The new Avid MC (Media Composer) made a splash at this year’s NAB Show. The specs for this new software include 32 bit floating color and support for 16k resolution. The Avid MC has been retooled to provide maximum efficiency for your projects. With a new user interface, rebuilt engine, built-in audio, color grading and delivery features, this system presents itself as major competition to similar applications.
The new Media Composer will be able to handle distributed rending. This means that you will now be able to leverage render nodes or other idle Avid systems to help crank out your projects. We know this will definitely be utilized when working in 32 bit float workflows. We will be putting the MC through some rigorous testing in the coming weeks to see which hardware configuration will offer the most performance boost.
The updated MC also includes direct IMF (Interoperable Master Format) export package for OTT and other production companies. Avid is working on more standards with some of the major streaming distribution platforms such as Netflix and in fact, Avid is one of the members of the Neflix Post Tech Alliance.
TV shows and films served as inspiration for the upgrades made to the Avid MC. Production is becoming more and more complex, and there needed to be a system that could deal with more elements. We can’t forget the new paneled user interface and task-based workspaces. These features make room for a more organized workspace, meaning large production companies can now customize the interface for various roles in their organization.
The new engine can deliver faster playback for video and audio streams, live timeline and background rendering which is sure to shorten turnaround times. Worried about security? The AvidMC offers maximum security for content, lowering the chance for unauthorized leaks.
It will be very interesting to see how much GPU / CPU this new version will take advantage of. We will be posting our test results very soon!