Imagine orchestrating a live event where every cue, every transition, and every moment hinges on flawless technology. That's the high-stakes world of show control, and Bitfocus is raising the bar with its Buttons platform. At ISE 2026 (Elgato stand 4P880, Fira de Barcelona), Bitfocus, a leader in media control and monitoring, is unveiling the latest advancements in Buttons, a platform designed to make complex productions look effortless. But here's where it gets exciting: Buttons isn’t just about keeping the show running—it’s about doing so with unparalleled reliability, security, and user-friendliness.
Buttons stands out by offering a unified, intuitive interface for managing sophisticated technology setups. Its drag-and-drop software allows operators to design workflows and system functionalities with ease, which are then executed seamlessly on hardware like the Elgato Stream Deck. This approach eliminates distractions, ensuring operators focus solely on what matters most during high-pressure moments. And this is the part most people miss: Buttons now supports a redundant architecture of three virtual machines (or dedicated hardware) running in parallel, guaranteeing zero downtime—a game-changer for live events where reliability is non-negotiable.
One of Buttons’ most powerful features is its built-in cue list management. Say goodbye to third-party software and compatibility headaches. Cue lists can be as intricate as your show demands, with multi-layered actions triggered from a single cue. It even supports conditional actions based on real-time data, such as device inputs or time-based triggers. For instance, a show with varying versions at different times can rely on a single cue list to automatically adjust settings—a level of automation that’s both elegant and efficient.
Security is another area where Buttons takes a bold stance. Access is fortified through a single sign-on system, integrable with corporate networks. Hardware activation requires access keys, ranging from physical tokens for Stream Deck to biometric authentication for tablets and computers. This not only secures the system but also ensures that each user’s interface is tailored to their specific role and task.
Ole-Andreas Løvland, Bitfocus CEO, emphasizes the platform’s roots in real-world media production: ‘Buttons is crafted by professionals who understand the chaos and precision of live events. We listen to our users and continuously refine the system to meet their evolving needs.’ The result? A platform that consolidates the intelligence needed to build an entire show, complete with interfaces for over 700 devices from leading media technology vendors. Løvland adds, ‘If you’re familiar with our open-source platform Companion, Buttons builds on that foundation, adding enterprise-grade features while remaining accessible for productions of any scale.’
Buttons’ core software runs on macOS, Windows, or server-based virtual machines, enabling control across multiple locations and production elements from a single environment. Workflow design is handled via a web interface, and users can create custom interfaces for computers, laptops, and tablets. However, many will opt for dedicated hardware like the Elgato Stream Deck for streamlined live operations.
But here’s the controversial part: In an industry where complexity often equates to capability, Buttons challenges the status quo by proving that simplicity and power can coexist. Is this the future of show control, or is there still a place for more traditional, layered systems? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Experience Buttons firsthand at ISE 2026, stand 4P880, and see why it’s redefining what’s possible in live production. Ready to simplify your next big show? Visit https://bitfocus.io to learn more.
