New HD codecs are supported in this release, including Sony’s XDCAM EX, Panasonic’s AVCHD Intra codec and JVC’s ProHD format.
Each Media Composer comes with Mac and PC software versions on the same disc, allowing you to move your edit station from computer to computer with a dongle.
Media Composer 3.0 adds support for Windows Vista Business (SP1, both 32- and 64-bit versions), as well as Apple’s Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard). Most apparent is support for new OS releases. There are, of course, many new features and editing enhancements. Output and editing video look the same and use the correct aspect ratio, but internally the computer handles the anamorphic video natively. Again, everything here is under the hood.
This makes the system much faster when dealing with these formats, as the computer does not have to do any internal scaling or transcoding. This means HDV video is handled in its native resolution (1440×1080), the same with DVCPRO HD (1280×1080), and not up-sampled to 1920×1080. These include improved multi-threading for multiple CPU machines and a revised real-time effects engine, that allow much better video performance in terms of multiple video streams and effects handling, as well as rendering and exporting.Īnother speed improvement is that HD video is handled in its native raster. But there are some new tweaks that make your machine really fly. Video playback and controls are fast, fluid and snappy, an area where I think Avid has always been the best. One of the first things you notice in Media Composer 3.0 is its speed. This version can hold its own with any of the best Media Composer “vintages.” As with all Avid systems, you must pay attention to the system specs in terms of supported hardware and OS versions, but in heavy use Media Composer 3.0 has proved remarkably stable, even in challenging timelines that include many nested effects. Media Composer 11, running on the old Meridien board set on Apple OS9, is still sought-after for editing feature films, as its dependability is renowned despite being 7 years old. In terms of stability, different versions of Media Composer are appreciated in editing circles (much like fine wines).
Avid has consolidated its software lineup by getting rid of its mid-range Xpress Pro and moving everyone up to its flagship app for the same price. Media Composer now comes in at $2,495, as opposed to the $4,995 price for 2.0. But the real focus of this release is very compelling: under-the-hood improvements for stability, speed and something you don’t see much in any software: a 50% price drop. This new 3.0 version comes with the requisite new features and editing enhancements. How well does the Media Composer stack up? Stability, Speed and Price However, the landscape for digital video editing software has changed, with a lot more competition for your video editing dollar. A lot has changed since then, yet Avid Media Composer remains the standard in video and film editing for feature films and TV shows. It came with its own Mac, specialized hardware and a hefty price tag. The first Media Composer rolled off the factory line in 1989. Avid Media Composer has been the standard on which all NLEs have been based.