Media Composer: the affordable, flexible, hardware-independent film and video editing solution for MacOS X (Tiger) and Windows XP systems. Media Composer is the application used to create more of the world’s films, television shows, and commercials than any other editing system, and it's more powerful than ever. Facility-wide workflow support plus the creative tools, integrated asset management, and multi-format editing support you need combine to make Media Composer the best editor on the planet.
Avid DNxHD 36
Avid DNxHD 36, an emerging standard for editing rooms that work with progressive HD media. Avid DNxHD encoding changes the way feature films are offlined by combining high quality, low bandwidth, and native progressive HD editing. High-quality Avid DNxHD 36 images work with real-time visual effects and can be projected and screened for previewing. With Avid DNxHD 36, editors can edit right up to the moment of screening. And at 1080p, the Avid DNxHD 36 file size is only 50% more than that for DV25.
ScriptSync
A standard feature in Media Composer products and available only from Avid, ScriptSync technology uses automatic phonetic indexing from Nexidia to "sync" audio and video--associating source clips to the script itself. Previous versions of script-integration required extra time and effort to line the film. With new ScriptSync technology, what used to take hours now takes minutes. After you import your script from a word processing file and attach a shot to the script, the software listens to the audio and--in seconds--it automatically and accurately lines the take. ScriptSync allows you to synchronize dailies to the script up to 30 times faster, practically eliminating the most tedious part of the process and giving you incredibly fast access to dailies. Watch a ScriptSync demo and learn how you can accelerate your edit.
Enhanced XDCAM and P2 workflow
Save time with direct capture of media and “tapeless” workflows. Native MXF support provides direct integration of Sony XDCAM and Panasonic P2 formats, so you don’t have to shuttle through tapes looking for a shot. As part of a superior, end-to-end file-based workflow, Avid “write-back” functionality allows editors to send clips and sequences over FireWire to XDCAM discs (as IMX, DVCAM ,or XDCAM HD) and P2 cards (as DVCPRO or DVCPRO HD). Both formats offer increased levels of portability, access, and cost-effectiveness that are just as efficient for archiving and distribution as they are for acquisition. |
Will Avid Media Composer work on my machine?
If your system does not meet minimum system specifications it may not work.
If your system does meet minimum system specifications, but is not on the qualified list, it has a good chance of working, but there can be reasons outside of this spec that cause problems. By using a system that has not been Avid Qualified you are at risk that you will not be able to receive proper customer support from Avid reps due to conflicts that are outside the scope of certified Avid support coverage. This includes all newer systems not yet tested, audio and video cards and other related peripherals. To minimize your risk of hardware/software conflicts it is recommended that you use an Avid certified system.
Keep in mind there is a difference between running "minimum specifications" and running a qualified system. Your performance may vary depending on your configuration. If you are looking for specific performance and quality, we suggest buying a qualified system or a qualified turnkey system from an Avid Authorized integrator.
PC
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP 32-bit Edition – Service Pack 2 (Microsoft Vista support is planned for a future release)
- System Memory: 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, 3GB recommended for HD and high-stream count SD projects, 4GB required for HP xw8400 workstations in Avid Unity MediaNetwork 5.0 environments)
Mac
- Operating System: Mac OS X 10.4.10. Earlier versions of Mac OS X are not supported. (Mac OSX Leopard support is planned for a future release.)
- System Memory: 2GB minimum, 3GB recommended for HD and high-stream count SD projects (more than 3GB will not be recognized by the system)
- Graphics Card: Full screen play requires use of a graphics card with at least 128MB of memory
QuickTime Support
Avid has tested and approved the use of Apple QuickTime version 7.2. |
Avid DNxHD encoding
Maintain mastering-quality image quality regardless of source: shoot in high-efficiency DVCPRO HD and HDV and apply effects, dissolves, titles, and composites using 10- or 8-bit Avid DNxHD encoding. Edit and preview HD in real time and take advantage of your existing storage and networking infrastructure to implement a profitable HD workflow.
Avid DNxHD 36 encoding changes the way feature films are offlined by combining high quality, low bandwidth, and native progressive HD editing. Working natively at 24fps removes the workflow challenges when moving between SD offline and HD conform due to differences in timecode rates and pulldown management. Avid DNxHD36 can also be screened via projector, so editors can edit right up to the moment of screening. And large features can easily store all their footage, since the data rate for Avid DNxHD36 is only 50% more than that for DV25: 100,000 feet of film can be stored on a 300GB drive.
ScriptSync
A standard feature in Media Composer products and available only from Avid, ScriptSync technology uses automatic phonetic indexing from Nexidia to "sync" audio and video--associating source clips to the script itself. Previous versions of script-integration required extra time and effort to line the film. With new ScriptSync technology, what used to take hours now takes minutes. After you import your script from a word processing file and attach a shot to the script, the software listens to the audio and--in seconds--it automatically and accurately lines the take. ScriptSync allows you to synchronize dailies to the script up to 30 times faster, practically eliminating the most tedious part of the process and giving you incredibly fast access to dailies.
Open Timeline
Media Composer systems offer all the support you need to mix multiple formats and resolutions in the same timeline - in real time - so you can keep the creativity flowing. Combine HD, SD, DV, and film formats and resolutions, as well as Avid AVR and Meridien JFIF media without rendering, transcoding, or re-digitizing. Edit native DVCPRO HD and HDV media. And take advantage of real-time, mixed-format multicam editing.
Native Sony XDCAM and Panasonic P2 support
Save time with direct capture of media and "tapeless" workflows: no need to shuttle through tapes looking for a shot. Native MXF support provides direct integration of Sony XDCAM and Panasonic P2 formats into an Avid workflow. Edit straight from Panasonic P2 cards or high-speed file transfers. Sony XDCAM support offers native editing of Long-GOP proxies, DV, and high-resolution IMX media.
As part of a superior, end-to-end file-based workflow, new "write-back" functionality allows editors to send clips and sequences over FireWire to XDCAM discs (as IMX, DVCAM or XDCAM HD) and P2 cards (as DVCPRO or DVCPRO HD). Both formats offer increased levels of portability, access and cost-effectiveness that are just as efficient for archiving and distribution as they are for acquisition.
Long GOP splicing
The Media Composer system now has the ability to work at MPEG GOP (Group of Picture) structures smaller than the standard 15 frames. This allows customers to export HDV material without having to render the entire sequence, saving valuable time in the editing room.
Integrated 'Send to DigiDelivery' collaboration tool
Collaborate with others across town, across the country, or across the globe! The DigiDelivery media delivery system provides safe and secure direct export right from the editor. An e-mail driven user interface makes it a fast, cost-effective way to review and approve every phase of a project.
4 Channel Audio Punch-In
Record up to 4 channels of audio directly to the timeline without having to capture and then edit the material. During complex dialogue replacement or narration, multiple voices can now be recorded into the timeline, for a huge time savings.
10-bit real-time color correction
Save time and money with fast, accurate color correction tools based on award-winning Avid Symphony finishing technology. One click automatically analyzes and color corrects an entire sequence, allowing editors to create matching sequences quickly and easily.
Panasonic Varicam off-speed support
Capture and playback off-speed frame rates from tapes and files created by popular Panasonic Varicam cameras. Camera operators can now choose off-speed frame rates with the comfort of knowing that they will be seamlessly reproduced in the editing process.
FluidMotion
Create incredibly smooth slow-motion effects and “fit-to-fill” video using patented pixel morphing technology. Control speed and position using intuitive curve-based keyframing. Apply the look of 24 fps progressive frame rates to 30 fps interlaced sources with the exclusive FluidFilm feature.
SpectraMatte Keyer
Pulling a key with 8-bit formats such as DVCPRO HD can be tricky. Create higher-quality keys and play them back in real time with 16-bit SpectraGraph technology. An interactive environment eliminates guesswork and helps editors to achieve a perfect key.
Full Screen Play over DVI Output
Content creators can now utilize lighter, less expensive LCD monitors for viewing full screen playback of SD and HD output connected via standard DVI connectors. No need for expensive bulky CRT-based HD monitors.
Professional film tools
Academy Award® winning Avid Film Composer film metadata management features are built in to every Media Composer system. Save time and eliminate costly errors with real-time capture of normal pulldown and automatic audio and video source synchronization. Stay focused with Script-based Editing and Web-based film cutlists. Accelerate your film workflow with seamless Timecode, KeyKode, DPX, VXF, and UNC metadata tracking.
Streamlined workflows
The unified Avid editing environment and seamless conform closes the gap between editing and finishing and eliminates the need to re-build creative editorial work in the online suite. Remote Play and Capture allows editing systems to act as networked source/record devices. Support for the Avid Interplay nonlinear workflow engine adds background media management, transfers, and encoding for facility-wide collaboration over Avid Unity shared media networks.
Superior media management
Organize, label, and locate all your media sources and assets quickly and easily. Move and rename clips without losing links - all occurrences are automatically updated. Intuitive, customizable media management features are built into the Avid editing environment and are designed for long, complex projects. |
HD Support
- Avid DNxHD encoding (10-bit and 8-bit 4:2:2) at 1080i at 59.94, 50 fps; 1080p at 25, 24, 23.976 fps; 720p at 59.94, 23.976 and 50 fps.
- Native DVCPRO HD support for 1080i 59.94, 50 fps; 720p at 59.94, 23.976 and 50 fps. Variable Frame Rate support - take advantage of Panasonic’s wide range of frame rates and get slow motion effects without having to render using 720p 23.976 or 720p 59.94 project types.
- Native XDCAM HD support for 1080i at 59.94, 50 fps; 1080p at 25, 23.976 fps
- Native HDV support for 1080i at 59.94, 50 fps; 1080p; 720p at 29.976 fps.
Editing Features
- Flexible codec library to support mixing DV, IMX, SD, and HD media in a single timeline
- Script-based editing interface including ScriptSync (ScriptSync supports the following languages: US English, UK English, Arabic, Dutch, German, Latin American Spanish - additional languages under testing)
- Advanced trimming tools
- Real-time Multicam (9 screens SD, 3 screens HD)
- Motion Tracking and Stabilization featuring SteadyGlide™
- Compatible with Avid ABVB AVRs and Meridien JFIF resolutions
- Media consolidate and transcode between resolutions
- 24 video and audio tracks (unlimited video layers via nesting)
- 24 MetaSync™ tracks
- Full Film Composer® toolset
- Render uncompressed effects independent of clip resolution
- Real-time equal power audio dissolves
- Scrolling timeline
- 4:3 and 16:9 support
- DV Scene extraction
- Long GOP Splicing
- Support for 24P normal and advanced pulldown capture over IEEE-1394 and SD- SDI/Analog
- PAL 24P and 25P
- Video Archive for SD video rate projects
- Edit while capture ( Avid Interplay required)
- Native 23.976, 24, and film editing with 24 to 23.976 sequence conversion
Digital Video Effects + Compositing
- Native 10-bit Boris Continuum Complete (version 4) effects and filters*
- Real-time customizable 3D effects, including Warp, Picture-in-Picture, Corner Pinning, Shapes, Video Titles
- Real-time Dissolves, Superimposition, Resize, Flips, Flops, Wipes, Conceals, Squeezes, Masks, and Picture-in-Picture
- Panasonic Varicam off-speed support (using 720p 23.97 or 720p 59.94 project types)
- Real-time Moving Mattes
- Real-time Chroma and Luma keys
- Real-time full-motion alpha keying
- Nondestructive compositing on unlimited layers
- Customizable rampable motion effects UI including FluidMotion™
- FluidFilm for film look in 50i and 60i material
- Supports all AVX™ 1.5 & AVX 2.0 plug-ins including 3rd party real-time plug-ins
- ExpertRender™ renders just the effects needed
- Intraframe™ Paint, AniMatte™, Scratch Removal
- Pan & Zoom creates video from high-res stills
- Deep Defocus, blur, mosaic
- Reformat tools for aspect ratio management
- SpectraMatte™ high quality chroma keyer featuring SpectraGraph™
- Full/Draft Quality mode for maximum performance
10 bit Color Correction
- Real-time professional-level color correction tools
- Patent-pending One Step AutoCorrect
- Patented NaturalMatch™ for easy tone matching
- Real-time keyframeable color effects
- Three-monitor color correction windows
- ChromaCurve™ and ChromaGraph display
- Advanced Waveform and Vectorscope monitors
- Split-screen client monitoring
Integrated Titling and Graphics
- Real-time uncompressed graphics and titles
- 2D and 3D titling including Marquee
- Rolling and crawling titles
- User-savable title style sheets
Streamlined Interoperability and Workflow
- Support for Avid Studio Toolkit (Avid FX, Avid DVD, and Avid 3D)
- Fully supported by the Avid Unity family, including collaborative environments with Avid Interplay.
- Edit while capturing media from an AirSpeed or Media Composer (requires Avid Interplay)
- Total Conform of bins, sequences, edits, composites, audio settings, effects, and Avid media with Avid Xpress®, Media Composer, Film Composer®, and Symphony™ systems
- Advanced conform with Avid DS Nitris™ systems with AFE
- Sony XDCAM support including MPEG 4 proxies, IMX and XDCAM HD
- Panasonic P2 import and export support for DVCPRO and DVCPRO HD
- AAF import/export
- MXF or OMF native media
- Windows Media HD and SD encoding
- Photoshop layers and After Effects support
- 24-bit audio file compatible with Digidesign Pro Tools® system
- Remote control play and capture
- DI metadata management for file-based offline workflows
Project Management/Asset Management
- Multilevel find, sift, and sort functions
- Frame, script, and text views
- Unlimited number of bins
- Media Consolidate feature
- Folder hierarchy (nestable folders) within Project Window
- Advanced project accounting tools
- User, project, and site settings
- Ability to lock media
- Supports Avid Interplay for facility-wide search and display and local or remote asset management
Encoding for Web + Interactive Delivery
- Encoding of WMV HD and Windows Media 9, H.264 MPEG4, MPEG 1&2, QuickTime, Flash, and RealMedia
- WMV HD for high definition content on today's DVD-ROMs
- Push-button export of Windows Media (ASF), QuickTime 7.0 , and MPEG-2
- QuickTime Reference Movie output
- Sonic DVDit
- Sorenson Squeeze*
- SmartSound SonicFire Pro*
- Noise Industries Factory Tools (Mac OS only, 14-day trial version) *
Networking + Storage
- Full Avid Unity LANshare, MediaNetwork and ISIS support for real-time performance in a connectivity, shared storage, media protection, and network security collaborative environment
- Supports Avid Unity TransferManager (either standalone or in conjunction with Avid Unity MediaNetwork and Avid Interplay) to move media transparently between Media Composer systems and any CPU, anywhere
- Supports the full range of Avid's Local Storage products for fully tested solutions with guaranteed performance
*Not included in Academic versions. |
with NEW Lower Pricing on 
NEW! Class on Demand
Complete Training for
You're always balancing quality, cost, and the next deadline. The new Media Composer Mojo DX combines the complete Media Composer 3.0 film and video editing toolset with new Avid Mojo DX hardware to give you a head start on all three. Save time and boost quality with native XDCAM-HD and P2 editing and the real-time effects architecture combined with the new Media Composer Mojo DX. Create DVD, Blu-ray, and Web media. And always count on the support and expertise of the worldwide Avid community.