Buzz : Avid Tips

New Functionality: What You're Missing In Meridien

TUnruh — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:20:00 GMT

For folks who are wondering why they should upgrade to new Avid Media Composer versions, Steve Cohen (Splice Here) has summarized the latest features. Here's an overview (versions 3.0.5 and beyond):

16 tracks of playable audio.
Realtime audio dissolves.
Multiple tracks of realtime visual effects.
Select everything to the right.
Realtime timecode burnin.
Spectramatte.
Faster waveform display
Faster saves, even with big bins.
Timeline responsiveness.
Overall responsiveness.
Stability.
Scroll Wheel support.
OS X Leopard.
Improved locators.
Additional improvements to segment and trim modes.
High Def.

For Steve's full post, check out: Time to Upgrade (Splice Here).

Avid demonstrates support for RED camera at LA event

TUnruh — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:45:00 GMT

Here's a quick review from Igor Ridanovic, co-founder of the LA-based RED User Group, who attended one of the Avid+RED sessions in LA this week. Learn more about the existing RED workflow and what's new - from Media Composer to Avid DS.

"The Media Composer's unmatched ability to track all kinds of metadata and it's connectivity with Avid DS via Avid's AFE file format is a step ahead from the typical EDL based transfer between offline edit systems and DI workstations. This will allow facilities to work faster having to rebuild fewer effects and timeline tracks." - Igor Ridanovic (Kappa Studios)

P2 Workflow Resources

TUnruh — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:50:00 GMT

Shane Ross (Little Frog in High Def) has posted a video tutorial by Avid's Steve Holyhead. Check out the article for more resources on Avid's P2 workflow.

Editing Tips: Hidden Power User Secrets for Avid Media Composer

TUnruh — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:57:00 GMT

Earlier this month, Steve Hullfish started writing a weekly article series on Pro Video Coalition's website that includes helpful tips and tricks for Media Composer users. This week features his third set of tips - Avid Hidden Gems #3.

The "Avid Hidden Gems" include shortcuts and information on anything from the console command to the scratch removal tool as well as many other topics. In Steve's words, these tips are "culled from years of experience and hours of actually reading the manual - so you don't have to."

Catch up on the ones you missed:

Avid Hidden Gems #2

Avid Hidden Gems #1

The Avid Handbook - Available Now

TUnruh — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:20:00 GMT

The Avid Handbook is here and good news! It's been updated by Avid's own Greg Staten. Originally penned by Steve Bayes, the book is now available in its fifth edition.

Greg's updates to the book bring readers tips, tricks and hidden techniques behind the recently announced Media Composer 3.0 software. With information on a broad range of topics, including the transition from SD to HD workflows as well as how to manage multiple video formats, the book's content will appeal both to beginners as well as veteran Avid editors. It's a resource worth checking out.