RELEASE: OnTheAir Video Express 3.2.9, OnTheAir Video 3.2.9
27
Aug
2015
RELEASE: OnTheAir Video Express 3.2.8, OnTheAir Video 3.2.8
23
Jul
2015
What’s new in OnTheAir Video and OnTheAir Video Express 3.2.8 ?
- Added a large scrub window when double-clicking on the timeline in playlists
- Improved scrubbing with H.264 that don't use the .mov container
- Fixed an issue when scrubbing on classic file being recorded by MovieRecorder
- Fixed an issue with the "Update Start Time"
RELEASE: OnTheAir Video Express 3.2.7, OnTheAir Video 3.2.7
19
Jun
2015
What’s new in OnTheAir Video and OnTheAir Video Express 3.2.7 ?
What’s new in OnTheAir Tools 1.27 ?
- General Stability and performance improvements
- Added a preference to color the whole text of the playlist cells using the Finder tag color
- Added a preference to color the whole text of the playlists in the schedule window using the Finder tag color
- When you double-click on a timed playlist in the schedule window, its start time is set to the time it will start in the schedule
- You can now open the schedule file when you double-click on the schedule path at the bottom of the schedule window
- Added tooltips in the schedule window to indicate what issue there might be
- Added a duration to Offline clips
- Added the ability to search in playlists
- Added a "Time window" to display simultaneously timing information
- Fixed issues with the scheduler when there were playlists which started with offline clips or which had only offline clips
- Fixed an issue with clip unique IDs in playlists
- Fixed the reverse field order option not being considered
What’s new in OnTheAir Tools 1.27 ?
- Added a preference to include or not the duration of offline clips in the computing of the playlists durations
RELEASE: OnTheAir Video Express 3.2.2, OnTheAir Video 3.2.2
25
Mar
2015
Filed in:
What’s new in version 3.2.2 ?
- General Stability and performance improvements
- Added support for CC CEA-708 output also on some Blackmagic-Design devices (only on the 4K devices)
- Added support for AJA drivers 12.x and later
- Added the automatic detection of Blackmagic-Design devices being connected/disconnected from computer
- Added a "Reverse Field Order" attribute for each clip
- Added support for versioning and autosave
- Added the ability to drag and drop a playlist into another playlist (clips are added, does not create a "nested playlist"). Playlists supported: OnTheAir Video Express 1 & 3, OnTheAir Video 2 & 3 and OnTheAir Live.
- Added to display the QuickTime metadata in the inspector
- Improved the Log window performances, logs are not repeated anymore and logs older than 30 days are deleted (not as-run-logs)
- Improved performances on slow files
- Used a workaround to fix the issue of logo overlay in YUV on a Mac mini in OS 10.10
- Fixed possible issues when there was an exception in the AppleScript (OTAV only)
- Fixed playback issues with some MPEG2 and H.264 files
- Fixed issues with AAC HE audio files
- Fixed some clip end behaviour issues when in Cue mode
- Fixed possible issues with the scheduler (OTAV only)
- Fixed possible issues with dongles with application going into DEMO mode
- Important Note: AJA drivers 12.1 and Blackmagic-Design Drivers 10.3.1 are required with this upgrade
RELEASE: OnTheAir Video Express 3.1.22, OnTheAir Video 3.1.22
31
Dec
2014
Filed in:
RELEASE: OnTheAir Video Express 3.1.19, OnTheAir Video 3.1.19
17
Nov
2014
Filed in:
RELEASE: OnTheAir Video Express 3.1.17, OnTheAir Video 3.1.17
23
Oct
2014
Filed in:
What’s new in version 3.1.17 ?
- General Stability and performance improvements.
- Added a log when executing AppleScript
- Added support for more fps in “Virtual Output”
- Changed some UI to fit better with Yosemite
- Fixed potential issues for files that have more than one video track
- Fixed issue with some still image Alpha Channels
- Fixed issue with XSD Compatibility
- Fixed a possible crash when trimming clips in Inspector
RELEASE: OnTheAir Video Express 3.1.16, OnTheAir Video 3.1.16
07
Aug
2014
Filed in:
RELEASE: OnTheAir Video Express 3.1.12, OnTheAir Video 3.1.12
17
Jul
2014
Filed in:
What’s new in version 3.1.12 ?
- General Stability and performance improvements
- Fixed an issue with some H.264 files going off sync
- Fixed an issue with some MPEG2 files not playing at the correct speed
- Added support for MPEG1 files
- With T-Tap the HDMI output is automatically
- We now have a log when the drivers are not in the supported version
RELEASE: OnTheAir Video Express 3.1.11, OnTheAir Video 3.1.11, OnTheAir Node 3.1.11
25
Jun
2014
What’s new in version 3.1.11 ?
- General Stability and performance improvements
- Added support for IMA Audio
- Added support for uncompressed audio
- Fixed a compatibility issue with files recorded by MovieRecorder 3
- Fixed performance issues with OnTheAir Video and OnTheAir Video Express when dragging a lot of items at once
RELEASE: OnTheAir Video Express 3.1.10, OnTheAir Video 3.1.10, OnTheAir Node 3.1.10
30
May
2014
What’s new in version 3.1.10 for all playout applications?
What’s new in version 3.1.10 for OnTheAir Node only?
- General Stability and performance improvements
- Added support for AJA Audio routing feature
- Added an option to “Acquire” AJA cards
- Fixed a gamma issue when using ARGB with the Smart Resize and Graphics option
- Fixed a possible performance issue when the logs were written to a network drive
- Fixed a possible artefact with some codecs (XDCAM, HDV)
- Fixed an issue with some .mp3 files
- Fixed an issue with the deactivations on Mac OS 10.8
What’s new in version 3.1.10 for OnTheAir Node only?
- Fixed an issue with logos being inverted
- Fixed an issue with the installer
- Added compatibility of slave mode with scheduled playout
- Added an AJA audio routing attribute
RELEASE: OnTheAir Video Express 3.1.3, OnTheAir Video 3.1.3
24
Apr
2014
Filed in:
What’s new in version 3.1.3?
- General Stability and performance improvements
- Added support for CEA-708 Closed Captioning (using a QuickTime Closed Captioning track)
- Added support for audio only files
- Added support for automatic logo overlay (logos placed in the same folder as a video file and using the same name will be automatically overlaid)
- No more limitations on YUV mode with Nvidia cards
RELEASE: OnTheAir Video Express 3.0.8, OnTheAir Video 3.0.8
07
Feb
2014
Filed in:
What’s new in version 3.0.8?
- General Stability and performance improvements
- Fixed an issue when drag & dropping the last clip of the playlist
- Fixed an issue with some MXF files
- Added audio output in the inspector when previewing clips
- Added Keyboard Shortcut alt+O to add offline file
- Fixed issue with Cue mode and clip end behaviours
- Fixed an issue when scrubbing before 0
- Fixed an audio issue when cuing clips
- The little warning badge is now only shown if the fps are different. Not if the format is different.
RELEASE: OnTheAir Video Express 3.0.3, OnTheAir Video 3.0.3
17
Jan
2014
Filed in:
Which 2013 Mac Pro do you need ?
06
Jan
2014
Filed in:
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.
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:
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
)
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.
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

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.
RELEASE: OnTheAir Video Express 3.0, OnTheAir Video 3.0
23
Dec
2013
Filed in:
OnTheAir Video and OnTheAir Video Express are now going out of the “b” numbers!
What’s new in version 3.0?
Find the UPGRADE that’s right for you !
If you already own a license and want to upgrade, check the Smart Playout Engine upgrade program page to easily find the upgrade for you ! Just select the product you have and which one you want to get.
What’s new in version 3.0?
- General Stability and performance improvements
- Log and Schedule windows now show the name of the device
- Still images are not cached anymore
- Added support for the bypass of Decklink Quad cards
Find the UPGRADE that’s right for you !
If you already own a license and want to upgrade, check the Smart Playout Engine upgrade program page to easily find the upgrade for you ! Just select the product you have and which one you want to get.
Pre-Release: OnTheAir Video Express 3.0b21, OnTheAir Video 3.0b21
20
Dec
2013
Filed in:
What’s new in version 3.0b21?
Find the UPGRADE that’s right for you !
If you already own a license and want to upgrade, check the Smart Playout Engine upgrade program page to easily find the upgrade for you ! Just select the product you have and which one you want to get.
- General Stability and performance improvements
- ** NEW** Added MIDI control (only for OnTheAir Video)
- Added a “resync” method to fix an issue with some Blackmagic-Design configurations
- Added some tooltips (on “warning sign in playlist, and on red clips to explain the reason)
- Fixed an issue with the order of the clips when drag and drop
- Fixed some memory leaks
- Fixed an issue with some IMX MXF movies
- Fixed an issue with a frame rate conversion
- Most logs are now sent to the appropriate OTAV_Log file
- A few changes in the Inspector to better inform the user
- Improved warnings and behaviours when changing device output format and smart status
Find the UPGRADE that’s right for you !
If you already own a license and want to upgrade, check the Smart Playout Engine upgrade program page to easily find the upgrade for you ! Just select the product you have and which one you want to get.
Pre-Release: OnTheAir Video Express 3.0b16, OnTheAir Video 3.0b16
29
Nov
2013
Filed in:
What’s new ?
Important Notes
The new features: Dynamic Graphics Overlay and the streaming options will be rolled out very soon. All other options are available. Check the features comparison list available here.
OnTheAir Video Express now allows one output per application. If you want multiple outputs, you will need multiple licenses. Some codecs are not supported anymore. Check the list of supported codecs and file formats here (if it is not listed, it is most probably not supported)
OnTheAir Node will be released soon.
Find the UPGRADE that’s right for you !
If you already own a license and want to upgrade, check the Smart Playout Engine upgrade program page to easily find the upgrade for you ! Just select the product you have and which one you want to get.
- General Stability and performance improvements
- Added some monitoring info (work in progress) in the logging window
- Fixed an issue with some field priority inversion
- Few changes in the UI (added a drop here in the background of the playlist,...)
- Changes in the Logo Preference (now in a dedicated graphics tab)
- Added a “release” button to be able to release the video card without having to quit the application
Important Notes
The new features: Dynamic Graphics Overlay and the streaming options will be rolled out very soon. All other options are available. Check the features comparison list available here.
OnTheAir Video Express now allows one output per application. If you want multiple outputs, you will need multiple licenses. Some codecs are not supported anymore. Check the list of supported codecs and file formats here (if it is not listed, it is most probably not supported)
OnTheAir Node will be released soon.
Find the UPGRADE that’s right for you !
If you already own a license and want to upgrade, check the Smart Playout Engine upgrade program page to easily find the upgrade for you ! Just select the product you have and which one you want to get.
Pre-Release: OnTheAir Video Express 3.0b9, OnTheAir Video 3.0b9
25
Oct
2013
Filed in:
What’s new in OnTheAir Video Express 3.0b9 ?
What’s new in OnTheAir Video 3.0b9 ?
Important Notes
The new features: Dynamic Graphics Overlay and the streaming options will be rolled out very soon. All other options are available. Check the features comparison list available here.
OnTheAir Video Express now allows one output per application. If you want multiple outputs, you will need multiple licenses. Some codecs are not supported anymore. Check the list of supported codecs and file formats here (if it is not listed, it is most probably not supported)
OnTheAir Node will be released soon.
Find the UPGRADE that’s right for you !
If you already own a license and want to upgrade, check the Smart Playout Engine upgrade program page to easily find the upgrade for you ! Just select the product you have and which one you want to get.
- General Stability and performance improvements
- Modified user interface (With now 3 details levels)
- Fixed issues with the Cue mode
- Fixed issues with the Scrubbing in playlist and inspector
- Modified the location of the stil image duration (now in the Timeline section of the inspector)
- Order of the in and out of Decklink Quad and Duo cards is now consistent. Cf this article.
- Added a choice of log levels
What’s new in OnTheAir Video 3.0b9 ?
- General Stability and performance improvements
- Modified user interface (With now 3 details levels and a blue color for the header to differentiate with OnTheAir Video Express)
- Fixed issues with the Cue mode
- Fixed issues with the Scrubbing in playlist and inspector
- Modified the location of the stil image duration (now in the Timeline section of the inspector)
- Order of the in and out of Decklink Quad and Duo cards is now consistent. Cf this article.
- Added a choice of log levels
- Improved Smart resize
Important Notes
The new features: Dynamic Graphics Overlay and the streaming options will be rolled out very soon. All other options are available. Check the features comparison list available here.
OnTheAir Video Express now allows one output per application. If you want multiple outputs, you will need multiple licenses. Some codecs are not supported anymore. Check the list of supported codecs and file formats here (if it is not listed, it is most probably not supported)
OnTheAir Node will be released soon.
Find the UPGRADE that’s right for you !
If you already own a license and want to upgrade, check the Smart Playout Engine upgrade program page to easily find the upgrade for you ! Just select the product you have and which one you want to get.
Pre-Release: OnTheAir Video Express 3.0b1, OnTheAir Video 3.0b1
17
Sep
2013
Filed in:
At IBC2013, Softron has made available pre-release versions of OnTheAir Video Express and OnTheAir Video that now come with the new Smart Playout Engine.
Softron’s completely new Smart Playout Engine provides greater power and flexibility at the core of Softron’s applications. Outputting all major codecs including i-Frame, long-GOP, H.264, MPEG2, XDCAM HD in both QuickTime and MXF containers (without requiring any additional software). Intelligent resizing allows formats to be mixed and matched. By providing major increases in versatility and functionality, the new Smart Playout Engine allows Softron users to streamline infrastructure configurations, optimise workflow, and develop innovative ways to reach new audiences.
What’s new in OnTheAir Video Express 3.0b1 ?
What’s new in OnTheAir Video 3.0b1 ?
Important Notes
The new features: Dynamic Graphics Overlay and the streaming options will be rolled out very soon. All other options are available. Check the features comparison list available here.
OnTheAir Video Express now allows one output per application. If you want multiple outputs, you will need multiple licenses. Some codecs are not supported anymore. Check the list of supported codecs and file formats here (if it is not listed, it is most probably not supported)
OnTheAir Node will be released soon.
Find the UPGRADE that’s right for you !
If you already own a license and want to upgrade, check the Smart Playout Engine upgrade program page to easily find the upgrade for you ! Just select the product you have and which one you want to get.
Softron’s completely new Smart Playout Engine provides greater power and flexibility at the core of Softron’s applications. Outputting all major codecs including i-Frame, long-GOP, H.264, MPEG2, XDCAM HD in both QuickTime and MXF containers (without requiring any additional software). Intelligent resizing allows formats to be mixed and matched. By providing major increases in versatility and functionality, the new Smart Playout Engine allows Softron users to streamline infrastructure configurations, optimise workflow, and develop innovative ways to reach new audiences.
What’s new in OnTheAir Video Express 3.0b1 ?
- New Smart Playout Engine (instead of QuickTime APIs)
- Built-in support for Avid DNxHD® and many other codecs
- Built-in support for MXF (no additional component required)
- Mix-and-match HD and SD (Fill, Letterbox, Pan-and-scan). Also in YUV.
- Seamless playback
- Seamless Loop
- Improved support for multiple outputs using AJA cards
- Disable Playback Controls and hide Thumbnails features
- Support for undo/redo
What’s new in OnTheAir Video 3.0b1 ?
- New Smart Playout Engine (instead of QuickTime APIs)
- Built-in support for much more codecs. Long GOPs are now supported! => you can play H.264, XDCAM, ...
- Built-in support for Avid DNxHD®
- Built-in support for MXF (no additional component required)
- Smart resize: Mix-and-match HD and SD (Fill, Letterbox, Pan-and-scan) = improved quality compared to OnTheAir Video Express. Also in YUV.
- Improved support for audio configurations (5.1 tracks, etc)
- Position playhead randomly in playlist clips (to check transitions, etc)
- Improved support for multiple outputs using AJA cards
- Support for undo/redo
- New user interface
Important Notes
The new features: Dynamic Graphics Overlay and the streaming options will be rolled out very soon. All other options are available. Check the features comparison list available here.
OnTheAir Video Express now allows one output per application. If you want multiple outputs, you will need multiple licenses. Some codecs are not supported anymore. Check the list of supported codecs and file formats here (if it is not listed, it is most probably not supported)
OnTheAir Node will be released soon.
Find the UPGRADE that’s right for you !
If you already own a license and want to upgrade, check the Smart Playout Engine upgrade program page to easily find the upgrade for you ! Just select the product you have and which one you want to get.