Avid Technology Inc demonstrated its MCXpress PCI-based digital non-linear on-line video editing system at Multimedia ’96 last week. The product offers the highest compression of any from Avid at this stage at 3:1 via AVR 75. It is compatible with o ther Avid systems so users will be able to take advantage of the 3:1 compression. It is designed for use with both Macintosh and Windows NT systems by those in the professional media and for corporate users who produce high-quality video content. It is an entry level on-line broadcast system for us and it will appeal to both new and existing Avid users because of the price, said Graham McGuinness, media composer product specialist at London-based Avid Technology. MCXpress for Macintosh is ba sed of Avid’s Media Composer line and features bi-directional media, bin and sequence compatibility with Media Composer. It includes Avid’s AVR 75 two-field images and support for CCIR-601 media (720 by 486 NTSC and 720 by 576 PAL images). It comes standard with a Quick-Time coder-decoder, real-time Audio EQ, four audio tracks, EDL support and batch digitizing. MCXpress for Macintosh bundled systems lists for 11,500 British pounds, about $17,000 and turnkey systems from 19,500 pounds, about $29,000.
