Asset organization begins with Pronology’s customizable folder tree. This basic structure can be established even before a production begins, and then added to or modified on the fly. The folder tree supports folders and subfolders for clear and simple organization. This serves as a universal guide as to where specific assets have been recorded and imported. As the folder tree is consistent throughout the user experience, it serves as a communication tool that all members of a production can understand at a glance.
Pronology automatically manages multiple resolutions of each asset – including high, off-line and proxy resolutions. Metadata is automatically applied to all resolutions and can be added or changed at any point. Pronology’s web-browser interface updates all users in real-time to ensure that information is always in sync. The system also offers a comprehensive Asset Viewer, which allows users to view the specifics of an asset in much greater detail – even as it is recording.
As an additional tool, the system includes a “Live” logger specifically designed for the rapid entry of metadata and notes while in the midst of a live production. Predetermined TAGS can be established prior to or during a shoot to minimize human-error. These TAGS can be set to “stick,” allowing for notes to continually be added without having to re-assign the TAGS for each specific metadata entry, simplifying the transcription of an interview, for example.
To take full advantage of the metadata that is entered at the beginning of the process, Pronology offers an advanced search function that allows users to locate content using a wide variety of criteria including: simple text, timeframe or TAG, to name just a few. Once the ideal shots are identified and selected, these specific clips can then be organized into customizable bins. Selected clips from these bins can then be dropped into a “storyboard” and sent as a sequence to an editor. Since these sequences can be associated to any resolution, the editor can load the Pronology storyboard into their NLE and automatically link to the appropriate resolution for on-line or off-line work. Pronology supports a range of NLE systems including Avid, Adobe and Apple.
Pronology also includes a complete archive solution. Imported and/or recorded content and its associated metadata can be preserved to both LTO data tape as well as to the “cloud.” Users have the option to control a single LTO tape drive or a multi-drive robot to create an open-standard LTFS formatted backup manually or automatically. These archive copies allows users to create full or partial restores of media directly from their browser. Included in the complete Pronology offering is the ability to extend all of the archive functionality to a cloud-based option.