Avid Launches New NLE Versions

Hell froze over with Avid’s launch of Symphony 6, Media Composer 6 and NewsCutter 10. Not only are these the long-awaited 64-bit versions, but one huge feature is Avid’s new open I/O architecture, which permits full implementation of third party hardware. Simultaneously support was announced by Matrox, MOTU, AJA, Blackmagic Design and Bluefish444 for their popular capture cards. For the first time, you can run Avid editing software alongside other NLE applications and share non-Avid hardware. So if you’ve owned a KONA or Decklink card and have been on the fence about adding Media Composer, the decision is now a simple software choice.  In fact, this is the first time that Symphony has also been released in a software-only version, so you can also mix and match hardware with it, too. Now you can run Final Cut Pro 7, Premiere Pro CS 5.5 and Media Composer 6 or Symphony 6 all on the same rigs, including both laptop and desktop systems.

The most visible difference is a change in the appearance of the user interface. It’s a modern, darker look that’s somewhat reminiscence of Premiere Pro. There’s a definite lack of chrome and glitz with an interface that is intended to be efficient. A tabbed window layout has been employed so users can easily reconfigure their layouts according to need. Perhaps reacting to the user backlash from Apple’s FCP X launch, Avid execs have been careful to emphasis that user interaction with the software was not changed, so no need to retrain your muscle memory. This 64-bit rewrite was a two-year effort and is meant to be a foundation for changes down the road. There have been some under-the-hood changes, which aren’t yet visible as new features per se, but might be in future versions. Powerful optional tools like PhraseFind and ScriptSync will continue to work with this version, though no changes have been made to them.

A few of the bullet point features include a new DNxHD444 codec, AMA support of the AVCHD codec, native RED EPIC file support and full integration of the Avid Artist Color panel. The new editor versions include 5.1/7.1 surround mixing capabilities and an improved roundtrip between Media Composer and Pro Tools. A big deal for many Mac-based editors in the ability to play nice within the FCP ecosystem. Avid has been quite successful with its Final Cut-to-Media Composer crossgrade program. They’ve sold more seats of Media Composer in the last two quarters alone than over the past few years. Editors will welcome a new ability to encode ProRes QuickTime files on Mac systems (thanks to a codec licensing agreement with Apple).

Avid introduced stereo 3D editing capabilities a few versions ago, but this new release includes a fully-developed 3D pipeline, including the ability to quickly change between 2D and 3D editing modes. If you own Avid Nitris DX hardware, then stereo I/O is also supported. Avid claims that several major motion pictures slated for release next year are currently cutting with this software version.

Following Apple and Adobe’s lead with the App Store and the integrated Resource Central pane in Premiere Pro, Avid introduced Avid Marketplace. This is an online resource for plug-ins and stock footage through an arrangement with Thought Equity. The new interface includes the ability to directly access and browse stock footage, along with a mechanism for purchase and download. A few items that did not make it into this release include resolution independence (1920 x 1080 is the maximum frame size), background rendering and the ability to keep playing without the timeline stopping when you do something else in the interface.

Obviously with the new Symphony software version, pricing has been adjusted. Avid Mojo DX and Nitris DX units are now more affordable than ever, but optional. Media Composer sells for $2499, Symphony for $5999 and Nitris DX for $5499. If you opt to run Symphony with an Avid Nitris DX unit instead of with third-party hardware, then the bundle is just under $11,000. The Final Cut Pro crossgrade offer (excluding FCP X) has been locked in at $1499 for Media Composer 6 and you still get to keep your copy of FCP. All the software bundles include additional third-party software, including Avid FX, Avid DVD and Sorenson Squeeze. A Symphony software purchase also includes the Boris BCC filters. Media Composer customers will be able to buy an upgrade to BCC8 from older versions, but those details were not available at the time of the launch. In addition, customers who purchased Media Composer 5.5 between October 15th and November 15th are protected and will get a free upgrade to version 6. The same is true for students with academic licenses who are covered for four years of free upgrades from the time of software registration.

Avid has released six major software releases in nearly three years. Media Composer 6 / Symphony 6 / NewsCutter 10 represent a major jump forward. A 64-bit architecture means faster imports, faster transcodes and better memory management. At a time when other NLE manufacturers seem to take the attitude that software needs to be re-imagined and simplified, Avid has released a version that leverages decades of user workflow experience. It’s been battle-tested in every conceivable editing environment and delivered superior results. These products start shipping November 15th, so look for an in-depth review in the coming months.