Avid Media Composer 3.0

Now available for both the Mac on the Leopard OS, and on the PC running Windows Vista

These features are not all of the new features, but are the major updates for Media Composer version 3.0. As an editor, I think Avid is really pushing the limit of what we as editors need to do our jobs, and I'm really happy with what they have brought to the table.

Editors who are upgrading from a previous version of Media Composer (version 1 and 2) will not notice a significant difference between version 2.8 and 3.0 of Media Composer. Anyone upgrading from a Meridian system will notice a huge difference. Not only has the entire interface been streamlined, but many (and I mean many) new features have been added over the years from Scriptsync to the capability to mix and match codecs in your timeline. But one thing that Avid has made sure of is that if you have edited on an Avid before (even way, way back to version 5.5 that I started on about 13 years ago), you can sit down and be up and running in minutes. The new features that they have added complement Media Composer, they don't change it. If you don't need to use features like Scriptsync or P2 and XDCam media support, you would never know they were there. Avid leads the way when it comes to editing applications, and I have said it before, and my opinion hasn't changed, no one makes a better editing application than Avid does.

That being said, I do have one big problem with what Avid is doing with Media Composer. Don't get me wrong, I love when new versions of software come out and there are awesome features that make me think "What will Avid think of next?", but that doesn't change the fact that Avid is not fixing what doesn't work in Media Composer, and what hasn't worked for a long time. A perfect example is the fact that I can't match frame a title or an imported clip (from After Effects) that has an alpha channel. I should be able to match frame any clip any time, and since I started working on an Avid, I haven't been able to do this. Very annoying!

Also, I was always a big fan of Marquee when it was a standalone application (old school editors will know what I'm talking about), and its inclusion in Media Composer was an exciting addition. It's too bad that Avid really hasn't done anything major with it since it was added. I understand that new features sell systems, but if you want to keep current users on board, you have to fix what doesn't work. Overall, my complaints about Media Composer are very minor compared to what you get with this program. There is no question as to why Avid is the leader in post production. They set the bar, and everyone else has to rise up to it. For a more in-depth look at the previous features of Media Composer, you can check out my review of version 2.7 here

Value for your dollar
First and foremost, with Avid's "New Thinking" philosophy, things have changed in the land of purple! First, Avid's XpressPro has been phased in Media Composer to get all editors working on the same platform. Also, Avid has cut the price of Media Composer Software edition in half. That's right, now instead of dropping $5000 US for Media Composer, you can get it for $2495. Current users of 2.8 can upgrade for an awesome price of $295! That might not sound like a bargain for some users, but long time Avid editors will know that this is almost unheard of, especially from a company like Avid.

Secondly, Avid has actually slashed the prices of not only its software, but itshardware as well. You can now pick up a Media Composer Nitris DX system with an 8-core Mac Pro (which does both HD and SD) for less than $25,000 US (without storage). This is an absolutely unbelievable price, and makes Avid's MC Nitris DX system affordable to independent editors. Like I had said earlier, Avid has the best editing application on the market, and a price cut of 50% is huge.

It's good to see that Avid has started to listen to its user base, as well as see the fact that even though competitors might not have as strong an editing application as they do, they do have a bundled product that offers sound design, DVD creation, secondary color correction and many other features that would steer editors toward those packages simply for the fact that they offer a lot more "meat and potatoes" for their money. Do not pass over Media Composer because of its $2495 price tag, as you would be doing yourself and your clients a great disservice.

Pros

New features are excellent, and every editor will have a need for almost all of them
Leopard and Vista support
50% price cut on MC Software
Still the best editing application on the market

Cons

Things that haven't worked right STILL don't work right (Match Frame Precomputes)

DMN Purchase Recommendation: Absolute Buy

At the end of the day, Avid still makes the best editing application on the market, and one thing that I think editors, especially ones who work out of their homes, need to keep in mind is that in the growing, competitive market, you NEED an Avid. By having this application in your arsenal, you bring the best editing application to the table to bring your clients the best possible finished product. For more information on Avid and Media Composer, you can check them out at www.avid.com.

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Kevin P McAuliffe is currently a Senior Video Editor working in HD post production in Toronto, Canada. He has been in the television industry for 12 years, and spends his days onlining on a Final Cut Pro HD. Kevin's high definition onlining credit list includes concerts for Coldplay, Sarah McLachlan, Barenaked Ladies, Snow Patrol, Sum41, Paul Anka, Il Divo and Pussycat Dolls, to name a few. Also, Kevin is an instructor of Advanced Final Cut Studio 2 at the Toronto Film College. If you have any questions or comments, you can drop him a line at kevinpmcauliffe@gmail.com

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