Vienna, Austria. May 9th, 2025 – ToolsOnAir, a leading provider of broadcast solutions for the macOS and Linux platforms, released version 2025.1 of their just:play and just:live playout solutions for macOS.

“We’re excited to announce the official release of ToolsOnAir Playout 2025.1 — our latest generation of Master Control and Studio Playout solutions, now exclusively optimized for Apple silicon. By fully embracing the Apple silicon platform, we deliver enhanced performance, increased stability, and full compatibility with the latest macOS advancements. This strategic shift positions ToolsOnAir at the forefront of future-proof broadcast technology on the macOS platform. Of course, we remain committed to our loyal customer base. Certified Intel-based systems running qualified versions of our just:live and just:play playout solutions will continue to be fully supported” says Peter Steiner, Head of Worldwide Sales at ToolsOnAir.

Main improvements of Version 2025.1 of ToolsOnAir’s Playout Solutions for macOS

Rewritten Processing Pipeline

Version 2025.1 introduces an entirely new low latency processing pipeline, significantly reducing the delay for finished actions. This means that tasks such as jumping to the next item in just:play, starting or stopping media in just:live, or changing properties are reflected on-air much faster. Additionally, if an input source is too slow—such as when playing a clip from a network-attached storage with an insufficient connection—the last valid frame will now be repeated until frames can be provided at the correct frame rate.

Support for HTML-based graphics rendering

Version 2025.1 of just:play/live is set to revolutionize on-air graphics by introducing dynamic HTML Graphics Template Rendering Support on macOS. This new feature seamlessly integrates with leading web-native platforms such as singular.live, Viz Flowics, SPX and others, offering broadcasters and live event producers more flexibility and creative control than ever before.

Single (Buffered) Live Input method

In version 2025.1, the buffered switch-to-live method has been refactored and certified for full compatibility with video devices from AJA and Blackmagic Design, as well as all supported streaming formats, including NDI®, SRT, and UDP. This updated method significantly reduces the delay introduced by the Buffered Input feature—from nearly 3 seconds to under 12 frames. Additionally, it improves overall stability and introduces new capabilities, such as the ability to view the incoming live signal in the On Air preview pane while playout is in progress.

New online licensing method

One of the biggest benefits of this new online license activation method is its flexibility for multi-location companies. Whether operating across different offices, production sites, or live event locations worldwide, organizations can dynamically allocate their licenses as needed, ensuring optimal utilization of resources. Additionally, in the event of unexpected hardware failure, a license can be quickly reassigned to a replacement system, minimizing downtime and keeping critical workflows running—without the need for external support or manual on-site intervention.

Channel Format depending on color space and HDR support

In previous versions, playback was limited to the Rec.709 color space, regardless of the selected channel format. With version 2025.1, full support is now provided for Rec.601, Rec.709, and Rec.2020/2100 color spaces. When configuring a channel, only the valid color spaces for the chosen format are available, and the appropriate default color space is automatically applied.

ToolsOnAir’s macOS-based playout solutions are fully compatible and ready for deployment on macOS Sequoia 15.5.x and later, macOS Sonoma 14.7.x, macOS Ventura 13.7.x, running exclusively on Apple silicon hardware (M1 through M4 chipsets).

The just:play and just:live playout solutions for macOS are available for download on the respective landing pages on www.toolsonair.com.

For additional information about our solutions and services, kindly direct your inquiries to moc.rianosloot@selas or visit our official website at www.toolsonair.com.

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About ToolsOnAir Broadcast Engineering

ToolsOnAir Broadcast Engineering GmbH, headquartered in Vienna, Austria, pioneered the innovative concept of a “TV station in a Mac.” The company offers a remarkable range of innovative, powerful, and versatile capture, playout and live captions solutions that run on either macOS or Linux platforms. These solutions are designed to address the diverse and demanding requirements of TV stations, broadcast production facilities, houses of worship, and agencies in the education and government sectors, all while maintaining a cost-effective approach.