OnTheAir Video can be used for automated playout using its own scheduler or it can serve as a clip store for live news operations, local broadcast or live shows. Schedules can be created weeks in advance.
Thanks to its powerful Smart Playout Engine, OnTheAir Video supports multiple video formats such as Apple ProRes®, AVC-Intra®, Avid DNxHD®, H.264, HEVC, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MPEG IMX, XDCAM EX, XDCAM HD, etc... You can add multiple transitions between the clips (cross fade, wipe,...)
With the Dynamic Graphics Overlay option, you can overlay dynamic graphics on top of your video very easily.
Play multiple codecs, file types, formats and frame rates in the same playlist. Support for Apple ProRes®, AVC-Intra, Avid DNxHD®, H.264, HEVC, XDCAM and many more codecs. Multiple file types are supported: movie files (such as .mov, .MXF, .M2T, .M4V), still images or sound. (Check the list in the Tech Specs section.)
Create stunning dynamic graphics in the free OnTheAir CG Designer application, import it in OnTheAir Video and select when you want it to play in your playlist. You can give a default status, and change variables, so for example if you need to add coming next, you can have just one project and just modify the text and the image used.
Use YUV 8bit, YUB 10bit or ARGB pixel formats to match your needs. Depending on the output that you use, you will be able to select these pixel formats. When outputting to ARGB, if the device allows, we'll output both the fill and the key signals.
Add transitions to bring even more dynamic to your playlist. You can use either built-in transitions such as cross-fades, or custom transitions (made with your own movies with an Alpha Channel).
Additionally to the video output on the selected video device, you can now also output to another available audio output on your Mac. Works with CoreAudio, so supports the audio devices that are available for macOS (including Dante or MADI).
OnTheAir Video is in use by many TV stations worldwide as their main automation software. Thanks to an easy to use scheduler, you can schedule playlists to be played automatically at given time of days. Prepare your playlists and schedules in advance and let OnTheAir Video do the rest. OnTheAir Video can play 24/7 for days and days without having to worry about it.
With the "Remote Pack" option for OnTheAir Video, you can use a simple web browser on another computer, or another OnTheAir Video to control your playout remotely. The option also adds a "Media Browser", which lists all the media available for your OnTheAir Video, so you can see remotely what clips are available for playout.
Thanks to its flexible system of "Actions", OnTheAir Video can send SCTE35 triggers, overlay dynamic graphics (with the DGO option), control multiple external devices such as Charcater Generators, video routers, logo inserters. Actions can be triggered at any moment of a clip within a playlist. Actions are AppleScripts, so it is very easy to customize them and create macros to perform multiple controls with a simple action.
OnTheAir Video is a simple to use software, but with advanced feature such as the support for subtitling (Closed Captioning CEA608 or CEA708 and OP47). You can embed the subtilting in the file, or use a SRT sidecar file.
The support for SCTE35 is very useful for add-insertion programs. You can either embed the SCTE trigger in your MXF file, or tell OnTheAir Video to trigger the SCTE35 at a specific moment of a clip using Actions.
NDI® is an open, low-latency, video-over-IP protocol developed by NewTek, Inc. It uses a simple gigabit ethernet cable to transmit video and audio over a local area network between multiple video systems. Now, thanks to NDI®, you can transfer HD and 4K video over a simple Ethernet cable. There is no need for additional routers or even SDI cables anymore, further demonstrating the ease-of-use and reliability of our products. NDI® opens the world to a different way of doing video production and to an ecosystem of devices supporting the protocol.
NDI® is a registered trademark of NewTek, Inc.
If you are a Web-TV broadcasting only to the web, you will love this feature. With OnTheAir Video and the Softron Streaming Pack in MovieRecorder, you can stream your video directly to YouTube, Facebook, Twitch or your Wowza or RTMP Server. No need to have a video output device.
You can use the built-in scheduler to create your schedule and playout 24/7 unattended, but if you want to use your traffic solution to control OnTheAir Video, add the "traffic" option. Create your playlist (or log) in your traffic solution, such as Wide Orbit, and OnTheAir Video will import it and play it out. The traffic option includes the "Remote Pack" option.
Support is included in our permanent licenses. There are no recurring fees.
Softron has a worldwide network of highly skilled specialists to help you.
Setting up our software is simple and straightforward. But we are always happy to help you!
Our customers love our products and our support.
Make sure to test with our free DEMO version available for download before purchasing so you are sure it fits your need. In DEMO mode, the application will burn a blue frame in the recorded file or at output at some intervals. That's the only limitation and difference. After your test, you will keep on using the same application, just with the demo mode unlocked.
Purchase one option per channel (except for the dongle which can hold up to 20 licences on one dongle, and for which it's one dongle per computer)
Overlay dynamic graphics on top of your video. Purchase one option per channel. Alternatively to the DGO option, you can choose to use OnTheAir CG.
Add the support to output Closed Captioning (CEA-608 or CEA-708) or subtitles (OP-47), as well as SCTE35 triggers on SDI outputs.
Add the ability to control OnTheAir Video remotely. Either via a simple web browser or via another unlicensed OnTheAir Video. Note that in DEMO mode, the cataloging is disabled, so you can not test remote Media Browser in DEMO. Contact us if you want to test it.
Add the ability to integrate with WideOrbit traffic software (WO traffic software required to purchase from WideOrbit - www.wideorbit.com). This feature is not available in DEMO mode. Contact us if you want to test it.
OnTheAir WebLink is a multi-web page broadcast video solution. Built to output web pages in video standards, even as you multitask in other applications.
With the Softron Streaming Pack, you can stream to RTMP, to YouTube, Wowza and more.
Multi-channel video playback control leveraging Advanced Media Protocol and the power of OnTheAir Video..
OnTheAir MOS Gateway is the middleman between your NRCS system and OnTheAir Video, Softron's playout application using the MOS protocol.
Hardware that connects with USB to your Mac and allows to send GPI triggers to other devices to control them, or being controlled by receiving GPI triggers.
Application to overlay dynamic graphics on top of the video. You can use it instead of the Dynamic Graphics Overlay option.
OnTheAir Video (Express) is ideal for News production or Live Shows. Plays most codecs, mix-and-match resize, GPI triggers, Cue mode, seamless playback, multiple outputs on one Mac, clip trimming, clip end behaviours, scrubbing,...
Paid options |
Available in DEMO?*
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OnTheAir Video Express
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OnTheAir Video
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Dynamic Graphics Overlay | |||
Closed Captioning | |||
Remote Pack | Remote control is possible, but not with the Media Browser remote (no cataloging in DEMO mode) |
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Traffic |
* If the feature is not available in DEMO mode, and you want to test it, contact us to receive a temporary serial number.
Supported Outputs |
OnTheAir Video Express
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OnTheAir Video
|
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Devices from AJA and Blackmagic-Design | ||
M|Family | ||
NDI | ||
NDI|HX | (Only supported for live sources, not for output. Requires the NDI|HX driver.) | |
External Audio Output |
Playback Features |
OnTheAir Video Express
|
OnTheAir Video
|
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Smart Resize and Graphics | ||
Dynamic Graphics Overlay (requires DGO option or OnTheAir CG application) | ||
8bit and ARGB video output (check video output capabilities) | ||
10bit video output (check video output capabilities, requires smart engine option enabled, not with NDI) | ||
Video Preview + Audio Vu-Meters | ||
Secondary Audio Output | ||
Transitions (requires smart engine option enabled) | ||
Support for OP47 Subtiltling (Requires CC option) | ||
Support for .SRT sidecars files with Closed Captioning (CEA608, CEA708) and OP47 - Requires CC option | ||
Support for .STL sidecars files with OP47 (Not with CEA608, CEA708) - Requires CC option | ||
Mix and match formats (clips can be of a different format and fps than the output) | ||
Resize Modes (Fill, Letterbox, Pand & Scan, Natural) | ||
Countdown until next Live Event | ||
Audio countdown | ||
Reverse field order |
Scheduling and 24/7 Features |
OnTheAir Video Express
|
OnTheAir Video
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---|---|---|
Scheduler | ||
Secondary Events (Actions) | ||
Traffic option (Import WideOrbit playlists, Media Browser, Virtual Sources, Remote control, etc... Contact us to know more) | ||
Validation Report | ||
Remote control | ||
As-run logs |
Playlists Settings |
OnTheAir Video Express
|
OnTheAir Video
|
---|---|---|
Automatic Folder-based Playlist | ||
Playlist playback modes: Chain, Loop, Cue, Shuffle | ||
Lock playlist to prevent editing and playback controls |
Clips Settings |
OnTheAir Video Express
|
OnTheAir Video
|
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Supports Video, Images, and audio files | ||
Add Comments (and set their colors) | ||
Add Live Clips (from a AJA, Blackmagic-Design, or NDI source) | ||
Add Stream Clips (from a RTMP, RTSP, or HLS source) | ||
Trim clips (Set in/out points non destructively) | ||
Auto-update Modified Clips and Playlists (when clips or playlists are modified on another computer, they automatically update) | ||
Clip-end behaviours: Stop, Hold, Loop, Play Next Clip, Cue Next Clip | ||
Rename Clips | ||
Disable Clips | ||
Auto-cue Next Clip | ||
GPI Trigger (enabled on one clip) | ||
Change audio gain on clip |
Integration & Control |
OnTheAir Video Express
|
OnTheAir Video
|
---|---|---|
Remote Control other OnTheAir Video |
Requires the "Remote Pack" or the "Traffic" option |
|
Controllable by a REST API | ||
Trigger Actions (Secondary Events) | ||
Send SCTE-35 triggers (in SDI - Requires CC option) | ||
Control VideoHub or Ross video router | ||
HyperDeck Emulation (One channel per mac, not compatible with the Multi-Channel versions) | ||
Controllable by Video Mixers (ATEM, Tricaster) | ||
Control ATEM Macros | ||
Controllable by GPI triggers (Requires GPICommander box) | ||
Send GPI triggers (Requires GPICommander box) | ||
Controllable by Elgato's Stream Deck |
Only with the built-in integration, or in Bitfocus companion, only through the HyperDeck Emulation. |
Different possible integrations, using the built-in integration, the REST API or modules in Bitfocus |
Controllable by AppleScript | ||
Controllable by MIDI Message | ||
Send MIDI Messages |
Version |
Sonoma
14.00
|
Ventura
13.00
|
Monterey
12.00
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Big Sur
11.00
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Catalina
10.15
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Mojave
10.14
|
High Sierra
10.13
|
Sierra
10.12
|
El Capitan
10.11
|
Yosemite
10.10
|
Mavericks
10.9
|
M. Lion
10.8
|
4.1 and later | ||||||||||||
4.0 | ||||||||||||
3.8 | ||||||||||||
3.6 to 3.7 | ||||||||||||
3.2 to 3.5 | ||||||||||||
3.0 to 3.1 |
Required Version by some macOS Version | macOS 10.13 to macOS 10.15: Version 3.6 or later (For dongle compatibility) macOS 11 or later: Version 4.0 or later (Because of UI glitches in the playlist playback controls) |
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Recommended macOS (for latest version) | macOS 10.15.5 or later* | |||
Supported Mac computers |
Intel Processors:
Apple Silicon Processors: Version 4.0 and later
WARNING: With Apple Silicon processors, some third party libraries may not be able to run natively, so will have lower performances. Other libraries may not run at all. Check the following article to know more
|
Recommended RAM |
HD: 4 GB for the first channel. Then add 2GB per additional channel
4K: 8 GB for the first channel. Then add 4GB per additional channel
8K: 16 GB for the first channel. Then add 8GB per additional channel
|
|
Supported Graphics Cards |
Version 3.0 until 3.8: A graphics card that supports Metal is recommended. WARNING: the latest Intel MacBook Pros and Intel iMacs (not on Apple Silicon) have a bug with macOS OpenGL, and you won't be able to use the SMART playout engine of OnTheAir Video 3, OnTheAir Node 3 or OnTheAir CG 3 (there is no issue with version 4 of these applications). More info here...
Version 4.0 and later: Requires a graphics card that supports Metal for the SMART Resize and Graphics option (OnTheAir Video and OnTheAir Node)... Check the list of Macs that support Metal.
|
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Supported Outputs | AJA, Blackmagic-Design, Deltacast, NDI. Make sure to check the required drivers depending on the macOS and Softron software version | |||
Hardware acceleration to decode Apple ProRes |
Supported hardware: Mac with Apple Silicon M1 Max or Ultra; M2 Pro, Max or Ultra; or 2019 Mac Pro with an "Afterburner card"
Required macOS version: macOS 10.15.2 or later
Required software version: OnTheAir Video Express, OnTheAir Video or OnTheAir Node version 3.8 or later.
|
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Hardware acceleration to decode H.264 |
Intel Processors: With all Mac computers with i5 or i7 processors, running macOS 10.9.5 or later for one channel. macOS 10.13 or later is required for multichannel support.
Apple Silicon Processors: All models support hardware acceleration for H.264, but they are more optimised for HEVC, so we recommend using HEVC whenever possible
|
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Hardware acceleration to decode H.265 / HEVC |
Intel Processors: With all Mac computers with 6th generation of intel processors (2016 and later), running macOS 10.13 or later. Macs with M1 chips or later can support multichannels as well./div>
Apple Silicon Processors: All models support hardware acceleration, and are optimised for HEVC
|
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Compatible Storage | Most storage that can sustain the required constant read speed (depending on the number of channels, the codec and format). If you need to run tests, make sure to do long term tests. | |||
Requires Monitor Connected | Yes. Even if it should behave fine in most cases, it is recommended to keep a monitor connected at all times for best performances. Or you should make the macOS think that there is a monitor connected. Beware of some KVM switches that can cause interrupts in the signal. | |||
Number of license required | One complete license required per channel (output). |
Format | Support |
---|---|
Apple ProRes 422 Family (Proxy, 422, LT, HQ) | |
Apple ProRes 4444 (4444, XQ) | |
AVC-Intra (50, 100, 200) | |
AVCHD | |
Avid DNxHD | |
Avid DNxHR | |
DV-PAL | |
DV/DVCPRO-NTSC | |
DVCPro-PAL | |
DVCPro HD | |
DVCPro 50 | |
H.264 | |
HDV | |
HEVC | |
MPEG IMX (30/40/50) | |
MPEG-2 | |
MPEG-4 Video | |
None | |
Photo-JPEG | |
Speed HQ (Newtek) | |
Uncompressed | |
XDCAM EX | |
XDCAM HD | |
XDCAM HD422 |
Protocol | Support |
---|---|
RTSP | |
RTMP | |
TCP | |
HTTP | |
HLS |
Format | Support |
---|---|
AAC | |
Apple Lossless | |
MP2 | |
MP3 | |
Linear PCM |
Format | Support |
---|---|
AVI | |
DV | |
M2T | |
M2V | |
M4V | |
MP2 | |
MP4 | |
MPEG | |
MPG | |
MXF OP1a | |
QuickTime (MOV) | |
Transport Stream (ts) |
Format | Support |
---|---|
BMP | |
PSD | |
GIF ** | |
JPEG | |
JPEG 2000 | |
PNG | |
Targa | |
TIFF |
* HEVC requires macOS 10.13 or later and a computer using a Intel Core processor Skylake or later (available in 2016 on the Mac)
** Only first image.
Important Note: Some of the codecs above such as H.264 or MPEG2 can have a lot of variants. This is why we always recommend to have a procedure on how to create the files you put on air. So you are sure it will always behave well. If you receive files from external sources and you don't know how they were generated, it's always a good idea to test them before putting them on air. You can even test them on a different computer with a demo version of one of our playout application.
Application Version | First Supported Drivers | Last Supported Drivers |
---|---|---|
Version 4.0.1 and later | Intel: 15.0 Apple Silicon: 16.1 |
latest |
Version 3.8 until 4.0 | 15.0 | latest |
Version 3.7 | 12.4.2 | latest |
Version 3.4.x until 3.6.x | 12.4.2 | 14.3 |
Version 3.3.x | 12.1.2 | 14.3 |
Version 3.2.x | 10.5.2 | 12.2.2 |
Version 3.0 until 3.1 | 10.5.2 | 10.6.1 |
WARNING:
Application Version | First Supported Drivers | Last Supported Drivers |
---|---|---|
Version 4.0 and later | Intel: 11.0 or later Apple Silicon: 12.0 or later |
latest drivers |
Version 3.8 | 11.0 | latest drivers |
Version 3.6 and 3.7 | 10.9.5 | latest drivers |
Version 3.2 until 3.5 | 10.3.1 | latest drivers |
Version 3.0 until 3.1 | 9.9.3 | 10.3.7 |
WARNING:
Application Version | First Supported Drivers | Last Supported Drivers |
---|---|---|
Version 4.0.1 and later | Intel: 6.15.01 Apple Silicon: 6.17 Universal beta 1 |
Intel: latest version Apple Silicon: latest version |
Version 3.8 until 4.0 | 5.21 | latest version |
Version 3.5.4 until 3.7 | 5.21 | latest version |
Version 3.4 until 3.5.1 | 5.21 | 6.01.01 (but not 6.0 nor 6.01) |
Version 3.0 until 3.3.x | 5.17 | 5.18 |
WARNING:
Application Version | NDI SDK Library Version |
---|---|
Version 4.1.6 | 5.5.4 |
Version 4.1.3 | 5.5.3 |
Version 4.1.2 | 5.1.1 |
Version 4.1.1 | 5.1.1 |
Version 4.1 | 5.0.10 |
Version 4.0 | 4.6.2 (Firt compatible with Apple Silicon) |
Version 3.5 | First version of OnTheAir Video with NDI |
About NDI | HX: Only supported for live sources, not for output. Requires the NDI|HX driver.
We know that some of our users can not upgrade their macOS very often. This is why Softron tries to maintain compatibility with older versions of macOS as much as possible, but it is not always possible to achieve. Because Operating Systems are usually significantly improved over previous versions, Softron must use many of the more capable built-in functionalities inherent in Apple's latest OS releases. Failing to do so would mean that Softron software would essentially be blocked from using the new Frameworks provided in the OS. For this reason, Softron's free support is provided only on the current and previous macOS versions. Also, most of our tests will be done on these macOS versions, and only basic tests will be done on the previous OS. We will always try to help, but in some cases, the best solution is to upgrade your macOS to a more recent version.
Softron does not warrant that these recommended configurations will always meet specific user requirements. They are intended as guidelines and are based on extensive testing that Softron has done, they can be changed without notice. Hardware, drivers, software and operating systems change regularly and we advise users and prospective users to evaluate their requirements in their specific environment/workflow using Softron demo licenses that are available for downloading from Softron's web site.
OnTheAir Video
Version 4.1.6 - 12 September 2023
|
Download "Single" Version |
Download "Multi" Version |
The free DEMO mode of OnTheAir Video 4 is fully functional for all features, except for the traffic option which require a temporary serial to be tested (contact us if you want to test it). Appart from it, the OnTheAir Video version that you test is the same that you will be using when you get your license, it just outputs blue demo frames every few seconds when in DEMO mode.
Download the SINGLE version if you just need to play on one output, the Multi version to be able to play up to 8 streams on one Mac. Once downloaded, unzip the file, and drag and drop either the single application or the multiple applications folder in your "Applications" folder.
Warning! Do NOT run OnTheAir Video from your downloads folder or it will be quarantined. Always drag and drop from the Downloads folder to the Applications folder before using it.
Make sure also to download and install the drivers for your video device:
![]()
AJA Drivers
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![]()
Blackmagic-Design Drivers
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Deltacast Drivers
For Intel and Silicon
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If you have the Dynamic Graphics Overlay option, you will also need OnTheAir CG Designer. You do not need a license to create CG projects to be used in OnTheAir Video DGO option. Download OnTheAir CG Designer here:
OnTheAir CG Designer
Create Graphics for the DGO
|
Download | More Info... | |
LogAnalyzer
Analyze As-Run Logs
|
Download |
In DEMO mode, the application will burn a blue frame in the recorded file or at output at some intervals. That's the only limitation and difference. After your test, you will keep on using the same application, just with the demo mode unlocked.
Purchase a license through one of our resellers or the Softron online store, then just activate your serial number in the License window or plug your dongle in the computer.
Just download the latest version and replace your previous version. It is always recommended to run extensive tests with your specific workflow and setup before putting a new version in production. You can use a free demo version for that on a separate computer. Previous legacy versions are available from the general downloads page.
You do not need to deactivate and reactivate your serial number when updating your Softron software. Read the following article to know when to deactivate.
This software uses code of FFmpeg, licensed under the LGPLv2.1 and its source can be downloaded here.
This software uses code of FFmpeg, licensed under the LGPLv2.1 and its source can be downloaded here.
This software uses the MediaInfo library, Copyright (c) 2002-2023 MediaArea.net SARL.
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