Does FastTracker require its own workstation?
No, FastTracker runs on the Facilis server. The database and thumbnails are held on the internal system drive of the server, and encoded previews are kept on a Facilis volume. Any client that is connected to the server through Ethernet already has access to the FastTracker database.
How does FastTracker index files?
FastTracker can index files manually on the client workstation or server or automated on the server through “Auto Index” or Global Index”. These features allow the administrator to set up watch areas for indexing into a catalog. The locations can be scanned on a regular basis, to pick up any new media that’s been ingested. A user may also drag a folder into the index window to catalog files manually from the desktop.
Why do you use catalogs?
Organization. Some asset tracking applications simply offer a way to see files by looking into their location on the drives. This is fine if you have a single location for all your project media. If you have assets in the same project that may be held in different places on the storage system, a catalog is the best way to access them. Also, catalogs make searching assets a lot more efficient, and avoid exposing the assets from other projects that a user may not be working on. FastTracker also has a volume/folder browse view, but it follows the permissions of the catalogs and avoids showing media that’s not assigned to the user account.
Can FastTracker generate proxy clips?
FastTracker is not designed to be an encoding platform, but it can take any resolution file and create a preview clip at very low bitrate for display in the FastTracker Panel or Desktop Browse, or an HD proxy in H.264 with the same attributes as the source file for editing in HD with 4K or 8K material. There are some limitations on the source codec when doing this.
How do I access clips from FastTracker?
If you’re working in Adobe Premiere Pro, download the FastTracker Panel from Adobe Exchange to access the database directly from the Premiere interface. Import clips and shared project files from the panel directly and add metadata and comments to clips in the FastTracker database. If you’re on Avid, Resolve, Apple, or any other application that can import clips through drag/drop, use the FastTracker Desktop Browse.
Can FastTracker make proxies that work with Adobe sequences?
Proxy clips generated by FastTracker can be linked to source media from the Adobe interface, and then source/proxy toggle will work properly in the Adobe sequence. The volume being used for proxy clips must be mounted locally on the client workstation.
