Show-Pi Video Production Toolkit

A streamlined Raspberry Pi 4/5 configuration tool designed as a compact, deployable video engineering and production toolkit for corporate live event workflows. Documentation: (https://johncoronado.github.io/show-pi/)

Overview

This project automates the setup of a Raspberry Pi to serve as a multifunctional utility device in production environments. It includes tools for show control, timing, file sharing, and visual overlays.

Key Components

• Bitfocus Companion
  Manages device control via stream decks or web interface. https://github.com/bitfocus/companion

• OnTime
  Runs a show timer server inside Docker. The system automatically launches the full-screen timer output on HDMI0 using a minimal GUI environment. When both HDMI outputs are active on boot, the timer goes to HDMI-1. So that images and videos can play back fullscreen on HDMI-0. https://github.com/cpvalente/ontime

• Samba
  Provides simple file sharing between the Pi and other devices over the network. https://github.com/samba-team/samba

• Image Playback
  Using Samba and pqiv, drop image file or files into the images share folder for immediate playback over the timer output or on HDMI-0 when timer is use on HDMI-1. Great for still-stores and looping slideshow playback. https://github.com/phillipberndt/pqiv

• Video Playback
  Using Samba and mpv, drop a video or video files into the video share folder, for immediate playback over the timer output or on HDMI-0 when timer is use on HDMI-1. Great for looping a video/videos. Great for looping slideshow videos with minimal motion. NOT so great for fast motion videos or mission critical video ques and linear playback. 1080p max and videos should be encoded for the Pi. https://github.com/mpv-player/mpv

• Spotify Connect
  Use your premium spotify account to play back audio for testing or private listening. Shows up on list of devices to playback on your mobile spotify app. Works with Raspberry Pi 4's built-in headphone jack. This will work with Raspberry Pi 5 with additional sound card and setup of the asound.conf file. https://github.com/dtcooper/raspotify

• USB-C Serial Console
  Enables a serial terminal connection over the Raspberry Pi 4/5’s USB-C port. Ideal for adjusting network or router settings without needing a monitor. A single USB-C cable provides both power and serial access (via /dev/ttyGS0), making field deployment simpler and cleaner. This script is available but not run on the main setup. Not included in main setup script, but accessible in scripts directory.

• Hotspot Router
  Enables a wifi hotspot for easy control and logon in the field. Timer and companion can be accessed without a full network/router deployment. Not included in main setup script, but accessible in scripts directory.

• Dual Screen Output
  Use both HDMI ports for timer and image/video playback. Enables always-on timer mode on HDMI-1 with playback on standby for content on HDMI-0. Dual Screen use needs to boot the raspberry pi with both outputs connected to a destination. If you find that the images and video overlays onto the timer output, please reboot with both HDMI ports connected to destinations.

• MOTD Update
  This module updates the ssh terminal login text to add important information and addresses for control. This is a generic banner with your local hostname and module control regardless of your chosen modules installed. An example output is provided below.

Linux showpi 6.12.34+rpt-rpi-2712 #1 SMP PREEMPT Debian 1:6.12.34-1+rpt1~bookworm (2025-06-26) aarch64
 ___  _                  ___  _ 
/ __]| |_  ___  _ _ _   | . \[_]
\__ \| . |/ . \| | | |  |  _/| |
[___/|_|_|\___/|__/_/   |_|  |_|
https://github.com/johncoronado/show-pi

To control Ontime, http://showpi.local:4001/editor
To control Companion, http://showpi.local:8000
It is recommended that you bookmark these websites for fast access
To play content, place file in the respective folder in the show-files directory.
Last login: Tue Sep 30 17:25:09 2025

Features

• Headless-friendly setup with minimal GUI footprint.
• HDMI output of timer, images, and videos with autostart.
• Drag-and-drop images and videos to play folders to auto-play via Samba file share.
• Git-based workflow for deploying and updating config files.
• Hotspot for wireless control and config while in the field.

Use Cases

• Backstage or FOH utility system for show calling.
• Operator station for timers, control, and playback.
• Digital signage and client branding display.
• Test video and audio signals.

Installation

• Use the official Raspberry Pi Imager (https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/) to download and install Raspberry Pi OS Lite Bookworm (64-bit) on your connected boot drive of choice (SD card or USB).
• Customize your OS setting on Raspberry Pi Imager to preconfigure your hostname, username, wifi, etc.
• Boot your fresh install of Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm Lite. It may reboot several times on first boot.
• Log into your Pi via SSH or by connecting a keyboard/mouse into your Pi.
• Run the update commands. Each line is a separate command.

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

• Reboot your system

sudo reboot

• Log back into Raspberry Pi
• Install git

sudo apt install git -y

• Clone the repository and run the setup script:

git clone https://github.com/johncoronado/show-pi.git
cd show-pi
./setup.sh

• Reboot your Pi after all scripts have finished.

sudo reboot

Disclaimer

• Using all tools simultaneously can impact performance. Companion triggers and large pages can use a lot of resources. Please, test for your use cases thoroughly before using in the field.