Input (not a Playlist Stream clip) so the permanent ingest stays warm without dedicating a playlist channel.

Use a Stream Input in the playlist

Once the permanent Stream Input is running:

Drag the LIVE INPUT control onto the playlist (or use the Live Input menu).
Choose the Input number you configured (e.g. Input 3).
Play / schedule that row like any other live input — ideal for short cuts to a cam that is already connected.

This is the path for “cut to this live cam for 30 seconds a few times a day” without reconnecting the URL every time.

Insert a stream URL directly into the playlist

For a one-shot stream (no permanent Input):

Drag the STREAM icon onto the playlist.
Enter the stream URL in the popup (SRT, RTMP, UDP, HLS, …).
PLAYDECK scans the stream. White = connected, red = not reachable.
Right-click → Change URL if you need to fix a typo.

You can also drag-drop some URLs from the browser onto the playlist when PLAYDECK recognizes them.

YouTube and website videos

YouTube (playlist clip): drag the YouTube URL onto the playlist, or use the STREAM icon. Details: YouTube.
YouTube as permanent Input: put the same URL under Settings → Inputs → Stream Input (URL on), then cut via LIVE INPUT as above — better for Live streams that must stay ready.
Website / Twitch-style pages: some sites work via the STREAM icon or drag-drop. Use Show Help in the dialog for supported sites. A plain HTML player page (no direct media URL) will not play — you need a real stream URL (e.g. .m3u8).