Sound Devices has released Firmware 2.10 software for its 970 audio rack-mounted and PIX 250i, PIX 260i and PIX 270i video rack-mounted recorders.
New features and upgrades include enhanced metadata functionality, sound report creation and improved file/folder formats. In addition, Sound Devices now offers a Release Candidate Screening Program, which gives existing users of its rack-mounted recorders a preview of features and changes under development in the firmware.
Firmware 2.10 features a new Metadata screen that allows users recording audio to access and edit the Scene, Notes, Take and Circle status of Previous, Current and Next takes. It also provides the same metadata editing functionality from PIXNet, the Web browser interface. Additionally, the PIXNet clips tab now display information about recordings, including start time code, fps, user-bits, duration, codec and audio format.
With regard to reel folder formats, in previous iterations of the firmware, a Custom option enabled users to edit reel folder names with any alphanumeric value, whereas the 2.10 firmware offers a second Daily option. If set to Daily, new reel folders will automatically be named with the current system date in the YYMMDD format. These daily reel folders, which are containers for the recordings, are helpful in organising deliverables for projects that span multiple days. This latest firmware also features a new Phrase List Manager, which lets end users create a list of commonly used phrases and then use them to quickly edit the Notes field of recorded WAV files. Users can also now enter notes from either the File list or the new Metadata screen, for the next recording.
For those devices operating in Audio Only Mono mode, it is now possible to have the system append the actual audio track name to the end of the file name. While recording, track names can now be edited from the audio screen and from PIXNet. This assists those in postproduction in determining which audio file is associated with which member of the cast, a feature that is particularly useful in high-track-count reality shows. In addition, the new Sound Reports feature creates CSV files based on WAV-file metadata.
The Release Candidate Screening Program provides the company with direct customer input on the usability of its updates, ensuring the stability of firmware updates in real-world applications. Initially, the programme will target the Video Devices and Sound Devices rackmount products, with the company planning to expand it to other product lines over time.
‘The goal of our new screening program is to work together with end-users to identify and resolve any potential stability issues and get feedback on product performance in real-life workflows, so the best possible firmware makes it into upcoming official releases,’ says Dan Desjardins, Manager of Software Development & Quality Assurance ‘Sound Devices enjoys a highly regarded, open-door relationship with its customers worldwide, and this programme promises to expand on that bond.’
Each Release Candidate will come with a pre-determined expiration date and limited technical support. Firmware 2.10 is available as a free download for all existing rack-mount products.
