Apple ProRes has long been a staple in professional video production. Wildly popular among broadcast, post-production and streaming media professionals for its high-quality compression and efficient editing performance, ProRes is used from Hollywood films to TV newsrooms around the world.
Apple ProRes is offered as a standard or optional recording feature on industry-leading cameras such as ARRI, Canon, Sony, Panasonic and Blackmagic. Editors count on it as the codec for Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.
Studios and broadcasters including the BBC, ESPN, CBS and streaming platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video accept or often require ProRes for delivery and mastering.
At the same time, popularity continues to grow for the SMPTE ST 2110 protocol, a set of standards designed for transmitting professional media over IP networks. This protocol is transforming how major broadcasters move media over IP and opening the door for smaller productions to benefit from flexible, affordable, and rapid innovations in software-based workflows.
Softron Makes the Connection
Until recently, a combination of ProRes and the ST 2110 protocol was out of reach. However, over the last several months, Softron has been applying our four decades of innovative engineering in the Apple community to integrate the ST 2110 protocol (via 2110-22) and ProRes to stream in real time over IP networks. Our goal was to make this connection to improve bandwidth efficiency, and workflow simplicity between live broadcast and post-production.
ST 2110 was originally built to handle uncompressed media streams, separating video, audio, and metadata into distinct IP packets for flexible routing and processing. This design made it ideal for live broadcast environments where latency and fidelity are critical.
Over time, ST 2110-22 was introduced to extend the standard to compressed video essences. The most widely adopted codec in this space is JPEG-XS, which became the reference for 2110-22 because of its extremely low latency and visually lossless quality, making it a perfect fit for demanding live production workflows.
Apple ProRes, on the other hand, is a compressed codec that was built for post-production workflows rather than real-time transmission. Its compression is efficient and visually lossless, but introduces more latency than JPEG-XS. That makes it less suited for ultra-latency-sensitive live switching, yet very compelling for other use cases where flexibility, cost, and in most cases interoperability matter more than absolute sub-millisecond latency.
At IBC2025, Softron has teamed with Macnica Americas to demonstrate the first pairing of Apple ProRes compressed video over ST 2110-22, combined with macOS and the Macnica100Gbps MEP100 SmartNIC.
This industry first marks a significant evolution, bridging the gap between live IP workflows and post-production environments. We are working with Macnica to bring this solution to market before the end of the year.
Why ST 2110 Support Matters for Apple ProRes
The integration of ProRes into ST 2110-22 introduces new advantages that complement, rather than replace, JPEG-XS. While ProRes does not match JPEG-XS in ultra-low latency, its ubiquity and licensing model make it an attractive option in many real-world workflows.A Familiar, Widely Supported Codec
ProRes is already built into most professional cameras, NLEs, and post-production systems. On macOS, it is decoded and encoded without licensing fees, and on Windows and Linux many vendors already support it for file recording. This means manufacturers can adopt ProRes over ST 2110 without having to pay for an additional proprietary codec such as JPEG-XS. The result: lower costs and faster adoption across hardware and software ecosystems.
Flexible Workflows at Lower Cost
In workflows where ProRes is already the mastering- or playout-format, carrying it over 2110-22 eliminates unnecessary re-encoding. A frame that already exists in ProRes can simply be transmitted in its current form, avoiding both the quality hit and the latency penalty of recompression. This opens use cases where latency remains low enough to be practical, even if not as minimal as JPEG-XS.
Bandwidth and Channel Scalability on Mac
On Apple platforms, ProRes makes IP video transport significantly more scalable. For example, current Thunderbolt bandwidth limits restrict uncompressed workflows to two 4K60 channels per bus. With ProRes over 2110-22, it becomes possible to handle up to eight 4K60 channels initially, and more in the future, enabling multichannel production even on Mac systems without PCIe slots such as the Mac Studio or Mac mini.
Scalability and Network Efficiency
ST 2110 leverages an IP infrastructure, which is inherently scalable. With support for ProRes over high-bandwidth networks (like Macnica’s 100Gbps SmartNIC), creators can transmit high-resolution compressed video efficiently, enabling remote production and distributed workflows.
Low-Latency, High-Quality Streaming
While ProRes is compressed, ST 2110-22 ensures that it can be transmitted with minimal latency, which is crucial for live events and real-time collaboration. This makes it possible to use ProRes not just for editing, but also for live ingest and playout.
Expanding the 2110 Ecosystem
By embracing ProRes alongside JPEG-XS, ST 2110-22 becomes more flexible and inclusive. Broadcasters can continue to use JPEG-XS for the most latency-critical live production, while leveraging ProRes for multichannel ingest, playout, remote production, or mixed environments where cost, adoption, and compatibility are equally important.
Future-Proofing Production Pipelines
As media formats evolve such as 8K and HDR, ST 2110 provides a modular, flexible foundation. Supporting ProRes within this protocol ensures that workflows remain adaptable and ready for future innovations.
We think it's going to be big
We believe the inclusion of Apple ProRes in the ST 2110 protocol can be a game-changer, merging the best of both worlds: the editing efficiency of ProRes and the real-time, scalable power of IP-based media transport.
For broadcasters, post-production teams, and live event producers, this development opens up new possibilities for seamless, high-performance workflows across the entire production chain.
This year at IBC, Softron will unveil ProRes over SMPTE 2110 with Macnica.
For more exciting innovations and new features, go to our IBC exhibit page !
As part of recent system updates, the automated support ticket creation feature is no longer available in applications released before June 2025—specifically, those that do not use the new license system.
In these older versions, only the “Collect Logs…” option remains functional. While you can still gather logs manually, the automatic ticket creation and update features are no longer supported.
In the latest versions of our applications, the improved “Contact Support…” option is available. It automatically collects logs and pre-fills support information directly in your web browser.
To send us logs, we recommend updating to the latest version and following this procedure. If updating isn’t possible, you can still collect logs manually and submit them. For instructions using older versions, refer to this guide.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we continue to enhance our support systems.
For urgent support, please visit our Support Center to submit a ticket directly.
Thank you for your continued support.
We are officially discontinuing OnTheAir Node, OnTheAir Manager, and OnTheAir Live. These products have served our users faithfully for over 15 years, but they’ve now reached the end of their lifecycle. While we’ll continue to offer limited maintenance updates for a short transition period, active development on these apps ended several years ago, and they are no longer available for purchase.
But here’s the great news:
We’ve poured our efforts into building something better—OnTheAir Video is now our flagship playout solution. It not only incorporates the key features of the discontinued products, but also introduces significantly more powerful capabilities: native support for advanced effects, remote control options, squeeze back with supersources, and more.
This move also simplifies our product lineup. In the past, it wasn’t always clear which software best fit a given workflow—Master Control, Newsroom integration, or Live production. Now, the answer is simple: OnTheAir Video is the way to go, no matter the broadcast scenario.
Transition made easy:
- If you own a license for OnTheAir Node 4, you’re entitled to a free crossgrade to OnTheAir Video 4.
- If you own a license for OnTheAir Node 3, just purchase the upgrade from OnTheAir Video 3 to 4, indicate your Node license number in the comment field, and we’ll convert that to a crossgrade from Node 3 to Video 4.
We understand that transitions can raise questions, and we’re here to help. Our team is committed to ensuring a smooth shift to OnTheAir Video, and we’re confident it will deliver a more streamlined, powerful, and future-proof experience.
Continued Support and Tips for a Smooth Transition
While OnTheAir Node, Manager, and Live are now discontinued for new sales, we will continue to provide limited maintenance updates and support for a reasonable period (likely a year or two). If you have a stable and working setup today, you can absolutely continue using it for as long as it works for you — nothing is being changed or disabled. This announcement simply means that we are no longer selling these products, and that maintenance updates will gradually come to an end. If you’re happy with your setup and have no issues, there is no reason to stop using it. Just keep in mind that once maintenance updates have stopped, our ability to help in case of a technical problem may be limited.
If you plan to transition, we encourage you to start testing OnTheAir Video now — download the demo, try it on a separate Mac, and explore its graphical scheduler and other features.
And of course, feel free to reach out to our support team anytime for guidance on upgrading. We're here to help you ensure a smooth and stable transition.
Softron is pleased to announce the launch of a new license activation mechanism through the Softron License Manager, a major step forward in simplifying software licensing for media professionals.
This updated system introduces a more flexible, user-friendly approach to activating and managing licenses. While initially available only for select Softron applications, all new releases starting from April 24th, 2025 will adopt this new copy protection system moving forward.
Key Benefits of the New Mechanism:
- No New Serial Numbers Needed: Existing licenses remain valid. Users do not need to request new serials—the only requirement is to update to the latest version of supported applications.
- Force Releases: If your computer has an issue, or if you reformat it, no need to contact us anymore, you can do it simply in Softron License Manager.
- Centralized License Management: Users gain a clear overview of all license statuses, expiration dates, and activation slots from one interface.
- Enhanced Security: Licenses are tied to user accounts and hardware in a secure, transparent way.
- Share Licenses: You can share the access to your licenses with multiple users.
An internet connection is required from time to time, as the software needs to communicate with our servers every few days. If it cannot connect for an extended period (typically 2 to 3 days), the application will automatically switch to demo mode. Your computer does not need to be connected continuously, but it must go online periodically to maintain activation.
If your computer cannot connect to the internet periodically, you can migrate your license to a dongle instead. Dongles are available for purchase in our online store.
To get started, users simply need to download the updated version of their Softron application (when available).
👉 Learn more and find detailed instructions in our Help Center
Welcome back to NAB Las Vegas! Powerful new features for playout, ingest, and replay—discover what’s coming from Softron at NAB 2025! Check our NAB 2025 page!
Dear Softron Users,
We are writing to inform you about an update regarding the "Contact Softron Support" feature in our applications. Due to recent adjustments to our systems, the automated support ticket creation functionality is temporarily unavailable.
We are actively working to restore this functionality in future versions of our applications. However, please note that the automated ticket creation feature will only be available in updated versions moving forward and will no longer be accessible in older versions of the software.
The "Collect Logs..." feature will remain available in all versions of the application, including older versions. This allows you to collect logs as before, even if the automated ticket creation feature is unavailable.
Here's how you can reach out for support:
- Manually Create a Support Ticket:
Visit our support desk at softron.zendesk.com to create a ticket.
- Sending Logs to Our Team:
If logs are required, you can still collect them from your Softron application by going to:
Help > Contact Softron Support... > Collect Logs...This will generate a zip file with the necessary logs. Upload the zip file to our WeTransfer page and include your support ticket number in the message. This ensures we can quickly associate the logs with your ticket.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to improve and restore this feature in future versions of our applications. Your feedback and support are invaluable to us, and we remain committed to providing you with the best possible experience.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Warm regards,
The Softron Team