More Affordable Media Manager Than Its Predecessor

Review by Erik Vlietinck

Media asset management application KeyFlow Pro 2 has been released. This version has several new features, such as: the capability to import transcript files as notes into Annotations; manual database backup and synchronization support; and the ability to re-create a preview video with different resolutions and bit rates.

KeyFlow Pro 2 uses a new library format, so if you have an older library created or maintained by KeyFlow Pro 1.8.5, you’re advised to first update your old version to 1.8.5. Then you’ll be good to go with version 2 with no problems or delays whatsoever. I noticed there’s a performance benefit to that update too.

KeyFlow Pro 2 comes with more affordable pricing than the previous version. The basic version gives you a single-user license with in-app purchase plans that scale up to workgroups. Another minor improvement is the user interface, which I had already found very pleasing; but the developers have managed to make it even more modern, with flat icons.

The major reason why you’d consider upgrading in the first place, however, is the ability to import transcript files into Annotations inside KeyFlow Pro. For that purpose, the app supports Final Cut Pro XML and SRT (SubRip) files. A close second reason is that you can now re-create preview clips with different resolutions and bit rates. I tried it and it’s very easy: It requires a trip to the Preferences, but you can have high-quality previews as well as really low-quality, small files.

An overdue must-have is the ability to restart preview generation jobs that failed during import. Automatic database backup existed before, but now there’s also support for manual backup and synchronization. Finally, you can now sort by Disk Label and instantly see your Online or Offline status in List View. ■