Case Study: Tour de France 2014 (starring MovieRecorder)
26
Aug
2014
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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.
Read it here.
RELEASE: MovieRecorder 3.0.8
22
Aug
2014
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What’s new in version 3.0.8 ?
- General Stability and performance improvements
- Added the possibility to drag a source to a viewer
- Added the possibility to drag a destination to a pod to enable it
- Better error logging upon starting M|80 input
- Warning if the selected format is different than the incoming one for the M|80
- In M|80, you can now enable a source even if there is no valid incoming signal
- Improved Video card timecode accuracy for AJA cards
- Improved Application timecode accuracy for AJA and Deltacast cards
- Fixed an Audio distortion with AJA Io 4K
- Fixed issue with selected destinations that got deselected in the scheduler
- Fixed crash when starting a recording with invalid / missing settings
- Fixed possible crash when closing a file recorded in Classic mode
RELEASE: MovieRecorder 3.0.1
17
Jul
2014
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What’s new in version 3.0.1 ?
- General Stability and performance improvements
- Added support for Closed Captioning record with AJA cards (not yet compatible with other cards)
- Added preallocation on Xsan Volumes
- Added support for 10-bit Preview
- Added support for Video card TC source for AJA cards (was already working with other cards in earlier version)
- Improved timecode accuracy
- Improved logs and warnings when there is an issue with a source or destination (drop frame, disk too slow...)
- Improved the log window (now can sort by source and destination)
- Improved behaviours of Timers and Schedules
- Fixed H.264 NTSC issue because (the profile used did not support the width)
- Fixed issue with Classic movies in 720p
- Patch to fix memory leak issue on some graphics cards (some Radeon cards created massive memory leaks. They have been black-listed)
- Source preview now works in headless mode
MovieRecorder 3.0 and M|80 are now shipping !
11
Jun
2014
Filed in:
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:
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:
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.
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:
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:
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!
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:
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: MovieRecorder 2.5.11
23
Dec
2013
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RELEASE: MovieRecorder 2.5.9
11
Dec
2013
Filed in:
RELEASE: MovieRecorder 2.5.5
07
Oct
2013
Filed in:
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:
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:
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
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What’s new in MovieRecorder 2.5 ?
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 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
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RELEASE: MovieRecorder 2.4
08
Aug
2012
Filed in:
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:
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:
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.
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
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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
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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