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  1. News
  2. News

News

SPECIAL INFO: Softron and the COVID19 status
16 Mar 2020
Filed in:
News, Support
 
As you may have heard, Belgium will be under lock-down starting Wednesday 18 March, 2020.
 
We wanted to let you know that we are all safe and well, even if movements are restricted. Our thoughts are with all the persons that have been impacted by this situation.
 
On our side, as software manufacturer, we are lucky that a lot of the work can be done at home. Most of the support, engineering and sales team are now working safely at home (even the employees in the US office), and you can continue to contact us normally.
 
If you need to place orders, our online store remains open during the lock-down. So you can place your order as usual. For orders that require shipments (Dongles, M|Family,...), this is handled by a small team, and strict hygiene measures are taken to avoid any contamination.  
 
For support, we also have as usual our support desk that you can use, we continue to answer with approximately the same response time. 
 
And of course our engineers continue to work on the new features and improvements of the software you love.
 
In any case, stay safe, we'll get through this stronger than before!
It's upgrade time! New Prices (USD)
10 Oct 2018
Filed in:
MovieRecorder, News, Release, Support

MovieRecorder 4 was introduced more than a year ago now, and it adds a lot of new features and improvements over MovieRecorder 3. Check out this article to know the differences between the two versions.

At the time if was released, we said that the upgrade prices were valid until June 2018. We have extended that "grace" period a little bit, but you should know that these introductory promotional prices will end on October 31st. Starting on November 1st, the upgrade prices from MovieRecorder 3 to MovieRecorder 4 will go up.

We will also discontinue the special price for the MovieRecorder 3 licenses with the pro codecs option. The same upgrade price will apply for all, whether you have a pro codecs option or not.

Here are the prices comparison:

  • from MovieRecorder 3:                          NOW: $     995       ->    November 1st:  $  1.395
  • from MovieRecorder 3 (4-pack):            NOW: $  3.495       ->    November 1st:  $  4.995
  • from M|80:                                               NOW: $  3.495       ->    November 1st:  $  5.495
  • from M|62:                                               NOW: $  2.795       ->    November 1st:  $  3.995
  • from M|44:                                               NOW: $  1.395       ->    November 1st:  $  2.795

As you can see the promotional price is a great deal, so take advantage of this terrific offer, and upgrade today. Here are the current upgrade prices.

Contact your local reseller or Softron directly if you have any questions.

Last chance to update!
06 Dec 2017
Filed in:
News, OnTheAir CG, OnTheAir Node, OnTheAir Video, OnTheAir Video Express, Support

On January 1st, 2018, we will stop selling upgrades from our "old" playback applications to the latest and greatest versions.

Versions impacted by the change:

  • OnTheAir CG 1.x
  • OnTheAir Node 1.x
  • OnTheAir Video Express 1.x
  • OnTheAir Video 1.x
  • OnTheAir Video 2.x

If you still own one of the licenses above and did not upgrade yet, it is the best time to do it. After January 1st, 2018, you will have to purchase a full license if you want to upgrade.

So don't wait any longer. Our latest playout applications (now all in version 3) offer great new features and improvments. 

Contact us if you want more info on the upgrade.

NEW: MovieRecorder 4 and MovieRecorder Express 4
11 Sep 2017
Filed in:
MovieRecorder, M-Family, News, Press Release, Release, Release Notes

Ten years after the release of the first version of MovieRecorder, we are bringing another major (r)evolution to ingest solutions with MovieRecorder 4 and MovieRecorder Express 4. We will be showing MovieRecorder 4 at IBC2017, stand 7.G12, so come by and see for yourself.

NEW in MovieRecorder 4:

  • Fully configurable user interface 
  • NDI® sources
  • External audio sources
  • Effects and overlays
  • HEVC (H.265) support
  • Save and restore configurations

MovieRecorder Express 4 is an entry-level version of MovieRecorder. It uses the same reliable recording engine and beautiful user interface as MovieRecorder 4, with the same outstanding features such as edit-while-ingest, NDI® sources, scheduling, remote control,...  But it limits some of the available features to make it even more affordable for everyone.

MovieRecorder 4 and MovieRecorder Express 4 will be available for purchase on October 1st, 2017. Contact us if you are interested in being part of the beta program when it's available.

Last chance to upgrade your playout solutions
16 Jun 2017
Filed in:
News, OnTheAir CG, OnTheAir Live, OnTheAir Manager, OnTheAir Node, OnTheAir Video, OnTheAir Video Express
Please upgrade by August 31, 2017 !
 
In an ever-changing industry, we, too, must change with the times.  To stay relevant we sometimes release new versions of our applications, and when we do so we offer special discounted prices to upgrade from the previous versions.  In order that we may allocate our resources most efficiently (and thus keep our prices as low as possible), we will be limiting the window of opportunity on the discounted upgrade period to one year from the latest version’s release date. 
 
As such we want to inform you that Softron is phasing out the upgrade program on the legacy versions (releases prior to version 3.x) of OnTheAir Video, OnTheAir Video Express, OnTheAir CG, and OnTheAir Node. This means that soon you will no longer be able to upgrade your older license(s) toward the purchase of the most current version; instead you will need to purchase a full new license (minor upgrades will still be free). If you have not done so yet, now is the time to upgrade! 
 
Don't be left behind! This is important and will help ensure full functionality as operating systems and hardware drivers evolve. You will enjoy such features as: NDI compatibility, a more streamlined workflow, support for the most current codecs and UHD formats, free customer support, and much more.
 
Don't wait! August 31, 2017 is the deadline. It should take only a few minutes to update your applications, and there are free demo copies of the latest releases on our website for you to evaluate and to see what you are missing: http://softron.tv/downloads.
 
Get caught up today, and be ready for the future. Upgrade now and save!
 
If you have questions, please contact us.
 
Thank you for using Softron!
NAB FCP Exchange event
07 Apr 2016
Filed in:
News, Tradeshows and Events

Aside from our booth (SL12216), we will also have a presentation at the NAB FCP Exchange event, which will take place April 18th and 19th in the Rainbow Room at the Renaissance Hotel, a short walk from NAB’s South Hall.

FCP Exchange is a free workshop series from FCPWORKS and FCP.co designed to present specific Final Cut Pro X workflows and techniques both to new editors and experienced professionals. If you want to see how Final Cut Pro X is used for various productions and events, this is the place to go.

It is a free event, but as seating is limited, register to reserve your seat. 

Softron at NAB 2016
07 Apr 2016
Filed in:
News, Tradeshows and Events

Softron is exhibiting at NAB 2016. We will be showing an updated version of MovieRecorder with a few welcome improvements of the already acclaimed set of features. 

But most importantly, we we are very excited to be showing M|Replay, the first instant replay solution on the Mac, come check it out.

NAB show starts on April 18th, and we'll be on booth SL12216. Register Now, and use the guest pass code LV3638 to get a discount on your registration.

We will also have a presentation on April 19th at the FCP Exchange event at the Renaissance Hotel, short walking distance from the show floor.   

Softron Exhibits at BVE 2016
19 Feb 2016
Filed in:
News, Tradeshows and Events

At BVE 2016, we will be showing a technology the first instant replay solution on the Mac. 

The BVE starts on February 23rd at Excel, London, and we'll be at Stand P41. We'll also have some presentations at the Soho Editors' theather:

  • 23rd February, 2016 16:00 (30 minutes)
  • 24th February, 2016 17:30 (30 minutes)

Come and meet with us for this very unique moment.

Solutions Brief: Cantemo & Softron workflow
25 Jan 2016
Filed in:
MovieRecorder, News, Softron in the media

Since the release of MovieRecorder 3.3 in November, it is possible to add metadata to your recordings. The following document explains briefly the integration with Cantemo which provides intuitive and streamlined media management solutions. Its flagship product, Cantemo Portal™, is used by content creators and owners to intuitively manage their media.

Click here to view the Cantemo & Softron Solutions Brief.

Price changes in January 2016 !
07 Dec 2015
Filed in:
MovieRecorder, MovieStreamer HLS, Multicam Logger, M-Family, News, OnTheAir CG, OnTheAir Live, OnTheAir Manager, OnTheAir Node, OnTheAir Studio, OnTheAir Tools, OnTheAir Video, OnTheAir Video Express, Press Release, Release
New UPRGRADE PRICES
 
When we released our various upgrades for OnTheAir Node, OnTheAir Video, OnTheAir Video Express, and MovieRecorder, we set different upgrade prices which were determined by the date when the license was purchased and the options acquired.  We also set an introductory upgrade price for OnTheAir CG.
 
On January 1, 2016, almost two years after the introduction of these upgrades, we are changing the requirements and the prices for the upgrades.  Instead of the various upgrade prices, the upgrade procedure and pricing are being streamlined. You will find the new upgrade prices at the bottom of each of the product's pages.
 
 
Temporary prices dropped
 
On January 1st, 2016, we will also change the temporary promotional price of OnTheAir Studio, as well as the temporary upgrade price from OnTheAir CG 1 to OnTheAir CG 3.
 
So now is a good time (before the end of the year) to upgrade if you still have old versions. Please note that we will no longer provide free support for older versions. Additionally, compared to these older versions, there are a number of things that have been greatly improved and new features added, so there are a lot of compelling reasons to upgrade !

 

RELEASE: OnTheAir CG 3.1
13 Oct 2015
Filed in:
New Versions, News, OnTheAir CG, Release Notes
  • Added the "Live input" feature to be able to use a real video input (AJA, Blackmagic-Design, or M|family) and/or a direct link (from OnTheAir Node or OnTheAir Video) as a video item in a CG project.
  • Added "Audio mixing" to support multiple sources of audio.
  • RSS Tickers can now "publish" their url (can now be modified with the REST API)
  • Still images and Videos can now "publish" their path (can now be modified with the REST API)
  • Fixed a refresh issue when updating the variables with the REST API
RELEASE: OnTheAir Manager 3.0
13 Oct 2015
Filed in:
News, OnTheAir Manager, Release Notes

OnTheAir Manager goes from version 1.3.5 to version 3.0. The reason for that version jump is that OnTheAir Manager 1.3.5 still used QuickTime to preview and trim the clip in the inspector. This could be confusing as OnTheAir Manager was not able to read some files that OnTheAir Node could, or the other way around. With version 3.0 we now use the same engine for the OnTheAir Manager preview as OnTheAir Node 3 uses to playout files. So the files that can be read by both applications are identical. This is a major change in itself which then diserved a major version number change. By using a version 3 we also bring it in pair with OnTheAir Node which is also in version 3. 

So there were a lot of changes, but most are "under the hood". Below are the new features that can actually be seen :

  • Added the ability to send more than a month to OnTheAir Node
  • Update inspector UI
  • EPG plugins have been updated to newer versions with a few fixes
  • Fixed an issue with Keychain
New Logo
27 Aug 2015
Filed in:
News
Our old logo served us well for many, many years. But it is time for it to retire. Today, with so many awesomely new products, we decided that a new logo with a clean new look will be an attention getter.

We have started to roll out some of the services with the new logo. The main website will be updated around IBC.

We wanted to let you know in advance so you can find us at IBC. Don't look for our old logo! We'll be at the same place as last year:
Hall 7 - Stand 7.G12
NEW PRICE for Multicam Logger
01 May 2015
Filed in:
News, Multicam Logger
Effective May 1, 2015, Softron Media Services reduces the price of Multicam Logger from $3,495 (2,495 &euroWinking to $1,995 (1,495 &euroWinking.

Simply stated, if you are involved in an event that will be edited using the multicam function in Final Cut Pro (7 or X) or Premiere - using Multicam Logger (with or without MovieRecorder) is the easiest and most logical solution available.

Multicam Logger - the essential add on for any system used for Multicam editing.
NEW Multicam Logger option for the M|family
01 May 2015
Filed in:
News, M-Family, Multicam Logger
Effective May 1, 2015, Softron Media Services now offers a "Multicam Logger" option for the M|80, M|62 and M|44. For just $995 (695 &euroWinking, this option will get you a license for Multicam Logger on the same dongle as your M|80, M|62 or M|44. This makes the M|family of product an even more affordable solution for multi camera productions.

Multicam Logger - the essential add on for any system used for Multicam editing.
New M|44 and M|62 bundles
14 Apr 2015
Filed in:
News, M-Family
Softron Media Services is now shipping the M|62 and M|44 high-density multi-channel ingest and playout bundles. These ingest and playout solutions are in addition to the already extremely successful M|80 high density multi-channel M|80 ingest bundle and creates a new family of products, the M|family. It demonstrates Softron Media Services’ commitment to provide integrated solutions for its applications.

The M|family now consists of three software and hardware bundles. The M|80 with its 8 inputs, released at last year’s NAB was (and still is) the first ingest solution for the Mac offering that number inputs on a single device (using one single thunderbolt cable). With the M|62 and M|44 users can now also playout video. The M|62 provides six inputs and two outputs, while the M|44 has four inputs and four outputs. These are ideal for production facilities needing to record multiple cameras as well as playout video for their show.

For the ingest, the M|80, M|62 and M|44 use Softron’s highly acclaimed MovieRecorder software. MovieRecorder has been upgraded to version 3.2 and will be included with these bundles. MovieRecorder 3.2 adds a significant number of features including, Integrated Remote Control, MXF support, autonaming, the automatic detection of the incoming signal’s video format, Closed Captioning with most video cards, and a nice “Activity” window to monitor the performance of the system.

To output, the M|62 and M|44 are provided with Softron’s OnTheAir Video Express, (upgrades are available to OnTheAir Video and OnTheAir Node, Softron’s higher end playout solutions). Users can output pre-captured video (for example, as a news items or background video) or play files that are still being recorded by MovieRecorder, making it a very cost effective and easy “time-slip” solution.

Softron has gathered what it thinks are the highest quality hardware components in order to
ensure the best user experience possible.

The M|family is an “all-in-one” solution, hardware and software, all you need is a Mac Pro. Just connect the Thunderbolt cable provided to your Mac and start recording and/or playout.

The M|family of products is available from the Softron Media Services online store or from Softron Media Services resellers worldwide. MovieRecorder and OnTheAir Video Express are bundled with the M|family ingest and playout solutions that provide high-density multichannel input and output.

MovieRecorder 3 is the most versatile ingest software you can find. Sports and Live events producers praise its edit-while-ingest capabilities, which allow them to edit a multi-camera session while it is still being recorded, and thus be ready with a summary at the end of the show. Broadcasters who have to record feeds at given time of days enjoy its scheduling feature. Churches love its “Loop recording” feature for time-shifting. Reality show producers love its ability to record 24/7 while automatically and frame-accurately splitting the clip into segments, which is also a widely used feature for TV stations in the need of a compliance recording system.

OnTheAir Video Express supports most file wrappers (QuickTime, MXF, ts) as well as most video codecs including in 4K (Apple ProRes®, Avid DNxHD®, DVCPRO HD, H.264, MPEG-2, XDCAM EX®, XDCAM HD®,...). It also supports still image playback, clips with alpha channel and control playback from production switcher using GPI.
Case Study: Tour de France 2014 (starring MovieRecorder)
26 Aug 2014
Filed in:
News, MovieRecorder
FCP.co have published a great article on the use of MovieRecorder together with Final Cut Pro X and the AJA Io 4K at the Tour de France. The article is very detailed, and will be of great help for anybody looking for a user story of a workflow using Final Cut Pro X as the editing solution, and MovieRecorder to perform edit-while-ingest.

Read it here.
NLESystems to demonstrate high capacity multichannel ingest using Softron's M|80
20 Aug 2014
Filed in:
News
Softron participates with NLESystems Inc. to demonstrate high capacity multichannel ingest using Softron's M|80. Come to see it in action at the NLESystems Expo on September 3rd 2014 at 12:00 pm. Hosted at Burbank Coast Anabelle Hotel.

Manufacturers joining the event include Apple, AJA, G-Technology, Sonnet Technology, ATTO and Softron Media. Each of the manufacturers will demonstrate their latest Thunderbolt Technology that will streamline your productivity.

Register here.
FCPWORKS SPECIAL EVENT
14 Jan 2014
Filed in:
News, Apple
FCPWORKS will hold a special FCP X event in Los Angeles, on January 25th, 2014.

FCPWORKS aims to be the leading provider of professional video solutions built around Final Cut Pro X. This event in Los Angeles will be the first of its kind. The new version of Final Cut Pro X and the new Mac Pro will be demonstrated in a variety of real-life, pro-video workflows.

The presentations will be given in 3 identical sessions:
MORNING - 11:00 AM TO 2:00 PM.
AFTERNOON - 3:00 PM TO 6:00 PM.
EVENING - 7:00 PM TO 10:00 PM.

Register on www.fcpworks.com/special_event/
Which 2013 Mac Pro do you need ?
06 Jan 2014
Filed in:
Apple, Hardware - Third Party, News, MovieRecorder, OnTheAir Video, OnTheAir Video Express, OnTheAir Node
After having spent a few days with a new Mac Pro (base configuration with 4-core, Dual D300, 12GB RAM), we can say that it really is a Mac made for Softron! We also had the chance to test a higher end configuration (8-core, Dual D700, 64GB RAM), to see what you could achieve with each configurations and Softron’s playout and ingest software.


INGEST with MovieRecorder 2
When talking about MovieRecorder, which still uses the QuickTime APIs, the most important factor here is the CPU. The GPU is not used a lot and the basic configuration (Dual D300) will be just fine. The better the CPU, the more channels you’ll be able to do.
Generally speaking, we can say that we were able to achieve one HD 1080i Apple ProRes (LT) ingest per core.
  • 4 channels on the 4 core
  • 8 channels on the 8 core

Note that we were then using a little bit more then 70% CPU then, and the computer is then at its limit. For safer operations, you may want to use for example a 6 core for 4 channels and a 12 core for 8 channels.

Also, these numbers will be different with other frame size and fps, as well as with different codecs.


PLAYBACK with OnTheAir Video 3
In OnTheAir Video 3, both the CPU and GPU are important, specially when using the SMART resize and graphics.

Basically, the CPU will be used mainly for the decompression of the files. So if you want to decode 4K video clips encoded in H264, you should consider using a higher end CPU such as the 6 or 8 core.

The GPU will then be used for resizing the file to the desired resolution (if needed) and overlay graphics, so the requirements of the graphics card will be bigger:
  • the more you use videos of different resolutions that require a resize to fit in the output
  • the bigger the « target » resolution = the resolution of your output. (NTSC = easy, 4K = a lot to of dots to calculate!)
  • the nature of graphics that you want to overlay and the number of layers (Text and still images = easy, animation = hard)

In our tests, using the Dual D300 configuration, we were able to read files in ProRes LT, resize and overlay a ticker, a still image, a clock, and a rotating logo (source = movie ProRes 4444 file), all that on a 4K output.

Using the D700 configuration, and more importantly the 8-core (for decompression) we were able to add 3 more HD outputs on top of that 4K output, which is pretty amazing.


Conclusion
The new Mac Pro is really the most powerful Mac that we have seen so far. On such a small form factor, it is pretty impressive to be able to do all that, and the more so, silently. Now we’ll have to invest in our converters, hard drives and other peripherals so they are silent too. Maybe the next big hit in the industry is already not 4K anymore, but... silence Winking)

Our tests are not finished yet, and we will come back with more feedback, and long term tests with more video outputs.

As usual, we give these results for information only, it is not contractual as it can vary following your specific configuration, and we always recommend that you run tests with the demo versions available on our website.


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 HEADQUARTERS
Softron Media Services, a division of
Softron Microcomputing S.A./N.V.
Avenue Molière, 470
1050 Brussels
Belgium

IBS (US Subsidiary)
2151 Village Walk Drive #4304
NV 89012
USA

  At GMT-8
USA - Nevada

Sales and Pre-Sales:
Phone: +1 (702) 330-3023

Technical Support:
Phone: +1 (702) 330-3232
 

 

  At GMT+1
Europe - Belgium

Phone: +32 2 588 1394

 

 

Softron has team members in all time zones of the world. They can answer your questions in English, French, Spanish and Dutch.

Most questions however are answered already in our knowledge base. Don't forget to consult it first. It might be a huge time saver.