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DV suite
Building a suite of apps that work together well is no small feat. That's why Avid's new Xpress Studio Essentials suite for DV is a good deal. It relies on the company's rep for delivering bulletproof products. Avid Xpress Pro now includes realtime moving alpha channels, script-based editing, and collaborative editing. Pro Tools LE supports up to 32 tracks of 24-bit/96kHz audio and up to 256 MIDI tracks. Avid 3D offers a Softimage|XSI-based 3D creation and effects environment, while Avid FX builds on the popular Boris Red titling and compositing package. Finally, Avid DVD can combine 4:3 and 16:9 media in a single project, and allows DVD editing without requiring re-authoring.
Price: $3,995
Tewksbury, Mass.; (800) 949-2843
www.avid.com/products/xpressstudio/
HD for DV
At NAB, Apple announced that the Power Mac and PowerBook can handle HD editing, thanks to Panasonic's DV HD codec. A less expensive VTR was also crucial in making this happen. That last part of the HD post puzzle came with Panasonic's introduction of the AJ-HD1200A DVCPRO HD VTR. Trumpeted as the first recorder to offer an optional IEEE 1394 interface operating at 100Mbps data rate, this compact, lightweight deck plays all standard definition DVCPRO formats (NTSC and PAL), as well as DVCPRO HD. The unit can also downconvert HD recorded cassettes for HD/SD simulcast or standard definition monitoring. In addition to 1080/60i and 1080/50i, the AJ-HD1200A supports variable frame rates over 720/60p recordings acquired with Varicam.
Price: $25,000 (with FireWire option)
Secaucus, N.J.; (800) 528-8601;
www.panasonic.com/business
Editing made easier
Editors know that spending long hours slaving over a computer keyboard can make a tough project miserable. That's why ergonomic, easily adjustable desks like Martin & Ziegler's Ergo Duet offer relief. Making the desk height work for you is key. With the click of a switch, the Ergo Duet's surfaces adjust electrically from a 26.6in. to a standing height. Long hours of editing can be made more comfortable by repositioning the desk periodically. The monitor bridge, which holds two computer monitors and an NTSC monitor, can be set at, above, or below the desk surface.
Price: Systems start at $2,975
Portland, Ore.; (800) 356-6224;
www.martinandziegler.com
Adobe updates
Multi-product integration took off at NAB this year. Case in point: Adobe's version 2.5 release of its Video Collection. This further tightens the links between its powerful titles, which include Premiere Pro 1.5, After Effects 6.5, Audition 1.5, and Encore DVD 1.5. Adobe Premiere Pro gained HD capabilities and support for import and export of EDLs and AAF (Advanced Authoring Format). Users now have the ability to copy and paste between Premiere Pro and After Effects. Also, Premiere Pro now supports 24fps, as Adobe announced the app works with Panasonic's line of 24p DV cameras.
Price: $999 for Standard; $1,499 for Pro (includes After Effects and Photoshop)
San Jose, Calif.; (888) 724-4508
www.adobe.com
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