SoftMetal Video Servers - Executive Overview

1. Easy Production Graphics Clips 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.

2. Easy Production Clips Workflow
Getting your edited clips out of the edit suite and on air is a strength of SoftMetal. 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 as well as available SoftMetal native codecs enable this smooth workflow.

3. Multi-Definition System
The SoftMetal multi-definition 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. The SoftMetal 1000 and 3000 SD series are based on the same hardware platform as their MD Series counterparts offering an easy upgrade path to Multi-Definition operation when needed.

4. Robust Server Class Hardware
SoftMetal servers are built to withstand ongoing daily use. IT server-class components provide the stability and reliability to keep your system up and running in demanding broadcast and production environments.

5. Open Integration
No matter how you plan to control your SoftMetal server, SoftMetal will fit right in. SoftMetal integrates well with a wide variety of devices including automation systems, controllers and other devices that connect to and control SoftMetal via its industry standard VTR and VDCP interfaces. Of course, a SoftMetal server makes an excellent addition to a Ross Vision or Synergy Production Switcher or OverDrive Production Control System as well as integrating with competitive models from other manufacturers.

6. Client/Server Architecture
SoftMetal offers the flexibility of distributed remote control from any desktop to any server channel. SoftMetal separates the server software and hardware from the software that provides control over the system. SoftMetal client software is Java-based and able to run on your choice of client machine whether it is a Windows®, MacIntosh® or Linux® computer.

7. Excellent Support
Ross Video cares about you. We recognize that by providing a superior customer experience, we will succeed. Check out our Code of Ethics and you’ll find that we even put our guarantee of great service in writing. You’ll also appreciate being greeted by a friendly hello instead of a machine when you call us during business hours. We believe in the human side of customer relations. When you have a technical or operational question or something goes wrong, Ross Video will be there to support you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Just call the Ross main number (+1-613-652-4886) or email us at techsupport@rossvideo.com. Hey, you can even call our CEO, David Ross at +1-613-228-0688 .

8. Growth Path
The SoftMetal line is a true family of video servers using a common hardware and software base. If your needs change, it is easy to upgrade to a different model. We will happily offer you a guaranteed value trade-in of your SoftMetal server based on the age of your current system.