Art-Net (OpTimeCode)

Art-Net is a timecode protocol that carries SMPTE timecode over standard Ethernet or Wi-Fi as UDP packets. LTCast sends it as OpTimeCode packets on UDP port 6454 — the Art-Net standard port. Any device on the network that supports Art-Net timecode input can receive sync without any audio cabling or MIDI interfaces.

Enabling Art-Net output

Open Settings → Outputs → Art-Net TC and toggle it on. The section expands to show the target IP configuration. Art-Net begins transmitting as soon as the toggle is enabled, even while stopped — receiving devices see continuous packets and maintain lock.

Configuring target IP addresses

Click Add target to add a destination IP address. You can add multiple targets to send to several consoles simultaneously. Each target can be individually enabled or disabled without removing it from the list.

Common target configurations:

• Specific device — enter the device's IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100). The packet is delivered only to that host. Use this when you know the exact IP of the receiving console or media server.
• Subnet broadcast — enter the broadcast address for your subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.255). All devices on the LAN receive the packet. Convenient when you have multiple consoles and do not want to maintain separate IP entries, but generates more network traffic.

Network and subnet requirements

Art-Net always uses UDP port 6454. This cannot be changed. LTCast and the receiving devices must be on the same subnet for broadcast delivery to work — Art-Net packets do not cross routers. For direct IP delivery, the target device must be reachable on the network (check with a ping test).

On the receiving device, confirm its Art-Net timecode input is enabled and set to receive on the same subnet. On GrandMA2/3, ETC Eos, Chamsys, and most media servers, Art-Net timecode is typically under the network or timecode settings section.

Art-Net does not require pairing

Unlike some protocols, Art-Net timecode is fire-and-forget — LTCast broadcasts continuously and any configured device on the network picks it up without any pairing, handshake, or authentication step. If a new console joins the network mid-show and is configured for Art-Net input, it will receive and lock immediately.