TEWKSBURY,
Mass., Aug. 24, 2000 -- Avid Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVID) announced
today that Version 1.5 of Avid Xpress DV on IBM IntelliStation -- a
complete solution for editing and delivering video content for Web streaming,
CD, DVD and other media -- is now shipping.
The
new version provides an exclusive streaming video workflow, from content
creation to streaming media output to automated FTP upload to web video
hosting. It also offers improved interoperability with other content
creation tools, enhanced editing features, and a choice of workstation
configurations. It's ideal for web and DVD content creation, professional
video production, sales and marketing, training, Web-based teaching
and other uses. This new turnkey solution includes Avid Xpress DV 1.5
software pre-loaded and pre-configured on an IBM IntelliStation M Pro
workstation, all starting for under $6,400 ERP.
The new streaming video workflow covers every element of creating and
delivering streaming media. To create powerful video content, Avid Xpress
DV editing software offers a toolset based on the tenth-generation Avid
tools that are used to edit 96% of primetime television shows. To create
streaming versions of the completed video, a single pull-down command
exports seamlessly to Terran Interactive's Media Cleaner EZ, included
in the new release, and Media Cleaner Pro, sold separately.
These programs allow easy export to various streaming media formats
including QuickTime, RealNetworks, and Microsoft Windows Media technology.
To upload the video to web servers, the new release adds an integrated
Avid Publishing Wizard, which automates the process of FTP upload to
Web video servers. Finally, to host the video, customers in the United
States and Canada (excluding Quebec) will receive three months of free
video hosting from Yahoo!, representing an additional value of up to
$7,500.
"In the few months it's been available, Avid Xpress DV on IBM IntelliStation
has proven to be an overwhelming success. The solution leverages the
powerful features of Avid's advanced editing systems, combined with
state-of-the-art Web streaming capabilities plus automated FTP delivery
to web servers," said Alan Hoff, product manager for Avid
Xpress DV. "With Version 1.5, exporting to Web is now an even simpler,
one-step process, and improved interoperability dramatically enhances
collaborative workflow between multiple users."
For improved interoperability, the new release includes virtually instantaneous
QuickTime export to popular applications such as Adobe After Effects
through QuickTime Reference Movie. Version 1.5 also now supports Avid
Unity MediaNet, a powerful and inclusive media network solution for
content creation.
New editing capabilities in Version 1.5 include support for 16:9 widescreen
media to accommodate the wider aspect ratio of DTV and many popular
DV devices.
Avid Xpress DV on IBM IntelliStation is available in two configurations.
A new affordable model features a 733 MHz Intel Pentium III processor,
a 30GB EIDE for video files and a 15GB EIDE for applications. A high-performance
model features 933MHz Intel Pentium III processor and the high performance
and expandability of SCSI drives, and includes a 36GB SCSI for video
files and a 9.1GB SCSI for applications.
Availability and Pricing
The solution is currently shipping and is available exclusively
through IBM resellers and distributors, Avid resellers and distributors,
or direct from IBM (1-888 Shop-IBM). US IBM estimated reseller prices
are as follows: $6,349 for a model with a 733MHz Intel Pentium III processor
and 15GB and 30GB EIDE hard drives (model 6868-93); $6,909 for a model
with a 733MHz Intel Pentium III processor and 9.1GB and 18.2GB SCSI
hard drives (model 6868-92); and $7,889 for a model with a 933MHz Intel
Pentium III processor and 9.1GB and 36GB SCSI hard drives (model 6868-94).
About Avid Xpress DV on IBM IntelliStation
Avid Xpress DV on IBM IntelliStation solution combines industry-proven
Avid digital video editing software with easy Web streaming and DVD
delivery on a reliable, powerful IBM IntelliStation workstation. Based
on the Avid interface, the Avid Xpress DV software includes a powerful
set of professional DV editing, effects, audio, titling, graphics, compositing
and interoperability features. One-Step Technology allows users to save
time by accomplishing the most common editing tasks in the fewest possible
steps, often with a single mouse click. Supported multimedia formats
include RealNetworks G2, Microsoft Windows Media (ASF), AVI and Apple
QuickTime. The system also includes Ligos GoMotion for MPEG1 and MPEG2
encoding, as well as Sonic Solutions DVDit! LE for preparing rich DVD
content.
Avid Xpress DV on IBM IntelliStation is tightly compatible with Avid
Media Composer, Avid Xpress and Symphony products, with the ability
to exchange and Total Conform projects, bins and sequences. The solution
also offers exceptional interchange with third-party content creation,
supporting 25 file interchange formats and plug-in architectures such
as AVX and Digidesign AudioSuite tools.
The Avid Xpress DV software is sold exclusively on the IBM IntelliStation
M Pro, a workstation designed to solve new creative problems posed by
the world of video editing, animation, Web design and three-dimensional
computer-aided design.
About Avid Technology, Inc.
Avid Technology, Inc. is an international, industry-leading provider
of digital audio and video tools for information and entertainment applications.
The company's products are used by a variety of customers worldwide,
including film, television and interactive content producers and corporate
communicators. For more information, visit Avid's Web site at www.avid.com.
