Archive notice: This article was originally published on April 5, 2007. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Avid Technology is now shipping new versions of the Media Composer and Avid Xpress Pro product lines. Avid Media Composer version 2.7 and Xpress Pro version 5.7 can now also be used on Intel-based Mac notebooks and workstations. Both products also have new workflow capabilities as well as an updated bundle of third-party tools for content creation. The new versions offer expanded format support including a write-back function for Sony XDCAM and Panasonic P2 file-based formats and support the 720p50 HD broadcast standard.
With Media Composer software version 2.7, Avid is also introducing two new products: the script-based editing tool Avid ScriptSync and the HD codec Avid DNxHD 36. The ScriptSync Tool is based on Nexidia technology and expands the functionality of Avid’s script-based editing by automatically synchronising scripts or transcripts with the corresponding media files, thus avoiding the labour-intensive process of entering sync points manually. Once the script and the corresponding media have been matched with one another, editors, directors and producers can quickly and easily select the desired takes.
Avid DNxHD 36 opens up new possibilities in postproduction. The codec offers a greatly improved offline workflow by enabling creative editing professionals to work with high-quality HD footage even during offline editing and thus access HD throughout the entire postproduction process. With an Avid Media Composer Adrenaline with DNxcel board or an Avid Nitris system, HD content can be encoded to Avid DNxHD 36 in real time. Avid DNxHD 36 data is ideal for playback, editing, rough-cut screenings and daily reviews with low storage-space requirements – that means up to 18 hours of footage on a 300 GB FireWire drive. Because the downconversion of HD material to 14:1 SD resolution for offline work is no longer necessary, production teams save time and money with Avid DNxHD 36, as offline media can be accessed more quickly with better image quality.
Media Composer v2.7 and Avid Xpress Pro v5.7 include a new bundle with the third-party tools Sorenson Squeeze Compression Suite 4.5, SmartSound SonicFire Pro 4 and Boris Continuum Complete 4.2. Both Avid programs are now available from specialist retailers at a price of around 5,600 euros (Media Composer) and 1,900 euros (Xpress Pro), respectively, including value-added tax. Educational institutions and students can obtain the software at special academic prices.
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