secure the deck

Chris Forbes, Founder

Q: What drove you to create the Stream Deck Travel Case?

A: I created the Stream Deck XL Travel Case simply because I wanted one. I have been carrying around a stream deck, first the 15-button and then the 32-button version, for years for my work as a media server operator, and I've always wanted more than the storage options available.

Q: What other products have you developed?

A: I'm always tinkering with random things to improve my life. Organization and optimization are hobbies of mine. I also have a Media Server Rack that holds two Mac Studios with Audio interfaces and dual 24" touchscreen monitors. The entire thing folds up and fits into a Pelican case you can check as baggage on an airplane. It does wonders for your day rate and can output up to eight 8K signals per Mac. When the new generation of screen switchers comes out with 8k input capabilities, it will open up a whole new media server market on corporate shows.

Q: Who are your target users?

A: Live Events users like myself, but many streamers and gaming professionals use the Stream Deck XL.

Q: Do you work in the industry? If so, in what sector, and what is your technical background?

A: I did my first live event in 2006, and I've been a freelancer for that entire time except for four years when I worked full-time for a local production company. I created my first Watchout system in 2010 and have been drawn to media servers ever since. But I can run camera switchers, E2, and Spyder and regularly plan and V1 shows.

Q: What process did you use to create and test this product?

A: I have a close friend who has a shop of wonders—millions of dollars worth of laser cutters, CNC routers, press breaks, and a team of people making it all happen. He helped me develop my media server rack and one day, we were sitting around, and I asked him to make me a case for my Stream Deck XL. After a few iterations in the drafting software and some feedback from some friends on LinkedIn, the first version was born.

Q: What was the process for unveiling and launching to the public?

A: I started texting people I knew in the industry and showing them pictures of what I was so excited about. Their response was so overwhelmingly positive that I knew we had a hit on our hands. LinkedIn was the first place I posted about it, and it is one of my biggest sales drivers.

Q: How long did the total process of creating your product take?

A: It took a couple of months from the time I asked for it until I held it in my hands.

Q: How did you get the word out about Stream Deck XL Travel Case once you launched?

A: LinkedIn, Facebook, texting, and face-to-face communication. I always take a few units with me on shows because someone will see my case and want to buy their own.

Q: What’s your approach to user experience and design principles?

A: Simplicity has value, but reliability is non-negotiable. It has to work every single time. With my Dual Studio Rack, I went through a couple of versions because getting it through TSA damage-free was a surprising hurdle. In it’s final form, it’s TSA-proof. The Stream Deck XL Travel Case is so much more straightforward but bulletproof.

Q: Is your product the same as when you first created it, or has the idea evolved?

A: The Travel Case is the same. After some user feedback, we added a Kensington Port and a way to store the USB cable.

Q: Can you break down each part of your product and what people can do with it?

A: It's pretty simple. It has three parts: the case body, the back plate to hold the stream deck in place, and the locking bar. The locking bar joins the case and the backplate, so they can't come apart when the Kensington lock is in place.

Q: Are there any plans to modify or update the case in the near future to enhance its user experience, such as by adding additional features?

A: A request has been made for a backplate holding a Raspberry Pi with the POE top hat. That is in the works. We are also working through the logistics of scaling this down for the 15-button version, so watch for that in the future.

Q: How’s the feedback and audience response since launching your Product?

A: Overwhelmingly positive. It's the kind of product that explains itself. Everyone who knows what it is wants one. Every one of the reviews we’ve gotten has been five stars, and despite a lifetime warranty, we’ve only ever had one case returned. Someone who thought they were getting a Stream Deck with the case returned theirs.

Q: What stands out about your product compared to other options?

A: We are first to market. This is the only case that folds out into a stand. If you want a 3D-printed stand that goes into a fabric case, that's the other option, and it's one I've used for years. There's nothing wrong with that, but this is just easier.

Q: How do users buy the XL Travel Case? Are there additional features?

A: https://securethedeck.com/products/elgato-stream-deck-xl-travel-case is the best place. Or catch me on a show, and I'll sell you one out of my luggage!

Q: What’s next?

A: The Dual Studio Media Server Rack is about to be released. Watch for it.

Q: What is the best advice you could give to someone reading this article who hopes to utilize this product?

A: Buy it; you'll never regret it