Xpress Pro vs. Media Composer software

S

sean90291

Veteran
Avid Media Composer is available as a software only suite, which sounds good...except I can't seem to get a very accurate picture of what Media Composer software does to make it worth the extra price over Xpress Pro. Even when I read the Video Guys list of best video products of 2006 (http://www.videoguys.com/2006best.htm), they themselves say: “What can MC Soft do that Xpress Pro can’t? The answer isn’t that simple and easy." The Avid website doesn't shed any light on this for me either. I think MC Soft allows for real-time editing of high resolutions...but I'm not sure what that would mean for me as a home-based editor (and future Red Camera owner).

So perhaps one of you guys can explain what Avid and the Video Guys cannot.

Cheers.
 
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sean90291 said:
I think MC Soft allows for real-time editing of high resolutions...but I'm not sure what that would mean for me as a home-based editor (and future Red Camera owner).
Click to expand...
If you're asking if Avid MC software can handle Red you should check one of the long threads in the Red forum regarding workflow, NLE's, etc. Considering the current Red workflow is converting the 4k images to the codec of choice for editing with any NLE, I don't think being a future Red owner should affect your choice of NLE software.

For Avid user feedback check the Avid forums for the difference between MC software and XPress Pro.
http://www.avid.com/exchange/forums/
 
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I doubt any user will be editing 4K native regardless of NLE because of storage and performance needs of the format. Red has an application that will create media based on the codec of choice of the user - basically a transcode function. As with any new camera manufacturer they are in discussions with all NLE manufacturers.

Avid has codecs available for licensing, DNxHD codecs available via the QuickTime codecs and an extensive feature set for tracking metadata from timecode to KeyKode to file based formats already in the software. So as milksac says, you buy the camera for your needs as well as the software to meet your needs and workflow once the camera is on the market.

Be prepared to buy lots of storage - and archive storage, and backup storage... ;) read the threads dealing with the P2 workflows and multiply that by a factor of 10-15...


Michael
 
There will definitely be a workflow for Red that involves not working in 4K until you're ready to output to whatever you decide you're going to master to. It really makes no sense to work in anything above 1920x1080...for that matter most are working with downcoverted SD material, and onlining in HD when ready for that step.

As for the difference between the two softwares, there is very little difference for sure (not worth the 3,000 upgrade anyway), and I was told by my reseller to wait and see what Avid does prior to NAB because sales are generally flat in the quarter leading up to NAB.

Some may note there was an incentive for Xpro users to go up to MC for 3K as at Dec. 20th but that's gone. There are some unanswered questions over upgrading that is related to the hardware future respecting Xpro...will they finally provide a solution for HD-SDI, or at least component HD? That's the main question for having incentive to go to MC -at least one can get into the Adrenaline hardware with the Xcel board and edit in 10 bit HD. But even then there's a question of what will MC do to provide a value-added reason for users to go this route because the resolution is 10 bit 4:2:2 220 Mbit...4K 4:4:4 is massive storage as Michael P pointed out. I really don't see MC being able to handle that kind of resolution as it would cut into those very lucrative Nitris sales for Avid.
 
Thanks guys. I actually wasn't asking about Media Compser vis-a-vis Red. Not exactly. I was really hoping to get a succinct answer about how Media Composer is different (and better cuz it's way more expensive) than Xpress Pro. I wondered if one difference was resolutions (which is why I brought up Red). But I don't even know if that IS a difference. Nor if that is the only difference.

I did check the Avid links. I read about a MC "interface," but not sure how this could make it better. Avid keeps things cryptic to keep the "amateurs" like me out of their hair. ;-) But it's the program I know, and I just don't like FCP.

So what gives with MC Soft? Why's it worth going that route as opposed to Xpress Pro? Cheers!
 
Multi-Cam goes from 4 to 9 sources.

You get the Ani-Matte Effect.

You get the Spectre-Matte Effect.

The Trim Mode is much more advanced (i cannot think of the term for it right now....)
 
Secondary CC as well. (the biggest reason I'd go there)

Also, don't know if this has been discussed but does Avid Xpress HD edit MXF files from the HVX natively?
 
Brandon Rice said:
Secondary CC as well. (the biggest reason I'd go there)

Also, don't know if this has been discussed but does Avid Xpress HD edit MXF files from the HVX natively?
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure only a Symphony or Nitris System can do Secondary Color Correction. That is one of the biggest requests from the Media Composer crowd I thought.
 
Hey, much appreciated, as always. So what I understand then is that Media Composer software gives me:

Multi-Cam up to 9 sources. -- can't imagine I'd need that

The Ani-Matte Effect (though it sounds like After Effects does this just as well for a lot less?).

The Spectra-Matte Effect (also available in After Effects I think).

The Trim Mode is much more advanced (not sure how...but I'll look into that)

And I get to say "I edit on Media Composer." (heheh...might be reason enough).

cheers
 
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