AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, Sep 10, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX News Network) -- IBC (Stand #7.J20) -- Avid(R) (NASDAQ: AVID) today announced Avid DS 10.5 -- a software-only solution designed to deliver powerful finishing and conform workflows at a new, approachable price point for busy, budget-conscious post facilities of all sizes. As the first software-only version of Avid's all-in-one visual effects, finishing and conforming solution, Avid DS 10.5 software delivers unmatched price-performance for customers seeking a single system that offers support for full DI workflows for RED, 2K, 4K, DPX and ARRIRAW projects; deep compositing and paint toolsets for high-end graphics and color work; and integration with Avid ISIS(R) shared storage and Interplay(R) production management solutions.

"We've taken all the greatness of DS and delivered it in a software-only solution that empowers customers -- ranging from independent boutiques to large post houses -- with a faster, more affordable way to finish television and film projects," said Chris Gahagan, VP of Products at Avid. "We've also opened up DS to include support for more industry leading formats, giving our customers greater workflow flexibility and the best offline to online finishing solution."

Avid DS 10.5 offers an extensive feature-set to help customers manage their project pipeline, including but not limited to:

--  All-in-one graphics and compositing capabilities that help speed
    project turnaround by eliminating the need to toggle between software
    applications to render media.
--  Full 2K playback or HD RGB 4:4:4 proxies for precise color correction
    and data management of effects and titles, ideal for finishing
    television projects.
--  REDRocket Accelerator card support to bring increased power for
    transcoding and the ability to render from any resolution, offering
    customers the real-time capabilities identical to standard video or
    film-based media workflows.
--  Increased access to the full creative toolset of AVX2 effects,
    including those from Boris FX, Sapphire and The Foundry, to streamline
    workflow at any stage of the editorial process.

"Software-only DS means I can say 'yes' to clients and projects that were previously off limits," said Dermot Shane, owner of mZungu Post Production. "As a smaller shop, we can now scale our finishing operations at a fraction of the cost and fill in any holes we may have previously had in the post workflow, like adding in a seat to handle effects and digital make-up process between conform, color grading and mastering. DS 10.5 offers a one-stop shop for finishing projects, wrapped in the convenience of a software package."

Availability Avid DS 10.5 software will be available beginning October 21, 2010. Pricing begins at $6995 USD for educational institutions and $9995 USD for professional licenses and each comes standard with a copy of Media Composer(R) 5 software. DS 10.5 is recommended for use with the HP Z800 workstation series and can be purchased as a turnkey system for an additional cost. For more information on the features, system requirements and upgrade pricing, 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), Interplay, ISIS, VENUE, Oxygen 8, Sibelius(R), System 5, 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, 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, the Avid logo, Media Composer, Pro Tools, Interplay, ISIS, 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 the Interplay Entertainment Corp. which bears no responsibility for Avid products. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contact:
Amy Peterson
Avid
978-640-3448
Email Contact

SOURCE: Avid

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