MovieRecorder 3.0 and M|80 are now shipping !
11 Jun 2014
Filed in:
New Versions, Release Notes, MovieRecorder
The long wait for MovieRecorder 3 is over! You can download MovieRecorder 3 from our website, where you will find a FREE DEMO version. Please take a moment to fill out the required form, to let us know which features are important to you. It will only take a few minutes to fill out and it will greatly help us to build better products. You can watch a QuickStart video here and read more about it on the MovieRecorder 3 page.

Softron's M|80 is also now shipping. The M|80 is an 8 ingest hardware & software bundle that connects 8 video inputs via a single Thunderbolt 2 port to a MacPro. It includes 8 x MovieRecorder 3 licenses on one dongle, 1x 8 Input SDI Video card, 1 Thunderbolt 2 Expansion Chassis and 1 Black TB cable - everything for a very affordable price. You can read more info about the M-80 on its dedicated product page.

So - what's new in MovieRecorder 3 ?
MovieRecorder 3 has some amazing new features such as:
  • One application for multi-channel ingest - a beautiful black user interface, with everything available in one window,
  • Efficiency - thanks to the fact that it is now a 64-bit application,
  • Automatic seamless switching - allows for 24/7 recording. (MovieRecorder 3 will automatically create a new file, frame accurately, based on a duration you establish.)
  • Pre-sets to allow users to change their record settings.
  • Multiple destinations along with multiple codecs - to allow you to record High Res and Proxy in one folder or to record to two different hard drives. Just select "Destinations." You can have as many destinations as you want for a single source. The only limitation is the processing power of your Mac.
  • H.264 and DNxHD support - codecs that were not available in MovieRecorder 2.
  • Direct Link - between OnTheAir Video 3 or OnTheAir Node 3 and MovieRecorder 3. Check this video.

In the works !
We have many more things planned for MovieRecorder 3. (Admittedly many of the "must haves" did not make their way into the current release because getting MovieRecorder 3 out the door was too important.) Just so you know what to expect, here is what we plan to release in updates soon:
  • Support for more codecs: MovieRecorder 3 currently supports Apple ProRes, DNxHD and H.264. It is a 64-bit application and no longer uses the QuickTime APIs. The QuickTime APIs were used to compress the frames into the various codecs. However, these codecs are no longer available with the AVFoundation framework that is now used. Thus, Softron has to negotiate the rights with third-parties to be permitted to add support for these codecs. Stay tuned to our website because we expect to add more codecs very soon! This will come as a paid option on a per license base.
  • Support for MXF and HLS: Currently, when you create a destination, you can only choose a QuickTime destination. MXF and HLS are greyed out. This is something that we know is important and will remedy soon.
  • Remote Control: one of the widely used features is the ability to remote control MovieRecorder. That has not been incorporated yet into MovieRecorder 3 because we have some very innovative features that impact remote control and will share these in a near future as well.
  • Other features that will be rolled out very soon: Closed Captioning, Audio Mapping, VTR Control, metadata, automatic delete files after a period of time...

MovieRecorder 3 licenses are also valid for MovieRecorder 2 Pro so if there is a MovieRecorder 2 feature that is crucial right now, you can deactivate MovieRecorder 3 and use that feature in MovieRecorder 2. Of course,if you have a dongle it makes it easy - just close one application and launch the other. Above all, remember to provide us feedback and express your opinion of what is important to you - that is why we recommend using the online form.
RELEASE: MovieRecorder 2.5.19
30 Apr 2014
Filed in:
New Versions, Release Notes, MovieRecorder
What’s new in MovieRecorder 2.5.19 ?
  • General Stability and performance improvements
  • Added Timecode Buddy Server source (to support the connection of multiple channels to one Timecode Buddy)
  • Fixed an issue with Drop Frame TC in VTR control
  • Fixed an issue with XDCAM EX and HDV codec
  • Fixed some memory leak issues (warning at the time of writing there are still issues with 10.6.8 and 10.9.2. we currently recommend working with 10.7.5 or 10.8.5)
Announcements for NAB
07 Apr 2014
Filed in:
New Versions, Release Notes, MovieRecorder
What's up for Softron at NAB2014?

We've held back telling you about NAB. We did not want to spoil the surprise.
Well – now it's time!

Check the following page where we announce many important upgrades to Softron Media Services’ products.

Stop by NAB - booth SL9405 if you want to see all this Live!
RELEASE: MovieRecorder 2.5.12
07 Feb 2014
Filed in:
New Versions, Release Notes, MovieRecorder
What’s new in MovieRecorder 2.5.12 ?
  • General Stability and performance improvements
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.


RELEASE: MovieRecorder 2.5.11
23 Dec 2013
Filed in:
New Versions, Release Notes, MovieRecorder
What’s new in MovieRecorder 2.5.11 ?
  • General Stability and performance improvements
  • Fixed an issue with Premiere Pro when a Proxy file was recorded
  • Fixed a performance issue with NVIDIA cards on MacBook Pros
RELEASE: MovieRecorder 2.5.9
11 Dec 2013
Filed in:
New Versions, Release Notes, MovieRecorder
What’s new in MovieRecorder 2.5.9 ?
  • General Stability and performance improvements
  • Fixed an issue with Mavericks and QuickTime X that had to “convert” the movies created by MovieRecorder
  • Fixed a 2-3 frames desync issue with some configurations in Mountain Lion and Mavericks
RELEASE: MovieRecorder 2.5.5
07 Oct 2013
Filed in:
New Versions, Release Notes, MovieRecorder
What’s new in MovieRecorder 2.5.5 ?
  • General Stability and performance improvements
  • Fixed an issue with scheduled destinations being modified by the generic destinations
  • Fixed incorrect info with DVCPro HD codec
  • Fixed an issue with timecode when using drop frame TC
  • Increased frame size for some XDCAM EX formats (file size will increase in consequence)
  • Fixed an issue with the preview with 4K sources
Fixes in Contact Softron Support
07 May 2013
Filed in:
MovieRecorder, MovieRecorder Control, OnTheAir Live, OnTheAir Manager, OnTheAir Node, OnTheAir Video, OnTheAir Video Express, MovieStreamer HLS
We have released new versions of most of our apps with a fix in the “Contact Softron Support”. The issue prevented in some configurations to send the correct System log file and System Profiler. Make sure you update your application before sending us logs.

Here are the version numbers of the applications that have the proper “Contact Softron Support” feature:
  • GPICommander 1.2.3
  • MovieRecorder 2.5.1
  • MovieRecorder Control 2.3.4
  • MovieStreamer HLS 1.2.11
  • Multicam Logger 1.1.6
  • OnTheAir CG Controller 2.8.7
  • OnTheAir Live 1.2.4
  • OnTheAir Node 1.2.28
  • OnTheAir Manager 1.2.20
  • OnTheAir Tools 1.16
  • OnTheAir Video 2.5.22
  • OnTheAir Video Express 1.2.12
RELEASE: MovieRecorder 2.5 and MovieRecorder Control 2.3.2
24 Apr 2013
Filed in:
New Versions, Release Notes, MovieRecorder
What’s new in MovieRecorder 2.5 ?
  • General Stability and performance improvements
  • Added the “Help > Contact Support” menu to easily Gather all the logs required for support
  • Added support for XDCAM HD, XDCAM HD422 and HDV codecs (warning: the nitrate is higher then expected due to the edit-while-ingest feature)
  • Added VTR Control over Telnet (with MovieRecorder Control)
  • Improved Metadata behaviours
  • Improved compatibility with Harmonic Servers
  • Fixed issues with Reference movies on Windows
  • Fixed issues with XML imports
  • Fixed issues with AppleScript and destinations


What’s new in MovieRecorder Control 2.3.2 ?
  • General Stability and performance improvements
  • Added the “Help > Contact Support” menu to easily Gather all the logs required for support
  • Added the possibility to control a VTR connected to a MovieRecorder (with jog shuttle)
  • Fixed an issue with network connection lost
  • Fixed an issue with FCPX XML automatic generation
RELEASE: MovieRecorder 2.4.4
28 Sep 2012
Filed in:
New Versions, Release Notes, MovieRecorder
What’s new in MovieRecorder 2.4.4 ?
  • General Stability and performance improvements
  • Fixed an issue with Settings window on opening
  • Fixed an issue with Audio LTC not rolling when the application start
RELEASE: MovieRecorder 2.4
08 Aug 2012
Filed in:
New Versions, Release Notes, MovieRecorder
What’s new in MovieRecorder 2.4 ?
  • General Stability and performance improvements
  • Application now signed for compatibility with Mountain Lion Gatekeeper and additional security for protection against malware
  • Added support for retina display
  • Added the possibility to take a snapshot of the incoming video signal
  • You can now import Batch Captures from an Excel Spreadsheet
MovieRecorder can now sync timecode with Wi-Fi (with Timecode Buddy)
12 Apr 2012
Filed in:
Press Release, MovieRecorder
Timecode Systems and Softron Media Services have joined forces to add the wireless functionality of Timecode Buddy to leading video acquisition software, MovieRecorder and MovieRecorder Pro. The enhanced versions of these professional broadcast solutions will be launched with the new Timecode Buddy: system during the NAB Show 2012 in Las Vegas on 16th April 2012.
RELEASE: Create Final Cut Pro X Multicam files automatically
13 Feb 2012
Filed in:
New Versions, MovieRecorder, MovieRecorder Control
MovieRecorder and MovieRecorder Control have been updated today to allow for easier integration with Final Cut Pro X.

With MovieRecorder Control 2.1 you can now create multicam clips for Final Cut Pro X automatically without any need to do anything else manually.

MovieRecorder is the natural companion to Final Cut Pro X when working in a multicam environment. With the appropriate hardware, multiple streams can be captured on one single MacPro (up to 8 SD or 4 HD)using the corresponding number of MovieReorder licenses. In addition to its multiple channel ingest efficiency, MovieRecorder has a multicam feature so that users can start editing the multicam clip while the file is still being recorded.

When working in a multi-cam environment, the usual workflow would be to first start the recording for each angle, then find the files in your shared storage, import the files in Final Cut Pro X. Then you would select all of the media you have just imported and select File > New Multicam Clip from the menu. Next you would have to make sure to select the proper settings to make the multi-cam clip. And finally once the multi-cam clip is created, you will have to create a new project and drag and drop the multi-cam clip in the project. Only then can start you working with multi-cam.

The “Softron Way” - When using MovieRecorder and MovieRecorder Control, you click on the gang record button in MovieRecorder Control to start recording all the camera angles at once, then just wait a few seconds for all the work to be done for you. MovieRecorder Control will import all the camera angles, create the multi-cam clip and the project for you in Final Cut Pro X . And you can start editing your multi-cam clip immediately, while it is still being recorded. Easier then that is just not possible. You can also just store the XML file for a later use if you want to edit your multicam clip later on.

Download the DEMO versions of MovieRecorder and MovieRecorder Control today and find out for yourself.

Note that MovieRecorder Control 2.1 requires MovieRecorder 2.3b6 or later.
Edit-While-Ingest with Final Cut Pro X - Now possible only with MovieRecorder !
04 Nov 2011
Filed in:
Apple, MovieRecorder
Since the release of Final Cut Pro X, MovieRecorder 2.0 was able to do edit-while-ingest with reference movies. Now, with the release of MovieRecorder version 2.3, it is also possible to do edit-while-ingest on self-contained movies!. So - edit-while-ingest, either way you want it, with reference movies or self contained movies, only available from Softron! Read more here...
RELEASE: MovieRecorder 2.2.13
02 Sep 2011
Filed in:
New Versions, Release Notes, MovieRecorder
What’s new in MovieRecorder 2.2.13 ?
  • General stability and performance improvements
  • Fixed an issue with some info missing in the exported Schedule XML
  • The maximum duration for a scheduled recording is now set to 12 hours (no limit previously)
  • It is now possible to edit the end time of a scheduled recording that is currently recording
  • Changes in the Schedule window UI
RELEASE: MovieRecorder 2.2.1 - OCTO version available
20 Jun 2011
Filed in:
New Versions, Release Notes, MovieRecorder
What’s new in MovieRecorder 2.2.1 ?
• general stability and performance improvements
• Added the OCTO version for up to eight (8) SD ingest on one single Mac
• solved a permission issue when recording AND reading to/from an AFP Volume (file would not open until stopped recording)
• We now prevent to record when no audio track is present
• Solved an issue when recording in Uncompressed formats and disabling the option “Update Movie Duration when Stopping”.
RELEASE: MovieRecorder 2.2 and MovieRecorder Control 2.0.6
04 May 2011
Filed in:
New Versions, Release Notes, MovieRecorder, MovieRecorder Control
What’s new in MovieRecorder 2.2 ?
• general stability and performance improvements
• Added the auto naming in Scheduled recordings
• Added the option to record to a reference movie (to solve problems with Final Cut Server watch folder integration or Final Cut Pro renders on files being ingested)
• Added a preference to select the extension for reference movies (.ref or .mov)
• Solved an issue with VITC recording where the TimeCode track was not referenced properly in the recorded file
• Added an option to keep the file in “Read only” even after the end of the recording
• Implementation of ACL permissions
• Updated and optimized VU meters with meter labels


What’s new in MovieRecorder Control 2.0.6 ?
• general stability and performance improvements
• Added the auto naming in Scheduled recordings
• Added control for reference movies destinations
• Added a gang pause button
• Solved issues with more then 10 destinations
RELEASE: MovieRecorder 2.1 and MovieRecorder Control 2.0.2
18 Nov 2010
Filed in:
New Versions, Release Notes, MovieRecorder, MovieRecorder Control
What’s new in MovieRecorder 2.1 ?
• general stability and performance improvements
• Looped recording feature for TimeShift operations: when reaching the end of the file, MovieRecorder starts recording again at the beginning (Pro option required)
• improved A/V sync

What’s new in MovieRecorder Control 2.0.2 ?
• general stability and performance improvements
• Added support for the control of MovieRecorder HEXA and MovieRecorder QUAD
• Solved compatibility issue with Mac OS X 10.5.8
• Solved an issue where MovieRecorder Control would take up a dongle license
RELEASE: MovieRecorder 1.1b8
18 Oct 2010
Filed in:
New Versions, Release Notes, MovieRecorder
What’s new in OnTheAir Video Express 1.1b9 ?
• general stability and performance improvements
• improves A/V sync