Avid opens software Cinema

MacWeek, July 6, 1998 by Leander Kahney

Available now, the $139 Cinema 1.2 will let users capture, edit and output full-motion video on an audiovisual-capable G3.

Based on QuickTime 3.0, the software relies on the host machine's processor speed and audiovisual I/O capabilities. The previous version, co-developed by Avid and Apple in 1996, featured a PCI accelerator card with video and audio I/O.

Designed for novices, Avid Cinema 1.2 features a simplified interface and storyboard templates to guide users through the movie-making process, according to the company. It includes more than two dozen special effects and a titler.

The company will also demonstrate a workgroup system based on the company's high-end Avid Xpress nonlinear editing system and G3 clients running the new version of Cinema.

Aimed at businesses and schools, the Digital Media Workgroup system will allow novice users to copy film and other multimedia files from Xpress and assemble movies in Cinema.

As an example, the company said an ad agency with an Xpress system could quickly assemble and print to video a montage of ad spots for prospective clients.

The system will be based on AppleShare. Avid estimates it will cost between $10,000 and $30,000, depending on the configuration.