Three nodes working together
The Server Node manages your video library, generates thumbnails, and synchronizes state between all connected nodes. It handles file management and WebSocket communication.
The browser-based control interface where you select videos, trigger clips, and control the mix. It sends commands to the Server Node but doesn't do heavy processing.
The Output Node performs all video decoding, compositing, and effects rendering in real-time using WebGL. This is where the heavy lifting happens.
Tip: Run the Output Node on your most powerful machine with a dedicated graphics card. The Server Node and Controller Nodes can run on any device, including tablets and phones for remote control.
Get started in minutes
Drop video files into the videos folder or upload through the interface. GRID automatically generates thumbnails.
Click on any video to load it into one of the 8 channels. Assign channels to Bank A or Bank B.
Use the crossfader to blend between banks. Open the Output Node for your projector or capture device.
Get the best results from GRID
For best performance, run the Server Node and Output Node on the same machine. Videos are streamed over HTTP from the Server Node to the Output Node, so localhost connections are instant with no bandwidth limits.
Controller Nodes only send small WebSocket messages, not video data. Controller Nodes can run on any device on your network - tablets, phones, or laptops.
If you need the Output Node on a dedicated media PC, use Gigabit Ethernet minimum (10GbE for 4K). Keep Server Node and Output Node on the same local network, avoid WiFi.
The Output Node does all video decoding and WebGL compositing. A dedicated GPU makes the biggest difference for smooth 60fps playback.
Use H.264 codec for best browser compatibility. Match your output resolution - 1080p videos for 1080p output. Consider ProRes for highest quality on macOS.
Chrome generally provides the best WebGL performance and video decoding. Enable hardware acceleration in browser settings for optimal results.
Run multiple Output Nodes for backup displays. The first Output Node becomes "master" and handles previews/stats; secondaries just render. Change master in Settings if needed.