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Avid have finally released version 5.0 of their popular editing software - Media Composer

What’s new in Avid Media Composer v5.0

• Directly access and edit RED files through AMA, without transcoding (images are scaled to HD frame size) 
• Work natively with QuickTime video formats, including Apple ProRes and H.264 
• Edit video and audio by dragging and dropping elements in the timeline 
• Keep high-end finishing projects in-house and gain great color precision with HD-RGB support (including dual-link I/O support with Nitris DX systems) 
• Monitor video externally with support for the Matrox MXO2 Mini 
• Mix and match frame sizes and aspect ratios — in addition to formats, frame rates, and resolutions — in the same timeline 
• Take a break during long renders and have your system email you when the job’s done 
• Import AVCHD files directly from cameras and other devices 
• Capture to and edit XDCAM HD and DVC PRO HD formats from baseband without additional hardware 
• Access low-res XDCAM proxies for offline work, with full-quality audio Import text-based ancillary data and embed it in the video signal with the new “Data Track” and SMPTE 436M support using Nitris DX- and Mojo DX-based systems 
• View stereo audio tracks as single channels in the timeline for easier handling 
• Create high-quality sounds and mixes with support for RTAS audio processing plug-ins 
• Natively access and edit 4:2:2 MPEG-2 media from the new Canon cameras using AMA

The Matrox Convert DVI lets broadcasters and video professionals easily take the computer based content direct to air. It adds the option of creating broadcast video from computer applications such as Skype, YouTube, Google Earth, video games, and web browser sessions, as well as journalists’ mobile phone videos.

Quality HD-SDI scan converters with genlock typically cost thousands of pounds each and SDI audio embedders are often required. However Matrox Convert DVI is very inexpensive by comparison and allows system audio to be embedded in the SDI signal. It provides high-end features, excellent quality, and the ease-of-use necessary in broadcast operations.

The Matrox Convert DVI controls are provided via a simple PC-based user interface. By simply using a mouse, rather than with buttons on the unit itself, users can choose to output the entire screen or a region-of-interest of any size. Additional features such as a flicker reduction filter, an underscan mode, customizable presets with user-assignable hotkeys, password protection, and a stand-alone mode ensure optimal flexibility for many different applications, provide additional value. In applications where the DVI signal is not coming from a computer, but from a camera or medical device for example, Matrox Convert DVI can operate independently of a PC to deliver SDI and analog video.

This quite possible could be the best value Scan converter and Genlock available today!

As an indication on how far Apple has come in the last few years with it's editing and effects software, the predominant platform for editing Documentaries in this years oscars was: Final Cut Pro. According to a CNET news article 9 out of the 10 nominees in the "Documentary Feature" and "Documentary Short" categories this year, used Final Cut Studio in the making of their films. The Final Cut Studio package includes Final Cut Pro, Motion, Soundtrack Pro, Color, Compressor, and DVD Studio Pro, This extensive suite gives filmmakers all the post production tools necessary to produce movies.

CNET interviewed acouple of the people responsible for this year's nominated movies including Matthew O'Neil, director of "China's Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province;" Kim Roberts, editor of "Food, Inc.;" and Dan Wilken, online editor of "Food, Inc."

"We switched over entirely to Final Cut Pro and forced any holdout editors to switch too, because it made the most sense economically and allowed us to do everything we needed," said O'Neil.

Roberts added. "I tend to work on a lot of independent documentaries and Final Cut Pro is affordable and a good application. It's been a natural choice for filmmakers," she said.

You can catch up with the full article on CNET here 

Buy Final Cut Studio here, you never know it could be you at the Oscars next!