Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Central Control VS Bitfocus Companion

Compare Central Control VS Bitfocus Companion and see what are their differences

Central Control logo Central Control

Take control of your show. Plug in controllers from supported partners, then map controls to supported video switchers, media servers and audio mixers. With Central Control, one operator can take control of every aspect of a production.

Bitfocus Companion logo Bitfocus Companion

Bitfocus Companion enables the reasonably priced Elgato Streamdeck to be a professional shotbox surface for an increasing amount of different presentation switchers, video playback software and broadcast equipment.
  • Central Control Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-13
  • Bitfocus Companion Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-13

Central Control features and specs

No features have been listed yet.

Bitfocus Companion features and specs

  • Comprehensive Platform
    Bitfocus Companion provides a robust platform for integrating and controlling multiple devices and applications, making it highly versatile for complex setups.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software is designed with a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of creating and managing control surfaces, even for those who are not highly technical.
  • Broad Compatibility
    It supports a wide range of devices and software, facilitating flexibility in choosing and integrating various tools and technologies into one efficient system.
  • Community Support
    There is a strong community around Bitfocus Companion, offering extensive resources, forums, and user-contributed modules which enhance functionality and provide problem-solving assistance.
  • Cost-Efficiency
    Being open-source, Bitfocus Companion offers a cost-effective solution for broadcast and event control, reducing the need to invest in expensive proprietary systems.

Possible disadvantages of Bitfocus Companion

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Initially, users might find the platform complex, with a learning curve that requires time and practice to master effective use of its capabilities.
  • Limited Professional Support
    As an open-source project, Bitfocus Companion may lack the formal customer support options typically available from commercial products, potentially leading to reliance on community support.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    There might be occasional compatibility issues with newer or less common hardware and software, necessitating ongoing updates and user testing.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running Bitfocus Companion might require considerable system resources, particularly in larger setups, which could necessitate hardware upgrades.

Central Control videos

Central Control 1.4 Now Avaliable!

Bitfocus Companion videos

How I'm Using Bitfocus Companion w/Elgato Stream Deck

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Central Control and Bitfocus Companion)
Monitoring Tools
27 27%
73% 73
Entertainment
27 27%
73% 73
Office & Productivity
37 37%
63% 63
Windows Tools
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using Central Control and Bitfocus Companion. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Bitfocus Companion should be more popular than Central Control. It has been mentiond 34 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Central Control mentions (11)

  • Remote vmix operation?
    For remote hardware control, I am obviously seriously biased but Central Control has a shed load of controller support (X-Keys, MIDI, OSC, Stream Deck etc etc) and its over network so ideal for remote ops, and loads of cool features like a KVM for multiple vMix instances, Show Rundown and indeed now timeline based macros among a load of other things. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Boost Video Production with Central Control Flex Macros, NDI Teleprompter
    Some great updates with Central Control, including Flex Macros - the ability to add functions to a timeline from switching cameras, to bringing up graphics. https://centralcontrol.io/. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Any suggestions for a *video* coms system?
    What’s your budget? If I’m understanding your use case, all 9 (rounding up) camera operators need to see you all the time, and do not need to see each other. You need to see all of them simultaneously. Why are you looking only at wireless solutions? Wired solutions are going to be far better. How about each camera op has a small camera facing them, going to a splitter. There’s an ATEM mini or similar at each... Source: almost 2 years ago
  • How to Control Lights with the Stream Deck
    Some software/network control programs for pro event production that can use a StreamDeck as a controller: - Bitfocus Companion - Universe Control - Central Control - Show Cockpit. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Using Central Control to Enhance Your Workflow
    At NAB Show I talked with Joe de Max about Central Control - software that can map keys for production use. He showed how to move around with a Blackmagic Design ATEM mini Extreme and an P I Engineering X-Keys surface - https://centralcontrol.io/. Source: over 2 years ago
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Bitfocus Companion mentions (34)

  • Carbonite Ultra and Video "Server" Playback
    Or use Companion to control the Hyper Decks/ Ki Pros…. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Cheap commercial grade Show Control w/simple web interface
    We use Companion on every show—can’t remember how I did one without it. As long as the gear you are using is supported, you can’t go wrong. Very easy to setup and use. Highly recommended. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Way to run scripts on desktop from my android phone?
    Can probably do this with Companion. Often used with stream deck but works with a phone too afaik. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Vmix audio
    Companion is a great way to approach complex macros like these. Basically you'd stack several actions to your one button, like this:. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer?
    I use a Stream Deck daily to control AV production gear using BitFocus Companion (https://bitfocus.io/companion). I am constantly surprised at the range of supported equipment. Complex operations that used to take three people can be done by a single person. For a basic example: Audio operator fades out background music and brings up video playback audio channels. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Central Control and Bitfocus Companion, you can also consider the following products

Macro Deck - Use smartphone as macropad for pc

TouchPortal - Touch Portal is a companion app to control a PC or a Mac by using a deck of buttons to improve the workflow & productivity of game streamers, content creators and professionals.

Deckboard - Deckboard helps you create macros for Windows PC and launch them on your phone.

MATRIC - Control PC applications via smarthone/tablet. Especially suitable for space/flightsims.

StreamPi - StreamPi is a robust remote control app alternative to StreamDeck.

Monect - Make the best use of sensors on smart device to control PC, simulate steering wheel, game-pad...