1. Graphics Card (GPU): A dedicated NVIDIA GPU is recommended. Integrated graphics (Intel/AMD) may lack the processing power and memory needed for live production and can result in dropped frames or system crashes. The number of mats you can run simultaneously is bottlenecked by your Video RAM (VRAM), as every additional mat increases video memory consumption. You can monitor your GPU VRAM usage in the Windows Task Manager during pre-event testing.
   
1. Test-only: Integrated Intel/AMD graphics with OpenGL 4.5.
2. Minimum: 6 GB of Video RAM (Suitable for 1-2 mats).
   
3. Recommended: 8 to 12 GB of Video RAM.
   
4. Event-Grade: 12 to 16 GB of Video RAM (Required for heavy multi-mat NDI rendering).
   
2. Processor (CPU): A high-end, multi-core processor (e.g., Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9) is required. For Event-Grade multi-mat setups, a CPU with 12 to 16 cores is recommended to handle simultaneous live data processing and multi-channel NDI video encoding without thermal throttling.
   
3. System Memory (RAM):
   
1. Minimum (Testing / 1 Mat): 16 GB.
   
2. Recommended (Standard Production): 32 GB.
   
3. Event-Grade: 64 GB of RAM is recommended to manage CasparCG graphic templates across multiple mats simultaneously.
   
4. Network Connection: The computer should be connected to the local network using a wired Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps) connection. Wi-Fi is not recommended for any segment of the live production pipeline. For IJF events, the Graphics PC must have unrestricted internet access to successfully communicate with the JudoBase API. The communication between the CGplay controller interface and the CasparCG rendering engine utilizes Network TCP port 5250:
   
1. Same PC Setup (Standard): If both run on the same computer, this communication happens internally via the local loopback address (127.0.0.1). You only need one physical network cable connecting this PC to your main switch, and no firewall routing is required.
   
2. Separate PCs Setup (Advanced): If you choose to run the CGplay controller on a different computer than the CasparCG rendering engine, this communication will travel across your physical local network. You must configure CGplay to target the rendering engine's specific IP address and ensure that incoming TCP port 5250 is open in the Windows Firewall of the CasparCG PC.
   
5. Video Outputs: A 1 Gbps wired network connection is mandatory for NDI video workflows, which is the standard method for sending transparent graphics to a software mixer (like vMix or OBS). Physical capture cards (e.g., Blackmagic DeckLink) installed in your Video mixer PC are primarily used to ingest the uncompressed SDI video signals coming from your cameras. However, if you are utilizing a professional Hardware Video Mixer / Hardware Switcher (like an ATEM or Roland) instead of a software mixer, the graphics must be output from the Graphics PC via physical SDI Key and Fill cables directly into the switcher's hardware inputs.

Resolution and frame rate for all Mats

Capacity Planning

1. Single PC vs. Separate Systems (OBS/vMix + CG): Combining the graphics system (CasparCG + CGplay) and video mixing software (OBS/vMix) on a single computer is feasible, but it depends on the raw hardware capability of the machine and the number of mats. For smaller events or testing purposes (1 to 2 mats), a highly capable computer featuring a high-end CPU and a powerful NVIDIA GPU can run the entire "All-in-one" workflow (see Single PC Setup diagram). However, for larger events (3 mats or more), it is recommended to separate the hardware—dedicate one PC to graphics and another to video mixing. Otherwise, encoding multiple NDI streams will overload your CPU and GPU, causing your live stream graphics to lag or freeze. 
   
2. Capacity Limits (multiple mats per PC): The number of mats a single Graphics PC can simultaneously render depends on its processing power and video memory. While a highly capable system can handle up to 5 or even more mats, you should always test your specific hardware limits before going live. If your competition size exceeds what a single machine can handle, you must split the workload across two separate Graphics PCs. For example, in a 10-mat tournament, a standard configuration would be assigning Mats 1-5 to Graphics PC 1, and Mats 6-10 to Graphics PC 2 (see Multi-Mat Architecture diagram).

Operational Best Practices

1. Practice First: Rehearse the CG setup with a test data feed the day before the event.
   
2. Lock the Frame rate: Make sure your CG output resolution and frame rate match the settings of your Video mixer PC or Hardware Video Mixer.

FAQ

1. Can I use a laptop with an integrated GPU (like standard Intel or AMD graphics) as a Graphics PC? Yes, technically you can, as long as the integrated graphics processor supports at least OpenGL 4.5. However, it is not recommended for standard live production. Integrated graphics lack the dedicated video memory (VRAM) and processing power required to encode transparent NDI video streams smoothly. While an integrated GPU might work for testing or managing a single mat, attempting to run a multi-mat broadcast with it will likely result in dropped frames, lagging, or entirely frozen graphics. For reliable, professional performance, a dedicated NVIDIA GPU is recommended.
2. How many mats can I run on a single hardware setup? It depends on your hardware's raw processing power and Video RAM (VRAM). While an event-grade PC with a high-end CPU and a powerful NVIDIA GPU can handle multiple mats, always test your specific setup beforehand. For larger competitions exceeding your hardware's limits, you must split the workload across separate Graphics PCs (e.g., Graphics PC 1 for Mats 1–5, Graphics PC 2 for Mats 6–10).
3. What Windows display scaling percentage should be used? 100% display scaling is recommended. Any custom scaling (like 125% or 150%) on the Graphics PC can cause graphical elements to render off-center or crop.
   
4. Which video output method is best: SDI, HDMI, or NDI? It depends on your production workflow and how the graphics will be rendered over the live video:
1. Video mixer PCs (vMix, OBS): Software-based systems should receive graphics over your local network via NDI. Unlike SDI, which requires two separate physical cables for transparency, NDI carries both the video and the alpha channel (transparency) in a single network stream per mat. This leaves your hardware capture cards (e.g., Blackmagic DeckLink) free to ingest the SDI video feeds coming directly from the cameras.
   
2. Hardware Video Mixers: Professional broadcast desks require dedicated physical Key and Fill signals to display transparent graphics, making physical SDI cables running directly from the Graphics PC a requirement.
   
5. What is the difference between 1080p5000 and 1080p6000? What is 1080i5000? These codes represent a video resolution of 1,920 pixels horizontally and 1,080 pixels vertically, along with the frame rate settings used by the rendering engine to match your specific streaming standard:
   
1. 1080p5000: This represents a 1080p (progressive scan) resolution running at 50 frames per second. It is used primarily in Europe, Australia, Africa, and parts of Asia.
   
2. 1080p6000: This represents a 1080p (progressive scan) resolution running at 60 frames per second. It is used in the United States and Japan.
   
3. 1080i5000: This represents a 1080i (interlaced video) resolution at 50 fields per second, equivalent to 25 complete frames per second. This setting is used if you are outputting to a Hardware Video Mixer or older infrastructure that requires interlaced video.
   
6. What is the difference between 720p50 and 1080p5000? The code 720p50 represents a resolution of 1,280 pixels horizontally and 720 pixels vertically. If you are using a less performant system, scaling down your configuration to 720p50 is recommended, as this lower resolution will reduce the processing strain on your computer.
7. Can I run CG on macOS? No. CasparCG and the CG toolchain are supported on Windows only for production.