ProppFrexx ONAIR v4.0 released!
Re: ProppFrexx ONAIR v4.0 released!
MIGRATION NOTE:
In some cases it might be necessary to manually copy all your old config data over to the new 4.0 version.
You can simply do so! All configuration data is fully compatible with the old 3.0 version.
E.g. if you start PF v4 and figure, that some config settings are missing, just close PF and copy over your old v3.0 data.
The new ProppFrexx v4.0 AppUserData location is:
"C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\radio42\ProppFrexx ONAIR\4.0"
Also note, that scripts, media libs etc. are by default saved relative to the location of the PF installation folder - just in case this also changed!
In some cases it might be necessary to manually copy all your old config data over to the new 4.0 version.
You can simply do so! All configuration data is fully compatible with the old 3.0 version.
E.g. if you start PF v4 and figure, that some config settings are missing, just close PF and copy over your old v3.0 data.
The new ProppFrexx v4.0 AppUserData location is:
"C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\radio42\ProppFrexx ONAIR\4.0"
Also note, that scripts, media libs etc. are by default saved relative to the location of the PF installation folder - just in case this also changed!
Bernd - radio42
ProppFrexx ONAIR - The Playout and Broadcast Automation Solution
ProppFrexx ONAIR - The Playout and Broadcast Automation Solution
ProppFrexx ONAIR v4.0 released!
ProppFrexx ONAIR version 4.0 released!
(and a new Web-Design as well
This new major version 4.0 requires a new license and new registration keys!
Existing Customer can upgrade at a reduced price!
Customers who purchased a license in the last 3 months can upgrade for free (please contact me directly via mail or a PM)!
For Upgrade and License details see here: http://www.proppfrexx.radio42.com/purchase.html
What's New?
A 64-bit application can only load 64-bit libraries (dll’s), as such only 64-bit VST versions (compatible with v2.4 hosts) are supported as DSPs (e.g. use the 64-bit VST version of Stereotool)!
- Winamp DSPs are NOT supported anymore (as they are all 32-bit)!
- The latest .Net Framework 4.6.2 or higher needs to be installed (https://www.microsoft.com/download/deta ... x?id=53345)!
- Windows XP is not supported anymore (as the latest .Net Framework doesn’t support XP anymore).
Also note, that even it’s a 64-bit version, it will use any existing configuration, as the default AppUserData folder (e.g. C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\radio42\ProppFrexx ONAIR\3.0) is still the same!
So if you have already installed the (old) 32-bit version, you can both use back to back – but note, that both will access modify the same config folder!
In that case, you might want to create a backup of your AppUserData folder first (just to be sure).
NOTE: There is also a 32-bit version of ProppFrexx ONAIR 4.0 available! This version supports 32-bit VST plugins only!
Extensible GPIO Client/Server architecture
There is now an open API architecture being introduced. Partners or Customers being interested in development of additional interface can contact me and I'll provide them with the needed information.
The new “ProppFrexx GPIOClient.exe” application for example was build just on top of that API itself.
The “ProppFrexx GPIOClient.exe” application – which will be launched automatically if enabled (see general settings, section ‘GPIO/Remoting’).
This is a 32-bit application, which hosts the following interfaces:
- Velleman IO, IO-Warrior, GamePort, D&R Airence, D&R Airlite
The mapping configuration of these interfaces is now also directly hosted/configured in that new “ProppFrexx GPIOClient” application.
The config files are stored in its AppUserData folder (e.g. C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\radio42\ProppFrexx GPIOClient\3.0)!
For backward compatibility you might copy existing mapping files from the ProppFrexx ONAIR AppUserData into this folder (the related files to copy are: *.iow, *.iov, *.gio, *.dra)!
NOTE: The ‘GPIO Extension Service’ must be enabled in order to use the above (see general settings, section ‘GPIO/Remoting’)!
By default this also automatically starts the “ProppFrexx GPIOClient” application (see ’GPIO Services’).
The ‘password’ to be used with the “ProppFrexx GPIOClient” application is always the same password as defined in the general settings, section ‘GPIO/Remoting’ for the ‘TCP RemoteControl Server’.
(the default is ‘ProppFrexx’)
AutoWatch Playlist feature
So far a (pre)prepared and scheduled playlist file must have been changed at latest right before that program was started. Now you can make modification in the very last minute and at any time (even multiple times) while that playlist is already running.
Any scheduled playlist file (i.e. as added via a 'LoadPlaylist' script-line) is now being monitored. In case the 'LastWriteTime' of such playlist has been changed, it will be reloaded on-the-fly starting with the currently playing entry number. E.g. if the currently playing playlist item relates to the 5th playlist entry number all playlist entries starting with the 6th playlist entry number will automatically be reloaded and exchanged in the currently running playlist.
So you can now make changes to already running playlists e.g. from a 2nd ProppFrexx instance or any other playlist editor or in your external scheduler at any time!
Multi-Client Chat-Message System
At first, this might look like a simple and stupid build-in chat message system. E.g. one (or actually any) ProppFrexx instance might act as a chat message server. Other (remote) ProppFrexx instances might connect to it and the users might send chat messages to each/all other. But...
the real power comes into play, as you might (for each ProppFrexx instance) assign the well known control-command(s) to any chat-message! As such you can define your own 'chat-commands' yourself! Once such a chat command arrives the related control-command(s) are executed. Here is typical use case where this can be very powerful:
Think of two remote moderators sharing a single streaming server and they need a simple way to hand over their streams to each other. Both use ProppFrexx... now they can use the char message system to perfectly synchronize their work. The current moderator might for example send a chat message once he finishes his playlist and stopped his streaming server to the sub-sequent moderator, which in turn now automatically starts the other streaming server and start the other playlist.
Remote Voice Tracking
Edit and Modify your Program Playlists from everywhere at any time! Do your Voice-Tracking at home or at any other remote location...almost no limits!
Due to the fact, that the internet connections became more and more fast, I decided to not make it more complicated as needed. This means, that the native tracks (audio files) are fully transferred between the acting ProppFrexx server and the remote client instance. This might take a bit more time to down- resp. upload the changes, but gives much more flexibility and offers unlimited capabilities. E.g. an hour of 320kbps MP3 files might take only 2 minutes to download all needed files (assuming an internet connection offering 1MB/sec.). However, if you are working at home you might also choose to compress the files for you download them!
Here is a quick description how it works: You need two PCs – a server and a client
On the SERVER instance, make sure, that you ‘Enable GPIO Ext. Service’ – see general settings, section ‘GPIO/Remoting’.
Note the Port Number (default is 9042).
Also remember the ‘Authorization Password’ under the ‘TCP Device’ section.
In addition define a compression encoding profile general settings, section ‘Encoding/Recording’ – see the new Remote Voice Tracking group.
The Compression Profile always uses the specified Default Encoder of the related profile.
E.g. click above on ‘Define Encoder Profile…’ to define a new one! I am using WMA with just 48kbps as the default! As the WMA encode is pretty fast and good.
(the ‘Playlist Template Path’ might be left empty, see the tool tip)
Also note, that there is a new Program Scheduler option ‘AllowRemoteVoiceTracking’.
This option MUST be enabled in order to remotely allow the creation of a new template playlist based on an existing, normal script entry.
Else the existing program scheduler entry MUST already be converted/created as a ‘Playlist Template’ one by a local user (program editor); e.g. via the ‘Template Playlist Wizard…’ or via a right-click in the program-scheduler and using the ‘Create Playlist Template…’ menu.
So the SERVER must be an Enterprise Edition! The Client can be ANY Edition!
Now to the CLIENT:
Here you just click on the NEW main ribbon tab arrow and select ‘Remote Voice-Tracking…’
This opens the ‘Remote Voice-Tracking Download Wizard’.
As the ‘Server-URL’ specify at least the DNS/IP address of the server instance as well as the GPIO Ext. port, e.g. “192.168.1.17:9042”.
The ‘Clientname’ can be ANY name – it’s just for info (and I might use it probably later on)…
The ‘Password’ MUST match the above TCP server password!
Now click on connect…
On the next page you’ll be able to select a date and time, which will identify the program entry you want to process (do the voice-tracking on). You might click in the ‘…’ to see all available entries for that day.
So just pick one entry in the future.
Now you specify a local base folder and decide if you want to use the Compression mode.
Specify a local folder underneath the voice tracking session files will be created. For each session there will automatically be a YYYYMMDD_HHMM sub-folder created.
If you are on a remote network (connected via the internet) it is recommended to leave the ‘Use Compression’ option enabled.
If you are within the same network you might disable this option – as in that case the native tracks will be transmitted.
If enabled (and there is a compression encoding profile defined on the remote server) the related audio files are not transmitted in their original audio format, but are first compressed on the server and then the compressed versions are downloaded. T
If you now click on ‘Next >’, the download will start….once finished – the playlist will be opened and you can do your voice-tracking etc.
You might even add new files or replace existing once, make track-inserts etc. etc.
When you close the playlist you are asked, if you want to Upload it back to the server. Yes, the complete new playlist will be transferred back to your server, so there are almost no limits to the modifications!
You might also select NO and continue later (just click again on the select ‘Remote Voice-Tracking…’ ribbon menu to continue your session editing later one...).
Else the Upload Wizard comes up and will transfer all new files and the modified playlist to the server…
That’s it!
New Meta Data attributes (Style and Energy)
These two new arbitrary string attributes can be used to further classify your music, as they are fully available for any filters and searches.
Track based Scripting Restrictions
The following scripting restriction attributes have been added (which are applied automatically to a script-line processing and are only visible in the TAG Editor):
- Time of Day Restriction: TimeStart and TimeEnd
- Day of Week Restriction: Mon … Sun flags
- Month of Year Restriction: Jan … Dec flags
- Date Restriction: DateStart and DateEnd
Note: The restrictions (if set) define, when the track should NOT be scheduled/played. These are only in effect for the ProppFrexx scripting, but not used elsewhere.
2nd alternative MODStreamURL parameter added
Just to have the capability to check 2 remote stream URLs. The one which is available first will be used.
Find now also supports Cartwall libs
So far you couldn't search within you Cartwall Libraries. Now you can click on the library selector button ('...') in the Find Window while holding down the CTRL key. This let's you pick one or more cartwall libs to search in...
Convert to Sweeper option added
Quickly adding a sweeper track to an existing playlist was always a bit tricky. Now you have a dedicated 'Convert to Sweeper' menu item and playlist ribbon tab button available to convert any non-music playlist item to a sweeper (actually a track-insert transition with the 'VO: Ends at Ramp of Next Track' option incl. using the default attenuation, e.g. -12 dB).
You might now also Drag&Drop a track from the Find window or from any Cartwall Cart onto the playlist while holding down the ALT key!
This will also automatically convert the dropped track into a Sweeper!
Pricing and Upgrade
We did not change our license prices for almost 5 years. However, we felt, that it is about time to slightly increase the prices and introduce a slightly adopted price structure. The increase in license price is moderate and around Euro 100 for the Commercial versions and around Euro 50 for the Non-Commercial versions.
For Upgrade and License details see here: http://www.proppfrexx.radio42.com/purchase.html
Note: ProppFrexx v4.0 requires an UPGRADE and new license keys!
Existing customers can purchase the upgrade for a highly reduced price (for around only 25% of the official price).
Customer having purchased a new license within the last 3 month before the new v4.0 version is coming out, can upgrade for free!
In case you have questions - please contact me.
Have fun!
(and a new Web-Design as well
This new major version 4.0 requires a new license and new registration keys!
Existing Customer can upgrade at a reduced price!
Customers who purchased a license in the last 3 months can upgrade for free (please contact me directly via mail or a PM)!
For Upgrade and License details see here: http://www.proppfrexx.radio42.com/purchase.html
What's New?
- 64-bit architecture, 64-bit audio engine (natively), User Interface build on top of the latest .Net 4.6.2 Framework (an extra 32-bit version for older OS versions will also still be available for some time)
- Extensible GPIO Client/Server architecture (extendable by users or partners)
- AutoWatch Playlist feature (allows external last minute reference changes of an already running playlist)
- Multi-Client Chat-Message System (incl. automatic control-command mapping, e.g. to sync parallel moderator tasks)
- Remote Voice Tracking
- New Meta Data attributes (Style and Energy)
- Track based Scripting Restrictions
- 2nd alternative MODStreamURL parameter added
- Find now also supports Cartwall libs
- Convert to Sweeper option added
- many smaller enhancements and improvements
A 64-bit application can only load 64-bit libraries (dll’s), as such only 64-bit VST versions (compatible with v2.4 hosts) are supported as DSPs (e.g. use the 64-bit VST version of Stereotool)!
- Winamp DSPs are NOT supported anymore (as they are all 32-bit)!
- The latest .Net Framework 4.6.2 or higher needs to be installed (https://www.microsoft.com/download/deta ... x?id=53345)!
- Windows XP is not supported anymore (as the latest .Net Framework doesn’t support XP anymore).
Also note, that even it’s a 64-bit version, it will use any existing configuration, as the default AppUserData folder (e.g. C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\radio42\ProppFrexx ONAIR\3.0) is still the same!
So if you have already installed the (old) 32-bit version, you can both use back to back – but note, that both will access modify the same config folder!
In that case, you might want to create a backup of your AppUserData folder first (just to be sure).
NOTE: There is also a 32-bit version of ProppFrexx ONAIR 4.0 available! This version supports 32-bit VST plugins only!
Extensible GPIO Client/Server architecture
There is now an open API architecture being introduced. Partners or Customers being interested in development of additional interface can contact me and I'll provide them with the needed information.
The new “ProppFrexx GPIOClient.exe” application for example was build just on top of that API itself.
The “ProppFrexx GPIOClient.exe” application – which will be launched automatically if enabled (see general settings, section ‘GPIO/Remoting’).
This is a 32-bit application, which hosts the following interfaces:
- Velleman IO, IO-Warrior, GamePort, D&R Airence, D&R Airlite
The mapping configuration of these interfaces is now also directly hosted/configured in that new “ProppFrexx GPIOClient” application.
The config files are stored in its AppUserData folder (e.g. C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\radio42\ProppFrexx GPIOClient\3.0)!
For backward compatibility you might copy existing mapping files from the ProppFrexx ONAIR AppUserData into this folder (the related files to copy are: *.iow, *.iov, *.gio, *.dra)!
NOTE: The ‘GPIO Extension Service’ must be enabled in order to use the above (see general settings, section ‘GPIO/Remoting’)!
By default this also automatically starts the “ProppFrexx GPIOClient” application (see ’GPIO Services’).
The ‘password’ to be used with the “ProppFrexx GPIOClient” application is always the same password as defined in the general settings, section ‘GPIO/Remoting’ for the ‘TCP RemoteControl Server’.
(the default is ‘ProppFrexx’)
AutoWatch Playlist feature
So far a (pre)prepared and scheduled playlist file must have been changed at latest right before that program was started. Now you can make modification in the very last minute and at any time (even multiple times) while that playlist is already running.
Any scheduled playlist file (i.e. as added via a 'LoadPlaylist' script-line) is now being monitored. In case the 'LastWriteTime' of such playlist has been changed, it will be reloaded on-the-fly starting with the currently playing entry number. E.g. if the currently playing playlist item relates to the 5th playlist entry number all playlist entries starting with the 6th playlist entry number will automatically be reloaded and exchanged in the currently running playlist.
So you can now make changes to already running playlists e.g. from a 2nd ProppFrexx instance or any other playlist editor or in your external scheduler at any time!
Multi-Client Chat-Message System
At first, this might look like a simple and stupid build-in chat message system. E.g. one (or actually any) ProppFrexx instance might act as a chat message server. Other (remote) ProppFrexx instances might connect to it and the users might send chat messages to each/all other. But...
the real power comes into play, as you might (for each ProppFrexx instance) assign the well known control-command(s) to any chat-message! As such you can define your own 'chat-commands' yourself! Once such a chat command arrives the related control-command(s) are executed. Here is typical use case where this can be very powerful:
Think of two remote moderators sharing a single streaming server and they need a simple way to hand over their streams to each other. Both use ProppFrexx... now they can use the char message system to perfectly synchronize their work. The current moderator might for example send a chat message once he finishes his playlist and stopped his streaming server to the sub-sequent moderator, which in turn now automatically starts the other streaming server and start the other playlist.
Remote Voice Tracking
Edit and Modify your Program Playlists from everywhere at any time! Do your Voice-Tracking at home or at any other remote location...almost no limits!
Due to the fact, that the internet connections became more and more fast, I decided to not make it more complicated as needed. This means, that the native tracks (audio files) are fully transferred between the acting ProppFrexx server and the remote client instance. This might take a bit more time to down- resp. upload the changes, but gives much more flexibility and offers unlimited capabilities. E.g. an hour of 320kbps MP3 files might take only 2 minutes to download all needed files (assuming an internet connection offering 1MB/sec.). However, if you are working at home you might also choose to compress the files for you download them!
Here is a quick description how it works: You need two PCs – a server and a client
On the SERVER instance, make sure, that you ‘Enable GPIO Ext. Service’ – see general settings, section ‘GPIO/Remoting’.
Note the Port Number (default is 9042).
Also remember the ‘Authorization Password’ under the ‘TCP Device’ section.
In addition define a compression encoding profile general settings, section ‘Encoding/Recording’ – see the new Remote Voice Tracking group.
The Compression Profile always uses the specified Default Encoder of the related profile.
E.g. click above on ‘Define Encoder Profile…’ to define a new one! I am using WMA with just 48kbps as the default! As the WMA encode is pretty fast and good.
(the ‘Playlist Template Path’ might be left empty, see the tool tip)
Also note, that there is a new Program Scheduler option ‘AllowRemoteVoiceTracking’.
This option MUST be enabled in order to remotely allow the creation of a new template playlist based on an existing, normal script entry.
Else the existing program scheduler entry MUST already be converted/created as a ‘Playlist Template’ one by a local user (program editor); e.g. via the ‘Template Playlist Wizard…’ or via a right-click in the program-scheduler and using the ‘Create Playlist Template…’ menu.
So the SERVER must be an Enterprise Edition! The Client can be ANY Edition!
Now to the CLIENT:
Here you just click on the NEW main ribbon tab arrow and select ‘Remote Voice-Tracking…’
This opens the ‘Remote Voice-Tracking Download Wizard’.
As the ‘Server-URL’ specify at least the DNS/IP address of the server instance as well as the GPIO Ext. port, e.g. “192.168.1.17:9042”.
The ‘Clientname’ can be ANY name – it’s just for info (and I might use it probably later on)…
The ‘Password’ MUST match the above TCP server password!
Now click on connect…
On the next page you’ll be able to select a date and time, which will identify the program entry you want to process (do the voice-tracking on). You might click in the ‘…’ to see all available entries for that day.
So just pick one entry in the future.
Now you specify a local base folder and decide if you want to use the Compression mode.
Specify a local folder underneath the voice tracking session files will be created. For each session there will automatically be a YYYYMMDD_HHMM sub-folder created.
If you are on a remote network (connected via the internet) it is recommended to leave the ‘Use Compression’ option enabled.
If you are within the same network you might disable this option – as in that case the native tracks will be transmitted.
If enabled (and there is a compression encoding profile defined on the remote server) the related audio files are not transmitted in their original audio format, but are first compressed on the server and then the compressed versions are downloaded. T
If you now click on ‘Next >’, the download will start….once finished – the playlist will be opened and you can do your voice-tracking etc.
You might even add new files or replace existing once, make track-inserts etc. etc.
When you close the playlist you are asked, if you want to Upload it back to the server. Yes, the complete new playlist will be transferred back to your server, so there are almost no limits to the modifications!
You might also select NO and continue later (just click again on the select ‘Remote Voice-Tracking…’ ribbon menu to continue your session editing later one...).
Else the Upload Wizard comes up and will transfer all new files and the modified playlist to the server…
That’s it!
New Meta Data attributes (Style and Energy)
These two new arbitrary string attributes can be used to further classify your music, as they are fully available for any filters and searches.
Track based Scripting Restrictions
The following scripting restriction attributes have been added (which are applied automatically to a script-line processing and are only visible in the TAG Editor):
- Time of Day Restriction: TimeStart and TimeEnd
- Day of Week Restriction: Mon … Sun flags
- Month of Year Restriction: Jan … Dec flags
- Date Restriction: DateStart and DateEnd
Note: The restrictions (if set) define, when the track should NOT be scheduled/played. These are only in effect for the ProppFrexx scripting, but not used elsewhere.
2nd alternative MODStreamURL parameter added
Just to have the capability to check 2 remote stream URLs. The one which is available first will be used.
Find now also supports Cartwall libs
So far you couldn't search within you Cartwall Libraries. Now you can click on the library selector button ('...') in the Find Window while holding down the CTRL key. This let's you pick one or more cartwall libs to search in...
Convert to Sweeper option added
Quickly adding a sweeper track to an existing playlist was always a bit tricky. Now you have a dedicated 'Convert to Sweeper' menu item and playlist ribbon tab button available to convert any non-music playlist item to a sweeper (actually a track-insert transition with the 'VO: Ends at Ramp of Next Track' option incl. using the default attenuation, e.g. -12 dB).
You might now also Drag&Drop a track from the Find window or from any Cartwall Cart onto the playlist while holding down the ALT key!
This will also automatically convert the dropped track into a Sweeper!
Pricing and Upgrade
We did not change our license prices for almost 5 years. However, we felt, that it is about time to slightly increase the prices and introduce a slightly adopted price structure. The increase in license price is moderate and around Euro 100 for the Commercial versions and around Euro 50 for the Non-Commercial versions.
For Upgrade and License details see here: http://www.proppfrexx.radio42.com/purchase.html
Note: ProppFrexx v4.0 requires an UPGRADE and new license keys!
Existing customers can purchase the upgrade for a highly reduced price (for around only 25% of the official price).
Customer having purchased a new license within the last 3 month before the new v4.0 version is coming out, can upgrade for free!
In case you have questions - please contact me.
Have fun!
Bernd - radio42
ProppFrexx ONAIR - The Playout and Broadcast Automation Solution
ProppFrexx ONAIR - The Playout and Broadcast Automation Solution
Re: ProppFrexx ONAIR v4.0 released!
A quick update, as there was a build error with the 'Tagger' in the initial v4.0.0.0.
A new v4.0.0.2 (re)build is therefore already available.
A new v4.0.0.2 (re)build is therefore already available.
Bernd - radio42
ProppFrexx ONAIR - The Playout and Broadcast Automation Solution
ProppFrexx ONAIR - The Playout and Broadcast Automation Solution
Re: ProppFrexx ONAIR v4.0 released!
Just as some people ask 
...about the Upgrade-Price...and what they have to pay, if the want to upgrade to v4.0 plus also get a 'better' Edition...
Here is an example:
You own a Basic non-commercial v3.0 license.
And you want to upgrade to v4.0 to a Professional non-commercial license.
1) The upgrade price from v3.0 to v4.0 is always for the same Edition of course!
2) As such, the upgrade to the v4.0 Basic non-commercial Edition will cost Euro 29,--.
3) After that, you can upgrade (like before) for the price of the delta between the Editions.
Non-Commercial: Basic is Euro 99,--; Professional is Euro 249,-- : the delta is Euro 150,--
As a result, the total upgrade price would be Euro 150,-- plus Euro 29,-- = Euro 179,--
...about the Upgrade-Price...and what they have to pay, if the want to upgrade to v4.0 plus also get a 'better' Edition...
Here is an example:
You own a Basic non-commercial v3.0 license.
And you want to upgrade to v4.0 to a Professional non-commercial license.
1) The upgrade price from v3.0 to v4.0 is always for the same Edition of course!
2) As such, the upgrade to the v4.0 Basic non-commercial Edition will cost Euro 29,--.
3) After that, you can upgrade (like before) for the price of the delta between the Editions.
Non-Commercial: Basic is Euro 99,--; Professional is Euro 249,-- : the delta is Euro 150,--
As a result, the total upgrade price would be Euro 150,-- plus Euro 29,-- = Euro 179,--
Bernd - radio42
ProppFrexx ONAIR - The Playout and Broadcast Automation Solution
ProppFrexx ONAIR - The Playout and Broadcast Automation Solution