syncVUEpro

I first heard of syncVUE a few months ago and was intrigued by it. It’s a cross-platform online review and approval tool that uses Skype technology to allow several users to watch the same media file totally in sync and add their comments. Essentially it’s a conference call for video and at NAB 2007 Intelligent Gadgets were showing the next major version, syncVUEpro and I came away very impressed.

I spoke with Michael Buday, the founder of Intelligent Gadgets who has an interesting background as an editor of many years and former software developer of EDL and OMF products.

In a nutshell syncVUEpro works like this:

• The source media is downloaded to all the clients participating in a session - syncVUEpro features a built-in FTP function to make this step a lot easier.
• You invite participants to a session by their Skype name.
• One participant can take control of the media and all the other participants will follow in sync. Built in JKL control makes it easy to find specific frames and other participants can request transport control at any time.
• Since syncVUEpro uses local media files, only tiny amounts of data need to be sent between the systems so response is near instantaneous. This is NOT streaming video!
• Anyone can add a locator at a specific timecode and add a text description.
• It is possible to disconnect from the other participants if you want to view the movie at your own pace. Any locators you add will automatically be visible to everyone else when you rejoin the group.

As Michael ran me through the app, it soon became clear that his design of the product as a working editor really shines through. The interface is clean and logical which is important when you’re dealing with non-technical clients. Every time a cool idea popped into my head, a few moments later Michael would show me that feature in syncVUEpro. Everything about syncVUEpro works exactly as you’d expect it to!

One example of this is the ability to buy several licenses (for multiple clients) but then change who those clients are at any time. A license can be assigned for as little as 1 day before expiring. So you may have 10 clients but only need to buy 5 licenses because you are unlikely to be working with all clients at any one time.

Several major features have been added to the new version including built-in FTP capability, ability to draw simple graphics to illustrate feedback (very cool indeed!) , export of sessions to HTML reports and the ability to create playlists containing multiple movies.

So any downsides? Well it does require the installation of an Windows or Mac application and anyone who works with corporate clients will know that can certainly pose a challenge with the draconian attitude of some IT departments…

syncVUEpro is not the only software in this space - the nearest competitor is Cinesync but that is sold on a subscription basis at significantly higher cost. If review and approval with remote clients is a big part of your workflow then you owe it your business to take a look at syncVUEpro.

Intelligent Gadgets are currently running significant NAB discounts that have been extended until May 15th.

Martin Baker is the founder of Avid2FCP/Digital Heaven and an Apple Certified Trainer for FCP and Motion. During his 13 year editing career, as a freelance and at the BBC, he worked on a wide variety of edit systems including linear, Lightworks, Avid DS and Avid Symphony before switching to FCP in 2003.