Applications
A Few SoftMetal Applications...
Live Production
- Intergrated Control
- Fast Cueing
- Ganged Playout
SoftMetal excels in the playback of video clips and pre-rendered graphics in a live production environment. Fast-paced productions demand a responsive server and SoftMetal delivers with ultra-fast cue times. SoftMetal supports the playout of still and animated graphics through its unique ability to gang video and alpha channels.
The server can be controlled by the SoftMetal client application software, a video switcher or a wide variety of 3rd party controllers and software applications. SoftMetal integrates easily with support for industry standard protocols such as VDCP, Odetics, AMP and BVW over RS-422 and Ethernet.
As an operator, you don't have to worry about codecs or resolutions; SoftMetal takes care of that for you... Just cue a clip and roll the action! You can seamlessly go from ganged graphics playout to independent video channel on-the-fly.
Pre-Production / Post-Production
- File-Based
- Network Connected
- Software Codecs
- FTP Engine
Content is the life-blood of your production. Your media should flow seamlessly in and out of your server. Intermediate steps of trans-coding and file conversion slow you down. SoftMetal's software-based codecs, networking capability and throttled FTP engine make it an ideal solution for the file based workflow environment.
Ross understands that dealing with the wide variety of file formats and codecs can be an expensive and time consuming hassle. SoftMetal makes life easier by supporting an extensive library of file formats and codecs. Ross also offers the SoftMetal codec library free of charge for use on Windows based NLE's and graphics packages.
SoftMetal makes moving media in and out as easy as drag and drop. Utilizing an open file system, media folders can be shared across your network and made available to those who need access. Watched-folder technology allows the server to automatically detect the arrival of new content. SoftMetal also features an integrated FTP engine with bandwidth throttling, allowing background transfers that won't interrupt on-air programming.
Live Events
- Ganged Play & Record
- Mixed Resolution Record & Play
- Time Delay
SoftMetal fits right into the unique requirements of Live Event Production. Whether it is the challenge of producing for a multi-screen environment, handling mixed-resolution delayed feeds to remote campuses or the critical to-the-music timing of an arena rock concert, SoftMetal offers the tools to make it easy.
SoftMetal's simultaneous support for both HD and SD content allows a single system to easily record mixed resolution cameras and playout feeds to multiple mixed resolution displays. Record with time-delayed playback can be used for delayed feeds to separate campuses or to prevent "wardrobe malfunctions" from going to air. The ability to gang both record and playout channels together can be used for 3D stereoscopic production, time locking video for multi-display applications or for playing out video + key.
These functions can be achieved through SoftMetal's suite of easy to use software applications which can run on either the server itself or remotely on a network connected PC or Mac. In addition, SoftMetal has been qualified with a range of 3rd party controllers and software to fill a variety of operational needs.
Instant Replay
- Smooth Slo-Mo
- Field / Frame Clean Pause
- Controller Options
A good replay is what makes or breaks a Live Event broadcast. Reliving that glorious goal. Did the officials make the right call? How did they walk away from the crash? These are the moments that bring enjoyment to your audience.
Whether your production comes from a control room deep in the heart of a stadium, or the back of an OB Van, SoftMetal combined with industry standard controllers can provide you with the Instant Replay solution you require.
Each SoftMetal server comes standard with an Interpolated Slo-Mo engine providing smooth seamless playback from 25-150% real-time speed. Combined with our "confidence record" record technology, media can be played to air within seconds of being recorded.
SoftMetal brings all this capability to you at an affordable price.
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