An intuitive and powerful playout solution for the Mac

OnTheAir Video is a powerful automated playout software using an advanced scheduler. But not only that, it is a clip store for live news operations, local broadcasts or live shows.


Lots of video formats are supported: Apple ProRes®, AVC-Intra®, Avid DNxHD®, H.264, HEVC, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MPEG IMX, XDCAM EX, XDCAM HD, etc...


Add multiple transitions between the clips (cross fade, wipe,…) and overlay dynamic graphics on top of your video, thanks to the Dynamic Graphics Overlay option.

A Complete Toolbox

Mix-and-match multiple codecs, file types, formats, and frame rates within a single playlist. OnTheAir Video supports Apple ProRes®, AVC-Intra, Avid DNxHD®, H.264, HEVC, XDCAM and various others. You can mix and match movie files such as .mov, .MXF, .M2T, .M4V, alongside still images and sound files. (Check the list in the Tech Specs section.)

Spice up your Broadcast

Create stunning dynamic graphics in the free OnTheAir CG Designer application. Import your projects into OnTheAir Video and precisely select when you want them to be played. You can give a default status and change variables. For instance, in a “coming next" segment, you can just modify the text and image within that single project.

8bit? Yes. 10bit? Yes. ARGB? Of Course.

Use YUV 8bit, YUB 10bit or ARGB pixel formats to match your needs. Depending on your output device, you will be able to select these pixel formats. When outputting to ARGB, if the device allows, OnTheAir Video will output both the fill and the key signals.

Break the Boundaries

Add transitions to enhance your playlist's dynamic appeal. Use built-in transitions such as cross-fades or custom transitions made with your own movies with an Alpha Channel.

Lights, camera… Action!

OnTheAir Video boasts a versatile 'Actions' system. From sending SCTE35 triggers to overlaying dynamic graphics and controlling various external devices like Character Generators, video routers, and logo inserters, its capabilities are extensive. These Actions can be triggered at any point within a playlist clip. With a preset selection available or the option to customize new ones using AppleScripts, tailoring Actions and creating macros for multiple controls becomes simple.

Extra beats for your ears

In addition to video output on the selected device, you can now also output to another available audio output on your Mac. This feature is compatible with CoreAudio, supporting a wide range of audio devices available for macOS, including Dante and MADI.

Even Far Far Away

With the "Remote Pack" option, you can control your playout remotely using a web browser on another computer or with another instance of OnTheAir Video. This feature includes a "Media Browser," allowing you to view all available media remotely and see which clips are ready for playout.

Set it for 24/7 and Relax!

OnTheAir Video is the preferred automation software for many TV stations worldwide. With its user-friendly calendar scheduler, you can easily set playlists to run automatically at any given time of days. Simply prepare your playlists, schedules in advance and let OnTheAir Video handle the rest. It is capable of running 24/7 continuously, ensuring reliable, worry-free operation.

What's on TV?

With the EPG option, you can create tags and assign them to your clips. Then export the EPG (Electronic Program Guide) to XMLTV or TVGuide formats.

Subtitling at your Disposal (CC and OP47)

OnTheAir Video has advanced feature to support subtitling (Closed Captioning CEA608 or CEA708 and OP47). The subtitiling info can be either embedded in the file, or use a sidecar file (SRT or STL).
Additionnaly you can easily do live subtitling using our REST API to handle requirements for live shows subtitling.
If you have the dynamic graphics overlay option, OnTheAir Video can even burn in the captions from an SRT file.

SCTE-35 and SCTE-104

The support for SCTE35 is invaluable for ad-insertion programs. The SCTE trigger can embed in your MXF file or utilize an action to trigger SCTE35 at a specific moment within a clip.

Go cable-free with 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.

Streaming straight from your Mac

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.

Syncing up with the Traffic Maestros

OnTheAir Video can integrate with traffic solutions and be used for large scale operations. With the "traffic" option, create your playlist (or log) in your traffic solution such as Wide Orbit, and OnTheAir Video will import and play it out. The formats XPLS, WOS, BXF, SCD are supported. And for the record: this option includes the "Remote Pack" option.

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World Class Support

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.


Buy or Upgrade

Test with our free DEMO version available for download before purchasing to ensure it fits your needs. In DEMO mode, the application will periodically burn a blue frame in the recorded file or output. After your test, you can continue using the same application with the demo mode unlocked.


Options

Purchase one option per channel (except for the dongle which can hold up to 20 licences on one dongle, and for which it's one dongle per computer)

You may also need

OnTheAir Video is ideal for news production and live shows, supporting a wide range of codecs and offering mix-and-match resizing along with various advanced features. OnTheAir Video Express, our entry-level playout solution, provides a more limited feature set but still delivers robust performance. You can download the DEMO mode for free to try both applications and determine which best suits your needs. Below are detailed explanations of the features and supported functionalities:


Paid options
Available in DEMO?
OnTheAir Video Express
OnTheAir Video
Dynamic Graphics Overlay
Closed Captioning
Remote Pack WARNING: In DEMO mode, we do not catalog the media folder, so all controls are possible, but you won't get a remote media browser
EPG WARNING: In DEMO mode, we export max 4 hours of content.
Traffic

Supported Outputs
Paid option
OnTheAir Video Express
OnTheAir Video
Devices from AJA, Blackmagic-Design and Deltacast
M|Family
NDI®
NDI|HX® Only supported for live sources, not for output. Requires the NDI|HX driver.
External Audio Output
Streaming Output Output using the direct link to a MovieRecorder or MovieRecorder Express and they will do the streaming if they have the Softron Streaming Pack Option Streaming Pack + MovieRecorder or MovieRecorder Express
Playback & Graphics Features
Paid option
OnTheAir Video Express
OnTheAir Video
Video Preview + Audio VU-Meters
Mix and match formats (clips can be of a different format and fps than the output)
Static Logo Overlay
Dynamic Graphics Overlay DGO Option
8bit and ARGB video output Check video output capabilities
10bit video output Check video output capabilities, requires the "SMART" engine to be enabled, not yet compatible with NDI
Secondary Audio Output
Transitions (Requires smart engine option enabled)
CEA608 and CEA708 Closed Captioning Embedded (in MXF or QuickTime), or using sidecar files (SRT only) - More info... CC Option
OP47 Subtiltling Embedded (in MXF only), or using sidecar files (SRT or STL) - More info... CC Option
Burn-in captions on the video output Only with SRT sidecar files - More info... CC and DGO options
Resize Modes (Fill, Letterbox, Pand & Scan, Natural)
Countdown until next Live Event
Audio countdown
Reverse field order
Scheduling and 24/7 Features
Paid option
OnTheAir Video Express
OnTheAir Video
Scheduler Supports XML or JSON
Secondary Events (Actions) Supports built-in actions and AppleScript actions.
Import WideOrbit (WOS), BXF, SCD playlists Traffic Option
More info...
Media Browser Traffic Option
More info...
Virtual Sources Traffic Option
More info...
Remote control Traffic Option
More info...
Validation Report
Purge List Supports .tx, .DAT, .PUR files Remote Pack or Traffic Option
Replace by ID Remote Pack or Traffic Option
Segmented files Supports .BXF files Remote Pack or Traffic Option
EPG EPG Option
As-run logs
Integration & Control
Paid option
OnTheAir Video Express
OnTheAir Video
Remote Control Remote Pack or Traffic Option
Controllable by Elgato's Stream Deck Limited control in OnTheAir Video Express - More Info...
Controllable by GPI triggers GPICommander box
Send GPI triggers GPICommander box
Controllable by MIDI Message
Send MIDI Messages
Create Playlists from Third Party Solutions
Controllable by a REST API
Controllable by AppleScript
Trigger Actions Secondary Events - More Info...
Send SCTE-35 triggers In SDI or direct link - not in NDI - More Info... CC option
Control video routers Videohub, Ross, GrassValley,... - More Info...
HyperDeck Emulation One channel per mac, not compatible with the Multi-Channel versions
Controllable by Video Mixers (ATEM, Tricaster)
Control ATEM Macros
Playlists Settings
Paid option
OnTheAir Video Express
OnTheAir Video
Automatic Folder-based Playlist
Playlist playback modes: Chain, Loop, Cue, Shuffle
Lock playlist to prevent editing and playback controls
Auto-lock playlists opened by scheduler
Open default playlist at start
Disable Auto Save / Versions
Auto-update start times
Clips Settings
Paid option
OnTheAir Video Express
OnTheAir Video
Supports Video, Images, and audio files
Add Comments (and set their colors)
Add Live Clips From a AJA, Blackmagic-Design, or NDI source - More info...
Add Stream Clips From a RTMP, RTSP, or HLS source - More info...
Add Offline Clips
Trim clips (Set in/out points non destructively)
Auto-update Modified Clips and Playlists When clips or playlists are modified on another computer, they automatically update
Change Clip-end behaviours Stop, Hold, Loop, Play Next Clip, Cue Next Clip
Set if the hold mode holds on black or last frame
Set a start transition Requires the SMART Engine to be enabled (not the DGO option)
Color text with Finder tag
Auto-update start times
Disable Thumbnail generation
Rename Clips
Disable Clips
Auto-cue Next Clip
GPI Trigger (enabled on one clip)
Change audio gain on clip
macOS compatibility
Version
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
M. Lion
10.8
4.2 and later
        
4.1
      
4.0
     
3.8    
    
3.6 to 3.7    
  
3.2 to 3.5       
 
3.0 to 3.1       
Specs and Requirements
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:
  • Version 3.0 until 3.8:  Warning there is an issue with the graphics cards of the latest Intel MacBook Pros and Intel iMacs (not on Apple Silicon and only with version 3 of OnTheAir Video, OnTheAir Node or OnTheAir CG, there is no issue with version 4 of these applications). Except for this limitation, all other computers should work provided the required macOS version above can be installed, and you have the appropriate resources for what you need to achieve. Don't do 4K on a 2010 MacBook Air...
  • Version 4.0 and later: A graphics card that supports Metal is required for the SMART Resize and Graphics option (OnTheAir Video and OnTheAir Node).
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 for H.264, 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./div>
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 (output).
Codecs Support

Video Codecs

FormatSupport
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
Speed HQ (Newtek)
Uncompressed
XDCAM EX
XDCAM HD
XDCAM HD422

Stream Clips Types

ProtocolSupport
RTSP
RTMP
TCP
HTTP
HLS

Audio Codecs

FormatSupport
AAC
Apple Lossless
MP2
MP3
Linear PCM

Video Wrappers

FormatSupport
AVI
DV
M2T
M2V
M4V
MP2
MP4
MPEG
MPG
MXF OP1a
QuickTime (MOV)
Transport Stream (ts)

Still Image Formats

FormatSupport
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.

Supported Inputs & Outputs
logo AJA
Application Version First Supported Drivers Last Supported Drivers
Version 4.0.1 and later Intel: 15.0
Apple Silicon: 16.1
latest
Version 3.8 until 4.0 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.
logo Blackmagic-Design
Application Version First Supported Drivers Last Supported Drivers
Version 4.0 and later Intel: 11.0 or later
Apple Silicon: 12.0 or later
latest drivers
Version 3.8 11.0 latest drivers
Version 3.6 and 3.7 10.9.5 latest drivers
Version 3.2 until 3.5 10.3.1 latest drivers
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.
logo Deltacast
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 as we validate them with our applications before putting them online.
logo NDI
Application Version NDI SDK Library Version
Version 4.2.2 6.0.1
Version 4.2 6.0
Version 4.1.6 5.5.4
Version 4.1.3 5.5.3
Version 4.1.2 5.1.1
Version 4.1.1 5.1.1
Version 4.1 5.0.10
Version 4.0 4.6.2 (First version compatible with Apple Silicon)
Version 3.5 First version of OnTheAir Video with NDI

About NDI | HX: Only supported for live sources, not for output. Requires the NDI|HX driver.

About these specifications

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 Video
Version 4.2.1 - 25 April 2024
Download
"Single" Version
Download
"Multi" Version

Useful Resources


Limitations of the free DEMO mode

The free DEMO mode of OnTheAir Video 4 is fully functional for all features, except for the traffic option which require a temporary serial to be tested (contact us if you want to test it). Appart from it, the OnTheAir Video version that you test is the same that you will be using when you get your license, it just outputs blue demo frames every few seconds when in DEMO mode.


Installation instructions

Download the SINGLE version if you just need to play on one output, the Multi version to be able to play up to 8 streams on one Mac. Once downloaded, unzip the file, and drag and drop either the single application or the multiple applications folder in your "Applications" folder.
Warning! Do NOT run OnTheAir Video from your downloads folder or it will be quarantined. Always drag and drop from the Downloads folder to the Applications folder before using it. Make sure also to download and install the drivers for your video device:


AJA Drivers
Blackmagic-Design Drivers
Deltacast Drivers
For Intel and Silicon

Accessory Software

If you have the Dynamic Graphics Overlay option, you will also need OnTheAir CG Designer. You do not need a license to create CG projects to be used in OnTheAir Video DGO option. Download OnTheAir CG Designer here:

OnTheAir CG Designer
Create Graphics for the DGO
Download More Info...
LogAnalyzer
Analyze As-Run Logs
Download

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.

Legacy versions
OnTheAir Video 4.1.9
26 July 2024
Download
"Single" Version
Download
"Multi" Version
OnTheAir Video 4.1.8
15 April 2024
Download
"Single" Version
Download
"Multi" Version
OnTheAir Video 4.1.8
15 April 2024
Download
"Single" Version
Download
"Multi" Version
OnTheAir Video 4.1.6
12 September 2023
Download
"Single" Version
Download
"Multi" Version
OnTheAir Video 4.1.3
16 April 2023
Download
"Single" Version
Download
"Multi" Version
OnTheAir Video 4.1.1
30 June 2022
Download
"Single" Version
Download
"Multi" Version
OnTheAir Video 4.0.0
21 May 2021
Download
"Single" Version
Download
"Multi" Version
OnTheAir Video 3.8.6
17 July 2020
Download
"Single" Version
Download
"Multi" Version
OnTheAir Video 3.7.8
17 June 2019
Download
"Single" Version
Download
"Multi" Version
OnTheAir Video 3.6.6
10 July 2018
Download
"Single" Version
Download
"Multi" Version
OnTheAir Video 3.5.4
26 June 2017
Download
"Single" Version
Download
"Multi" Version
OnTheAir Video 3.4
21 February 2017
Download
"Single" Version
Download
"Multi" Version
OnTheAir Video 3.3.13
1 December 2016
Download
"Single" Version
Download
"Multi" Version
OnTheAir Video 3.2.9
27 August 2015
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"Single" Version
Download
"Multi" Version
OnTheAir Video 2.5.26
30 October 2013
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"Single" Version
Download
"Multi" Version
OnTheAir Video 2.4.44
5 June 2012
Download
"Single" Version
Download
"Multi" Version
OnTheAir Video 2.2
22 October 2006
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.