Merging Technologies has just unveiled Ovation 12, a groundbreaking update to their Ovation audio playout and show sequencer platform. This release marks a significant leap forward, especially with the introduction of native video playback, a feature that will revolutionize how audio and video are synchronized in live productions.
What makes Ovation 12 truly remarkable is its ability to integrate video seamlessly into the show environment. Here's why this is a game-changer:
- Seamless Video Integration: Video files can now be dragged and dropped directly into playlists and cue lists, making the process of synchronizing audio and video as simple as a few clicks. This level of integration ensures that timing and alignment are effortless, even during live performances.
- Active Cue Window: Ovation's active cue window automatically aligns audio fade-ins with the picture, ensuring that everything stays perfectly synchronized during rehearsals and live shows. This feature is a godsend for those who have struggled with manual alignment in the past.
- Multiple Video Streams: Up to four video streams can play simultaneously, all managed by standard graphics cards. This means no additional hardware is required, making the setup more cost-effective and efficient.
- Timecode Management: Ovation 12 introduces native generation of multiple LTC outputs, allowing each external sequencer to receive its own independent timecode. This is a significant improvement for large productions, as it provides a cleaner and more direct path to keeping everything in sync.
The relationship between Ovation and Pyramix has always been strong, and Ovation 12 strengthens it further. Automation data now flows bidirectionally between the two platforms, allowing engineers to refine cues in Pyramix during rehearsals and seamlessly bring them back into the show environment without losing any automation detail.
On the performance front, Ovation 12 expands simultaneous input and output counts in Native mode across all editions, offering more headroom for large, multichannel productions. When paired with MassCore, the software can scale to extreme channel counts while maintaining its renowned low-latency performance.
In my opinion, Ovation 12 is a testament to Merging Technologies' commitment to innovation and their understanding of the needs of live production professionals. The software's ability to integrate video playback, manage timecodes, and provide seamless automation between Ovation and Pyramix is a significant step forward in the industry.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential impact on theme parks, museums, and complex live productions worldwide. The software's versatility and ease of use will undoubtedly make it a go-to choice for professionals looking to streamline their workflows and enhance the visual aspect of their audio productions.
One thing that immediately stands out is the future of audio-visual synchronization. Ovation 12 sets a new standard for how audio and video should be integrated in live performances, and it will be interesting to see how this development influences the industry's standards and practices.
