Tewksbury, Mass. – AVID
Technologies revealed Wednesday three consumer-focused editing and creation
tools for home-based videographers and musicians, alike.
In video, the
company’s Pinnacle video-editing group unveiled the 14th edition of the
popular Studio video-editing software, dubbed the Studio HD ($49 suggested
retail), joined by the step-up Studio Ultimate ($99) package and the Studio
Ultimate Collection ($129), the latter offering a full range of easy-to-use,
professional-level plug-ins and tools.
In audio, AVID
unveiled several packages of software and hardware PC accessories, designed to
let consumers create a virtual recording studio at home.
All of the
consumer software is priced to move at major CE chains, including Best Buy, as
well as with most major online software and A/V retailers.
The Studio HD package features basic-level HD editing at a “price
point between competitive offerings limited to standard-definition editing and other
offerings capable of high definition,” the company said.
The software includes new ease-of-use levels. It include the
standard application (no multiple DVD menus or custom key frames), but adds additional
timeline overlay tracks and HD editing (including burning to AVCHD format).
However, neither Blu-ray Disc burning nor a Motion titler is included.
Studio Ultimate includes a lower price point than pervious
versions, DVD workflow, 5.1 digital sound, and easier graphic transitions and
effects workflows than competitive applications.
Included are Blu-ray Disc burning, Dolby 5.1 free activation, a
new Motion titler and two Red Giant integrated plug-ins (ToonIt and Knoll Light
factory)
The Studio Ultimate Collection has a complete package of software
plug-ins, green screen and Ultimate editing software, delivering an all-in-one
solution for complex video editing on home movies, said the company.
The package includes a green sheet, a printed manual (in large
box only), new Motion titler and six Red Giant plug-ins (Shine, ToonIt, Knoll
Light factory, Magic Bullet Looks, 3D stroke, Particular).
For home-based musicians, AVID unveiled its new Pro Tools
M-Powered Essential, which is billed as a simplified version of Pro Tools
software designed to be included with a variety of M-Audio audio and instrument
interfaces.
With Pro Tools M-Powered Essential included, M-Audio interfaces
will provide a better out-of-box experience for customers, enabling them to
start creating music immediately, and offering the Pro Tools software for price
points starting at $100.
Hardware Bundles with Pro Tools M-Powered Essential software
offer include:
• Pro Tools KeyStudio with an M-Audio KeyStudiokeyboard ($129
suggested retail). The keyboard offers 49 keys with the ability to add a full
88 key range with a slider control that raises or lowers the key range an
octave.
•Pro Tools Recording Studio with M-Audio Fast Track USB Hardware
($99).
•Pro Tools Vocal Studio, with an M-Audio Music Producer
Microphone ($99).
Pro Tools Essential is a light version of a product that is, at a
minimum, intended for musicians with knowledge of the principals of audio
mixing, AVID said.
Consumer products that are bundled with this software are
intended for creative hobbyists with an interest in musical composition,
editing and production
AVID will use the software to target creative youths looking for
an outlet for music creation, expression and production; as well as audio
enthusiasts interested in increasing their creative opportunities using tools
previously found only in expensive professional software.
To capture the attention of the younger audiences targeted for
its products, AVID is using social networks and real-world social spaces, such
as nightclubs, to display creations made with the new tools.
