Avid Introduces Revolutionary Broadcast Video Server: AirSpeed; New Product Integrates Powerful Ingest and Playout Capabilities with Nonlinear WorkflowLAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 18, 2004--Avid Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVID) today introduced AirSpeed^™, a revolutionary new video ingest and broadcast playback server that offers a range of workflow capabilities, format compatibility, and flexible connectivity and control. Designed to combine traditional broadcast server functionality with streamlined digital news production workflow, the AirSpeed system features VTR-like local operation with front-panel monitoring, full remote programmability and control, and complete interoperability with the Avid Unity^™ for News family of shared-storage solutions, as well as with Avid's industry-standard nonlinear editing systems.

"The AirSpeed system is a fresh, cost-effective approach to the problems of efficiently acquiring material and getting broadcast stories to air, from start to finish," said David Schleifer, director of Broadcast and Workgroups for Avid. "Supporting Avid's software-based DV25, DV50, and IMX codecs in an upgradeable configuration sets it apart from other video server solutions. What makes AirSpeed especially attractive is that it's more affordable than similar products on the market. It's also compatible with the Productivity Tools in Avid^® Workgroups 4.0, as well as Avid editing solutions, including the NewsCutter^® and Media Composer^® product lines and Symphony^™ systems. It's versatile, flexible, easy to use, and highly reliable for broadcast customers."

The AirSpeed system can be used as a direct ingest and playback device in conjunction with Avid Unity for News or LANshare for News shared-media workgroup environments, and can be controlled in a number of ways - locally, from its VTR-style front panel, over the network by peripheral I/O applications, or through the Avid Capture Manager feed control system. Avid Unity MediaManager automatically recognizes and logs incoming feeds from the AirSpeed system, making them immediately available to all production systems on the network.

Other AirSpeed system benefits include:

• Faster workflow. Without transcoding, users can ingest media directly into the Avid Unity for News solution in a variety of formats, allowing multiple editors to simultaneously edit a single feed, or groups of feeds, seconds after recording starts. Playout is reliable, accurate, and immediate.



• Straightforward operation with minimized errors. The AirSpeed system can be programmed and operated from any workstation or controlled locally from the front panel.



• SDI connectivity. The AirSpeed system integrates with broadcasters' primary video signal routing methods for a seamless fit in virtually any facility.



• Industry-standard video and analog inputs. With a full complement of data, video, audio, timecode, and control inputs and outputs, the AirSpeed system interfaces easily with existing equipment and workflows.



• Timecode preservation. The AirSpeed system keeps the station's timecode convention consistent throughout the workflow, and supports video logging and triage systems.



• Reliability. Multiple AirSpeed units can be pooled to share the same media, providing redundancy for fast, accurate playout from the rundown. In addition, the system leverages the reliable, field-proven AirSPACE software code base to ensure operational stability.

Pricing & Availability

AirSpeed is priced at $18,000 USMSRP, and is scheduled to be available in Q2 2004.

About Avid Technology, Inc.

Avid Technology, Inc. is the world leader in digital nonlinear media creation, management, and distribution solutions, enabling film, video, audio, animation, games and broadcast professionals to work more efficiently, productively, and creatively. For more information about the company's Oscar^®, Grammy^®, and Emmy^® award-winning products and services, please visit: www.avid.com.

^© 2004 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product features, specifications, system requirements and availability are subject to change without notice. All prices are USMSRP for the U.S. and Canada only and are subject to change without notice. Contact your local Avid office or reseller for prices outside the U.S. and Canada. Avid, Digidesign, Pro Tools, Film Composer, NewsCutter, Media Composer, Symphony, AirSpeed, AirSPACE and Avid Unity are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Avid received an Oscar statuette representing the 1998 Scientific and Technical Award for the concept, design, and engineering of the Avid^® Film Composer^® system for motion picture editing. Digidesign, Avid's audio division, received an Oscar statuette representing the 2003 Scientific and Technical Award for the design, development and implementation of its Pro Tools^® digital audio workstation. Oscar is a trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Emmy is a registered trademark of ATAS/NATAS. Grammy is a trademark of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Inc. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Avid Technology, Inc.
Amy Paladino, 978-640-3051
amy_paladino@avid.com
or
Weber Shandwick
Laura Shea, 617-520-7015,
lshea@webershandwick.com

SOURCE: Avid Technology, Inc.