Bitfocus introduces license-free option to try Buttons for real

Bitfocus, the specialist in media control and monitoring, has released version 1.2 of its Buttons software. This extends still further the innovative approach to managing complex media systems. The release, which will be shown first at IBC2025 (stand 8.A91 co-exhibiting with Elgato, Amsterdam RAI, 12 – 15 September), includes a free tier, supporting one control surface and 16 x 16 ports of routing as the only limitations in live production.

Drawing on its experience with Companion, Bitfocus’s open-source initiative for the AV market, it launched Buttons to provide all the resilience, security and power demanded by the most demanding broadcast, production and live events users. It provides a means of developing simple, elegant and logical user interfaces for large multi-vendor infrastructures.

Version 1.2 introduces more automation functionality demanded by power users. This includes the ability to build complex workflows combining actions, feedbacks, variables and utility nodes, with expression-based logic for complete control. That includes the ability to manage routers, and creating and firing salvoes, even with simultaneous switching of NMOS and baseband signals.

While Buttons will often be used with dedicated controllers and panels like the Elgato Stream Deck, version 1.2 enhances the ability to design and implement your designs and layouts for web panels. It also allows for internal actions, with reuse of user set-ups, automated actions and more granular control.

“Our development programme is driven by our users, and we are delighted that our first major update incorporates so many ideas from practical experience,” said Ole-Andreas Løvland, Bitfocus CEO. “To begin to understand all that Buttons is capable of – and to drive development further – you have to experience it, which is why we have introduced a licence-free version.

“This allows you to try it in earnest, in a real production, to understand how it can simplify any technical infrastructure,” Løvland said. “We are excited to bring even more users into the Bitfocus community, giving us even more experience to draw on to make the systems better yet.”

Buttons version 1.2 is now available for download. See it in action at IBC2025 on stand 8.A91, and find more information at bitfocus.io.