OnTheAir Node
OnTheAir Node has been designed to be an inexpensive, reliable and customisable video server that has an open client-server architecture. OnTheAir Node can be controlled remotely over the network. One client computer in a control room can control multiple OnTheAir Node playout servers located in the machine room.
With its unequaled openness, OnTheAir Node brings a new era to the world of Mac based playout servers. OnTheAir Node allows third party applications such as Traffic and Media Asset Management solutions to easily take control of a reliable playout server with real-time media cataloging and validation.
OnTheAir Node uses the same playout engine as OnTheAir Video.
With OnTheAir Node unequaled efficiency, you can playout 8 streams of HD simultaneously on one Mac. OnTheAir Node's Smart Playout Engine is the same engine as OnTheAir Video. It can play multiple streams on one Mac (without Dynamic Graphics Overlay, and streaming options).
OnTheAir Node will not only output video to any of the available video output on the Mac, and allow it to be controlled remotely, but it will also catalog the available assets in one or more media folder and it will inform any of the client application (OnTheAir Live or OnTheAir Manager) when a new asset arrives or is deleted. It will also check for validity and compatibility. Information on the clips can be retrieved using a RESTful API, making it easy for any other third party application to retrieve the clip's characteristics. (Ex: video codec, audio sample rate, creation date, last modification date, finder label etc.)
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.
OnTheAir Node’s open architecture will allow any third party application as Traffic or Media Asset Management software to control the playout and see the list of available media. OnTheAir Node uses a HTTP REST API for its communications meaning that the protocol is a proven and open standard that doesn’t need any special requirements.
Send GPI triggers from OnTheAir Node to a video mixer or any GPI compatible device to take control of it thanks to our GPICommander box which connects in USB to your Mac and provides 24 inputs and 8 outputs of GPI.
You can also control video routers very easily. Blackmagic-Design Videohub and AJA Kumo routers have a dedicated plugin that connects through the Network to take control of the crosspoints. That is with this type of control that our users handle Live events in their 24/7 playout.
Thanks to its flexible system of "Attributes", OnTheAir Node can take control of multiple external devices such as video routers (through RS232 or Ethernet), Character Generators, logo inserters (using GPI triggers). Attributes are changed for the whole length of a clip and reverted back to the default value at the end.
The logic of Attributes make it very easy to handle in broadcast operations. Attributes always have a default value (such as logo on, or GPI on), and you decide to modify the default value only on the clips you want (set logo off for commercials for example).
Play multiple codecs, file types, formats and frame rates in the same playlist. Support for Apple ProRes®, AVC-Intra, Avid DNxHD®, H.264, HEVC, XDCAM and many more codecs. Multiple file types are supported: movie files (such as .mov, .MXF, .M2T, .M4V), still images or sound. (Check the list in the Tech Specs section.)
Additionally to the video output on the selected video device, you can now also output to another available audio output on your Mac. Works with CoreAudio, so supports the audio devices that are available for macOS (including Dante or MADI).
If you are a Web-TV broadcasting only to the web, you will love this feature. With OnTheAir Video and the Softron Streaming Pack in MovieRecorder, you can stream your video directly to YouTube, Facebook, Twitch or your Wowza or RTMP Server. No need to have a video output device.
If you are producing a live show, control OnTheAir Node with OnTheAir Live (FREE) to have a playlist type of application. If you are running a TV channel, control OnTheAir Node with OnTheAir Manager (paid option), it has a beautiful Calendar type of application where you can create events, playlists, handle redundancy, have attributes hierarchy and categories, add live clips. All that in a very easy-to-use application.
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 Node and OnTheAir CG). Create stunning dynamic graphics in the free OnTheAir CG Designer application, import it in OnTheAir CG Server to control from OnTheAir Node. You can give a default status to each project, and change variables, so for example if you need to add coming next, you can have just one project and just modify the text and the image used.
Support is included in our permanent licenses. There are no recurring fees.
Softron has a worldwide network of highly skilled specialists ready to assist.
Setting up our software is simple and straightforward. But we are always happy to help.
Our customers love our products and our support.
Get support
Make sure to test with our free DEMO version available for download before purchasing so you are sure it fits your need. In DEMO mode, the application will burn a blue frame in the recorded file or at output at some intervals. That's the only limitation and difference. After your test, you will keep on using the same application, just with the demo mode unlocked.
Free download
Add the support to output Closed Captioning (CEA-608 or CEA-708) or subtitles (OP-47), as well as SCTE35 triggers on SDI outputs. Purchase one option per channel.
You can purchase a dongle and use it in lieu of using serial numbers. You will need one dongle per computer, and a single dongle can hold up to twenty licenses. It can be moved without having to deactivate and then reactivate licenses.
Application with a calendar type of interface. Allows control of one (or more) OnTheAir Node for 24/7 unattended scheduled playout.
Application to overlay dynamic graphics on top of the video. Integrates directly with OnTheAir Node.
Application to control video routers. Note that MovieRecorder 4.4 or later have a built-in integration with Videohub or Ross video routers through IP.
Hardware that connects with USB to your Mac and allows to send GPI triggers to other devices to control them, or being controlled by receiving GPI triggers.
OnTheAir Node is ideal for News production or Live Shows, supporting multiple codecs, GPI triggers, seamless playback, and more. Below are the key features of both OnTheAir Node and OnTheAir Video. While both are powerful, OnTheAir Video is our flagship playout solution, continuously enhanced for the best performance for our users.
| What's new in Version 4 ? |
OnTheAir Video
|
OnTheAir Node
|
|---|---|---|
| Full Compatibility with macOS Big Sur (or later) | ||
| Universal | ||
| NDI Compatibility with Mac Silicon Computers | ||
| Video Preview + Audio Vu-Meters | ||
| Secondary Audio Output | ||
| Built-in Dynamic Graphics Overlay (Requires DGO option) |
Only with OnTheAir CG |
|
| Transitions | ||
| New Completely Revamped Scheduler |
Scheduling done with OnTheAir Manager |
|
| Stream Clips | ||
| Improved Actions |
Secondary events are done with attributes |
|
| Countdown Until next Live Event | ||
| Auto-update Modified Clips | ||
| Automatic Folder-based Playlist | ||
| Audio Countdown Annoucements | ||
| New Controls in Inspector Timeline (go to TC in current position field) | ||
| Shuffle Playback | ||
| Rename Clips | ||
| Disable Clips | ||
| New Clip End Behaviours ("Cue Next Clip" and "Play Next"") | ||
| Auto-cue Next Clip |
In OnTheAir Live |
|
| Add Comments in playlist | ||
| Support for DNxHR and AVC-Intra-200 | ||
| Validation Report | ||
| Support for OP47 Subtiltling (Requires CC option) | ||
| Support for .SRT sidecars files with Closed Captioning (CEA608, CEA708) and OP47 (Requires CC option) | ||
| Support for .STL sidecars files with OP47 (Not with CEA608, CEA708 - Requires CC option) | ||
| Support for SCTE-35 triggers(Requires CC option) | ||
| Ability to control a VideoHub or a Ross video router | ||
| REST API |
| Supported Devices |
OnTheAir Video
|
OnTheAir Node
|
|---|---|---|
| Devices from AJA and Blackmagic-Design | ||
| M|Family | ||
| NDI | ||
| NDI|HX | ||
| External Audio Output |
| Main Features |
OnTheAir Video
|
OnTheAir Node
|
|---|---|---|
| Smart Resize and Graphics | ||
| Dynamic Graphics Overlay (With OnTheAir CG) | ||
| Dynamic Graphics Overlay (with paid DGO option built-in) | ||
| Video Preview + Audio Vu-Meters | ||
| Secondary Audio Output | ||
| Transitions | ||
| Scheduler | ||
| Stream Clips | ||
| Actions (for Secondary Events) |
| Other Features |
OnTheAir Video
|
OnTheAir Node
|
|---|---|---|
| Countdown Until next Live Event | ||
| Auto-update Modified Clips | ||
| Automatic Folder-based Playlist | ||
| Audio Countdown Annoucements | ||
| Shuffle Playback | ||
| Rename Clips | ||
| Disable Clips | ||
| Auto-cue Next Clip |
In OnTheAir Live |
|
| Add Comments in playlist | ||
| Validation Report |
In OnTheAir Manager |
|
| Support for OP47 Subtiltling (Requires CC option) | ||
| Support for .SRT sidecars files with Closed Captioning (CEA608, CEA708) and OP47 (Requires CC option) | ||
| Support for .STL sidecars files with OP47 (Not with CEA608, CEA708 - Requires CC option) |
| Integration & Control |
OnTheAir Video
|
OnTheAir Node
|
|---|---|---|
| Remotely Controllable using a REST API | ||
| Trigger Actions (Secondary Events) |
Using Actions |
Using Attributes |
| Send SCTE-35 triggers (in SDI - Requires CC option) | ||
| Control VideoHub or Ross video router | ||
| Control by GPI triggers (Requires GPICommander box) | ||
| Send GPI triggers (Requires GPICommander) | ||
| Control from Elgato's Stream Deck | ||
| Controllable via AppleScript |
| Version |
Sequoia
15.00
|
Sonoma
14.00
|
Ventura
13.00
|
Monterey
12.00
|
Big Sur
11.00
|
Catalina
10.15
|
Mojave
10.14
|
High Sierra
10.13
|
Sierra
10.12
|
El Capitan
10.11
|
Yosemite
10.10
|
Mavericks
10.9
|
| 4.1 | ||||||||||||
| 4.0 | ||||||||||||
| 3.8 | ||||||||||||
| 3.6 to 3.7 | ||||||||||||
| 3.2 to 3.5 | ||||||||||||
| 3.0 to 3.1 |
| Required Version by some macOS Version | macOS 10.13 to macOS 10.15: Version 3.6 or later (For dongle compatibility) macOS 11 or later: Version 4.0 or later (Because of UI glitches in the playlist playback controls) |
|||
| Recommended macOS (for latest version) | macOS 10.15.5 or later* | |||
| Supported Mac computers |
Intel Processors:
Apple Silicon Processors: Version 4.0 and later
WARNING: With Apple Silicon processors, some third party libraries may not be able to run natively, so will have lower performances. Other libraries may not run at all. Check the following article to know more
|
Recommended RAM |
HD: 4 GB for the first channel. Then add 2GB per additional channel
4K: 8 GB for the first channel. Then add 4GB per additional channel
8K: 16 GB for the first channel. Then add 8GB per additional channel
|
|
| Supported Graphics Cards |
Version 3.0 until 3.8: A graphics card that supports Metal is recommended. WARNING: the latest Intel MacBook Pros and Intel iMacs (not on Apple Silicon) have a bug with macOS OpenGL, and you won't be able to use the SMART playout engine of OnTheAir Video 3, OnTheAir Node 3 or OnTheAir CG 3 (there is no issue with version 4 of these applications). More info here...
Version 4.0 and later: Requires a graphics card that supports Metal for the SMART Resize and Graphics option (OnTheAir Video and OnTheAir Node)... Check the list of Macs that support Metal.
|
|||
| Supported Outputs | AJA, Blackmagic-Design, Deltacast, NDI. Make sure to check the required drivers depending on the macOS and Softron software version | |||
| Hardware acceleration to decode Apple ProRes |
Supported hardware: Mac with Apple Silicon M1 Max or Ultra; M2 Pro, Max or Ultra; or 2019 Mac Pro with an "Afterburner card"
Required macOS version: macOS 10.15.2 or later
Required software version: OnTheAir Video Express, OnTheAir Video or OnTheAir Node version 3.8 or later.
|
|||
| Hardware acceleration to decode H.264 | Intel Processors: With all Mac computers with i5 or i7 processors, running macOS 10.9.5 or later for one channel. macOS 10.13 or later is required for multichannel support. Apple Silicon Processors: All models support hardware acceleration, but they are more optimised for HEVC, so we recommend using HEVC whenever possible |
|||
| Hardware acceleration to decode H.265 / HEVC | Intel Processors: With all Mac computers with 6th generation of intel processors (2016 and later), running macOS 10.13 or later. Macs with M1 chips or later can support multichannels as well. Apple Silicon Processors: All models support hardware acceleration, and are optimised for HEVC |
|||
| Compatible Storage | Most storage that can sustain the required constant read speed (depending on the number of channels, the codec and format). If you need to run tests, make sure to do long term tests. | |||
| Requires Monitor Connected | Yes. Even if it should behave fine in most cases, it is recommended to keep a monitor connected at all times for best performances. Or you should make the macOS think that there is a monitor connected. Beware of some KVM switches that can cause interrupts in the signal. | |||
| Number of license required | One complete license required per channel (source). | |||
Video Codecs
| Format | Support |
|---|---|
| Apple ProRes 422 Family (Proxy, 422, LT, HQ) | |
| Apple ProRes 4444 (4444, XQ) | |
| AVC-Intra (50, 100, 200) | |
| AVCHD | |
| Avid DNxHD | |
| Avid DNxHR | |
| DV-PAL | |
| DV/DVCPRO-NTSC | |
| DVCPro-PAL | |
| DVCPro HD | |
| DVCPro 50 | |
| H.264 | |
| HDV | |
| HEVC | |
| MPEG IMX (30/40/50) | |
| MPEG-2 | |
| MPEG-4 Video | |
| None | |
| Photo-JPEG | |
| Uncompressed | |
| XDCAM EX | |
| XDCAM HD | |
| XDCAM HD422 |
Audio Codecs
| Format | Support |
|---|---|
| AAC | |
| Apple Lossless | |
| MP2 | |
| MP3 | |
| Linear PCM |
Video Wrappers
| Format | Support |
|---|---|
| AVI | |
| DV | |
| M2T | |
| M2V | |
| M4V | |
| MP2 | |
| MP4 | |
| MPEG | |
| MPG | |
| MXF OP1a | |
| QuickTime (MOV) | |
| Transport Stream (ts) |
Still Image Formats
| Format | Support |
|---|---|
| BMP | |
| PSD | |
| GIF ** | |
| JPEG | |
| JPEG 2000 | |
| PNG | |
| Targa | |
| TIFF |
* HEVC requires macOS 10.13 or later and a computer using a Intel Core processor Skylake or later (available in 2016 on the Mac)
** Only first image.
Important Note: Some of the codecs above such as H.264 or MPEG2 can have a lot of variants. This is why we always recommend to have a procedure on how to create the files you put on air. So you are sure it will always behave well. If you receive files from external sources and you don't know how they were generated, it's always a good idea to test them before putting them on air. You can even test them on a different computer with a demo version of one of our playout application.
| Application Version | First Supported Drivers | Last Supported Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Version 4.0 and later | Intel: 15.0 Apple Silicon: 16.1 |
latest |
| Version 3.8 | 15.0 | latest |
| Version 3.7 | 12.4.2 | latest |
| Version 3.4.x until 3.6.x | 12.4.2 | 14.3 |
| Version 3.3.x | 12.1.2 | 14.3 |
| Version 3.2.x | 10.5.2 | 12.2.2 |
| Version 3.0 until 3.1 | 10.5.2 | 10.6.1 |
WARNING:
- Some AJA devices need to use the latest SDK in our applications. Make sure to check which application version support your device in our help center article.
| Application Version | First Supported Drivers | Last Supported Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Version 4.1 and later | 12.0 or later | latest drivers |
| Version 4.0 | Intel: 11.0 or later Apple Silicon: 12.0 or later |
14.2 |
| Version 3.8 | 11.0 | 14.2 |
| Version 3.6 and 3.7 | 10.9.5 | 14.2 |
| Version 3.2 until 3.5 | 10.3.1 | 14.2 |
| Version 3.0 until 3.1 | 9.9.3 | 10.3.7 |
WARNING:
- macOS 11 (Big Sur) requires Blackmagic-Design drivers 11.7 or later.
| Application Version | First Supported Drivers | Last Supported Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Version 4.0.1 and later | Intel: 6.15.01 Apple Silicon: 6.17 Universal beta 1 |
Intel: latest version Apple Silicon: latest version |
| Version 3.5.4 until 4.0 | 5.21 | 6.17 |
| Version 3.4 until 3.5.1 | 5.21 | 6.01.01 (but not 6.0 nor 6.01) |
| Version 3.0 until 3.3.x | 5.17 | 5.18 |
WARNING:
- macOS 10.15 (Catalina) requires drivers version 6.13 or later
- You should only download the Deltacast drivers from our website. Indeed we validate them with our applications before putting them online.
| Application Version | NDI SDK Library Version |
|---|---|
| 4.0 | First version with NDI for Apple Silicon |
| 3.5 | First version with NDI for Intel |
About NDI | HX: Not supported for output.
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.
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.
|
OnTheAir Node 4
Version 4.0.3 - 21 March 2024
|
Download |
Useful Resources
- Pre-Release versions
- Release Notes
- Help Center: Includes a lot of useful information, sometimes not available in the user manual.
- YouTube Channel
Installation instructions
Once downloaded, unzip the file, and double-click on the installer to start the installation.
Make sure also to download and install the drivers for your video device:
AJA Drivers
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Blackmagic-Design Drivers
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Deltacast Drivers
For Intel and Silicon
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Accessory Software
To analyze as-run-logs, download the LogAnalyzer application.
OnTheAir Live
Control OnTheAir Node for live operations (Playlist based)
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OnTheAir Manager
Control OnTheAir Node for 24/7 unattended operations (Schedule based)
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LogAnalyzer
Analyze As-Run Logs
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DEMO Limitations
In DEMO mode, the application will burn a blue frame in the recorded file or at output at some intervals. That's the only limitation and difference. After your test, you will keep on using the same application, just with the demo mode unlocked.
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.
Upgrade/Update instructions
Just download the latest version and replace your previous 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.
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OnTheAir Node 4.0.3
22 May 2023
|
Download | |
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OnTheAir Node 4.0
27 February 2023
|
Download | |
OnTheAir Node 3.8.4
16 March 2020
|
Download | |
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OnTheAir Node 3.7.8
17 June 2019
|
Download | |
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OnTheAir Node 3.6.5
6 July 2018
|
Download | |
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OnTheAir Node 3.5.4
26 June 2017
|
Download | |
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OnTheAir Node 3.4.2
10 February 2017
|
Download | |
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OnTheAir Node 3.3.10
18 October 2016
|
Download | |
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OnTheAir Node 3.2.2
6 June 2015
|
Download | |
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OnTheAir Node 1.2.38
18 June 2014
|
Download |
Copyright
This software uses code of FFmpeg, licensed under the LGPLv2.1 and its source can be downloaded here.
This software uses the MediaInfo library, Copyright (c) 2002-2023 MediaArea.net SARL.