Archive notice: This article was originally published on April 20, 2009. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
At the NAB Show in Las Vegas, Sony Creative Software introduced Vegas Pro 9, the latest version of its nonlinear HD video and audio editing application. A redesigned, clearer interface can be customized. Improvements for professional editors include browsing and direct import of Sony XDCAM EX footage, native RED ONE file support, and creation of MXF files while capturing from SD/HD-SDI sources. Vegas Pro 9 also supports a scalable 4K workflow and adds effects and expanded editing functions. Native 32-bit and 64-bit versions are included at no extra cost, enabling video professionals to use current hardware while retaining compatibility with older systems.
“Our Vegas Pro software was the first editing application to provide a comprehensive end-to-end solution for Sony’s XDCAM format, an innovative proxy workflow, and smart rendering to MXF without recompression,” said Dave Chaimson, Vice President of Global Marketing at Sony Creative Software. “With Vegas Pro 9, we are extending our support for broadcast professionals by improving the production-chain workflow, including native MP4 support for Sony XDCAM EX files and the ability to record SD/HD footage in real time as 50 Mbit/s MXF files using industry-standard capture cards. Vegas Pro has always been a good choice for video journalists because its scalability lets it work with a wide range of mobile computer solutions. Vegas Pro 9 now extends that scalability upward by allowing users to work in full 64-bit mode and take advantage of modern multicore and multiprocessor workstations and 64-bit operating systems.”
Vegas Pro 9 was scheduled to go on sale on May 11, 2009, for approximately €600. Localized French, German, Spanish, and Japanese versions were planned.
New Features in Vegas Pro 9:
• Expanded Native Support for XDCAM Devices and AVCHD Cameras
The new Device Explorer lets users browse XDCAM EX devices and AVCHD cameras, import selected files, and use them natively without conversion to an intermediate format.
XDCAM-compatible MXF files can also be recorded directly with supported SD/HD-SDI cards. Older tape formats including Digital Betacam, HDCAM, and DVCPRO 100 can therefore be converted into high-quality, IT-friendly MXF clips conforming to Sony’s XDCAM MPEG-2 standard.
• Improved 4K Workflow
In addition to supporting image sizes up to 4096 × 4096 pixels, Vegas Pro 9 improves performance when editing high-resolution photographs and adds support for gigapixel-resolution images.
• Video Effects
Vegas Pro 9 includes six new effects plug-ins for moving and still images. A new Gradient Wipe transition creates natural-looking and stylized transitions.
• New and Improved Editing Functions
Improved workflow functions accelerate production in several areas. Customizable layouts let individual users adapt the application to their workflow. Media import and archiving have also been improved. Users can create new keyboard and mouse commands for faster editing input.
• Native RED ONE Camera Support
Vegas Pro 9 can open and edit RED ONE .r3d files natively on the timeline, supporting 4K HD workflows with RED camera footage.
• Improved Image Support
Vegas Pro 9 natively imports and exports still images in industry-standard formats. DPX and OpenEXR provide additional latitude for effects and colour correction and support workflows with other effects packages. Gigapixel images can be placed directly on the timeline and animated with pan, scan, and crop techniques while retaining HD resolution.
• Improved Audio Editing
Vegas Pro 9 improves the display of audio waveforms during recording so audio files can be positioned accurately regardless of video frame rate. Audio-only operations including event moves, trims, and ASR envelopes are no longer restricted to frame boundaries by default, allowing picture and sound sequences to align to an exact timeline event. The Trimmer window’s shortcut menu also adds Use All Streams and Channels, allowing users to select which streams and audio channels are added to the timeline.
Further Links:
- Sony Creative Software Inc.
