Top Reasons to Buy
Choice of Standard Definition or Multi-Definition Server
SoftMetal is available in your choice of SD or MD server with both systems based on the same underlying platform.
SD Version Upgradeable to MD
The SoftMetal SD Series are all fully upgradeable to MD allowing you to save money by buying an SD system now and adding the HD capabilities when you need them.
Multi-Definition Server
The SoftMetal MD servers work out of the box in all popular SD and HD formats making it easy to record and playback in the format of your choice.
On-The-Fly Scaling
The SoftMetal MD servers offer on-the-fly Scaling on each output. Clips are automatically converted as they play out either from SD to HD or HD to SD depending on the desired output format (interlaced formats only). This is a terrific feature for systems with a mix of HD and SD clips.
Software Based Codecs
SoftMetal uses software based codecs running on the host CPU to provide compression and decompression. This feature means that the SoftMetal system will continue to advance in software as new codecs and compression schemes evolve.
Easy Production Graphics Workflow
Getting your graphic content out of the graphics room and on air is a major strength of SoftMetal. Graphics workflows are easily incorporated with SoftMetal servers playing a central roll in playing stills or animations in a production or master control setting. SoftMetal accepts Targa still Images, Targa animation sequences, QuickTime animations as well as having an optional codec package available to enable rendering files directly to a compressed SoftMetal standard file type right from the graphics workstation. SoftMetal is able to link two separate clips for locked Video + Key playback and offers the ability to independently set the start times of each channel. Under remote control SoftMetal is very responsive, clips are cued in under a second and SoftMetal starts playing almost instantly upon receiving a play command.
Easy Production Clips Workflow
SoftMetal offers a variety of work flow options that support Apple Final Cut, Avid Media Composer, Adobe After Effects and other popular non-linear editing systems. QuickTIme and MXF support is also available as native SoftMetal codecs, enabling smooth workflow.
Client/Server Architecture
SoftMetal is designed from the ground up as a client/server architecture system with the SoftMetal Server Engine running on the SoftMetal hardware and the Java based SoftMetal client applications running on the client machine of your choice, be it a Windows or Macintosh computer.
Easy Network Connectivity
SoftMetal servers come equipped with 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports running on Windows XP operating system and will provide easy network connectivity within your existing infrastructure.
Third Party Integration
VDCP, Sony VTR, Odetics and Amp control protocols are provided to remotely control SoftMetal from your choice of automation system, production switcher or remote control device. Harris/Louth Automation, Snell & Wilcox Kahuna, Sony MVS-8000, DNF and Hi Tech are some of the companies and products that are successfully controlling SoftMetal Video Servers.
Seamless Integration with Synergy & Vision Production Switchers and OverDrive™
SoftMetal video servers offer seamless integration for control and operation with our Synergy SD and Vision Production Switchers and our OverDrive Production Control System. IT Server Class Hardware SoftMetal uses top quality server class components resulting in a robust, reliable hardware platform.
Mirrored System Hard Drives
SoftMetal provides dual, mirrored (RAID-1) system drives, providing back up to the operating system and the SoftMetal Server Software. These drives can be hot-swapped and are automatically rebuilt in the background.
Hot-Swap RAID Protected Media Storage
SoftMetal uses hardware based RAID-5 or RAID-6 storage to provide protection to your important media assets. If a drive is lost it can be quickly swapped with a blank drive which is rebuilt in the background while the server continues right on working.
Redundant Power
N+1 redundant power supplies are a standard feature of SoftMetal Servers.
More Features for Less Money
It’s a Ross philosophy to offer our customers a powerful package at a competitive price. Our SoftMetal servers continue this tradition. When you compare the features and benefits of our servers versus the competition you will quickly realize that SoftMetal provides a greater return on your investment.
Software Updates from the Web
SoftMetal servers offer software upgrades through the warranty period with new releases posted to the Ross Video website for easy access.
Free Tech Support for Life
One thing that Ross has always done is take care of our customers. In fact, the Ross Video Code of Ethics states:
“Rule #1 - We will always act in our customer’s best interest”.
If you have a technical question about our products, we’ll answer it. Free. Even if your warranty has expired. Even if we have to put you in contact with the engineer that designed it. Even if you need to talk to David Ross himself (613-228-0688).
Now that’s service!
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