OnTheAir Video Express
OnTheAir Video Express is the perfect entry-level solution for straightforward, reliable video playout. Ideal for setups that require simplicity without sacrificing performance, it enables quick and easy playout of video clips directly from your Mac. Just drag and drop clips into your playlist and broadcast via SDI, NDI, SMPTE-2110, or RTMP streaming.
For users seeking more advanced functionality such as scheduling, newsroom integration, HDR support, dynamic graphics overlays, squeezeback, and secondary events, we recommend exploring our full-featured OnTheAir Video application.
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.)
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.
Our playout solutions are fully compatible with SMPTE-2110 devices from AJA and Blackmagic Design, offering seamless integration into cutting-edge IP-based broadcast environments. SMPTE-2110 provides unmatched flexibility for dynamic, modern workflows—perfect for facilities transitioning to all-IP infrastructure. Built to meet the demands of today and tomorrow, our playout tools keep you at the top of your game.
With Softron's Playout Engine unequaled efficiency, you can playout 8 channels of HD simultaneously on one Mac as the Smart Playout Engine (SPE) is optimized to take advantages of multiple cores. For that you will need the Multi version of OnTheAir Video Express, and to purchase one license of the software per channel you want to output.
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.
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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
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.
Application to overlay dynamic graphics on top of the video.
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.
With the Softron Streaming Pack, you can stream to RTMP, to YouTube, Wowza and more.
One license is valid for all the sources in MovieRecorder or MovieRecorder Express.
| Paid options |
Available in DEMO?
|
OnTheAir Video Express
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OnTheAir Video
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|---|---|---|---|
| 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 / Inputs |
Paid option
|
OnTheAir Video Express
|
OnTheAir Video
|
|---|---|---|---|
| SDI & HDMIDevices from AJA, Blackmagic-Design and Deltacast. Check the supported video output devices | |||
| SMPTE-2110Devices from AJA and Blackmagic-Design. Check the supported video output devices | |||
| M|Family | |||
| NDI® High Bandwidth | |||
| NDI|HX® Only supported for live sources, not for output. | |||
| 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 |
| Video & Audio Playback Features |
Paid option
|
OnTheAir Video Express
|
OnTheAir Video
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|---|---|---|---|
| Video Preview + Audio VU-Meters | |||
| Mix and match formats (clips can be of a different format and fps than the output) | |||
| 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 | |||
| HDR (HLG, PQ) 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 Works with SDI and NDI outputs. 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 |
| Graphics Features |
Paid option
|
OnTheAir Video Express
|
OnTheAir Video
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Static Logo Overlay | |||
| Dynamic Graphics Overlay | DGO Option | ||
| Squeezeback With super source | DGO Option | ||
| Picture in picture Live inputs | DGO Option | ||
| Tickers | DGO Option | ||
| Clocks (Analog and Digital) | DGO Option | ||
| Images | DGO Option | ||
| Overlay video with alpha | DGO Option | ||
| QR Code generator | DGO Option | ||
| Add effects on graphics and video | DGO Option | ||
| Play audio only over | DGO Option |
| 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 TO third party solutions |
Paid option
|
OnTheAir Video Express
|
OnTheAir Video
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Trigger Actions Secondary Events - More Info... | |||
| Create custom actions | |||
| Create macros of actions Trigger multiple actions at once. | |||
| Control video routers Videohub, Ross, GrassValley,... - More Info... | |||
| Control ATEM Control transitions, program and preview input, macros | |||
| Control Bitfocus Companion Press button, set variable, step button | |||
| Send HTTP Request | |||
| Send MIDI Messages | |||
| Send GPI triggers | GPICommander box | ||
| Send SCTE-35 triggers In SDI, NDI or direct link More Info... | CC option |
| Integration & Control FROM third party solutions |
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 | ||
| Controllable by MIDI Message | |||
| Create Playlists from Third Party Solutions | |||
| Controllable by a REST API More Info... | |||
| Controllable by AppleScript | |||
| HyperDeck Emulation One channel per mac, not compatible with the Multi-Channel versions | |||
| Controllable by Video Mixers (ATEM, Tricaster) |
| 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 |
| 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
|
| 4.5 and later | ||||||||
| 4.2 to 4.4 | ||||||||
| 4.1 | ||||||||
| 4.0 |
| 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.
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| Supported Outputs |
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|||
| Supported Inputs (for Live Clips, and Live inputs in CG Projects) |
|
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| Supported Stream Clips Protocols |
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| 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.
|
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| 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
|
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| 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
|
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| 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). | |||
Video Codecs
| Format | Support |
|---|---|
| Animation | |
| Apple ProRes 422 Family (Proxy, 422, LT, HQ) | |
| Apple ProRes 4444 (4444, XQ) | |
| AV1 | |
| AVC-Intra (50, 100, 200) | |
| AVCHD | |
| Avid DNxHD/DNxHR | |
| DV/DVCPRO | |
| DVCPro HD | |
| FFV1 | |
| H.264 | |
| H.265/HEVC | |
| HDV | |
| JPEG 2000 | |
| MPEG-1 | |
| MPEG-2 | |
| MPEG-4 Video | |
| MPEG IMX (30/40/50) | |
| Photo-JPEG | |
| Speed HQ (Newtek/Vizrt) | |
| Uncompressed/None | |
| VP9 | |
| XAVC | |
| XDCAM |
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 4.0.1 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.
| Application Version | First Supported Drivers | Last Supported Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Version 4.1.10 / 4.2.2 and later | 12.0 or later | latest drivers |
| Version 4.0 until 4.1.9 / 4.2.0 until 4.2.1 | 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 as we validate them with our applications before putting them online.
| 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.
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 Express
Version 4.2.3 - 26 March 2025
|
Download "Single" Version |
Download "Multi" Version |
Useful Resources
- Pre-Release versions
- Release Notes
- User Manual
- Help Center: Includes a lot of useful information, sometimes not available in the user manual.
- YouTube Channel
Limitations of the free DEMO mode
The free DEMO mode of OnTheAir Video Express is fully functional, and has all the features of the licensed mode. 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 Express 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
|
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Blackmagic-Design Drivers
|
||
Deltacast Drivers
For Intel and Apple Silicon
|
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 Video Express 4.2.1
10 September 2024
|
Download "Single" Version |
Download "Multi" Version | |
|
OnTheAir Video Express 4.1.9
26 July 2024
|
Download "Single" Version |
Download "Multi" Version | |
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OnTheAir Video Express 4.1.6
12 September 2023
|
Download "Single" Version |
Download "Multi" Version | |
|
OnTheAir Video Express 4.1.3
16 April 2023
|
Download "Single" Version |
Download "Multi" Version | |
|
OnTheAir Video Express 4.1.1
30 June 2022
|
Download "Single" Version |
Download "Multi" Version | |
|
OnTheAir Video Express 4.0
21 May 2021
|
Download "Single" Version |
Download "Multi" Version | |
OnTheAir Video Express 3.8.6
17 July 2020
|
Download "Single" Version |
Download "Multi" Version | |
|
OnTheAir Video Express 3.7.8
17 June 2019
|
Download "Single" Version |
Download "Multi" Version | |
|
OnTheAir Video Express 3.6.6
10 July 2018
|
Download "Single" Version |
Download "Multi" Version | |
|
OnTheAir Video Express 3.5.4
26 June 2017
|
Download "Single" Version |
Download "Multi" Version | |
|
OnTheAir Video Express 3.4
21 February 2017
|
Download "Single" Version |
Download "Multi" Version | |
|
OnTheAir Video Express 3.3.13
1 December 2016
|
Download "Single" Version |
Download "Multi" Version | |
|
OnTheAir Video Express 3.2.9
27 August 2015
|
Download "Single" Version |
Download "Multi" Version | |
|
OnTheAir Video Express 1.2.16
22 October 2013
|
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.