Timeline based software for MAC (not FCP)..?

[Walter Soyka]

[Eric Steinberg] “I’ve found a few software packages, but not timeline based. One thing that seems attractive to me, is the ability to buffer upcoming video, so the response will be immediate when you start the clip. Any suggestions? “

Playback Pro is quickly becoming the de-facto standard for video playback on the Mac. Playback Pro Plus is the two-channel version that allows dissolves between clips.

I think it’d be a good fit for your requirements, except that it’s not timeline-based. It runs on a playlist model, and with linking, it’s functionally very similar to a timeline model. Can you elaborate a little on what about the timeline model is important to you?

Walter Soyka
Principal & Designer at Keen Live
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
RenderBreak Blog – What I’m thinking when my workstation’s thinking
Creative Cow Forum Host: Live & Stage Events

[Eric Steinberg]

Thanks for your reply!

The timeline interface is only slightly important because that’s what I’m used to from working in NLEs, and I think I would have a better feel for things using a timeline. But it is not a necessity, just a preference. So if Playback Pro is the way to go, I’m sure I can adapt. I’ll download the demo and give it a shot.

Thanks again!

[Walter Soyka]

[Eric Steinberg] “The timeline interface is only slightly important because that’s what I’m used to from working in NLEs, and I think I would have a better feel for things using a timeline. But it is not a necessity, just a preference.”

I think you’ll find the Program/Preview model very easy to use. It works like a video switcher; you pre-load clips into Preview, and then take them live to Program with a keystroke.

Walter Soyka
Principal & Designer at Keen Live
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
RenderBreak Blog – What I’m thinking when my workstation’s thinking
Creative Cow Forum Host: Live & Stage Events

[Eric Steinberg]

BTW, do you know if Playback Pro buffers upcoming video clips so the playback will start immediately? This is an intermittant problem in FCP, sometimes the video starts playing immediately, and sometimes it won’t start until several seconds after we hit the spacebar (play). Since we sometimes will be just running cameras through our physical switcher, we’ll have to stop playback of video clips several times during the event. It is then crucial that once we’re ready to start playback of video again, it starts when it’s supposed to. I’ve seen other software that has the buffering feature. I sent this question directly to the Playback Pro technical dept, but I haven’t received an answer yet.

Kind regards,
Eric

[Bob King]

Take a look at QLab. Very versatile. Used in a lot of theatre and is VERY cue-list / timeline oriented. Also offers a rental license. Everything is based off OS X Core frameworks. Chris is a great developer and is very responsive.

https://www.figure53.com

Cheers!

[Walter Soyka]

[Eric Steinberg] “BTW, do you know if Playback Pro buffers upcoming video clips so the playback will start immediately?”

Yes. First you select a clip, which loads it into preview; next, you take the clip live to program. The take is instantaneous. The software scales with the available hardware, so a good graphics card and fast storage lead to better performance.

Playback Pro was designed by a live events tape operator, so it’s built with live events requirements and sensibilities in mind.

Walter Soyka
Principal & Designer at Keen Live
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
RenderBreak Blog – What I’m thinking when my workstation’s thinking
Creative Cow Forum Host: Live & Stage Events

[Eric Steinberg]

Thanks again, about to download the demo.

Eric

[Eric Steinberg]

Thanks for your suggestion!

Looked at it, but doesn’t seem to have a timeline layout like I’m used to from NLE’s..? If you have a link to an image of how their timeline looks, I could look at that, but as I mentioned earlier.. the timeline is a preference, not a requirement and I’m sure I’ll be able to adapt to a different interface. But I appreciate your input!

Kind regards,
Eric

[Eric Steinberg]

Downloaded demo, and I like it! I am a little concerned however, that the company still hasn’t responded to my 2 emails.. Is this the kind of support response I can expect? I have a bunch of questions, especially concerning hardware setup. If we buy it, we’ll be running it from a MacBook Pro, OSX 10.6.3, 4 Gb RAM, 2.53 Ghz Intel Core Duo, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M. Do we have to get an external dual screen device like the Matrox DualHead2Go.. I don’t seem to be able to run fullscreen mode with the hardware I have now…

Kind regards,
Eric

[Walter Soyka]

I’m surprised to hear that you haven’t gotten a response to your emails. I’ve found them to be very responsive in the past, and I know others here have as well. I think they list a phone number on their website if need to get in touch.

You do not need a Matrox DualHead2Go. PBP will run the operator’s monitor on your laptop screen, and will run full-screen video on your external video (MiniDP/DVI/VGA).

Walter Soyka
Principal & Designer at Keen Live
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
RenderBreak Blog – What I’m thinking when my workstation’s thinking
Creative Cow Forum Host: Live & Stage Events