Software Spotlight: Duration Tracking Tools for Streamers and Stage Managers

Keeping time during a live production is a team sport. Stage managers, stream producers, and performers all need synchronized cues and timers to ensure shows run to plan. This software roundup highlights tools that make time visible and actionable for both streamed and in-person events.

What to expect from duration tools

Good duration tools offer synchronized timers, cue lists, multi-user editing, and integratable overlays for streams. Reliability and low-latency updates are essential for multi-operator teams. We evaluated several products for ease of use, synchronization fidelity, overlay quality, and integrations.

Tools we tested

• ShowTimeBoard: Cloud-based cue lists with live timers and OBS integration.
• StageClock Pro: Desktop application for stage managers with NDI output.
• StreamChapters: Overlay-focused tool that writes timed chapters into streaming platforms.
• RehearseSync: Mobile + web app that synchronizes practice timings for performers.

Key features compared

ShowTimeBoard excels at collaborative cue editing and integrates directly into streaming workflows via web overlays. StageClock Pro provides robust local network outputs (NDI) for broadcast mixes and allows for custom countdowns per stage. StreamChapters makes it easy to create timed viewer chapters and sponsor markers, while RehearseSync focuses on rehearsal pacing, letting artists practice to the exact segment lengths they plan to perform live.

Use cases and workflows

1. Festival multi-stage coordination: Use StageClock Pro on the broadcast rack and ShowTimeBoard for artist-facing cue lists.
2. Single-stage livestream: Combine ShowTimeBoard overlays with StreamChapters to keep viewers oriented and increase discoverability post-event.
3. Band rehearsals: RehearseSync helps bands normalize song lengths and transitions for a consistent live set.

Integration tips

Implement a single source of truth for time. Use NTP/PTP for devices on local networks, and prefer NDI or browser-based overlays for low-latency visual timers. For distributed teams, ensure redundancy—have a local backup timer in case of internet issues.

Final verdict

Each tool has strengths. For production teams needing robust broadcast outputs, StageClock Pro is the most reliable. For collaborative planning and streaming overlays, ShowTimeBoard strikes the best balance. RehearseSync is indispensable for artists who need to drill specific durations. Combine tools when necessary, but keep the system simple to avoid failure modes during live runs.

Related Reading

• Board Game Night Meets Gaming Stream: How to Feature Sanibel or Wingspan on Your Channel
• How to Maximize Airline Loyalty Perks for Charging and Workspace Access
• Tax-Smart DRIP Strategies for Beneficiaries Using ABLE Accounts
• How to Use Solar Panels to Keep Your Outdoor Speakers and Gadgets Charged All Summer
• Recommended Books on Pharma Policy and Ethics for Classroom Debate