One of the most significant software upgrades for ICON and Pro Tools|HD systems to date, Pro Tools HD 7.2 software introduces a wealth of new features and enhancements designed to give audio post professionals more speed, power, and flexibility. Currently expected in the second half of 2006.
Pro Tools editors will soon enjoy the simplicity of importing a single "mixed-down" video file while still viewing all of the clip names and cuts from the Avid sequence for easy navigation and frame-accurate selections.
With Avid HD Picture Coming to Pro Tools|HD this solution of from Digidesign will allow ICON and Pro Tools|HD system users to work with Avid HD picture without needing to render effects or perform time-consuming AAF sequence exports. Utilizing two separate workstations with bi-directional control, Pro Tools editors will be able to quickly open and play Avid sequences, including DNxHD video, while still enjoying full audio performance.
A push/pull workflow with Avid Unity ISIS will be officially qualified for Windows XP-based Pro Tools|HD systems soon. Users of Pro Tools HD 7.1 software will be able to identify Unity ISIS volumes as transfer drives, causing Pro Tools to pull media to local drives when opening sessions off of Unity ISIS and to push media to Unity ISIS volumes through the use of session copies. Avid and Digidesign also plan to qualify Windows XP-based Pro Tools|HD systems with direct streaming playback from, and record to, Avid Unity ISIS in winter 2006/2007.
At the same time, Avid and Digidesign plan to introduce direct Pro Tools integration with the new Avid Interplay system, greatly simplifying the AAF exchange process between Pro Tools and Avid editors. By using a new software add-on and following documented, qualified workflows, Pro Tools users will be able to take advantage of the rich feature set of the Avid Interplay Access client, allowing them to interact more directly with other users within the Avid Interplay environment. Planned Interplay integration includes automated output of draft-resolution video elements to the audio editor, with seamless return to high-resolution video on check-in, streamlined AAF interchange, simplified and centrally-managed import/export options, version control of exchanged sequences, and even support for remote workstations connected via a WAN.
A Surround Panner Option by JL Cooper Electronics offers ICON D-Command and Pro Tools|HD system users a perfect solution for dedicated panning control. With an industrial design that matches D-Command, the panner features one touch-sensitive joystick with brushed aluminum handle, plus knobs and mode buttons for individual parameter control and a single, integrated MIDI/power cable to reduce clutter.
Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools M-Powered 7.1.1 Software is expected late May 2006, this free update to Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools M-Powered software will run as a native application on Apple's new Intel-based iMac and MacBook Pro computers, making full use of the host computer's processing power.
NAB 2006 was held from 22 April through 27April at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
(Chris Henry)
