Avid Brings New Features and Its Next-Generation Meridien Video Subsystem to Avid Xpress for the Macintosh

Business Wire, July 21, 1999

Interoperability and Compatibility

Avid Xpress for Macintosh Version 2.5 is compatible with other Avid systems including Avid Xpress for Windows NT, Avid Media Composer(R) and Avid Symphony(TM), enabling users to transfer projects from one system to another with no conversion required. In addition, the actual media files are compatible with other Avid systems that use the Meridien video subsystem. Version 2.5 also includes compatibility enhancements with third-party solutions, including:

--32-bit QuickTime Support. Users can bring in QuickTime files with alpha channels directly from applications like Adobe After Effects.

--Support for Avid Unity(TM) MediaNet. Avid Xpress for Mac 2.5 supports Avid Unity MediaNet, Avid's new state-of-the-art shared storage solution. This enables users to easily collaborate on projects and reduce overall storage requirements.

--Support for Avid Visual Xtension (AVX) Plug-Ins. Avid Xpress for Macintosh 2.5 supports Avid's AVX(TM) plug-in architecture. Avid's TransJammer(R) plug-in and third parties such as Synergy International's Hollywood FX, Ultimatte Corporation's Ultimatte, and Artel Software's Boris FX plug-ins will be available for Avid Xpress 2.5.

Avid Xpress Roadmap Unveiled Including Version 3.0 and Millennium Edition

Avid also unveiled plans for follow-on releases for Avid Xpress for the Macintosh platform. Avid Xpress for Macintosh Version 3.0 is planned to be available in Q4 1999. This new release is scheduled to offer an uncompressed ITU-R 601 standard video option, plus enhancements including 8 video tracks, an 8 channel audio I/O option, audio punch-in, slip-and-slide editing, VTR play emulation, and more. Avid also plans a major release, code named the Millennium Edition for Avid Xpress for the Macintosh, targeted to support a number of new capabilities, as well as Apple's upcoming G4 platform, by mid-2000.

Pricing and Availability

Version 2.5 of Avid's Xpress for the Macintosh with the Meridien video subsystem is scheduled for availability through Avid's worldwide reseller network in September 1999. Avid Xpress 2.5 for the Macintosh G3 is priced as integrated software application and hardware kits (G3 CPU available separately). USMSRP for kit prices are as follows: Plus bundle $12,999; Deluxe bundle $19,999; Elite bundle $29,999. Avid is also planning an upgrade program to Version 2.5 with Meridien for current Macintosh-based Avid Xpress users; details will be announced at a later date. Customers purchasing Avid Xpress for Macintosh Version 2.5 this year will be eligible to received Version 3.0 software at no charge when it becomes available.

Avid Technology is an international, industry-leading provider of digital audio and video tools for creating content for information and entertainment applications. Avid's products are used by customers ranging from communications professionals to film, television and interactive content producers to broadcast news organizations. For more information, visit Avid's World Wide Web site at www.avid.com