Everything you need to run FusionCue
Five pieces of hardware turn your table into a smart table: a Windows PC, a projector, a camera, good lighting, and (optionally) a microphone. This page covers minimums, what we recommend, and how to mount it all — and if anything's unclear, setup support is free.
Computer
FusionCue is a Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit) desktop app — no macOS or Linux. The computer-vision engine runs on any modern graphics — Intel, AMD, or NVIDIA — so you don’t need a gaming rig. A quiet mini-PC mounted near the table is the setup we use most.
- Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit
- Recent quad-core CPU — Intel Core i5 (12th gen or newer) / Ryzen 5 class
- 8 GB RAM · ~10 GB free disk
- Any DirectX-12 capable graphics
- 2 free USB ports (camera + audio)
- Internet for the one-time setup download
- Ryzen mini-PC with Radeon 680M-class graphics, or any discrete GPU
- 16 GB RAM
- Dual display output (your monitor + the projector)
Projector
The projector draws the drills, targets, and guidance directly on your cloth. Which projector you need depends heavily on your room — ceiling height, where you can mount it, and how far it sits from the table decide between a standard and short-throw model. FusionCue’s calibration maps the image onto your table, so it can be mounted directly overhead, side-mounted, or on a wall — whatever your room allows.
- 1080p native resolution
- ~2,500 ANSI lumens (dim room)
- Throw distance that covers your full table — verify in the configurator
- 3,000+ ANSI lumens (survives normal room lighting)
- Short-throw model if mounting close to the table
- Lens shift / zoom for flexible placement
Camera
The camera is FusionCue’s eyes — it watches the table, recognizes every ball, and scores your shots. A good USB webcam is the simplest path. HDMI cameras (camcorders, mirrorless) also work, but typically need a USB capture card. Mount it above the table with the full playing surface in frame.
- 1080p at 30 fps
- Sees all four rails from its mount position
- Solid mount — a wobbly camera ruins calibration
- 4K-capable sensor with sharp optics
- Standard field of view — avoid 120° ultra-wide conference cams (the table gets too small in frame)
- Auto-framing / AI tracking turned OFF
Lighting
Even, shadow-free light over the whole cloth matters as much as the camera itself. We strongly recommend perimeter lighting — LED strips around the table’s perimeter above the playing surface — because it lights every ball evenly and leaves the center open for the camera and projector.
- Ready-made: perimeterbilliardlights.com builds complete perimeter light kits.
- DIY route: this perimeter lighting build video walks through the whole project.
- A traditional table light can work — if you can raise it high enough to tuck a small camera at its level with the full table in view. The projector can still be side-mounted in that arrangement.
- Avoid hard single-bulb shadows and direct sunlight swings — consistent light means consistent ball detection.
Microphone (optional)
A mic lets you drive FusionCue by voice — “mark it made,” “next round” — from anywhere at the table. Most USB webcams have one built in: fine for commands, though the audio quality won’t flatter your session recordings. The ideal setup is a wireless lav mic clipped to your shirt, with the receiver plugged into the PC or an audio interface.
Stuck on anything? We’ll set it up with you.
Every FusionCue purchase includes free, human setup support — room layout, hardware picks, calibration, all of it. Reach out before you buy anything if you want a second opinion on your room.