Who is Ontime?
Ontime is an open-source, browser-based timing and run-of-show application that coordinates cue sequencing, countdown timers, and rundown control for live event and performance production.
- Cue-based timer and rundown management for live events
- Real-time synchronization of timers across multiple display outputs
- Open-source software for live production workflows
- Interoperability with external control and automation systems
- Support for theatre, broadcast, conference, and live streaming environments
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More About Ontime
Ontime is positioned within the live production segment of the media and event technology market. Production teams, stage managers, and broadcast operators use it to plan a sequence of timed segments, then drive synchronized countdowns, clocks, and messages on stage displays, confidence monitors, and streaming overlays. Its browser-based interface allows operators and presenters to view and adjust the schedule from standard networked devices, which reduces the need for dedicated hardware in many venues.
The application is associated with a web-based architecture that runs on a local network and exposes its data through standard interfaces. Cue and rundown data can be shared with other systems over network protocols and HTTP-based interfaces, which allows integration with lighting consoles, video switchers, and automation tools commonly found in production environments. Its open-source distribution model means that technically capable teams can inspect, adapt, and extend the software to match specific venue or workflow requirements.
In comparison with traditional proprietary timer and show control products, Ontime occupies a lightweight, configurable niche. Organizations with established show control infrastructure typically use it as a complementary timing layer rather than a replacement for full production automation platforms. Its significance lies in lowering the cost and complexity of accurate, shared timing across distributed displays, which is a recurring operational need in conferences, theatre productions, and broadcast events.
From a directory positioning perspective, Ontime is classified as an open-source software project serving the live event and media production technology area. Its active solution focus centers on timing, scheduling, and display coordination for live content delivery. Enterprises evaluating it generally assess its fit against existing network, display, and control architectures, along with the maintenance model of the open-source community that supports it.
Our description of Ontime. Updated October 2026.
