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Review Summary
Single License (Download)
Devices from AJA and Blackmagic-Design
M/Family (M/1600, M/80, M/62, M44, M/80x, M/62x, M44x)
NDI sources
Direct Link Sources (from one of Softron's playout application)
Remotely Control other Movie Recorders
Record Multiple channels at once (Depend on the format, codec and the computer. Up to 12 channels on one Mac)
Max Resolution (Depend on the video device used): Up to 4K
Pixel Formats (Depend on the video device used): 8bit, 10bit or ARGB
External Audio Sources (instead of using the audio from the video device, use another audio available for the macOS)
Audio Mapping (done in the AV Presets)
Timecode Sources: Video device timecode (LTC, RP188,...) or application timecode (Mac Clock, Audio LTC, Timecode Systems)
Record to multiple Destinations with different codecs using easy presets
MXF Support
Advanced codecs support
Add effects (crop, resize, rotate) and overlays (text, timecode, image) on the recorded video
Closed Captioning Record (CEA-708 to a QuickTime CC track): Yes only with 8bit sources
Looped recording (record permanently in the same file and go back to the beginning when it reaches the end of the file. Ideal for TimeShifting playout for example)
Custom naming (to automatically name your files with tokens)
Metadata (embedded in the QuickTime file or as a sidecar file)
Frame-accurate split the recordings into chunks (support for 24/7 recording with no frames lost)
Support edit-while-ingest: Yes with MXF, Classic or Segmented destinations (compatibility depend on the editing software)
Version 3.0 and 3.1: Mac OS X 10.8.5 or later
Version 3.2 and later: Mac OS X 10.9.5 or later
Version 3.5 and later: Mac OS X 10.10.5 or later
Version 3.6 and later: Mac OS X 10.11.6 or later
Version 4.0 and later: Mac OS X 10.11.6 or later
macOS 10.11.6 or later
4GB for the first channel. Then add 2GB per additional channel
All are supported, no specific requirement
AJA, Blackmagic-Design, M/80, M/62, M/44, NDI
With all Mac computers with i5 or i7 processors, running macOS 10.9.5 or later. Note that hardware acceleration is available only for one channel
In H.265/HEVC: With all Mac computers with 6th generation of intel processors (2016 and later), running macOS 10.13 or later. Note that hardware acceleration is available only for one channel
Most storage that can sustain the required constant write speed (depending on the number of streams, the codec and format). For network attached storage (NAS), make sure to enable Macro blocks, and disable cache flushing. If you need to run tests, make sure to do long term tests
Yes. Even if Movie Recorder 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 (Open GL Active)
Apple ProRes 422 Family
Apple ProRes 4444
AVC-Intra (50 & 100)
Avid DNxHD
DV/DVCPRO
DVCPro HD
H.264: Yes (but no Resize with 10bit sources)
H.265 (HEVC): Yes Only with Movie Recorder 4, macOS 10.13 or later, and a computer with the 6th generation intel processor or later
HDV
MPEG IMX (30/40/50)
Uncompressed
XAVC: Yes Only in MXF. Very CPU intensive, Mac Pro required. 4K not supported yet
XDCAM
MXF OP-Atom: Yes Only with DNxHD
MXF OP1a: Yes With DV, DVCPRO, IMX, AVC-Intra, DVCPRO HD, XAVC, XDCAM, HDV
.mp4 .m4v: Yes Only with H.264
QuickTime (.mov) - None or Segmented: Yes All codecs, except XAVC
QuickTime (.mov) - Classic: Yes With Apple ProRes, DV, DVCPRO, IMX, AVC-Intra, DVCPRO HD
AAC
Apple Lossless
Linear PCM
Because of its advanced capabilities and innovative features, the MovieRecorder 4 Software, available for electronic download, is a professional-grade tool for recording high-quality movies. This sophisticated software, now in its fourth iteration, has undergone a significant evolution, offering even more flexibility and a sleek, user-friendly interface.
The MovieRecorder 4 Software supports NDI sources, external audio, and effects, making it adaptable to a variety of workflows and configurations. The software's new interface is not only easy to navigate but also customizable, allowing you to select the number of viewers and choose a layout that best suits your needs.
In addition to its customizable interface, the MovieRecorder 4 Software also supports recording from NDI sources. This open, low-latency, video-over-IP protocol developed by NewTek allows for the transmission of video and audio over a local area network, eliminating the need for additional routers or SDI cables.
The software also supports external audio sources, including MADI, providing flexibility for those who wish to record audio from an audio mixer without the need for expensive SDI embedders. The software's ability to crop, deinterlace, rotate, and resize video before encoding, as well as overlay text, timecode, or images, adds another layer of customization to your recordings.
The MovieRecorder 4 Software also supports HEVC, an efficient codec for 4K recording. With the help of macOS 10.13, the software can utilize the HEVC hardware acceleration available on some computers, ensuring efficient and high-quality encoding.
The software's "save and restore" feature allows for the storage of multiple configurations, making it easy to switch between different recording setups. Furthermore, the standard license now includes Closed Captioning and Pro-codecs options, eliminating the need for separate purchases.
With the ability to record up to 16 HD channels on an iMac Pro, the MovieRecorder 4 Software is a powerful tool for any professional videographer or filmmaker. Its advanced features and high-quality output make it a standout choice in the realm of movie recording software.