Archive notice: This article was originally published on April 9, 2014. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
At NAB, Avid is presenting updates for creative video editing as part of the Avid Artist Suite, in which the creative tools have now been brought together. These include solutions for video editing, the design of on-air graphics, music creation and notation, and audio post and live sound production. Under the motto "Avid Everywhere", location-independent work in real time is to be realized with the help of Media Composer | Cloud.
The new features in the Artist Suite for Pro Video in detail:
Media Composer | Cloud
Media Composer | Cloud (previously: Interplay® Sphere) enables location-independent work in real time, allowing editors to log in and work from anywhere and exchange ideas with colleagues as though they were in the same place. As a further advantage, Avid states that production companies with outside shoots can now speed up production processes by beginning editing early and thus working more efficiently.
Media Composer | Software Subscription
With the new subscription options, which will be offered for Media Composer on a monthly or annual basis from the second quarter, Avid has lowered the cost of entry into the industry’s most widely used editing solution. Customers can use the editing tools, customer service and regular updates at subscription prices. In addition, it remains possible to purchase the software, which costs from 1,307.81 euros and includes one year of free support and updates. There is also the option to subscribe to all further upgrades through an annual service agreement.
Media Composer | Flexible Software Licenses
For large media companies, post-production companies and educational institutions, Avid will offer flexible software licenses for Media Composer from the second quarter. These shared licenses can be purchased in a bundle and used within the organization with a single system ID. The server software for this can be installed on a Windows-based computer at the site and is accessible from any Windows or Mac computer, allowing multiple editors to use Media Composer from different workstations (according to the number of licenses purchased). Administrators can also grant users access rights via external devices such as laptops located outside the facility or building. It is also possible to define an end date for use here, for example when a project has been completed.
Availability and Price
Media Composer | Cloud: available now, from 34,629 euros
Media Composer Software: available now, from 1,307.81 euros
Media Composer Software Subscription: available from the second quarter, from 46.41 euros per month
Flexible Software Licenses: available from the second quarter, from 1,783.81 euros
All systems include software updates and customer service for one year; continuation costs 296.31 euros per year (all prices include VAT)
Media Suite
The new Avid Media Suite contains solutions for media management, news production, distribution and marketing.
Media Director
The module automates media ingest into production and nearline storage solutions. Users can begin editing immediately—optimizing processes.
Media Distribute (previously: Interplay Pulse)
With this tool, users are supposed to have to organize content only once, because it is then automatically made available on various platforms. The update is intended to make even more third-party interfaces available. Also included: online video platforms, social media, and video transcoding and web content management systems.
Media Index
This makes it possible to simplify workflows. Customers cn search, play and move media across different Interplay Production databases. This takes place both locally and via remote access, regardless of where the files are stored.
Availability and Prices
Media Distribute: available now:
from 7,973 euros for Media Distribute for Interplay Production
from 2,023 euros for Media Distribute for iNews
Media Director: available worldwide from May 2014
Media Index: available worldwide from June 2014
Storage Suite
Of course, 4K is also a major topic. The Isis storage product family now supports 4K and Ultra HD workflows in the Storage Suite.
ISIS 2500
The nearline shared-storage system is intended to offer greater storage capacity and simplify the storage of larger volumes of high-resolution data as well as the reuse of content. Isis 2500 features a scalable architecture. A reduction in cost per terabyte is planned for post-production, broadcast or educational facilities.