What is Helmo Middleware?
Helmo Middleware is the local desktop bridge between Helmo Live in the cloud and the production software on your network.
Helmo Middleware is a lightweight desktop application that bridges your local production software with Helmo Live in the cloud.
Why you need it
OBS, vMix, CasparCG, and Meld Studio run locally on your production machine. Helmo runs in the cloud. Helmo Middleware bridges this gap by:
- Listening for commands from Helmo via a secure WebSocket connection.
- Forwarding those commands to local software instances.
- Reporting connection status back to Helmo.
How it works
- You install Helmo Middleware on the same machine as OBS, vMix, or other local software.
- Helmo Middleware authenticates with your Helmo workspace using an API key.
- It establishes a persistent real-time connection to Helmo.
- When you press a button in Helmo Control or a Rundown element executes, the command routes: Helmo → Helmo Middleware → OBS/vMix/CasparCG.
Installation
- Go to Connect in the sidebar.
- Find your Middleware entry and click Download.
- Install the app (available for Windows and macOS).
- Generate an API Key in Connect.
- Enter the API key in the Helmo Middleware app.
- Helmo Middleware registers itself and shows as Online in your workspace.
Plan limits: the number of Middleware instances you can register depends on your subscription plan. If you've reached your plan's limit, you'll need to upgrade or remove an existing Middleware instance before adding a new one. Check Settings > General > View Plans for details on your current allowance.
Status monitoring
Helmo Middleware sends a heartbeat every 30 seconds. If it goes offline, Helmo shows the middleware as Offline and commands will fail until it reconnects.
When you need it
Use Helmo Middleware whenever your local software runs on a different machine from your browser, or when the software requires a local network connection that can't be reached directly from the cloud.
Keep the Helmo Middleware app running in the background during your entire broadcast. If it disconnects mid-show, commands to local software will fail.