Hedge constantly brings out updates with improvements and new features for apps such as OffShoot, FoolCat, Canister (for LTO tape backup), Mimiq, and PostLab. The new PostLab 2.0 brings collaborative tools across many post-production apps. In our 2024 NAB interview, Paul from Hedge walks us through the new updates.
The last time when we talked with Paul Matthijs Lombert from Hedge back at IBC 2023 in September, the company was releasing OffShoot for iPad, Canister for Windows, and a few other innovations. Since then, there have been a few new updates. Besides officially releasing OffShoot and adding new features such as the Health Check for Prograde memory cards, Hedge also announced DropOff – a web-based file-sharing app. Last but not least, Hedge also recently announced Arctic – a library manager for Final Cut Pro users.
During the 2024 NAB show in Las Vegas, we visited the Hedge booth to check back in with Paul and see which new features they are launching right now.
OffShoot & FoolCat
The latest version of the OffShoot tool now features accelerated transfers for S3, support for BackBlaze B2, and a new feature called CherryPicker. This allows you to quickly browse through a lot of data and pick the desired files which can then be ingested as separate transfers.
Furthermore, there is now support for new cameras such as the Sony Burano, RED V-Raptor X, or the new Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K (and 17K). Hedge’s camera reporting app FoolCat now has automatic REC.709 color conversion. Of course, it is also still possible to load custom 3D LUTs.
Canister – LTO workflows
When it comes to LTO tape archiving, Hedge’s Canister has been out for a while. Paul told us they have seen a significant rise in LTO usage across the video industry as the technology gets more accessible and more people understand that hard drives are not meant for long-term backup.
In the latest Canister update, Hedge brought a feature called Pick and Mix – an improvement to Collections that allows users to drag, drop, pick, and mix items in any order from anywhere. Furthermore, there is now support for tape libraries and queuing, which allows you to add transfers while others are still running.
PostLab 2.0, Mimiq
The next two apps are aimed at user collaboration. Mimiq is an app solely for editors working with Avid Media Composer, which allows bin-locking for better cooperation. This feature simply stops others from overwriting your files while you’re working on them. Additionally, Hedge also brings “bin-refresh” icon support for Mimiq.
Up until now, PostLab was focusing on collaboration between editors working in Final Cut and Premiere Pro. The newly announced PostLab 2.0 is bringing a redesigned collaborative tool for the whole post-production team. It is a local client that also supports cloud workflows. While it is now subscription-based, it will be a license-based app. PostLab 2.0 will work with every NLE and for effects apps (Logic, Protools, Avid, Blender, Boris FX).
Price and availability
The PostLab 2.0 license will be $149 while the PostLab Pro version license will cost $249. It is a perpetual license so a one-time purchase will give you unlimited access to the app for one year. It will continue functioning after a year, but for more updates, features, etc., you will be able to purchase an extension for 50% off. For more information, visit their website.
Do you use any of the Hedge tools for your workflows? What do you think about the new PostLab 2.0? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.
