The 2.3.0 update adds a Web Configurator for each Picturall product which replaces the previous configuration tool, Console Configurator. The Web Configurator includes the familiar features of Console Configurator plus lots of brand new functionality and enhancements including import and export of an existing configuration; a license update tool; system diagnostics; and support for viewing and editing configuration parameters whilst the server is running. The whole thing is packaged with an updated, modern look and feel and a simplified user interface for optimum usability.
The second major new feature is the inclusion of support for Apple Inc's ProRes codec for all Picturall products. ProRes is one of the most popular codecs in the field of professional video and post-production. There are six ProRes formats that range from extreme compression to minimal compression rates
Each ProRes format supports all the most common frame sizes such as SD, HD, 2K, 4K & 5K. It's also notable that ProRes is a 10-bit codec, so it can process high levels of colour data and its Variable Bitrate (VBR) feature allows ProRes to be economical with video storage, without damaging the visuals. Using Picturall's Hiisi Video Player and the Picturall Broadcast media server products you can also output your 10-bit video content.
According to James M. Wadkins of IPS Rentals, a long-time Picturall user, the addition of ProRes support is a huge step forward for Picturall. "As far as I am concerned, Picturall makes the best media servers on the market," he said. "However, given the popularity of ProRes in the marketplace, it was a stumbling block for me that Picturall products didn't support it.
"Clients didn't like the idea of having to change their workflow for rendering content, even though it is actually pretty straightforward to use another codec. The fact that Picturall now supports ProRes is going to open the floodgates as far as I am concerned - all my clients will now be able to benefit from the best that the market has to offer without changing a thing. It's what I want, it's what they want, and it's definitely what Picturall wants - we all win."
(Jim Evans)
