Avid Technology announced the worldwide availability of its Avid Xpress Studio all-in-one production suite. Designed for DV professionals, the award-winning Avid Xpress Studio system combines video editing, audio production, 3D animation, compositing and titling, along with DVD authoring capabilities with professional video and audio production hardware - all of which interoperate seamlessly on a single computer. Customers can purchase Avid Xpress Studio through Avid's global reseller channel and the Avid store (www.avidstore.com).
Arthur Klein, an editor with Event Horizon Labs in Santa Monica, CA, and an Avid Xpress Studio beta tester, commented, "As much as editors want to focus on the creative aspects of the job, the reality is that we also spend a lot of time managing workflow. That's why I was so excited to get my hands on Avid Xpress Studio. It's the first solution in its class to remedy common production workflow challenges by offering a single, integrated set of tools. I can create elements in one application and then open them in another with a single click of a button - no format conversions or lengthy render times are required. The impact on my productivity is tremendous, and I can get back to doing what I love most: creating compelling entertainment."
The Avid Xpress Studio system is available in two versions at breakthrough prices. Each version includes the Avid Xpress Pro, Avid Pro Tools LE, Avid 3D, Avid FX and Avid DVD by Sonic software applications, and a different hardware configuration:
* Avid Xpress Studio Complete: For $6,995, this package includes the Digi 002, which provides professional audio and MIDI I/O connections and eight touch-sensitive, motorized faders for automation control. It is designed to work with both the Avid Xpress Pro and Avid Pro Tools LE applications. Avid Xpress Studio Complete also includes the Avid Mojo Digital Nonlinear Accelerator (Avid DNA), which offers simultaneous realtime output of multiple streams of video and 3D effects to client monitor and tape, the ability to mix uncompressed graphics and animation with DV media in realtime.
* Avid Xpress Studio Essentials: For $3,995, this package includes the Digidesign Mbox hardware, a two-channel USB audio peripheral that integrates audio and MIDI recording, editing and realtime mixing.
The software and hardware applications included in the Avid Xpress Studio system are also available for individual purchase. Pricing is as follows:
* Avid Xpress Pro: $1,695 (available for both Mac and Windows)* Pro Tools LE, including Digidesign DV Toolkit software and Mbox hardware: $1,490 (Mac and Windows)* Digi 002, including Avid Pro Tools LE and Digidesign DV Toolkit software: $3,490 (Mac and Windows)* Avid 3D: $1,495 (Windows only)* Avid FX: $1,595 (Mac and Windows)* Avid DVD by Sonic: $1,995 (Windows only)* Avid Mojo: $1,695 (Mac and Windows)
The Avid Xpress Studio is currently qualified for Windows-based systems, including a range of desktop and laptop CPUs from HP - Avid's preferred PC platform provider. Upgrade pricing for current Avid Xpress Pro, Avid Xpress DV and Digi 002 customers starts at $2,295. For a complete list of qualified CPUs, more details about the upgrade program, and additional information about the features and capabilities of the Avid Xpress Studio system, visit www.avid.com/xpressstudio.
Avid Technology Inc. (www.avid.com) is an industry leader in digital nonlinear media creation, management, and distribution solutions, enabling film, video, audio, animation, games and broadcast professionals to work more efficiently, productively and creatively.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
