LAS VEGAS, NV, Apr 11, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX News Network) -- NAB (Booth #SU902) -- Raising the bar on format flexibility, openness and speed, Avid(R) (NASDAQ: AVID) today introduced new versions of its industry-leading editing systems: Media Composer(R) (v5), NewsCutter(R) (v9) and Symphony(TM) (v5). New features include:

--  Native support for popular industry formats including RED, QuickTime
    and Canon XF -- eliminating timely transcode, re-wrap and log and
    transfer processes for customers.
--  Support for Matrox MX02(TM) Mini monitoring hardware, which is
    ideal for customers looking for a low-cost external monitoring
    solution that enables field editing and simplified client screening
    sessions.
--  HD-RGB finishing capabilities that empower customers to maximize their
    budgets by keeping high-end finishing work in-house. Avid Media
    Composer Nitris(R) DX now offers Dual Link HD-RGB support, allowing
    customers to digitize RGB 4:4:4 material from video sources like
    Sony(R) HDCAM SR(TM). A new RGB player and full-effects
    processing support provide greater precision for color, keying and
    effects work, satisfying the demands of the highest quality
    productions.
--  Multi-channel audio support and an array of new usability enhancements
    to the interface.

Expanded Format Support -- More Flexibility and Choice for Customers

Avid Media Access (AMA) enhances productivity by offering support for the most popular file-based formats, eliminating the need for customers to transcode, re-wrap, log and transfer media. New formats natively supported in Media Composer, NewsCutter and Symphony editing systems as a result of AMA include:

--  QuickTime: Allows customers to directly edit any media that plays in
    the QuickTime player, including the Apple ProRes codec and .MOV files
    generated by DSLR cameras such as the Canon 5D and 7D. Additionally,
    customers have the ability to import from devices that natively record
    and generate QuickTime and ProRes files like the AJA Ki Pro or Omneon
    Spectrum Server. Content can then easily be shared between Avid and
    third-party applications.
--  RED: Provides direct access to .R3D footage, including full metadata
    preservation, allowing customers to work with full quality media
    throughout the entire production process. Additionally, RLX and RSX
    files are supported for high-fidelity color management and images are
    scaled to HD frame sizes for TV production.
--  New Canon XF codec: Delivers support for the newest Canon camcorder,
    introduced today.
--  XDCAM proxies: Offers access to proxy video and high-quality audio
    files, enabling customers to make more informed creative decisions in
    the offline edit and easily link back to full resolution XDCAM clips
    to complete projects.

Additionally, Media Composer, NewsCutter and Symphony systems now allow customers to work with the popular AVCHD format.

Additional New Features in Media Composer, NewsCutter and Symphony

--  Improved audio effects and multi-channel audio support: Delivers the
    ability to apply hundreds of real-time audio effects with support for
    Real-Time Audio Suite (RTAS) audio plug-ins, providing customers with
    more creative and corrective audio options within Avid video editing
    systems. Additionally, stereo timelines can now be treated as one
    channel/layer, easing handling and increasing available timeline real
    estate.
--  Enhanced user interface: Offers a new timeline Smart Tool, featuring
    "drag and drop" audio and video elements as well as editing and
    trimming features for direct manipulation of clips in the timeline,
    providing customers with more choice in the way they work.

Pricing and Availability Media Composer, Symphony and NewsCutter software will be available on June 10, 2010. For educational institutions and students, Media Composer v5 is just $295 USMSRP. Beginning June 10, 2010, students with academic versions of Media Composer software (versions 4 through 5) will qualify for complementary upgrades for four years from the date of software activation.

For more information on pricing and features visit: www.avid.com

About Avid Avid creates the digital audio and video technology used to make the most listened to, most watched and most loved media in the world -- from the most prestigious and award-winning feature films, music recordings, television shows, live concert tours and news broadcasts, to music and movies made at home. Some of Avid's most influential and pioneering solutions include Media Composer, Pro Tools(R), Avid Unity(TM), Interplay(R), Oxygen 8, Sibelius(R) and Pinnacle Studio(TM). For more information about Avid solutions and services, visit www.avid.com, del.icio.us, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube; connect with Avid on Facebook; or subscribe to Avid Industry Buzz.

Copyright 2010 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product features, specifications, systems 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, the Avid logo, Media Composer, NewsCutter, Symphony, Nitris, Pro Tools, Avid Unity, Interplay, Sibelius and Pinnacle Studio are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. The Interplay name is used with the permission of Interplay Entertainment Corp., which bears no responsibility for Avid products. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Contact: Christi Dean, 978-640-5147, Email Contact

SOURCE: Avid

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