An affordable playout solution for live and 24/7 operations

Open and powerful playout solution for the Mac

Dynamic Graphics Overlay (with OnTheAir CG) or still logo
Mix-and-match HD and SD contents in high quality
Support for Closed Captioning CEA-708
Support for audio only files
Output to SDI or NDI®
4K Playout
Actions like secondary events to control CG, routers, ...
Direct link to MovieRecorder for streaming

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, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MPEG IMX, XDCAM EX, XDCAM HD, etc...

OnTheAir Video can also play different file types, such as QuickTime, MXF and transport stream (without an additional software) and even still images in png, tga, tiff, etc... It is also much flexible in terms of the audio formats that are supported (5.1 tracks for example).

All these files can be mixed within the same playlist, even using a different frame size. You will be able to choose an automatic resize mode (Fill, Pan-and-Scan, Letterbox), or decide a manual resize. The resize feature has been developed with quality in mind.

Combined with OnTheAir CG you can add Dynamic Graphics Overlay using the same video output (does not require an additional card thanks to the direct link between OnTheAir Video and OnTheAir CG).

And also, OnTheAir Video is the ideal solution for web-TVs on the Mac as it allows a direct connection with MovieStreamer HLS, in order to stream directly to the web without the need of an additional video card. MovieStreamer HLS will "just" receive the frames from the Smart playout engine and encode them in HTTP Live Streaming.

Watch

Main features

Mix-and-match multiple codecs

Play multiple codecs in the same playlist. Support for Apple ProRes®, AVC-Intra, Avid DNxHD®, H.264, XDCAM EX, XDCAM HD and many more codecs. (check the list in the Tech Specs section). You do not need to install any additional software or codec. You can even mix different resolution in the same playlist.

QuickTime, MXF and Transport Stream

You can play the standard QuickTime files (.mov), but also transport stream (.ts) or MXF (.MXF). The beauty is that you don't even need to install an additional software to read MXF files. They support for MXF files is built in the Smart Playout Engine.

Dynamic Graphics Overlay

The standard license of OnTheAir Video comes with a static logo overlay feature. Add a license of OnTheAir CG to allow the overlay of incredible graphics over your video, using the same video card. No need anymore to use an additional video card.

Smart Resize

The smart resize feature is available for OnTheAir Video and OnTheAir Node. It offers a much better resize then the one offered by the basic resize feature of OnTheAir Video Express. With interlaced materials, OnTheAir Video (with the smart resize enabled) will produce a perfect resize. Check the screenshots below to see the difference, or check the video higher up on this page (the difference can only be seen in the higher resolutions 720p and 1080p)

Stream on the same Mac

If you are a Web-TV broadcasting only to the web, you will love this feature. If you play your files in OnTheAir Video 3, and run MovieStreamer HLS on the same computer, you get direct access to the output of OnTheAir Video 3 from MovieStreamer HLS and thus don't need any additional video card to stream!

Overlay Graphics also during Live shows !

Optional

Use an additional video input on your Mac as a source for your Live shows. OnTheAir Video will overlay graphics on top of this video signal before it is either output to the video card or for streaming.

Supports NDI® Output

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.

Actions for secondary events

Thanks to its flexible system of "Actions", OnTheAir Video can take control of multiple external devices such as video routers (through RS232 or Ethernet), Character Generators, logo inserters (using GPI triggers). Actions can be triggered at any moment of a clip within a playlist.

Schedule your Playout for 24/7 unattended playout

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.

(XDCAM and the XDCAM logo are trademarks of Sony. HDV and the HDV logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation and Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. ProRes and QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Inc. Avid DNxHD, and Media Composer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc.)

Buy OnTheAir Video or
download a fully functional demo.

Price

$ 2 495

Price per channel without options.

Available options

Closed Captioning - one option required per output.
Dongle - Instead of a serial number, receive a dongle that do not require activation. Ideal when you want to move your license around. One dongle can be used for up to 8 licenses (if multiple applications run on the same computer).
OnTheAir CG (separate application) - allows the overlay of dynamic graphics (static logo overlay is included in the standard license).

Upgrade from OnTheAir Video Express 3

$ 1 495

Upgrade price from OnTheAir Video Express 3 to OnTheAir Video 3.

Downloads

Download OnTheAir Video

OnTheAir Video 3.7.4
13 February 2018

Read Help Center - Download User Manual - Check Release Notes…

OnTheAir Video 3.6 or later is required if you are using a dongle with macOS 10.13 (High Sierra). Check the system requirements page for OnTheAir Video.

Installation instructions
Download the Single Output version if you just need to play on one output, the Multiple Outputs version to be able to play up to 8 streams on one Mac. Once downloaded, unzip the file, run the installer and select the number of channels you want to install. Make sure also to download and install the drivers for your AJA, Blackmagic-Design or Deltacast card.

DEMO Limitations
In DEMO mode OnTheAir Video 3 outputs a blue DEMO frame at some intervals. All options are enabled in DEMO mode, make sure to purchase the option you need.

How to unlock the DEMO version ?
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. If you are using an "old" dongle (the ones with a red light), you will need to download the drivers for the HASP dongle here.

Upgrade/Update instructions
Just download the latest version and replace your previsous 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.

OnTheAir Tools 1.30
28 June 2016

Resources

Resouces

Introduction

Resources

Knowledge Base
Search the OnTheAir Video 3 Help Center

Manuals & Quickstart

Resources

OnTheAir Video - Quick Start Guide

OnTheAir Video - User Manual

Sample Apple Scripts

Sample AppleScripts

AppleScripts Samples to use Actions in OnTheAir Video

AppleScripts Samples to control OnTheAir Video

White Papers & How To

How to build a fully redundant playout and graphics system on the Mac ?

How to time-slip with Softron Applications ?

How to schedule for 24/7 playout with OnTheAir Video 3 ?

How to use Actions (secondary events) with OnTheAir Video ?

How to control OnTheAir Video by AppleScript ?

Product Features

Features

Main Features

Main Features
Typical Use (not exhaustive)	All the features of OnTheAir Video Express and more: Dynamic graphics overlay (optional), Intelligent resize, built-in IP streaming, basic scheduling, AppleScript, MIDI, Secondary events, logo overlay
Supported File formats	QuickTime, MXF Op1a, Transport Stream (.ts), png, jpg, tif, tga… Check the complete list in the Tech specs section
Supported codecs	Most i-frames and long-GPO codecs (Apple ProRes®, Avid DNxHD®, AVC-Intra, XDCAM,... Check the complete list in the Tech Specs section
Still logo overlay (png image)	Yes* Using the same video output
Dynamic Graphics Overlay support	Yes* - Additional software required (OnTheAir CG)
Automatic Resize (automatically resize clips to fit the video output)	Yes*
Smart Resize (better quality with interlaced formats)	Yes*
Manual Resize (per clip user defined)	Yes* Coming Soon
"Global" gain control	Yes* Coming Soon
Per clip Audio gain control	Yes* Coming Soon
Number of audio channels per video output	Depend on the video card used
Closed Captioning	Yes* (optional) Using a CEA-708 QuickTime Closed Captioning track. Only for HD formats. Other formats (both for the video and for the CC track) soon to come.
Timecode output	Yes* (in VANC) Coming Soon
Virtual output	Yes*
Built-in IP Streaming (without additional card)	Yes* - Additional software required (MovieRecorder 3) No additional card required - available soon
Streaming WITH an additional card (input)	Yes* - Additional software required (MovieStreamer HLS)
Schedule for 24/7 unattended playout	Yes* The schedule is a text file that you edit with OnTheAir Tools. Note that the schedule feature of OnTheAir Video is not compatible with OnTheAir Manager (OnTheAir Node required).
Client/Server Architecture	No*
Multi-User Control	No* Can only be controled from the local workstation OR using Apple Remote Desktop
Integration with Video routers	Yes* - Additional software required (OnTheAir Switch) Using Actions and AppleScripts
Advanced Categories and clip attribute inheritance	No* Can only be controled from the local workstation OR using Apple Remote Desktop
Automatic Restart/Resume	No*
Media Management (Clip validation in Media Browser)	No*
Automatic reconnection to file when becoming online/offline	No*
Master/Slave mode (for completely automatic redundancy)	No*
A/B Roll	No*

Video & Audio

Video Features
Video Engine	Smart Playout Engine (FULL)
Seamless playback	Yes*
Video Outputs	PCI Video Cards (AJA, Blackmagic-Design, Deltacast)
Video Outputs Modes	YUV and ARGB (depending on the card)
External and Internal Keying	Yes* The video card must support external and/or internal Keying in the resolution desired
Scrubbing (move playout at Time position)	Yes*
4K capable	Yes* (In "standard mode", i.e. without Dynamic Graphics Overlay, no logo, no intelligent resize, or streaming)
Supported File formats	QuickTime, MXF OP1a, Transport Stream (.ts), png, jpg, tif, tga… Check the complete list in the Tech specs section
Supported codecs	Most i-frames and long-GPO codecs (Apple ProRes®, Avid DNxHD®, AVC-Intra, XDCAM,... Check the complete list in the Tech Specs section
Requires QuickTime codecs installation	No*
Still image output	Yes*
Still logo overlay (png image)	Yes* No additional card required
Dynamic Graphics Overlay support	Yes* - Additional software required (OnTheAir CG)
Automatic Resize (automatically resize clips to fit the video output)	Yes*
Smart Resize (better quality with interlaced formats)	Yes*
Manual Resize (per clip user defined)	Yes*
Built-in IP Streaming (without additional card)	Yes* - Additional software required (MovieRecorder 3) No additional card required - available soon
Streaming WITH an additional card (input)	Yes* - Additional software required (MovieStreamer HLS)
Audio/Video buffering	Yes*
Maximum Number of outputs per Mac without Dynamic Graphics Overlay, nor intelligent resize	4 HD (one license per output)
Option Needed for multiple output	1 (Subject to hardware)
Maximum Number of outputs per Mac with Dynamic Graphics Overlay, and intelligent resize	One full license per output with all options
Frame Grab	Yes* Coming Soon !
Audio Features
Audio Destinations	Same as video output
Audio Fromat	Linear PCM, MP3, AAC
Can play audio only files	Yes* Available Q4 2013
Multiple Audio Channels output	Yes*
Audio auto-mapping (using QuickTime track languages)	Yes*
Number of audio channels per video output

Playlist & Schedule

Playlist Features
Generate As-run-logs	Yes*
Cue Mode	Yes*
A/B Roll	No*
Edit playlist while it is playing	Yes*
Show/Hide Thumbnails	Yes*
Trim clips	Yes*
Audio preview in Inspector	Yes*
Import ASCII playlists	Yes*
Cross vpls Playlist support	Open all vpls playlists (but can not save in .vpls, only in .xpls)
Scheduling Features
Scheduled Playout	Yes* (option included in standard license)
Event Fixed start time	Yes*
Import Schedules	Open all vpls playlists
Live Events	Yes* (Use live sources such as video devices, NDI, or direct link)
iCal Like Scheduling (Graphical Calendar UI)	No*
Dynamic Calendar Display Resize	No*
Event & Playlist Categoires	No*
Category Inheritance	No*
Hierarchical Playlists	No*
Repeat Events (Alias) by Day, Weekdays, Weekend days, Month	No*
Duplicate Events	No*
"Stick" Events to close gaps in scheduling	No*
Real-time display of overruns and underruns	No*
Create and control multiple Schedules for multiple outputs using one single application	No*
Detailed Report of all coming Offline Clips, Missing playlists, Overrun, Underrun in Schedule	No*
Generate As-run-logs	Yes*

Media Management

Media Management Features
Media Cataloging	No*
Media Validation	No*
Finder Label	Yes*
Clip Trimming	Yes*
Clip Splitting	Yes*
Reference Movie	Yes*
MXF Files support	Yes*
Still image support	No*
Resize clip manually	No* (Coming soon)
Position Clip in frame (when resized)	No* (Coming soon)
Clip end Behaviors	Normal, Stop at End, Hold Last Frame, Play Next Clip, Loop
Create Offline Clip (to program a clip that is not yet present on disk)	Yes*
Create Live Clip	Yes*
Auto Detection of Offline Clips and auto-recovery (in Media List and Playlists)	No*

Other Features

External Devices Control
Remotely Controlable by Telnet	No*
Remotely Controlable by a REST API	No*
AppleScriptable	Yes*
Control Matrix Video Routers	Yes* (requires OnTheAir Switch application - check the list of supported video routers on product page)
GPI output	Yes* (requires GPI Commander Box but doesn't require the extra software as support is built in)
GPI input	Yes* (requires GPI Commander Box but doesn't require the extra software as support is built in)
MIDI Controlable	Yes*
Secondary Events	Yes* (Actions)
Integration with EAS encoders/decoders	No*
System Requirements
Minimum System requirements (for one output)	Mac Intel, OS 10.8.4, 4GB RAM
Minimum System requirements (for DUAL output)	Mac Intel, OS 10.8.4, 8GB RAM Not with Dynamic Graphics Overlay, only video playout
Minimum System requirements (for QUAD output)	Mac Intel, OS 10.8.4, 16GB RAM Not with Dynamic Graphics Overlay, only video playout
Supported Graphics Cards	All Graphic cards supported. If you use the Dynamic Graphics Overlay option or the Intelligent resize, you will need a higher end graphic card
Monitor Required ? (DVI Monitor, Mini DisplayPort Monitor or a Switch with Active ports needs to be connected to the MacPro, XServe, Mac mini)	Yes* with Dynamic Graphics Overlay and Intelligent resize Click here to know how to keep Open GL active

Codecs

Video Codecs
Animation	No*
Apple Intermediate Codec	No*
Apple Pixlet Video	No*
Apple ProRes 422 Family	Yes*
Apple ProRes 4444	Yes*
AVC-Intra (50 & 100)	Yes*
AVCHD	Yes*
Avid DNxHD	Yes*
DV-PAL	Yes*
DV/DVCPRO-NTSC	Yes*
DVCPro-PAL	Yes*
DVCPro HD	Yes*
DVCPro 50	Yes*
Flash	No*
H.264	Yes*
HDV	Yes*
JPEG 2000	No*
MPEG IMX (30/40/50)	Yes*
MPEG-2	Yes*
MPEG-4 Video	Yes*
None	Yes*
Photo-JPEG	Yes*
Uncompressed	Yes*
XDCAM EX	Yes*
XDCAM HD	Yes*
XDCAM HD422	Yes*
Audio Codecs
AAC	Yes*
Apple Lossless	Yes*
MP2	Yes*
MP3	Yes*
Linear PCM	Yes*
Video Wrappers
AVI	Yes*
DV	Yes*
M2T	Yes*
M2V	Yes*
M4P (From iTunes with DRM)	No*
M4V	Yes*
MP2	Yes*
MP4	Yes*
MPEG	Yes*
MPG	Yes*
MXF OP1a	Yes*
MXF OP-Atom	No*
QuickTime (MOV)	Yes*
Transport Stream (ts)	Yes*
Still Image Formats
BMP	Yes*
PSD	Yes*
GIF (only the first image)	Yes*
Dicom	No*
EPS	No*
IFF	No*
JPEG	Yes*
JPEG 2000	Yes*
PCX	No*
PDF	No*
Photoshop Raw	No*
Pixar	No*
PNG	Yes*
Portable Bit Map	No*
Targa	Yes*
TIFF	Yes*

Hardware Requirements and Specifications

Supported outputs

System Requirements

Requirements

Compatible macOS	Version 3.0 and 3.1: macOS 10.8.5 or later* Version 3.2 and later: macOS 10.9.5 or later* (Confirm cards driver compatibility) Version 3.6 and later: macOS 10.10.5 or later* (Confirm cards driver compatibility) Warning: if you are using a dongle, and macOS 10.13 or later, you will have to use Version 3.6 or later
Recommended macOS	macOS 10.11.5 or later*
Recommended RAM	4 GB for the first channel. Then add 2GB per additional channel.
Supported Graphics Cards	All are supported, no specific requirement.
Supported Outputs	AJA, Blackmagic-Design, M\|80, M\|62, M\|44, NDI®
Hardware acceleration to decode H.264	With all Mac computers with i5 or i7 processors, running macOS 10.9.5 or later. Note that hardware acceleration is available only for one channel
Hardware acceleration to decode H.265 / HEVC	With all Mac computers with 6th generation of intel processors (2016 and later), running macOS 10.13 or later. Note that hardware acceleration is available only for one channel
Compatible Storage	Most storage that can sustain the required constant write speed (depending on the number of streams, the codec and format). For network attached storage (NAS), make sure to enable Macro blocks, and disable cache flushing. If you need to run tests, make sure to do long term tests.
Requires Monitor Connected (Open GL Active)	Yes Monitor needs to be connected at all times
Number of license required	One complete license required per channel (source).

Computer requirements depending on the number of channels

	PLAY ONE CHANNEL	UP TO TWO CHANNELS	UP TO FOUR CHANNELS
RAM	4 GB	6 GB	12 GB
iMac type	2010 - dual-core Intel Core i5		2012 - 27" (will require an expansion chassis to use either a Decklink Duo, Quad or AJA Kona)
MacBook Pro type	2011 with Thunderbolt	2012 - 15" (using the 2 Thunderbolt ports or an expansion chassis)	2012 - 15" (will require an expansion chassis to use either a Decklink Duo, Quad or AJA Kona)
MacBook Air type	1.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i5	Not Supported (because of CPU/GPU limitation)
Mac mini type	2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5	2.0GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 (will require a PCI expansion chassis to use either a Decklink Duo, Quad or AJA Kona)

* 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.

OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES: The specifications above are valid for 1080i clips in the Apple ProRes (LT) codec. Changing the frame rate, resolution or codec may affect the system requirements. For example, H.264 needs much more CPU to be decoded then Apple ProRes.

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.

Supp. output: AJA

Compatibility chart - AJA drivers

MovieRecorder Version	First Supported Drivers	Last Supported Drivers
Version 3.0 until 3.1	10.5.2	10.6.1
Version 3.2.x	10.5.2	12.2.2
Version 3.3.x	12.1.2	14.3
Version 3.4.x until 3.6.x	12.4.2	14.3
Version 3.7 and later	12.4.2	latest

Supported devices

Most AJA devices are supported. For more information on the supported devices, the number of possible outputs and wether keying is supported or not, check this Help Center article.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When using AJA cards, there are specific setups, things to do and not to do that you should know before using them. Please read the article in our knowledge base that gives recommendations on using AJA devices with our ingest applications. You may also want to check if we did not issue a Warning for some cards or drivers.

Supp. output: Black Magic

Compatibility chart - Blackmagic-Design drivers

Application Version	First Supported Drivers	Last Supported Drivers
Version 3.0 until 3.1	9.9.3	10.3.7
Version 3.2 and later	10.3.1	latest drivers
Version 3.6 and later	10.9.5	latest drivers

Supported devices

Most Blackmagic-Design devices are supported. For more information on the supported devices, the number of possible outputs and wether keying is supported or not, check this Help Center article.

Supp. output: Deltacast

Compatibility chart - Deltacast drivers

MovieRecorder Version	First Supported Drivers	Last Supported Drivers
Version 3.0 until 3.3.x	5.17	5.18
Version 3.4 until 3.5.1	5.21	6.01.01 (but not 6.0 nor 6.01)*
Version 3.5.4	5.21	latest *

Supported devices

Deltacast cards are OEM cards that we use for some of our M|Family products. They are usually not available for end users. We only validate using the deltacast cards that we provide. Other models may work, but not all have been tested. Check the list of supported video devices in our Help Center article.

Other Supp. outputs

Compatibility chart - Other outputs

Other Supported Outputs	First Version to support it
NDI®	3.5

Supp. files/codecs

Video Codecs
Animation	No
Apple Intermediate Codec	No
Apple Pixlet Video	No
Apple ProRes 422 Family	Yes
Apple ProRes 4444	Yes
AVC-Intra (50 & 100)	Yes
AVCHD	Yes
Avid DNxHD	Yes
DV-PAL	Yes
DV/DVCPRO-NTSC	Yes
DVCPro-PAL	Yes
DVCPro HD	Yes
DVCPro 50	Yes
Flash	No
H.264	Yes
HDV	Yes
JPEG 2000	No
MPEG IMX (30/40/50)	Yes
MPEG-2	Yes
MPEG-4 Video	Yes
None	Yes
Photo-JPEG	Yes
Uncompressed	Yes
XDCAM EX	Yes
XDCAM HD	Yes
XDCAM HD422	Yes

Audio Codecs
AAC	Yes
Apple Lossless	Yes
MP2	Yes
MP3	Yes
Linear PCM	Yes

Video Wrappers
AVI	Yes
DV	Yes
M2T	Yes
M2V	Yes
M4P (From iTunes with DRM)	No
M4V	Yes
MP2	Yes
MP4	Yes
MPEG	Yes
MPG	Yes
MXF OP1a	Yes
MXF OP-Atom	No
QuickTime (MOV)	Yes
Transport Stream (ts)	Yes

Still Image Formats
BMP	Yes
PSD	Yes
GIF	Yes Only the first image
Dicom	No
EPS	No
IFF	No
JPEG	Yes
JPEG 2000	Yes
PCX	No
PDF	No
Photoshop Raw	No
Pixar	No
PNG	Yes
Portable Bit Map	No
Targa	Yes
TIFF	Yes