Frequently Asked Questions
What is SPX Graphics?🔗
SPX Graphics is a suite of HTML5 based graphics software, workflows and services for real-time graphics playout in live events, live broadcasts, streaming and other live productions.
Is SPX Graphics cloud-based?🔗
It is "browser based", but not necessarily "cloud based".
The backbone of the SPX Graphics system is the SPX Server software for all major operating systems; Windows, Mac, Linux as well as Docker containers. Server can run locally on-premise without an internet connection or it can be deployed in the cloud for remote production workflows also known as cloud graphics.
All SPX Graphics user interfaces are browser based and graphic templates are HTML5 based and rendering and playout is done using a browser.
Is it free or commercial?🔗
Yes.
SPX Graphics started out as a free, open-source project, but it has since evolved into a collection of software products with additional features and support options.
SPX Solo comes in two flavours: the source code is freely available on GitHub for those comfortable installing a Node.js server and using Git, and a precompiled version is available for a very low perpetual license.
SPX Production, SPX Playout and SPX Broadcast are commercial products with additional features and professional support options, up to 24/7 SLA. See the software page for details and pricing.
Who is SPX Graphics for?🔗
SPX Graphics is built for professional production teams: tier-1 and tier-2 broadcasters, production houses and venues whose graphics are carefully designed, prepared in advance and often integrated with newsroom, automation and playout systems.
For individual content creators, SPX Solo is intended for those who are interested in realtime graphics and comfortable editing templates.
Not sure where you fit? Take the "Is SPX for me?" check.
Does SPX have a graphics creation tool?🔗
We don't need one.
HTML is worlds most widely used file format and there are already many great tools, libraries and frameworks for creating browser based graphics. There is an ever growing alternatives for graphics creation, from simple HTML editors to complex visual design tools.
See our blog post for more information and some recommendations on graphics creation tools.
What is OGraf? Should I care?🔗
OGraf is an open HTML graphics file format specification by EBU - the European Broadcasting Union.
The main purpose of OGraf is to provide a standardized way to create and share HTML5 graphics across multiple platforms and applications provided by different vendors. It defines a set of rules and guidelines for creating compliant HTML5 graphics.
SPX Graphics is a founding member of the OGraf initiative and we already have a full support for OGraf files in all our products and workflows. We believe that OGraf will help to drive innovation and collaboration in the live graphics industry, and we encourage all of our users to learn more about it and consider adopting it for their own projects.
And yes, you should care. A lot of broadcasters are switching to HTML5 graphics and OGraf is becoming the standard for HTML5 graphics in broadcast industry.
MOS support?🔗
Yes.
SPX Broadcast supports newsroom workflows and integration with NRCS (Newsroom Computer Systems) both using API and MOS protocol via our dedicated MOS Gateway, Object Database and Template Filler plugins. There is also an NLE workflow for using HTML5 graphics in post production workflows.
Manual playout? Automated playout?🔗
Yes.
SPX Graphics supports both manual and automated playout workflows. You can trigger graphics manually using our user interfaces or you can automate the playout using our APIs, MOS protocol or by integrating with third party automation systems.
Is SPX suitable for YouTubers, Twitch streamers and podcasters?🔗
SPX is built for professional production teams. For individual creators, SPX Solo suits those who are into realtime graphics and comfortable editing templates.
Not sure yet? Take the 45-second "Is SPX for me?" check.
Is SPX a good choice for simple graphics, like a logo and the odd name title?🔗
SPX pays off when graphics are designed and prepared with care. For a logo and the odd name title it is more tool than you need. The built-in titler in vMix or OBS will do the job.
Not sure yet? Take the 45-second "Is SPX for me?" check.
Can one person run SPX live without much preparation?🔗
SPX rewards preparation: templates, rundowns and data are set up before the show. If you plan to improvise live, the SPX Graphics Controller is still quick to operate without much preparation.
Not sure yet? Take the 45-second "Is SPX for me?" check.
Can I use SPX without any hardware of my own?🔗
SPX Cloud exists for remote workflows, but virtualized instances may have less performance and higher latency compared to on-premise setups.
Not sure yet? Take the 45-second "Is SPX for me?" check.
Can SPX mix video?🔗
SPX itself does not process video. A host application such as CasparCG, Analog Way Picturall, vMix or OBS mixes the video on the same hardware, with SPX graphics on top, and SPX can control the host application, for example DVE effects and clip playback.
Not sure yet? Take the 45-second "Is SPX for me?" check.
Which SPX product should I choose?🔗
- SPX Solo: Affordable single-operator graphics controller for live streaming, working with OBS, vMix and Stream Deck. The open-source version is free for those who can self-host it (Node.js and Git).
- SPX Production: Graphics Control software for live productions, events, outdoor broadcasting and live studio productions.
- SPX Playout: Cost effective SPX Server for 24/7 playout with 20 layers, transition logic, a single output, built-in redundancy, playout integration and up to 24/7 SLA support.
- SPX Broadcast: Enterprise broadcast solution for automated graphics playout with ServerAPI, TCP interfaces and optional MOS newsroom integrations, studio automation, playout integration, and up to 24/7 SLA support.
- SPX Cloud: Cloud-hosted version of SPX Graphics for remote production workflows.
Not sure yet? Take the 45-second "Is SPX for me?" check.