Chase from Art-Net

In addition to chasing audio LTC, LTCast can receive timecode over the network from another instance of LTCast (or any device that sends Art-Net OpTimeCode). This lets you run a multi-machine sync setup over standard Ethernet or Wi-Fi with no audio cables between machines.

Enabling Art-Net network input

Open Settings → Timecode In → Chase tab and toggle Art-Net Network Input on. LTCast immediately begins listening on UDP port 6454 for incoming Art-Net OpTimeCode packets. No additional configuration is required on the receiving side — as soon as packets arrive from another host on the same subnet, LTCast locks to that timecode.

How Art-Net chase works

When Art-Net packets arrive, LTCast reads the SMPTE timecode embedded in each packet and uses it as the chase source — the same way it would use an incoming audio LTC signal. All configured output protocols (LTC re-encode, MTC, OSC, and Art-Net itself) are then driven by the received timecode. The sending machine is the master; the receiving machine is the follower.

Both audio LTC input and Art-Net network input can be active at the same time. Whichever source delivers the first valid timecode frame takes control. If both are present simultaneously (rare but possible), the source that arrives first wins; there is no manual priority setting.

Self-loop prevention

LTCast automatically ignores Art-Net packets it sent itself. Enabling both Art-Net output and Art-Net input on the same machine does not cause a feedback loop — the incoming packets from the local machine are discarded, and only packets from remote hosts drive the chase engine.

Art-Net Input Offset

The Art-Net Input Offset field (in frames, positive or negative) applies a fixed frame offset to the received timecode before feeding it into the chase engine. Use this to:

• Compensate for network latency between the sending and receiving machine
• Apply an intentional sync offset when the two machines need to be deliberately out of phase (e.g., one machine drives displays that are physically offset from the stage)

A positive offset shifts the received timecode forward (the follower is ahead); a negative offset shifts it backward (the follower lags). Start with 0 and adjust based on observed drift in your specific network environment.