Digidesign showcases Pro Tools updates

Digidesign today announced it would make several new announcements at NAB 2006. The company will showcase the forthcoming Pro Tools HD 7.2 software upgrade, which includes enhanced mixing and automation capabilities as well as improved post workflows. Digidesign will also present a technology preview of Avid HD picture support in Pro Tools|HD; display the new Surround Panner Option by JL Cooper Electronics for ICON D-Command and Pro Tools|HD systems; and more. In addition, Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools M-Powered 7.1.1 software are expected in late May 2006 as free updates that will run as a native application on Apple’s new Intel-based iMac and MacBook Pro computers. Digidesign also released VENUEPack 2.0 is an updated version of the software bundle that is included with every VENUE live sound environment, offering a group of the most coveted Digidesign and Digidesign Development Partner TDM effects processing and analysis plug-ins.

Pro Tools HD 7.2 Software

One of the most significant software upgrades for ICON and Pro Tools|HD systems to date, Pro Tools HD 7.2 software introduces several new features and enhancements designed to give audio post professionals more speed, power, and flexibility. Currently expected in the second half of 2006, the upgrade will retail for $200.

• Enhanced integrated video capabilities
  
  
  • Edit video as easily as audio
    
  • Work with multiple video clips, tracks, and playlists
    
  • Play QuickTime video through AVoption|V10™ or Avid Mojo®
    
  • Bounce edited audio and video to QuickTime format
    
  
  
• Integrated multi-channel field audio features
  • Replace guide tracks with multi-channel audio from field recorders
    
  • Select alternate channel audio with automatic fade rebuilding
    
  • Browse, search, and edit iXML metadata in regions and Broadcast WAV files
    
  
  
• New destructive punch record mode
  • Punch into mix tracks without creating additional files
    
  • Use third-party paddle controllers for input/output/record switching
    
  
  
• Powerful, efficient new mixing and automation features
  
  
  • VCA-style groups
    
  • Pan controls grouping and plug-in parameters linking
    
  • Flexible new automation modes
    
  • Real-time graphical display of automation data being updated
    
  
  
• New SignalTools multi-channel metering and analysis
  • Comprehensive level and phase metering up to 7.1 surround
    
  • Choose from multiple international metering standards
    
  • Full LeqA analysis
    
  
  
  Streamlined Avid-to–Pro Tools Workflows
  
  leveraging enhanced export capabilities in Avid systems, currently expected in the second half of 2006, Pro Tools editors will soon be able to enjoy, among other improvements, the simplicity of importing a single “mixed-down” video file while still viewing all of the clip names and cuts from the Avid sequence for easy navigation and frame-accurate selections. The update will bring the ability to import both a mixed-down video sequence and the cut information (Pro Tools HD software) as well as updated “Send to Pro Tools” templates simplify AAF sequence exports (Avid systems).
  
  Users will also be able to send an audio mixdown from an Avid editor along with all other audio tracks (Avid systems) and consolidate media to any local or network storage location (Avid systems). It will also support the use o the integrated “Send via DigiDelivery" command, which automatically includes all relevant media files with the sequences (Avid systems).
  
  Avid HD Picture Coming to Pro Tools|HD
  
  A new solution from Digidesign will allow ICON and Pro Tools|HD system users to work with Avid HD picture without needing to render effects or perform time-consuming AAF sequence exports. Utilizing two separate workstations with bi-directional control, Pro Tools editors will be able to quickly open and play Avid sequences, including DNxHD video, while still enjoying full audio performance. The solution will offer:
  
  
  
  • Synchronized playback of Avid sequences and Pro Tools sessions on separate workstations
    
  • Support for Avid HD resolutions, including DNxHD
    
  • No need for effects rendering or AAF video exports
    
  • Complete control from either workstation
    
  • Full Pro Tools audio performance
    

  
  Filed under: audio