Getting Started with the Media Composer or Symphony Software Trials

Experience Media Composer or Symphony Option before making the commitment -- you can download the full versions (no missing functionality) for free, for 30-days. 

The Media Composer or Symphony Option trials are also a great way for current customers and those that may have been gone a while to see what is new or has changed in the newest version 7.0 of the editing applications.  You can scan the product pages here:

Media Composer features

Symphony Option features

32-Bit or 64-Bit Media Composer Trial:   We do offer the Media Composer Software Trial in 32 bit or 64 bit.  So, if you’ve got a 64-bit Mac or Windows system, experience faster, more open workflows in a sleek new interface—request Media Composer 6.5.  If you only have a 32 bit system, then try Media Composer 5.5 and edit with extreme speed an ease  (system requirements).  

Note:  The Symphony Option with in conjunciton with MC 7 Trial and is 64 bit only.

Add-on Optons: 

In addition to the editing applications available for trial use, we also offer two new optio trials, ScriptSync 1.0 and PhraseFind 1.0, as part of the Media Composer  or Symphony Option Trial.  So you can test drive both the editing application of your choice AND two of our new powerful dialog search features – ScriptSync and PhraseFind.

Get more value—and options

The industry’s most trusted NLE is now more accessible than ever, with a starting price of just $999 (USD) for the full version of Media Composer 7. If you need to collaborate with others around the world, Media Composer 7 Interplay Edition provides additional support for the Avid Interplay family of products. And if you need advanced color correction tools, mastering tools, and the Boris Continuum Complete effects suite, add the Symphony option to Media Composer to get the full Symphony advantage. (See theSymphony Option FAQ.)

Downloading the Software Trial : If you would like to try Media Composer 7 with the Symphony Option and/or with PhraseFind and ScriptSync, you can download either one of the Trial versions 

Request and then Download one of the Media Composer or Symphony Option Trials

Look For Your Email Confirmation:  After you click submit on the Media Composer and Symphony Option Trial page, you will receive an email confirmation from Avid sent to the email address submitted.  If you do not receive the email, please check your spam folder before posting on this forum or contacting Avid.  If you are sure you did not receive the email, please send a email to [email protected] and include your name, email address.  We will respond within 1-2 days.

Download Link:  Once you receive the email you will then be directed to the web page where you can download the Media Composer 7 trial. 

Software Trial Help:  The Media Composer 7 with the Symphony Option 30-day Software Trials do NOT come with technical assistance.  The Get Started Fast Forum and the Knowledge Base are "the places" to go and find answers to all your questions relating to the trial software for Media Composer and Symphony Option,  ScriptSync and PhraseFind Options.

Before Getting Started with the Trial Software

Dual Platform: Media Composer 7 with the Symphony Option 30-day Software Trial are the fully functioning versions of the editing applications for either Mac and/or PC.  You can install either version on a Mac or PC and when you ultimately buy the editing software , you can even switch between platforms if your workflow requires dual platform functionality. 

System Requirements: Before you install the Media Composer 7 with the Symphony Option 30-day Software Trial, you need to make sure your system meets the versions specific minimum requirements.  The Media Composer and Symphony Option Trial come in 64 bit mode and have the same system requirements as the version for purchase so those interested in using the Software Trial should review the Media Composer 7 system requirements  prior to installing.

Important - You should also reference the “Building your Media Composer Suite” located in the Announcement section of this forum for more detailed information on Platform, OS, Graphics cards and more….

OS and QuickTime Compatibility: To ensure you are running at optimal performance, and have the correct OS and QT installed, we recommend that you check the Version Matrix prior to installing the 30-day Software Trial. 

Co-Installation of Editing Applications: Before you install the Media Composer Software Trial or the Symphony Option Trial, you need to be aware of the following co-installation limitations.  Media Composer/Symphony and Avid Studio or Media Composer/ Symphony and Avid Liquid cannot be installed on the same boot drive.  For further information on co-installation of different editing applications, please refer to the Avid Knowledge Base article on co-installation.   

Co-Installation of Pro Tools: If you want to install both Media Composer Trial or the Symphony Trial and Pro Tools on the same system, you can but you can’t use both applications at the same time.   To install Pro Tools and Media Composer or Symphony on the same system you should reference the ReadMe documents for the version of the Trial you are installing prior to using the Trail software.

Media Composer 7 documentation

• Install Guide
• What's New
• Media Composer 7.0.2 and NewsCutter 11.0.2 ReadMe
• Media Composer 7.0 and NewsCutter 11.0 ReadMe
• Media Composer 7.0 User's Guide
• NewsCutter 11.0 User's Guide
• Effects and Color Correction Guide
• File-Based Workflows Guide
• FlexNet Device Manager Guide
• Media Composer Help (Windows)
• Media Composer Help (Macintosh) zip file
• NewsCutter Help (Windows)

Using Third Party Hardware:  Currently, Media Composer and Symphony are compatible with the 3rd party Products via Avids Open I/O.

Open I/O FAQ:  http://avid.force.com/pkb/LegacySearch?DocId=422991

BlueFish 444 Open IO FAQ:  http://avid.force.com/pkb/LegacySearch?DocId=420619   

AJA Open IO FAQ:  http://avid.force.com/pkb/LegacySearch?DocId=420591

BlackMagic Open IO FAQ: http://avid.force.com/pkb/LegacySearch?DocId=420615  

MOTU Open IO FAQ:  http://avid.force.com/pkb/LegacySearch?DocId=420611  

Matrox Open IO FAQ:  http://avid.force.com/pkb/LegacySearch?DocId=420595

How to Activate the 30 day Software Trial

Media Composer and Symphony  Trial :  Launch the application and select  Trial Mode.  

Activate Trial - Customers will activate the Symphony Option 30 day Trial through the Avid Marketplace menu within the Media Composer Editing application.  

PhraseFind and ScriptSync: For instructions on how to launch in trial moce go to the Knowledge Base articles        “Accessing the PhraseFind or ScriptSync Trial with Media Composer ”.