Media workflow solutions company Hedge has rebadged its ‘Hedge’ camera media management app as OffShoot and is making the software available in several versions: OffShoot Solo (for iPadOS), OffShoot, and OffShoot Pro.
This means users will be able to choose the version with the features that best suit their needs. OffShoot Solo takes advantage of the latest updates in iPadOS 17 for increased speeds, OffShoot features an updated UI and new integrations, whilst the Pro version adds support for AWS S3 cloud storage, support for scripting/API, and Codex Device Manager 7, which introduces compatibility for the latest ARRI Alexa camera formats. The core of the Mac/Windows versions also marks the debut of both a new floating license model as well as Connect 3, the next instalment of Hedge’s online dashboard and universal push notification system.
OffShoot Solo is aimed at filmmakers, photographers and creators using mobile devices for capture.
Meanwhile, OffShoot, the application formally known as Hedge, contains all of the core copy engine technology that has been developed over the last seven years that provides the functionality required to copy files fast and securely. OffShoot is targeted at a broad range of creatives who require accelerated data transfers and use verification to ensure each copy is secure. The organisation functionality can dial out further issues down the line by helping define folder structure, renaming and integrating with other applications within a user’s workflows. With an easy-to-use interface, Offshoot transfers are easy to set up and also provide verification of the transfer as proof of work.
Finally, OffShoot Pro has been designed to support specialised tools and advanced workflows. OffShoot Pro features Amazon S3 integration so that users can link their offload workflow directly to the cloud. This allows users to utilise the efficiency benefits of cloud workflows while providing a verified copy to cloud functionality as if it were a local disk. Alongside support for AWS S3 storage, the connection to cloud can be utilised with other cloud storage vendors that support the S3 architecture.
OffShoot and OffShoot Pro both offer integration with iconik, the hybrid cloud asset management solution from Backlight. With OffShoot, users can copy cards and send media straight to iconik’s Storage Gateway to catalogue, archive, and share with their team. OffShoot Pro also includes additional metadata options to further deepen the integration with iconik. OffShoot and OffShoot Pro also offer opportunities to upload files to Frame.io via a dedicated watch folder.
Connect 3 Notification and Online Dashboard
Connect 3 further expands Hedge’s comprehensive push notification system and cloud technology strategy. Currently, notifications are app-based, which is inherently limited. The company says it has developed a cloud platform that will eventually allow it to add notifications wherever needed across its entire product line.
Connect 3 adds support for Android and iOS devices on 16.4 and above. Users can use the web interface to monitor transfer status on every instance of OffShoot you manage, wherever it is located. For large organisations, this means tracking footage across numerous locations and better coordination of resources.
Flexible licenses
With the introduction of OffShoot, Hedge has transitioned its licensing system to floating licenses. This offers the convenience of installing OffShoot on any number of machines while granting users the freedom to deactivate licenses from machines that are not currently in use. If users require concurrent usage on multiple machines, they can easily add extra activations as needed.
For existing customers with active support for the current Hedge application, OffShoot will be made available as a complimentary update.
Canister
Hedge has also released version 23.3 of its LTO mangement system, Canister, which includes support for Windows, Connect 3.0 functionality, and more.
Canister enhances tape management by minimising wear and tear during data retrieval. Catalogs are automatically created for every tape, enabling users to browse without the need for mounting. Canister also includes built-in Duplicate Detection for seamless incremental backups.
Additionally, Canister simplifies record-keeping with detailed logs, including Transfer Logs and Manifests. Whether for long-term project management or data integrity assurance, Canister for Windows 23.2 equips Windows users with essential LTO archiving tools.
The initial release of Canister for Windows 23.2 includes support for IBM-based LTO drives, facilitating compatibility with a wide range of LTO hardware. Canister continues to offer true drag-and-drop archiving, making it easy to create and manage multiple tape archives.
Canister users can also now enjoy the convenience of remotely monitoring their tape transfers. With the availability of the Connect function on both the Mac and Windows versions of Canister, users can easily track transfer status using a web interface.
NanoPure
Canister 23.2 for Mac also leverages NanoPure media certification from LTO manufacturer MagStor. The NanoPure process cleans, tests, and calibrates every new cartridge before first use. Starting from version 23.2, Canister for Mac has the capability to provide a “system health” score by comparing drive head performance stats with the factory tape profile. For added assurance, the resulting score is recorded in each Transfer Log.
This feature eliminates uncertainties when utilising LTO technology in archival environments, providing users with a clear assessment of their system’s performance and reliability.