Security & Reliability — ShowPrompt
Security & Reliability

Built to work.
Even when things go wrong.

ShowPrompt is designed for production environments where reliability isn't optional. Here's how it's built, and what we recommend for every show.

0
Cloud roundtrips during a show
100%
Local-network operation
0
Accounts required to start
<100ms
Cue-to-screen on a LAN
Design principles

Why ShowPrompt is reliable for live shows

Every technical decision was made with one question in mind: will this hold up during a live show?

No cloud during shows

ShowPrompt runs entirely on your local network. It does not rely on cloud servers, CDNs or third-party services during live operation. An internet outage will not affect your display screens.

Minimal system footprint

ShowPrompt is lightweight. It does not compete with your audio or broadcast software for CPU and memory. Designed to run quietly in the background while your show runs in front.

Displays need no software

Your output screens — TVs, tablets, monitors — connect via a browser URL. Nothing installed, nothing to update, no per-device licence to manage.

No forced logins during shows

Free users need no account at all. Paid users activate with a licence key. Once activated, ShowPrompt does not require you to be logged in to any service during your show.

WebSocket updates, not polling

ShowPrompt uses WebSocket connections for near-instant updates between controller and display screens. Cue changes push immediately — there is no polling delay.

You own your setup

ShowPrompt runs on your hardware. Your show data stays on your machine. We don't store your running orders, cue lists or show notes in the cloud.

Best practice

Recommended show setup

ShowPrompt is reliable — but every show deserves a proper pre-show check. These apply to any production software.

Show laptop

  • Use a dedicated show laptop where possible — not your everyday machine.
  • Close unnecessary applications before your show starts.
  • Disable automatic OS updates during show days.
  • Plug in to mains power — don't run on battery during shows.
  • Test ShowPrompt on the laptop before bringing it to a venue.

Network

  • Use a dedicated WiFi network or hotspot for show devices where possible.
  • Wired Ethernet is more reliable than WiFi for fixed display screens.
  • Test all display connections before doors open or talent arrives.
  • Know your fallback plan if a display device drops off the network.
  • If using venue WiFi, confirm it allows device-to-device communication.

Display devices

  • Put display screens into full-screen mode before your show.
  • Disable screen sleep and screensavers on display devices.
  • Test brightness at the venue — what looks fine on screen looks different on stage.
  • Keep a spare display device for critical screens (talent monitors, stage timer).

Pre-show checks

  • Load ShowPrompt at least 30 minutes before your show — not on the night.
  • Connect and confirm every display screen before rehearsal.
  • Walk the room and verify every output looks correct from the viewing position.
  • Run a full timer and cue test before talent or crew are in position.
  • Have a show-day contacts list ready in case something needs escalating.
Honest positioning

What ShowPrompt is — and isn't

ShowPrompt is designed for local production environments where internet reliability cannot always be guaranteed. By running cue and confidence-monitor displays across a local network, it reduces cloud dependency during live operation.

It is not a full broadcast automation system, a lighting control platform, or an enterprise show-control solution. It is a focused, affordable tool for getting cues, timers, prompts and production information onto screens — reliably, quickly, and without a complex setup.

Like any software, ShowPrompt should be tested before every show. We do not recommend using any new software in a live production environment without a rehearsal or pre-show test. If you have questions about whether ShowPrompt is right for your setup, contact us or book a demo.

Questions about your specific setup?

Book a demo and we'll walk you through ShowPrompt in the context of your venue or production.

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