SoftMetal Video Servers - Top Reasons to Buy

Choice of Standard Definition or Multi-Definition Server
SoftMetal is available in your choice of SD or MD server with both systems based on the same underlying platform.

SD Version Upgradeable to MD
The SoftMetal SD Series are all fully upgradeable to MD allowing you to save money by buying an SD system now and adding the HD capabilities when you need them.

Multi-Definition Server
The SoftMetal MD servers work out of the box in all popular SD and HD formats making it easy to record and playback in the format of your choice.

On-The-Fly Scaling
The SoftMetal MD servers offer on-the-fly Scaling on each output. Clips are automatically converted as they play out either from SD to HD or HD to SD depending on the desired output format (interlaced formats only). This is a terrific feature for systems with a mix of HD and SD clips.

Software Based Codecs
SoftMetal uses software based codecs running on the host CPU to provide compression and decompression. This feature means that the SoftMetal system will continue to advance in software as new codecs and compression schemes evolve.

Easy Production Graphics Workflow
Getting your graphic content out of the graphics room and on air is a strength of SoftMetal. Graphics workflows are easily incorporated with SoftMetal servers playing a central roll in playing stills or animations in a production or master control setting. SoftMetal accepts Targa still smages and Targa animation sequences as well as offering an optional available CODECs package to enable rendering the files directly to a compressed SoftMetal standard file type right from the graphics workstation. SoftMetal is able to link two separate clips for locked Video + Key playback and offers the ability to independently set the start times of each channel.

Easy Production Clips Workflow
Getting your edited out of the edit suite and on air is a strength of SoftMetal. SoftMetal offers a variety of work flow options that support Apple Final Cut, Avid Media Composer, Adobe After Effects and other popular non-linear editing systems. QuickTime support and available SoftMetal native codecs enable this smooth workflow.

Client/Server Architecture
SoftMetal is designed from the ground up as a client/server architecture system with the SoftMetal Server Engine running on the SoftMetal hardware and the Java based SoftMetal client applications running on the client machine of your choice, be it a Windows, Macintosh or Linux computer.

Easy Network Connectivity
SoftMetal servers come equipped with three Ethernet ports, 2 x Gigabit Ethernet and 1 x 10/100 Fast Ethernet Port. Running on an Windows XP, SoftMetal will fit right in and provide easy network connectivity in your system.

Third Party Integration
Harris/Louth VDCP and Sony VTR control protocols are provided to remotely control SoftMetal from your choice of automation system or remote control device.

Seamless Integration with Synergy Switchers and OverDrive™
SoftMetal video servers offer seamless integration for control and operation with our Synergy SD and MD/X Production Switchers and our OverDrive Production Control System. IT Server Class Hardware SoftMetal uses top quality server class components resulting in a robust, reliable hardware platform.

Mirrored System Hard Drives
SoftMetal provides dual, mirrored (RAID-1) system drives, providing back up to the operating system and the SoftMetal Server Software. These drives can be hot-swapped and are automatically rebuilt in the background.

Hot-Swap RAID Protected Media Storage
SoftMetal uses hardware based RAID-5 storage to provide protection to your important media assets. If a drive is lost it can be quickly swapped with a blank drive which is rebuilt in the background while the server continues right on working.

Redundant Power
N+1 redundant power supplies are a standard feature of SoftMetal.

More Features for Less Money
It’s a Ross philosophy to offer our customers a powerful package for a competitive price. Our SoftMetal servers continue this tradition. When you compare the features and benefits of our servers versus the competition you will quickly realize that SoftMetal provides a greater return on your investment.

Software Updates from the Web
SoftMetal servers offer software upgrades through the warranty period with new releases posted to the Ross Video website for easy access.

Free Tech Support for Life
One thing that Ross has always done is take care of our customers. In fact, the Ross Video Code of Ethics states:

“Rule #1 - We will always act in our customer’s best interest”.

If you have a technical question about our products, we’ll answer it. Free. Even if your warranty has expired. Even if we have to put you in contact with the engineer that designed it. Even if you need to talk to David Ross himself (613-228-0688).

Now that’s service!