Avid updates Media Composer, Avid Xpress Pro

Avid Technology today released Media Composer 2.7 and Avid Xpress Pro 5.7, offering support for Intel-based Macs as well as new workflow capabilities and an updated bundle of third-party content creation software. Both Avid products also offer expanded format support, including write-back capabilities for the popular Sony XDCAM and Panasonic P2 file-based media formats, as well as support for the emerging 720p50 HD broadcast standard in Europe. Media Composer 2.7 brings Avid ScriptSync -- a next-generation script-based editing tool that uses phonetic speech recognition technology to automatically sync text with media -- and Avid DNxHD 36, an efficient HD codec for offline editorial that runs at a data rate of 36Mbps. Avid will showcase the new Media Composer and Avid Xpress Pro systems as well as other technology at the NAB convention next month in Las Vegas. Media Composer 2.7 is priced at $5,000, while Avid Xpress Pro 5.7 is available for $1,700.

Post Production with ScriptSync

Powered by next-generation phonetic speech recognition technology from Nexidia, the ScriptSync tool advances the functionality of Avid's script-based editing by automating the task of synchronizing scripts or transcripts with their respective media files, and eliminates the labor intensive process of manually inserting sync points. Once the script and media are matched, editors, directors and producers can quickly and easily review multiple line readings and select individual takes. With ScriptSync, script-based editing is significantly more accurate and more practical for everyday use, according to Avid.

HD across the post pipeline

Avid DNxHD 36 enables creative editorial professionals to work with high-quality HD footage during the offline stage and to maintain HD across the entire post production process. Using either an Avid DNxcel powered Media Composer Adrenaline, or an Avid Nitris system, users can encode HD content to Avid DNxHD 36 in real-time. Avid DNxHD 36 media is designed for playback, editing, rough-cut screenings, and reviewing dailies while offering improved storage efficiency -- up to 18 hours of footage on a 300 GB FireWire drive.

"By eliminating the process of downconverting HD material to 14:1 SD resolution for offline work, Avid DNxHD 36 helps production teams to save money by providing them with faster availability of offline media at significantly better image quality."

Media Composer, Avid Xpress Pro enhancements

XDCAM and P2 write-back capability gives editors more flexibility to work with and exchange XDCAM and P2 file-based media. For independent film, reality television, and other productions embracing file-based workflows, the new versions of Media Composer and Avid Xpress Pro software offer comprehensive XDCAM and P2 support.

720p50 HD support enables editing and playback of the 720p50 HD format to support customers who want to take advantage of this emerging European HD standard.

Updated third-party software applications include content creation software for multimedia publishing, soundtrack creation, and effects creation - with the Mac-compatible software now optimized for both Intel- and PowerPC-based Mac architectures. The software bundle extends the creative power of the Avid Xpress Pro and the Media Composer toolsets, and includes:

Sorenson Squeeze Compression Suite 4.5 -- offering three times faster preprocessing and encoding and allowing digital storytellers to encode content directly from the timeline into the most popular Web formats.

SmartSound SonicFire Pro 4, which enables creation of sophisticated music tracks right from the editor's notebook or workstation and features SmartSound's Mood Mapping to dynamically match the mix and feel of music to the changing moods of any production.

Boris Continuum Complete 4.2.2, providing a broad range of cutting-edge filters and features for high-end effects directly in the native Avid application (in Media Composer only).

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