Softron OnTheAir Node 4 Downloadis Softron's highest-end playout software. It's a Mac-based, customizable video server with an open client-server architecture, and it can be controlled remotely over the network. One client computer can control multiple OnTheAir Node servers, and third-party applications, such as Traffic and Media Asset Management, can be used to provide control with real-time media cataloging and validation. Where in previous versions of OnTheAir Node, HD support, and a static logo overlay feature were optional, they are now built in.

OnTheAir Node 4 doesn't have a user interface but rather supports two client applications for UI functionality: the free OnTheAir Live, for playlist playout; and the optional OnTheAir Manager, for scheduling. OnTheAir Live is a playlist manager for live productions. It provides a user interface for adding media and controlling playback, and it has all the features required for live operations such as cue mode and A/B roll. OnTheAir Manager is the solution for 24/7 unattended playout. It uses a calendar user interface for scheduling, and it provides advanced features such as EPG, categories, and redundancy. OnTheAir Node 4 requires one license per output channel and supports up to four HD channels on one Mac, and one OnTheAir Live and/or OnTheAir Manager can control as many OnTheAir Node 4 channels as you need.

In OnTheAir Node 4, Softron uses its own playout engine called Smart Playout Engine. This player allows mixing multiple codecs and resolutions in the same playlist without installing any additional software, and it features three resize tools that will help efficiently scale frame sizes. Automatic Resize scales to Fill, Pan-and-Scan, or Letterbox; Manual Resize lets you define parameters; and Smart Resize produces an advanced resize of interlaced clips, limiting artifacts to a minimum or none. The standard playout file type is QuickTime (.mov), but you can also select Transport Stream (.ts), MXF (.MXF), and others. Still images play in PNG and other formats, and audio support ranges up to 5.1 channels.

OnTheAir Node 4 also supports direct-to-web streaming via the optional Softron MovieRecorder 3, without any additional output card; and it supports streaming with an additional card via the optional Softron MovieStreamer HLS.

Mac-Based, Video Server Playout Software    Open Client-Server Architecture    Supports Network Remote Control    Supports Third-Party Control    24/7 Playout with OnTheAir Manager    Supports Mixed Codecs and Resolutions    Automatic / Manual / Smart Resize    Static Logo Overlay    GPI / Video Router Control    Supports Streaming via Optional Software

OnTheAir Node 4 features Softron's Smart Playout Engine that allows mixing multiple codecs and resolutions in the same playlist without installing any additional software.

Automatic Resize will scale different resolution clips to Fill, Pan-and-Scan, or Letterbox; Manual Resize will let you define parameters; and Smart Resize produces an advanced resize of interlaced clips, limiting artifacts to a minimum or none.

OnTheAir Node 4 requires one license per output channel and supports up to four HD channels on one Mac, as the built-in Smart Playout Engine can take advantage of multiple cores. (Please download the matching OnTheAir Node 4 version—Single, Dual, or Quad).

OnTheAir Node 4 catalogs available assets in scan folders and informs the client application (OnTheAir Live / Manager) when a new asset arrives or is deleted. It also checks for validity and compatibility. Information is provided as XML, facilitating the use of third-party applications in retrieving clip characteristics. (Ex: video codec, audio sample rate, creation date, last modification date, finder label, etc.)

OnTheAir Node 4's open architecture allows any third-party application, such as Traffic or Media Asset Management, to control playout and view available media. OnTheAir Node 4 uses Telnet for its communications; the protocol is a proven and open standard that doesn't need any special requirements.

Using an optional Softron GPICommander Box, you can send GPI triggers from OnTheAir Node 4 to a video mixer or any GPI compatible device. GPICommander connects to your Mac by USB and provides 24 inputs and 8 outputs of GPI.

You can control video routers using an optional Blackmagic Design Videohub or AJA Kumo router. These have dedicated plug-ins that connect to your network and control crosspoints. Video router control is useful for live events in 24/7 playouts.

Thanks to its flexible system of "Attributes," OnTheAir Node 4 can control multiple external devices, such as video routers (through RS-232 or Ethernet), character generators, or logo inserters (using GPI triggers). Attributes are changed for the whole length of a clip and reverted back to a default value at the end. 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. For example, you can set "Logo Off" for commercials.

• HD support and a static logo overlay feature are built in
• Seamless playback
• YUV and ARGB video output modes, depending on the video card
• External and internal keying, if the video card supports keying in the desired resolution
• Scrubbing (move playout at time position)
• 4K capable in "standard mode" (i.e. without logo, Smart Resize, or streaming)
• Still image output
• Still logo overlay (png image)
• Smart Resize (handles interlaced formats without artifacts)
• Automatic Resize (automatically resizes clips to fit the video output)
• Manual Resize (user defined per clip)
• Supports direct-to-web IP streaming without any additional card via MovieRecorder 3, sold separately
• Supports IP streaming using an additional card via MovieStreamer HLS, sold separately
• Audio/video buffering
• One output per Mac if with Smart Resize and the optional Dynamic Graphics Overlay
• Same audio destinations as video output
• Linear PCM, MP3, MP2, AAC, Apple Lossless audio formats
• Plays audio only files
• Multiple audio channels output
• Audio auto-mapping (using QuickTime track languages)

All these require the use of OnTheAir Live, available free, as a user interface.

• As-run-logs
• Cue Mode
• A/B roll (two video cards required)
• Playlist editing during playout
• Show/Hide thumbnails
• ASCII playlist import
• Opens all vpls playlists (but cannot save in .vpls -- only in .xpls)
• Event fixed start time
• Schedule imports (imports all vpls playlists)
• Live events

All these require the use of the optional OnTheAir Manager as a user interface.

• Scheduled playout
• Graphical calendar scheduling
• Dynamic calendar display resize
• Event and playlist categories
• Category inheritance
• Hierarchical playlists
• Repeat events (alias) by day, weekdays, weekend days, month
• Duplicate events
• "Stick" events to close gaps in scheduling
• Real-time display of overruns and underruns
• Create and control multiple schedules for multiple outputs using one application
• Detailed report of offline clips, missing playlists, overrun, and underrun

• Media cataloging
• Media validation
• Finder label
• Clip relative path (Clips folder root)
• Clip trimming
• Clip splitting
• Reference movie
• MXF files support
• Still image support
• Resize clip manually
• Position clip in frame (when resized)
• 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)
• Create live clip (using the optional OnTheAir Manager)
• Auto detection of offline clips and auto recovery (in Media List and Playlists)

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is this compatible with Mac book pro that have the M1 chip?

A: External graphics processors (eGPU) are only supported on Macs with an Intel Processor. One cannot currently use an eGPU with an Apple processor like the M1. The OWC Akitio Node Titan Thunderbolt 3 External GPU Enclosure can still be used with these newer Macs for other PCIe devices, but not with eGPUs

Q: 2. Does these sotware will read nokon raw file from a nikon z7 2 monochrom sensor?

A: Yes, FastRawViewer Monochrome2DNG (Download)is compatible with Raw photos from a monochrome converted Nikon Z7 II.

Q: 3. Softron M|Replay is this replay software supports 1080p 59.94 framerate?

A: We can find no prohibition with this product regarding codecs. We suggest downloading the demo and see if it works for you. If so, then you can purchase the license. http://www.softron.tv/products/mreplay

Q: 4. Hello, will it work with a Lenovo P73 Laptop?

A: As long as the ports on the computer are native Thunderbolt 3 there should be no problems.

Q: 5. will it work with the rtx 3080/3070/3060 ti? (size and power)?

A: Yes, it is compatible with all those graphics cards for size and wattage.

Q: 6. Is this compatible with the Legion Go and RTX 4070? Do I need to install any software to use this?

A: The OWC Akitio Node Titan Thunderbolt 3 External GPU Enclosure can be used with a Lenovo Legion Go and an RTX 4070. In order to use this setup, you'll need to download the NVIDIA GeForce drivers.

Q: 7. Can you adjust volume on iPhone 14?

A: You are able to adjust the volume on the Bluesound NODE Network Audio Player (Black) BH #BLN130BLKUNV from the iPhone 14.

Q: 8. How many computers can I install this on without additional charges?

A: The purchased FastRawViewer Monochrome2DNG License is OS-independent, and can be used to have each Program activated on up to two computers simultaneously, as long as each computer is owned by you and you are the only one with access to the Program. You may transfer the license from one computer to another, provided the terms of ownership are followed, by de-activating each Program on one of the computers that have it active and activating it on another one.

Q: 9. Can I connect a turntable to this unit?

A: You would need a turntable that has a pre-amp built in to connect to the Bluesound NODE Network Audio Player (Black) BH #BLN130BLKUNV. You would also need the Kopul 1/8" Stereo Mini to Dual RCA Y-Cable - 6' (1.8 m) BH #KOSMYCM2RM06 to make the connection.

Q: 10. Physical slot is PCIE x16, but does it support PCIE 3.0 x16 bandwidth?

A: The OWC Akitio Node Titan Thunderbolt 3 External GPU Enclosure BH #OWAKTNPTNT3 has a PCIe x16 slot wired for x4.