SoftMetal Video Servers - Features & Options

Multi-purpose broadcast video server
SoftMetal servers are the best solution to meet every need of your broadcast facility..

Choice Of Server Models
SoftMetal servers are available as a multi-definition version or as a standard definition only version. All SoftMetal SD servers are field upgradeable to MD. The choice is yours!

Configuration Choices
You have the ability to tailor our servers to fit your specific needs. SoftMetal servers are available in a variety of configurations including 2 In/4 Out; 1 In/2 Out and 0 In/4 Out.

Numerous Record and Playout Channels
Supports up to 6 channels simultaneously in standard definition and up to 4 channels simultaneously in HD.

Future Proof Software Based CODECs
Flexible software based CODECs guarantee your investment. As new CODECs are developed SoftMetal servers will always be on the cutting-edge of current technologies. Multi-definition video server with support for: DV25, DV50, DVCPRO HD, SD MPEG2 I- Frame & MPEG-2 IBP, HD MPEG-2 I-Frame & MPEG-2 IBP, HDV and IMX (D10) and uncompressed SD.

Supports All Popular HD and SD Video Formats
Supports 1080i; 720p HD and 525 and 625 lines SD resolutions.

Automatic SD/HD Resolution Scaling
SoftMetal multi-definition servers support on-the-fly up and down conversion from SD to HD and from HD to SD. This allows back-to-back playout of different resolutions within the same frame rate to the output resolution of your choice. This feature is a huge bonus in the transition to high definition.

Flexible Playback
SoftMetal multi-definition servers can simultaneously playback SD/HD content (at same frame rate).

SoftMetal Server Engine Software
The SoftMetal Server Engine runs on the SoftMetal server chassis performing all of the back end server functions in real-time. The SoftMetal server communicates to the client applications via a standardized XML based Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP).

SoftMetalPlay Client Software
The SoftMetal Play client can run on the SoftMetal server chassis or can be loaded onto a customer supplied client machine. SoftMetal Play can connect to and control any SoftMetal server channel that is available on the control network. Multiple clients can even control or provide status from the same channel simultaneously. 1 Play client license per video output channel comes bundled with every SoftMetal server.

SoftMetalRecord Client Software
The SoftMetal Record client like the Play client can run either on the SoftMetal server chassis or control the system remotely. 1 Record client license per video output channel comes bundled with every SoftMetal server.

SoftMetalConfiguration Client Software
The SoftMetal Configuration client enables the configuration of SoftMetal server settings like timing, audio channel assignment and the like. 1 Configuration client license comes bundled with every SoftMetal server.

MediaManager Software
The MediaManager enables easy viewing, sorting and organizing of clips on the SoftMetal Video Server. The MediaManager also functions as a mult-channel playout client, with access to 4 SoftMetal output channels on the top part of the UI. Simply drag and drop clips onto a channel to load them. The “Bucket” feature allows clips to be arranged in buckets to give quick access to a subset of the entire clip list within SoftMetal.

TranscodeManager Software
The TranscodeManager is a handy utility for transcoding clips from one format to another. As an example, the TranscodeManager can be used to convert a QuickTime file or Targa Sequence into a native format SoftMetal AVI file with your choice of compression codec.

Huge Storage Capabilities in a Compact Space
Integrated storage can scale up to 4.2 Terabytes of RAID 5 protected storage, all inside the SoftMetal 3 RU chassis.

Audio I/O
8 AES inputs and 16 assignable AES outputs.

Video I/O
Up to 2 HD-SDI inputs and up to 4 HD-SDI outputs.

Comprehensive External Control
SoftMetal servers come equipped with 4 RS-422 ports – each port supports VDCP or Sony VTR control protocols. 8 GPI/O ports are also provided.

Dual Gigabit Ethernet Ports
Networking files with SoftMetal is easy with Windows Networking. Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and a 10/100 Ethernet port allow control and media traffic to be independent of each other.

Ancillary Data Handling
SoftMetal servers record the vertical interval & closed captioning uncompressed.

Multi-Channel Encoded Audio Support
Dolby E & AC3 encoded audio are maintained through record and play back.

Automatic Conversion Of Targa Graphic Files
Drag and drop Targa still image files from your graphic system to SoftMetal and they are automatically converted to be ready for playback – key channel included.

Support For Animated Sequences
Targa sequences are also automatically converted by SoftMetal playback with key channel.

Synchronized Video + Key Playback
SoftMetal output channels can be ganged for Video + Key operation. This is a terrific feature in production control rooms making it easy to handle playout of your graphics and animations.

Unsurpassed Technical Support
Ross Video offers the best Technical Support in the industry – period! Whether you need help at 2 o’clock in the morning or assistance configuring your SoftMetal server, Ross Tech Support is available to help put things right.

Warranty
1 year warranty – Parts and labor. Software upgrades are available free of charge while the system is covered under warranty.

SMS-IMP Impedance converter
SoftMetal is supplied with 110 Ohm balanced AES/EBU inputs and outputs.  The SMS-IMP converts balanced XLR (110Ohm) AES/EBU to unbalanced BNC (75 Ohm) signals.  This unit is 1 rack unit in height and has BNCs on one side and XLRs on the other.  

SMS-MKEY SoftMetal Codec Package
This is the Matrox Mkey, consisting of software and a USB Dongle package.  It allows access to all SoftMetal Server HD and SD codecs on a customer supplied Windows XP PC with service pack 2.  It allows files to be saved directly in SoftMetal compatible compressed formats from programs like Adobe After Effects.