| What's new in version 3:
- Support for Mac OSX Leopard and Windows Vista 32 & 64
- Additional HD codec support, such as Sony XDCAM-EX (using the Sony Clip Browser software), Panasonic AVC-I & JVC 23.976p & 25p HDV
- Improved real-time performance for non-full-raster HD codecs
- Improved real-time effect performance
- Improved render performance with optimized multi-threading on multi-core CPUs
- MetaFuze tool, for quickly merging single-frame files (such as DPX and TIF) from film scanning or CGI systems into a single media clip. (Windows only)
- Real-time multi-window timecode burn-in tool
- SubCap subtitling tool
- Timestamp export for BWF
Editing done right
Editing is about speed, flexibility, and "feel." Refined editing tools, integrated media management, and seamless conform help you stay relaxed and focused on telling the best story. And Avid's Open Timeline lets you juggle formats and ideas- offering real-time editing and playback of multiple SD and HD resolutions.
- Editing interface: Edit faster with the most efficient, accurate, and flexible editing interface available. Work the way you want with the mouse, screen buttons or keyboard shortcuts, with full customization of screen and keyboard layouts to speed things up further.
- Trimming tools: Avid's powerful trimming tools set the standard for speed and flexibility. Trim transitions with the mouse, on-the-fly, or nudge frame-by-frame. "Slip" and "slide" clips quickly with a comprehensive two, four or six-frame display.
- Script-based editing: Take the work out of editing of scripted or transcript based productions. With ScriptSync, dailies are phonetically synced to the script automatically, so lining up dailies to the script takes minutes, not hours
- Open Timeline: Edit multiple SD and HD formats in real-time, in the same timeline, without rendering or transcoding. Mix SD and HD, online and offline. Play any mix of resolutions in real-time.
- Media management: Avid offers the most reliable and accurate media management available. Don't worry about losing media or render files; the software tracks them all. It even allows sequences to relink to multiple resolutions
- Database management: Create custom metadata fields to track your material the way you want. Use multi-level sift and sort to find information that goes far beyond the reach of OS-level searches.
Seamless integration into any workflow
Native integration of P2, XDCAM-HD, and HDV formats lets you focus on editing, not getting data into and out of the system. The Avid DNxHD36 codec provides the perfect solution for HD offline. Need to go out to DVD, Blu-ray, or the Web? Sorensen Squeeze and Avid DVD by Sonic (PC only) are included for multi-format output.
- Total Conform: Streamline your offline/online workflow with the ability to share projects and media between Media Composer and Symphony systems. Every media clip, edit, and effect is directly available, so you can start the online without delay.
- Native HD codec support: Start editing faster with native support for a wide range of HD codecs, including HDV, XDCAM-HD, XDCAM-EX (using the Sony Clip Browser software), DVCPRO HD and AVC-I , in progressive 720p, 1080p and interlaced formats. No need to transcode, even when mixing codecs.
- File-based workflows: Save time and maintain quality using "tapeless" file-based workflows. Transfer P2 and XDCAM files directly from disk or card, or play directly from P2 cards. Edit the media in its native format and write back directly to disk or card.
- Film editing tools: The award-winning Avid Film Composer toolset offers the industry's most powerful and accurate film workflow. Save time with automatic syncing of audio and video and seamless tracking of timecode, KeyKode, and other metadata.
- Timecode and subtitling creation: Speed up any online or audio post workflow by creating an on-screen timecode display in real-time. Use the SubCap tool to deliver open-caption subtitling deliverables, with import and export of EBU-N19 formats.
- Multimedia export and DVD creation: Use the integrated tools to create a large variety of high-quality output formats for Web or electronic delivery. On Windows-based systems, integrated DVD authoring tools let you create full-featured DVDs or fast-turnaround approval DVDs.
- Timestamp Export for BWF: Insert the sequence timecode based on project type when exporting the timeline audio tracks as BWF (Broadcast WAV). Provides fast and easy sync reference for downstream process that do not support OMF or AAF such as slave playback devices.
Engineered for collaboration
Share media, projects, and ideas and make the best use of resources and staff skills. Media Composer integrates directly with Avid Unity shared storage solutions and the Avid Interplay nonlinear workflow engine, for real-time collaboration at every level. Sharing media, projects, and ideas: Seamless integration with Avid Unity media networks means true collaboration at any scale. Multiple editing systems can play the same file, and even capture to the same volume, simultaneously. - Performance and reliability: Engineered for deadline-driven, real-time collaboration, Avid Unity media networks combine high-performance hardware and software in a family of integrated, turnkey solutions, all backed and supported by a single, trusted source.
- Shared projects and bins: Because media bins are not linked to specific projects or users, editors working in an Avid Unity environment can open bins from other projects, without having to copy media. And they can give other editors access to their bins, even while they are in use.
- User settings: Take all your user settings with you when you move from one Avid system to another, even from an offline to an online or finishing system. All shortcuts, keyboard and screen customization are there for you to use, so you will be up and running in no time.
- Interplay support: Bring collaboration to the next level with support for the Avid Interplay nonlinear workflow engine. Add sophisticated multi-contributor asset management, multi-resolution workflows, rules based transcoding, and other tools for facility-wide collaboration.
Get the look, effects, and quality you envision
Match shots quickly with the industry-standard Avid color correction toolset. Work in high-quality HD with Avid DNxHD. And push the envelope with SpectraMatte keying, Fluid Motion time effects, Boris Continuum Complete, Avid FX and a wide range of third-party AVX2 plug-ins.
- Color Correction: Save time and maintain quality with a fully integrated 10-bit color correction toolset. Only Avid offers NaturalMatch to quickly and accurately match shots. Or use the large palette of easy-to-use manual tools for corrective or creative adjustments.
- FluidMotion: Create incredibly smooth slow-motion effects and ¨fit-to-fill¨ video using Avid's patented pixel morphing technology. Apply the look of progressive film to interlaced video material with the exclusive FluidFilm feature.
- SpectraMatte: Create a high-quality key, even with compressed HD codec material. Eliminate guesswork and get the perfect key using the interactive interface. Preview your keys in real-time and with online quality with 16-bit SpectraGraph technology.
- Effect plug-ins: Increase your effect library using third-party plug-ins, such as the bundled Boris Continuum Complete and Avid FX. Save time using the real-time playback capabilities of selected AVX2 effects. AVX plug-ins are fully integrated into the Avid user interface using the Avid AVX2 standard.
- Effect performance: Get the best real-time multi-layer effect performance using Avid's advanced effect acceleration
- Avid DNxHD support: Edit HD material in real-time on your software system using Avid DNxHD encoding, including HD offline using Avid DNxHD36 media. The high-efficiency Avid DNxHD codec is designed to maintain image quality during multi-generation editing.
A worldwide, world-class community
Avid forums connect you with other editors. A range of support and training programs tailored to your needs and budget keep you on top of your game. And our online and real-world user communities provide feedback, news, and support.
- Market leadership: Avid knows about professional content creation. They have been in this industry over 20 years, and more TV and film productions are created using Avid tools than with those from any other company.
- Industry focus: Avid is focused on the people and enterprises that make, manage, and move media. They are dedicated to creating innovative products and solutions that help professionals in this industry do their jobs more efficiently and to the highest quality
- Editor availability: There are Avid editors all over the world, and they are widely considered the best in the industry. So it is always easy to find freelance resources, qualified applicants, or simply a fellow editor.
- Tiered, expert support programs: Avid offers a comprehensive range of support programs designed to fit your needs and budget. Whether it's free Web-based support, pay-per-case telephone support, a support contract, or installation services, we have the solution for you.
- Qualified online and classroom training: Avid knows that training helps you get the most out of your investment. That is why they offer a range of training and certification options, including books, online courses and classroom training, and customized training programs.
- User communities: Connect with your fellows editors. Get advice from Avid staff. Stay up-to-date on the latest tools and techniques. Avid offers a large selection of dedicated Web-based communities and forums, and actively supports many user groups all over the world.
Specifications
- Project formats
- NTSC
- PAL
- HD 720
- 720p/23.976
- 720p/25
- 720p/50
- 720p/59.94
- HD 1080
- 1080p/23.976
- 1080p/24
- 1080p/25
- 1080p/29.97
- 1080i/59.94
- 1080i/50
- Native codec support
- DV
- DV25 / DVCAM (25 Mb/s): 4:1:1 NTSC, 4:1:1 PAL, 4:2:0 PAL, 24p
- DV50 (50 Mb/s)
- HDV
- HDV (25Mb/s)
- Native project formats: 1080i/59.94, 1080i/50, 720p/23.976 (with support for 24p material), 720p/25, 720p/29.97, 720p/50, 720p59.94
- Capture over IEEE-1394, edit, playback, export to file without timecode (export not for 24p material)
- Sony XDCAM (SD)
- DV 25 Mb/s
- IMX30 30 Mb/s
- IMX40 40 Mb/s
- IMX50 50 Mb/s
- Sony XDCAM HD
- MPEG 18 Mb/s VBR
- MPEG 25 Mb/s VBR
- MPEG 25 Mb/s CBR
- MPEG 35 Mb/s VBR
- MPEG-4 Proxies
- Sony XDCAM EX
- MPEG 25 Mb/s
- MPEG 35 Mb/s
- Panasonic DVCPRO (SD)
- DVCPRO 25 Mb/s
- DVCPRO50 50 Mb/s
- Panasonic DVCPRO HD
- DVCPRO HD 100 Mb/s
- AVC-I (no render)
- Native project formats: 1080i/59.94, 1080i/50, 720p/60, 720p/25, 720p/23.976
- Microsoft VC-1
- VC-1 (not supported on Mac PowerPC, edit/playback only on Mac-Intel)
- File-based support
- Sony XDCAM / XDCAM HD
- Native editing of all listed SD and HD data rates (see above)
- Native editing of proxy media, with Batch Import function for high-resolution media
- Import via File Access Mode (FAM) over IEEE-1394
- Ingest via FTP client over Ethernet
- Write-back of finished program to XDCAM media over IEEE-1394
- Sony XDCAM EX
- Native editing for all listed data rates (see above)
- Import of MXF files, as exported by Sony Clip Browser application (Windows only)
- Panasonic P2
- Native DVCPRO HD editing of all listed HD formats (see above)
- Direct edit of P2 media from cards or disk drive
- Support for P2 Store
- Write-back of finished program to P2 media via IEEE-1394 (currently not supported on Leopard)
- Avid DNxHD
- All DNxHD formats
- Refer to the DNxHD White Paper for details
- Playback only, no capture
- Compressed SD resolutions
- AVR (playback only)
- 4:1s, 2:1s, 3:1, 2:1 (no capture)
- 15:1s, 20:1, 10:1
- 35:1p, 28:1p, 14:1p, 3:1p, 2:1p
- 4:1m, 10:1m, 3:1m(p), 8:1m(p)
- Uncompressed SD and HD
- SD
- 1:1 interlaced 8-bit
- 1:1 interlaced 10-bit
- 1:1 progressive 8-bit
- HD
- 1:1 8-bit (no capture)
- 1:1 10-bit (no capture)
- Connectivity
- Host-based
- IEEE-1394 (audio/video I/O, machine control)
- RS-422 (serial machine control)
- Soundcard audio input
- Soundcard audio output
- Graphics card output (full-screen video playback)
What's in the box
- Software
- Avid Media Composer
- Avid MediaLog
- Avid Log Exchange
- Avid FilmScribe
- Avid EDL Manager
- Avid MetaSync Manager
- Avid MetaFuze (Windows only)
- Avid Interplay Transfer (standalone version)
- Third-party bundled software
- Avid DVD by Sonic Industry-leading DVD and Blu-ray authoring (Windows only)
- Boris Continuum AVX Comprehensive library of customizable video filters and transitions
- Sorenson Squeeze Multimedia export with customizable compression templates
- SmartSound SonicFire Pro Automated music track creation
- Avid FX2D & 3D compositing, titles, animation and effects
- Hardware
- USB application key (dongle)
- Keycaps labels
- Documentation
- Basics Guide
- Advanced Effects Guide
- Avid Resource Guide
System Requirements
Because the performance and reliability of the Avid Media Composer system depend on the optimal combination of software, optional I/O hardware, and the computer platform, Avid dedicates a significant amount of engineering resources to test and qualify specific platform configurations. These Avid-qualified workstations and laptops are listed below. We strongly recommend that you use one of these platforms, not only to get the best possible performance out of your system, but also because Avid trains and qualifies its support teams on these systems. We have also listed a set of minimum specifications. Please note that these are provided for reference only. Avid cannot make any representation regarding either the suitability of non-Avid-qualified platforms to run the Avid Media Composer software or the performance and reliability of such a system. We are also not able to provide support for non-qualified platforms. If you are looking for optimal system reliability, performance, and support, we strongly advise you to purchase an Avid-qualified platform or an Avid turnkey system. Qualified platforms - Windows: For details of Windows-based workstations and laptops that have been qualified by Avid, please click here.
- Mac: For details of Mac-based workstations and laptops that have been qualified by Avid, please click here.
Supported operating systems
- Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 (32 bit)
- Microsoft Windows Vista Business SP1 (32 bit)
- Microsoft Windows Vista Business SP1 (64 bit)
- Apple Mac OSX 10.5.3 (Leopard)
Minimum system requirements
- Windows
- Processors: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.33 GHz
- System Memory: 2GB of RAM
- Note 1: If working with complex sequences, (multiple effects/streams) or compressed HD resolutions 4 GB of RAM is recommended.
- Note 2: Vista requires 4 GB of RAM
- Graphics Card: NVidia Quadro FX 560 or higher
- Note 1: Only Nvidia cards are supported
- Note 2: Full Screen play feature requires a minimum of 128MB of graphics memory
- Internal Hard Drive: 40GB minimum hard disk drive
- Note 1: Any media drives need to be 7200RPM or greater
- Optical Drive: DVD capable drive required for product installation
- Mac
- Processors: Intel dual, dual core 2.66 GHz Xeon or Intel Core 2 Duo 2.33 GHz (laptops)
- System Memory: 2GB of RAM
- Note 1: If working with complex sequences, (multiple effects/streams) or compressed HD resolutions 4 GB of RAM is recommended.
- Graphics Card: NVidia GeForce family
- Note 1: Full Screen play feature requires a minimum of 128MB of graphics memory
- Internal Hard Drive: 40GB minimum hard disk drive
- Note 1: Any media drives need to be 7200RPM or greater
- Optical Drive: DVD capable drive required for product installation
- Miscellaneous
- Uncompressed video on laptops: The support of uncompressed video on laptops is limited to one stream of uncompressed Standard-Definition.
- Avid Mojo SDI connection on laptops: The connection of Avid Mojo SDI on laptops is only supported via an integrated IEEE-1394 port, not using PCMCIA cards.
- QuickTime: Avid has tested and qualified Apple QuickTime version 7.3.
- Windows Media Player: Microsoft Windows Media Player 11 is required in order to create various export formats, as well as to work with VC-1 codec material.
- Avid Mojo SDI connection: Avid Media Composer software with Avid Mojo SDI must be installed on Avid-qualified platforms. For more details on PCI Bus Segment requirements see the PCI Bus Segmentation Requirements for Avid Mojo.
- Avid Media Composer software with Avid Mojo SDI requires platforms with more than one PCI bus segment whenever external storage is used. External storage includes Fibre, SCSI, FireWire and Avid Unity media networks. The configurations qualified by Avid will accommodate users requirements for local storage and/or Avid Unity shared storage. Avid Mojo SDI connects to the host via an IEEE-1394 cable. For proper real-time performance, Avid Mojo SDI must connect to a PCI bus segment that is not shared with any SCSI or Fibre Channel storage controller being used for local or shared storage. IEEE 1394 drives cannot be connected to the same port as Avid Mojo SDI. Avid Mojo SDI must be connected to the 1394a port. The 1394b port is not qualified for Avid Mojo SDI.
|
CATEGORY: 
Mac & 
Win 
Write a review!
Copyright © 2008 by Safe Harbor Computers. All Rights Reserved. No content from this site may be reproduced or publicly reposted without express written permission.
