High-speed video editing software—ideal for offline, file-based, and mobile editing
Meet the fastest, most powerful editing tool available. With Media Composer 5 software, you can work with more formats and in more ways than ever before, and speed through common media barriers to get right to what really matters — telling a great story.

Media Composer goes where other video editing systems leave off, giving you full-featured editorial tools, the fastest file-based workflows around, dependable media management, and innovative features that save you time — and money. Whether you’re cutting films, TV shows, short-format videos, or other media, in the studio or on the road, or using a Mac or a PC, you can edit the way you want, wherever you want, and in ways you never thought possible with Media Composer.

What's New in Avid Media Composer 5.5

• Capture, monitor, and output video with support for the AJA Io Express interface
• Natively access and edit Sony HDCAM SR Lite media through AMA (Avid Media Access)
• Accelerate Panasonic AVC-Intra projects—and use multiple streams—with support for the new Nitris DX AVC-Intra hardware interface
• Take hands-on control of your video and audio editing/mixing with EUCON support for Artist Control, Artist Mix, and Artist Transport control surfaces
• Find the right clips fast with support for the new PhraseFind option
• Directly manipulate transitions in the timeline with the expanded Smart Tool
• Quickly find files across local and shared storage bins using the improved Find tool
• Be more creative with new updates to the included Production Suite
• Get more flexibility with audio signal routing when sending material to air (Send to Playback), with up to 16 audio output channels
• View portions of the software interface in localized languages, including Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, German, and Italian
• Get better Long GOP performance when using Send to Playback with AirSpeed servers
• Use proxies of H.264 material in AirSpeed MultiStream environments for faster response time and increased stream counts

The boxed version* includes Avid Media Composer 5.5 with complete 3rd Party software Production Suite - a $3,800 value:

• Avid DVD by Sonic—Author professional DVDs and Blu-ray Discs quickly and easily, with complete control over the entire process (works with Windows-based systems, including Windows-emulation apps on Macs)
• Avid FX—Easily create dazzling 2D and 3D composites, titles, animation, and effects with Avid FX 5.8.3, a powerful collection of creative tools designed by Boris FX
• Boris Continuum Complete—Create the look you want with nearly 200 filters at your fingertips, including 15 new filters, using Boris Continuum Complete 7
• SmartSound Sonicfire Pro—Create music soundtracks for your films, TV shows, commercials, and other video effortlessly with SmartSound Sonicfire Pro 5.5.2
• Sorenson Squeeze—Optimize and deliver content in a create-once-publish-anywhere world; with Sorenson Squeeze 6.0.4, you can optimize content in a variety of formats for web or DVD delivery, author DVDs and Blu-ray Discs on Windows, and burn discs on Windows and Macs

• *Academic Versions do not include the Avid Production Suite
  Click here for this exclusive Videoguys bundle! 

(these 3rd party programs are not included in downloadable or Academic versions of Avid Media Composer)

Do I qualify for a free upgrade to Version 6? You’re eligible to receive a free upgrade to Media Composer 6 if you meet one of the following requirements:

What’s new

• Directly access and edit RED files through AMA, without transcoding (images are scaled to HD frame size)
• Work natively with QuickTime video formats, including Apple ProRes and H.264
• Edit video and audio by dragging and dropping elements in the timeline
• Keep high-end finishing projects in-house and gain great color precision with HD-RGB support (including dual-link I/O support with Nitris DX systems)
• Monitor video externally with support for the Matrox MXO2 Mini
• Mix and match frame sizes and aspect ratios — in addition to formats, frame rates, and resolutions — in the same timeline
• Take a break during long renders and have your system email you when the job’s done
• Import AVCHD files directly from cameras and other devices
• Capture to and edit XDCAM HD and DVC PRO HD formats from baseband without additional hardware
• Access low-res XDCAM proxies for offline work, with full-quality audio
• Import text-based ancillary data and embed it in the video signal with the new “Data Track” and SMPTE 436M support using Nitris DX- and Mojo DX-based systems
• View stereo audio tracks as single channels in the timeline for easier handling
• Create high-quality sounds and mixes with support for RTAS audio processing plug-ins
• Natively access and edit 4:2:2 MPEG-2 media from the new Canon cameras using AMA

Work Directly with RED Using the Newly Improved AMA
With Media Composer 5, AMA (Avid Media Access) has been completely reengineered, so you can work natively with more file-based media formats now and in the future. With the new and improved AMA, you can speed up RED workflows by directly accessing RED files (.R3D) in Media Composer without having to prepare them through MetaFuze (all footage is scaled to HD frame size). Plus, you have access to its full metadata and color management data too.

Edit QuickTime Formats Natively
Get native access to all popular QuickTime formats, with full access to clip metadata. Thanks to AMA, you can natively access and edit any movie that can be played in Apple’s QuickTime Player (including Apple ProRes and .mov files captured by Canon 5D and 7D cameras) right in Media Composer — no transcoding, rewrapping, or logging and transferring required.

Drag and Drop Video and Audio to Edit
Get comfortable — with Media Composer 5, you can truly edit the way you like. In addition to the standard way of editing, you can also now directly manipulate elements in the timeline to edit video and audio. Drag and drop clips anywhere you want on the timeline to rearrange sequences. And grab a clip’s in or out point and drag to trim a scene, dialog, or music.

Get Full-Quality HD-RGB Processing
Keep those finishing jobs in house, and deliver the highest quality color and effects work, with support for full-quality 4:4:4 HD-RGB color space processing in Media Composer. With the higher resolution detail, you can perform color correction, keying, and effects work with greater precision and ease. And if you have a Nitris DX-based system, you can digitize, process, monitor, and output (output in Symphony systems only) projects in HD-RGB, using the two HD SDI connections to handle the high-bandwidth resolutions.

Monitor Video Externally through Matrox MXO2 Mini
If you don’t have a Nitris DX- or Mojo DX-based system, Media Composer 5 opens the door to third-party workflows, enabling you to monitor video externally using the Matrox MXO2 Mini interface, which is available for Mac and Windows systems. When paired with Media Composer software, MXO2 Mini becomes a dedicated, high-quality monitor-only solution for file-based or workgroup production, so you can view your video work in real time without any major expense.

Storytelling on the Cutting Edge
With the industry’s most powerful, accurate, and flexible editing tools around, you can cut smarter and faster than ever. Trim on the fly with your mouse or keyboard, use dual-rolling trim, or nudge frame-by-frame. Slip and slide clips quickly with comprehensive 2-, 4-, or 6-frame display modes. Or drag and drop video and audio clips in the timeline to rearrange sequences or trim. Plus, you can customize the interface, shortcuts, and keyboard layout to maximize your speed and comfort.

Mix and Match Media
Add and edit practically any combination of PAL, NTSC, SD, and HD formats in real time — regardless of the resolution or frame rate — in the same timeline, without rendering or transcoding. Whether you’re editing online or offline, you can mix and match media of different formats, codecs, resolutions, and frame rates, and enjoy real-time broadcast-quality playback.

Management You Can Count On
Whether you work alone or as a team, never worry about losing source material and rendered files with the most reliable and robust media management available keeping track of all project assets and metadata for you. Create custom metadata fields to track media the way you want. And easily search, sift, and sort to find information beyond the scope of OS-level searches.

Real-Time HD Editing
Edit HD material in real time, and in optimal mastering picture quality, using Avid DNxHD encoding. Whether your HD workflow is online or offline, you can maximize your productivity, reduce storage requirements, and maintain the highest image quality — even over multiple generations — without additional hardware.

Tapeless Becomes Waitless
Experience the fastest tapeless workflows in the industry with AMA (Avid Media Access). Directly access RED, QuickTime, XDCAM HD/EX, P2/AVC-Intra, GFCAM, and other media and metadata on a connected disc/card or device without having to transcode, import, or rewrap files. And download support for additional formats as they become available.

Work Natively with SD and HD Codecs
Start editing footage right away, with native support for a wide range of SD and HD codecs, including RED, QuickTime, DV, HDV, XDCAM HD/EX, DVCPRO HD, AVC-Intra, GFCAM, and more. No need to transcode, even when mixing codecs in the same timeline.

Total Conform
Streamline your offline/online workflow, and get a seamless path to finish and master projects, with complete integration between Media Composer and Avid Symphony and DS systems. Directly share offline projects and media for finishing, with all media clips, edits, and effects directly available, so you can start the online without delay.

Work with 3D Stereoscopic and Other Single-Frame Files
With MetaFuze, you can quickly merge DPX, TIFF, or even stereoscopic 3D files from film scanning or CGI systems into a single native Avid DNxHD or uncompressed media clip for editing. You can even display and edit 3D material offline — without conforming — using industry-first stereoscopic editing tools and workflows.

Sync with Pro Tools Editors
Make the audio post workflow easier by making projects directly accessible to Pro Tools audio editors through Video Satellite. No need to render effects, transcode video, or copy files for the audio team, as they can simply tap into any Media Composer system to open and play Avid HD and SD sequences (including DNxHD) in high quality, in full resolution, and in sync with their sessions.

Film Focused
For film, you have the industry's most powerful and accurate film workflow in your hands with the award-winning Avid Film Composer toolset. Save time with automatic audio and video syncing and seamless tracking of timecode, Keykode, and other metadata. Plus, with support for 4:4:4 HD-RGB color, you can preserve the full-quality color process from beginning to end.

Timecode and Subtitling Ease
With the Timecode Generator, you can create onscreen timecode displays in real time to speed up any online or audio post workflow. And with the SubCap Generator, you can easily create open captions and subtitles, and import and export in Avid DS and standard EBU N19 subtitle formats.

Ready For Delivery
Whether you need to output your project for the web, electronic delivery, or back into the tapeless pipeline, you have the tools you need to quickly deliver your work in the absolute highest quality. Optimize your video for the web, and burn projects to DVD and CD. If you’re using a Windows-based system, you can also author DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, and fast-turnaround approval DVDs (use native authoring tools on a Mac).

Smoother BWF Workflows
Ease the post audio workflow when exporting timeline audio tracks as BWF (Broadcast WAV) files. Just insert the sequence timecode based on your project type as you’re exporting the tracks to create a fast and easy sync reference for downstream processes that don’t support OMF or AAF, such as slave playback devices.

Advance Color Correction
Save time and maintain the highest quality production with the fully integrated and flexible 10-bit color correction toolset. Quickly and accurately match colors from shot to shot using NaturalMatch. Gain better precision with 4:4:4 HD-RGB color handling. And get fine control over shots with animatable color correction, or dive into the large palette of easy-to-use tools to manually refine settings or get creative with the color.

FluidMotion and FluidFilm Effects
Create incredibly smooth slow-motion effects and “fit-to-fill” video using Avid's patented FluidMotion pixel morphing technology. And get the look of progressive film with interlaced video material using the exclusive FluidFilm feature.

SpectraMatte Chroma Key Effect
Create a high-quality key, even with compressed HD codec material. With SpectraMatte, you can eliminate all guesswork, correct common keying issues, and get perfect keys using the interactive interface. Preview your keys in real time and in online quality with 16-bit SpectraGraph technology.

FluidStabilizer Tracking Engine
Easily stabilize shots that contain even the most jittery camera movements. FluidStabilizer works in conjunction with SteadyGlide and Stabilize to deliver extremely precise image stabilization, enabling you to filter out unwanted motion while retaining any underlying motion you do want, such as a camera pan.

Get More Effects with Plug-ins
Get the look and effects you want through AVX and AVX2 plug-ins, which you can install and use right from your editing interface. Build up your effects library by choosing from tons of third-party AVX plug-ins available.

Powerful Effects Performance
With Avid’s advanced effect acceleration — architecture that closely ties multi-core CPU processing, GPU (Graphics Processor Unit), and PCI Express I/O hardware into a single high-performance pipeline — you get the best real-time effects performance around.

Get Better Sounding Audio
With support for RTAS audio processing plug-ins, you can greatly improve the quality of your video soundtrack. Choose from hundreds of professional audio plug-ins available — including sound compressors, reverbs, and EQs — that’ll help you make dialog clearer and smoother, sound effects more compelling or ambient, and the overall mix more cohesive.

Dazzle and Deliver with the Included Production Suite
Create stunning visual effects and transitions. Design titles and graphics that animate across 2D or 3D spaces. Set the mood with music you generate and control. And deliver projects in the highest quality for the web or on DVD. With the included Production Suite, a powerful collection of popular third-party creative tools, you have plenty of options to get the look, sound, and quality you want.

Share Media, Projects, and Ideas
Experience the most collaborative workflow and get things done on time and on budget. Seamlessly integrate with Avid Unity media networks, and you and your team can access and play the same files and capture media to the same volume simultaneously, in real time. And because media bins aren’t linked to specific projects or users, you can open bins and access files from other projects — even when in use by others — without having to copy media.

Share Projects for Audio Post
Collaborating with Pro Tools audio editors, remixers, and sound designers is easy. Export audio from your video projects to Pro Tools for audio production, with all media and metadata intact. Or for the fastest workflow, add Video Satellite to have Pro Tools editors sync directly with Symphony Nitris DX projects, eliminating having to render, transcode, or copy files.

Take Your Settings with You
Forget about tweaking settings or re-orienting your workspace each time you move from one Avid system to another. Take all of your settings with you to any project through your own user profile - even when moving from an offline workstation to Avid Symphony finishing system. All shortcuts, keyboard, and screen customization are accessible, so you’ll be up and running in no time.

Raise the Bar with Interplay
When the stakes are high, bring collaboration to the highest level with Avid Interplay asset management systems. Instantly access media and secure files from unauthorized use. Always have the current production elements in play and synced through automated tracking. And with sophisticated multi-contributor asset management, multi-resolution workflows, and rules-based transcoding, you can put the flow in workflow for total facility-wide collaboration.

The Industry Leader
Avid understands professional content creation. We’ve been in this industry for over 20 years, designing the tools used by more film and television professionals than any other product. In fact, Symphony Nitris DX is certified by ACE (American Cinema Editors), and received both an Oscar and Emmy Award. And though we are the industry leader, we continuously strive to innovate and make our products the best they can be, so you can keep doing what you do more easily and more efficiently. Learn more about Avid.

Avid Editors Wanted
For projects large and small, studios and production companies around the world constantly seek the skills and advice of Avid editors, as they’re widely considered to be the best in the industry. Whether you want to do freelance or join a team, or are looking for talented Avid editors to help you with a project, you’ll find opportunities and Avid editors everywhere.

Get Expert Support
When you need help, expert assistance is just a web click or phone call away. Choose from a wide range of Avid Support programs that fit your needs and budget, including free web-based support, pay-per-case phone support, an Avid Support contract, and complete installation services.

Get Training
Get the most out of your investment through Avid training. Whether you simply want to learn how to use your Avid software and/or system to the fullest or want to up your game through certification training, you can choose from several self-paced books, online courses and classroom training, and customized training programs.

Connect with Others
Whether you need help, want to offer help, have clips to share, or want to connect with thousands of fellow Avid editors, you’ll find a wealth of information and resources on the Avid Community site. Seek advice from the Avid staff and other users. Stay up to date on the latest tools and techniques. Get helpful tips, tricks, and tutorials from others in the community. Meet others by joining an Avid User Group. And much more!

Avid  ScriptSync and PhraseFind give editors even more powerful and efficient workflows!

The powerful ScriptSync option ($995) for the Media Composer family of products vastly speeds editorial of scripted and transcripted material.

Available only from Avid, this innovative and unique technology takes Avid script-based editing to a new level. ScriptSync accelerates your edit using phonetic indexing of text and dialog to "sync" source clips automatically with the script itself. Once synchronized, you can find the best performance instantly by quickly comparing takes in the context of the story. Ideal for documentaries, interviews, reality TV, feature films, or any project where there is scripted or transcribed dialogue, Avid's patented, award-winning ScriptSync technology eliminates hours of routine work--effortlessly lining takes and getting you where you need to go, up to 30 times faster.

Accelerate your editing with PhraseFind option  ($495) for powerful dialog search

Stop wasting time and money generating transcripts of your project just to locate clips more easily. With PhraseFind—a powerful new software option for Media Composer, Symphony, and NewsCutter—you can find the right clips fast, with highly accurate results. PhraseFind’s powerful search engine automatically analyzes clips and indexes all dialog in your project’s media phonetically, so you can quickly find clips by simply typing a word or phrase—right from within your software.

Find the right takes and clips fast with our ScriptSync and PhraseFind bundle  ($1295)

Accelerate your editing to a whole new level with the ScriptSync and PhraseFind bundle, a time- and money-saving software option package for Media Composer, Symphony, and NewsCutter. Avid ScriptSync, powered by Nexidia, speeds up your editing by phonetically indexing all text and audible dialog in your project automatically and then "syncing" the relevant source clips with the script itself. Once synchronized, you can find the best takes instantly by quickly comparing performances in the context of your story. Avid PhraseFind, powered by Nexidia, powerful search engine that automatically analyzes clips and indexes all dialog in your project’s media phonetically, so you can quickly find clips by simply typing a word or phrase—right from within your editing software.

Media Composer 5.5.3 AVAILABLE (w/OS X Lion support)!

Media Composer 5.5.3 is now available from the Avid Download Center.

This release is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6.7, 10.6.8 v1.1, and 10.7.0 (Lion).  NOTE: 10.7 is only qualified for local storage at this time.  The 10.7.1 update released August 16, 2011 is also not supported at this time.

This is a maintenance release that is free to all owners of Media Composer 5.5 software.  It includes over 75 bug fixes, including new plug-ins for the AJA io Express that corrects the "Legends Audio Communications Error. Hardware Underrun" errors.  You should consult the README before installing the software.

It also contains 30-day trials of both ScriptSync and PhraseFind.

As always, please deactivate your software, uninstall the previous version, install 5.5.3, activate your software.

Windows

• Computer: Avid-qualified Windows-based computer or laptop² (see details)
• OS: Windows 7 Professional (64-bit), Windows XP Professional SP3 (32-bit), Windows Vista Business SP2 (64-bit), Windows Vista Ultimate SP2 (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.33 GHz processor or faster
• Memory: 4 GB of RAM (6 GB of RAM recommended for Windows 7 and Windows Vista)
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA Quadro FX family³ (FX 560 or higher)
• Internal Hard Drive: Minimum 80 GB 7200 rpm hard disk

Mac OS

• Computer: Avid-qualified Mac-based computer or laptop² (see details)
• OS: Mac OS X 10.6.5/10.6.6 (Snow Leopard) & 10.7 (Lion)
• Processor: Intel Dual or Intel Dual Core 2.66 GHz Xeon processor or faster, or Intel Core 2 Duo 2.33 GHz processor or faster (laptops)
• Memory: 4 GB of RAM
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce family³ or ATI Radeon family (as supported by Apple)
• Internal Hard Drive: Minimum 80 GB 7200 rpm hard disk

What's in the Box

Avid Software

• Media Composer - Edit SD and HD video
• EDL Manager - Export timecode metadata
• FilmScribe - Export film metadata
• Interplay Transfer (standalone version) - Transfer media and metadata to Interplay
• Log Exchange - Convert shot logs into ALE files
• MediaLog - Manage logging and metadata
• MetaFuze - Work with stereoscopic files, DPX, and other formats (Windows only)
• MetaSync Manager - Create objects for interactive programming

Production Suite

• Avid DVD by Sonic
  Author professional DVDs and Blu-ray Discs quickly and easily, with complete control over the entire process with Avid DVD 6.1 by Sonic, which works with Windows-based systems (including 64-bit Windows Vista). Easily export chapter points and thumbnails from the timeline using exclusive MetaSync technology, author and burn discs with advanced controls, produce multi-language titles, generate and import subtitle tracks, create interactive slideshows, and much more. Learn more about Sonic professional DVD products on the Sonic website.
• Avid FX
  Easily create dazzling 2D and 3D composites, titles, animation, and effects with Avid FX 5.8, a powerful collection of creative tools designed by Boris FX. This latest version sports a new interface and offers new 16-bit color, clone paint tool, image brushes, motion path and key tools, vector trace, optical stabilization, subtitle generator, and more. Get started fast with 1,500 customizable templates, or design your own titles and graphics using text, drawing, styles, and animation tools. And create stunning effects with over 115 filters, including Wire Removal, Grain Match, Light Zoom, and more. For more details, visit the Boris FX website.
• Boris Continuum Complete
  Create the look you want with nearly 200 filters at your fingertips - including 15 new filters - using the new Boris Continuum Complete 6. This latest version offers significant performance gains and enhancements, so you can create dramatic effects quickly and easily. Use the Extruded Text, Extruded Spline, Layer Deformer, Cartoon Look, Lightning, and other new filters to create compelling visuals. Get new custom animated presets in XML format and a single-click custom preset navigation tool. And discover new enhancements in the built-in Motion Tracker. For complete details, visit the Boris Continuum Complete website.
• SmartSound Sonicfire Pro
  Create music soundtracks for your films, TV shows, commercials, and other video effortlessly with SmartSound Sonicfire Pro 5.5. Choose from a variety of loops and pre-recorded soundtracks and then customize the music to fit your scene. With the latest version, you can match beats to video, insert a stinger, alter the tempo and pitch, fine-tune searches with Sensory Searching, search for music by simply tapping a tempo, and get new spotting tools. For complete details, visit the SmartSound Sonicfire Pro website.
• Sorenson Squeeze
  Optimize and deliver content in a create-once-publish-anywhere world. With Sorenson Squeeze 6, you can optimize content in a variety of formats (including HD, DVD, MPEG-2, MPEG-4/H.264, Flash, and 3GPP) for web or DVD delivery, author DVDs and Blu-ray Discs on Windows, and burn discs on a PC and now Macs too. This latest version features a redesigned interface and can speed up your workflow and review cycle by sending email and text message (SMS) notifications that let you (or your clients) know when your file encoding is done. You can also send clients secure, password-protected video for immediate review and approval. Plus, you can set up the app to automatically publish to Sorenson 360, YouTube, Twitter, Akamai, Limelight, and other servers. For complete details, visit the Sorenson Squeeze website.

Additional Items and Documentation

• Basics Guide
• Advanced Effects Guide
• Avid Resource Guide
• Quick Start Guide

Here's a complete FAQ from Avid with answers to all of your questions regarding the promotion and and more about Avid Media Composer for Final Cut Users:

How long is the FCP to Media Composer promotional pricing good for?

The FCP to Media Composer 5.5 promotion is  over, but we still have a few left!

 

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I currently own FCP and would like to take advantage of the FCP to Media Composer promotional pricing. What is required?

All FCP customers qualify for the FCP to Media Composer 5.5 promotion. Customers must be able provide proof of FCP ownership. Your Final Cut Pro install guide and original unique serial number are qualifying proofs of ownership. Please fax or email us back  this form

How much will the FCP to Media Composer Promotion cost?

The FCP to Media Composer 5.5 promotion pricing is $995 and is available while supplies last, 2011 at Videoguys.com 

To purchase online, customers will be required to present your original FCP documentation (such as your install guide) and your FCP serial number for verification and be instructed to complete and submit this form.

How do I buy the FCP to Media Composer Promotion from Videoguys.com?

To purchase online, customers will be required to present your original FCP documentation (such as your install guide) and your FCP serial number for verification and be instructed to complete and submit this form.

Can I try Media Composer before I buy?

Yes. Avid offers a fully featured 30-day Media Composer Software Trial

Can I purchase the FCP to Media Composer promotion as a software download?

No. The FCP to Media Composer 5.5 promotion is only offered on the physical shipping kit only. However you can download the fully featured Media Composer Software Trial and begin using the application while you wait for your product to be delivered.

Can I try PhraseFind as well?

The PhraseFind Software Trial is coming very soon. Sign up with Avid here to be notified when its available. For additional Information about PhraseFind go here.

How long ago did I have to purchase FCP in order to qualify for the promotional pricing?

Any FCP customer qualifies for this special promotional pricing as long as they can provide a valid FCP serial number. Note: One FCP to Media Composer 5.5 Promotion per FCP serial number will be provided.

Where can I find my FCP serial number?

Placement of the serial number may vary from release to release but typically is a sticker attached to the front of the user guide or install manual.

What version of MC will I receive if I take advantage of the promotional pricing offer?

The FCP to Media Composer promotion is for Media Composer 5.5.

What is Scriptsync and PhraseFind?

These are options which are available for use within the editing software.

Scriptsync is a unique time-saving software option for Media Composer, Symphony, and NewsCutter. ScriptSync accelerates your editing by phonetically indexing all text and audible dialog in your project automatically and then "syncing" the relevant source clips with the script itself. Once synchronized, you can find the best takes instantly by quickly comparing performances in the context of your story.

PhraseFind is a powerful new software option for Media Composer, Symphony, and NewsCutter. PhraseFind allows you to find the right clips fast, with highly accurate results. PhraseFind's powerful search engine automatically analyzes clips and indexes all dialog in your project's media phonetically, so you can quickly find clips by simply typing a word or phrase - right from within your software.

Can I add Avid hardware to the FCP to Media Composer 5.5 promotional offer?

Yes. Contact the Videoguys Avid Experts at 800-323-2325 for more information and pricing to add-on Mojo SDi or Mojo DX to this exciting promotional offer.

What will the FCP to Media Composer 5.5 promotional product consist of?

The Media Composer 5.5 product will consist of the following:

• Media Composer 5.5 - Edit SD and HD video
• Production Suite - Create effects, author media, and more; includes Avid DVD (PC Only), Avid FX, Boris Continuum Complete, SmartSound Sonicfire Pro, and Sorenson Squeeze.
• EDL Manager - Export timecode metadata
• FilmScribe - Export film metadata
• Interplay Transfer (standalone version) - Transfer media and metadata to Interplay
• Log Exchange - Convert shot logs into ALE files
• MediaLog - Manage logging and metadata
• MetaFuze - Work with stereoscopic files, DPX, and other formats (Windows only)
• MetaSync - Manager Create objects for interactive programming
• Getting Started training videos
• User guides and other documentation

Note that Media Composer 5.5 runs on both the PC and Mac platforms.

What is the Production Suite?

The Production Suite consists of 5 applications that compliment Media Composer.

• Avid DVD by Sonic - Author professional DVDs and Blu-ray Discs quickly and easily, with complete control over the entire process with Avid DVD by Sonic 6, which works with Windows-based systems (PC Only)
• Avid FX - Easily create dazzling 2D and 3D composites, titles, animation, and effects with Avid FX 5.8, a powerful collection of creative tools designed by Boris FX. This latest version sports a new interface and offers new 16-bit color, clone paint tool, image brushes, motion path and key tools, vector trace, optical stabilization, subtitle generator, and more.
• Boris Continuum Complete - Create the look you want with nearly 200 filters at your fingertips - including 15 new filters - using the new Boris Continuum Complete 6. This latest version offers significant performance gains and enhancements, so you can create dramatic effects quickly and easily.
• SmartSound Sonicfire Pro - Create music soundtracks for your films, TV shows, commercials, and other video effortlessly with SmartSound Sonicfire Pro 5. Choose from a variety of loops and pre-recorded soundtracks and then customize the music to fit your scene.
• Sorenson Squeeze - Optimize and deliver content in a create-once-publish-anywhere world. With Sorenson Squeeze 5, you can optimize content in a variety of formats (including HD, DVD, MPEG-2, MPEG-4/H.264, Flash, and 3GPP) for web or DVD delivery, author DVDs and Blu-ray Discs on Windows, and burn discs on a PC and now Macs too.

What are the system requirements for Media Composer and how will I know if my computer will work?

It is possible that your current system will meet the requirements for Media Composer 5.5 but you may also need to upgrade your system to meet they requirements. Avid has tested and qualified specific system requirements for Media Composer (Mac and PC) and recommends that customers use configurations that meet these Avid-tested specifications. It is possible that your current system will not meet the Avid minimum requirements for Media Composer especially if you are using FCP on a non-Intel based system. Customers should check the recommended system requirements of Windows-based or Macintosh-based qualified workstation and laptops for Media Composer systems before purchasing the promotion.

Is the Media Composer product a native 64 bit application?

Media Composer 5.5 is currently a native 32 bit application that is fully compatible on 64 bit PC opertating systems and the 32-bit kernel Mac OS 10.6.6/10.6.7.

What type of support should I expect once I purchase Media Composer?

Once you have purchased and installed Media Composer, you are encouraged to register the product at www.avid.com/register or upon initial activation of the software. Once you have registered, you will receive an email confirmation from Avid that includes a one-time setup call for customers who need help getting up and running. Customers interested in ongoing support can consider purchasing a yearly support contract through their regional Avid office or Avid Reseller. Yearly support contracts includes free software upgrades for the duration of the contract and are the best way to ensure you stay up to date and keep your costs low.

What other support offerings are available for Media Composer software?

Avid offers some of the following additional support options:

• Free online support via the Avid Knowledge Base which includes quick access to a variety of support-related issues, FAQ's and tips.
• Free Video Community so whether you need help, want to offer help, have clips to share, or want to connect with thousands of fellow Avid editors, you'll find a wealth of information and resources on the Avid Community site. Seek advice from the Avid staff and other customers. Stay up to date on the latest tools and techniques. Get helpful tips, tricks, and tutorials from others in the Avid Video Community.
• Fee-based support offerings including basic support which can be purchased on an annual basis. Basic support includes technical support, via telephone and email, Monday through Friday, during standard business hours, access to electronically downloaded software updates and proactive email notification regarding updates and patches.
• Training DVD's

#1 (TIED) - Avid Media Composer 5

At NAB 2010, Avid previewed the next release of Media Composer 5 to much fanfare and enthusiasm from Avid editors all over the world. This was the big release we  had been waiting for, something that would give Avid editors the next level of tools and power they had been hoping to see. When Avid Media Composer 5 (MC5) began shipping in June it actually exceeded everyone's expectations! Especially the tapeless workflows with Canon DSLR footage!

In August we published the Videoguys Guide: "Avid Wants You Back with Media Composer 5." This article details all of the new features in Media Composer 5 and why we recommended it so highly to Avid editors, and former Avid editors who may have gone over to another application but still have their Avid Dongle.

The top reasons to come back to Avid Media Composer 5 are:

• Avid AMA which allows you to natively edit HD footage from P2, XDCAM, RED and H.264 DSLRs
• Support for the Matrox MXO2 mini (another Top 10 award winner this year) for affordable HD monitoring directly from the Media Composer timeline in full resolution HD
• The new Avid Smart Tool which makes it easier for Apple Final Cut Pro editors to pick up and use Media Composer
• The price of the upgrade! At $695 this is one heckuva great deal. This upgrade even includes the Avid Production Suite with all the 3rd party applications!

Click here for Avid Media Composer 5 bundles

Click here for related guides & articles using the "MC5" hot tag

Videoguys' Avid Media Composer 5 FAQ

What Resources are available to help me learn about Avid Media Composer 5?

In Avid Media Composer 5 Getting Started, author and Avid Certified Instructor Steve Holyhead explores the tools and techniques in Media Composer for producing great looking video, as well as the basics of high definition media formats. This 2 hour course walks through the video production workflow from input to editing to output, covers key information like trim concepts and frame rates, and introduces techniques such as color correction, footage stabilization and real-time audio effects. Exercise files accompany the course. Take the entire course – or just sample the first couple of modules and start learning video production editing techniques now!

If you purchase and register Avid Media Composer 5 after January 24, 2011 you may download a FREE upgrade to Avid Media Composer 5.5 when released. Just login to the Avid Download Center when v5.5 is available to get your upgrade.

What's New in Avid Media Composer 5.5

• Capture, monitor, and output video with support for the AJA Io Express interface
• Natively access and edit Sony HDCAM SR Lite media through AMA (Avid Media Access)
• Accelerate Panasonic AVC-Intra projects—and use multiple streams—with support for the new Nitris DX AVC-Intra hardware interface
• Take hands-on control of your video and audio editing/mixing with EUCON support for Artist Control, Artist Mix, and Artist Transport control surfaces
• Find the right clips fast with support for the new PhraseFind option
• Directly manipulate transitions in the timeline with the expanded Smart Tool
• Quickly find files across local and shared storage bins using the improved Find tool
• Be more creative with new updates to the included Production Suite
• Get more flexibility with audio signal routing when sending material to air (Send to Playback), with up to 16 audio output channels
• View portions of the software interface in localized languages, including Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, German, and Italian
• Get better Long GOP performance when using Send to Playback with AirSpeed servers
• Use proxies of H.264 material in AirSpeed MultiStream environments for faster response time and increased stream counts

Capture, monitor, and output with AJA Io Express

Expand your audio and video capabilities with the popular, newly supported AJA Io Express interface. For those who don't need the extra power provided by Avid Mojo DX and Nitris DX accelerated hardware, Io Express gives you video I/O capabilities in a more cost-effective solution.

Edit HDCAM SR Lite footage natively

With new AMA (Avid Media Access) support for the Sony HDCAM SR Lite codec, you can directly access the media and all associated metadata—without transcoding—to get a jump-start on editing and selecting suitable clips.

Accelerate AVC-Intra workflows with Nitris DX AVC-Intra

If you work with processor-intensive Panasonic AVC-Intra material, you can get real-time multi-stream playback and speed up your workflow with support for the new Avid Nitris DX AVC-Intra interface, which features built-in AVC-Intra encoding/decoding. Anyone working with this popular format will benefit from vastly superior performance using Nitris DX AVC-Intra.

Speed up editing and mixing with the Artist Series

Take full hands-on control over most video and audio editing and mixing functions with built-in EUCON support for Artist Control, Artist Mix, and Artist Transport control surfaces. With highly responsive tactile controls, unrivaled software interactivity, and programmable Soft Keys that enable you to perform complex functions with just one touch, you'll never go back to editing with just a keyboard and mouse again.

Find the right clips fast with PhraseFind

Find video clips based on a spoken word or phrase with Avid PhraseFind, powered by Nexidia, a new Avid software option for Media Composer 5.5, Symphony 5.5, and NewsCutter 9.5. PhraseFind combines audio indexing with dialog search, so you can quickly find the right takes by typing a few words, or pull up every clip containing a certain word to edit dialog. All this from right within Media Composer, so you'll be able to spend more time refining your edits instead of importing results or digging through bins.

Directly tweak transitions with the Smart Tool

Forget having to adjust transitions in the Quick Transitions dialog or Effects Editor. You can now manipulate transitions directly in the timeline with your mouse and the expanded Smart Tool. When enabled, simply grab one of the two handles to alter the span of the effect in the timeline, or grab the center to change the transition's position in your edit.

Gain better search capabilities

With the improved Find tool, you can quickly and easily find what you need by searching through clips, sequences, script text, the timeline, and monitors. You can even search for material in bins on local and shared storage.

Fuel your creativity with the Production Suite

With updates to the Production Suite, included in all boxed versions of Media Composer, you can create stunning video effects, graphics, music, and more, and deliver content for web or disc play. This updated collection includes Boris Continuum Complete 7, Sorenson Squeeze 6.0.4, Avid FX 5.8.3, SmartSound SonicFire Pro 5.5.2, and Avid DVD 6.1.1.