Digidesign has released Pro Tools 6.1, an update to its professional audio production software. Version 6.1 features a unified feature set across Windows XP- and Mac OS X-based Pro Tools systems, enhanced Avid interoperability and post production feature support, and new compatibility options as well as new Post options for Pro Tools LE.

Pro Tools 6.1 includes support for AVoption|XL, providing record and playback of JFIF video resolutions up to 1:1 uncompressed. In addition, the FilmFrame option is now included as standard functionality with AVoption|XL, enabling playback of 24P and 25P JFIF video recorded with Avid workstations without the need for separate authorization.



only) for Windows systems. Avid Unity support under Mac OS X is expected in the third quarter of 2003. With its DigiTranslator 2.0 option, Pro Tools 6.1 software features support for the Advanced Authoring Format (AAF), the new industry-standard interchange file format for media sequence import/export.



Pro Tools 6.1 also introduces support for Propellerhead Software's ReWire technology, allowing for audio signals from your favorite compatible software synthesizers, samplers, and other host-based instruments to be directly routed into Pro Tools for more mixing and processing possibilities.



Version 6.1 also supports both ASIO drivers for Windows XP and Core Audio drivers for Mac OS X systems, enabling third party audio programs supporting the ASIO or Core Audio standards to utilize supported Digidesign hardware for multi-channel recording and playback; however, the company says that Core Audio drivers for Digi 002/Digi 002 Rack are expected in third quarter of 2003. Pro Tools 6.1 also expands the number of Undo levels from 16 to 32.



Digidesign also released a new DV Toolkit option for Pro Tools LE 6.1 ($1000). The software bundle adds powerful desktop post production functionality to Pro Tools LE systems. It includes special Pro Tools LE software featuring an assortment of powerful desktop video production tools. DV Toolkit's Time Code functions enable users to edit to picture with timecode accuracy. As for specialized software, while the bundled DigiTranslator 2.0 handles the OMF and AAF exchanges, Synchro Arts' VocALign Project offers the ability to repair compromised on-camera dialog, and Digidesign's DINR AudioSuite plug-in takes care of unwanted noise.

by MacNN Staff