Buying Avid...

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paa79594

Active member
Hey All,

I've used FCP for quite some time now but the current company I am working with uses Avid. I've got some time to make the switch (I'm Post PAing, Dubbing, etc.) and learn Avid, but am unsure which version to buy and where to buy it from. I just want to be able to familiarize myself with the software, so when the day comes that I can move up, I'll have an idea of the program.

Any help (which version, where to buy) would be appreciated. Thanks
 
Currently, Media Composer/Symphony is on version 6 and I have heard nothing but great reviews for it. I haven't gotten a chance to try it out (I have it as free upgrade for being a teacher but haven't updated my OS to Lion yet) but when I buy a new computer I will. Try www.videoguys.com and see what deals they have for Avid. They may have a bundle that may suit you.
 
If you own FCP you can get Media Composer for about $1,500 US. Go to VideoGuys or avid.com to buy it (or other resellers - I have experience with both of them). It's worth learning. In the meantime, download the demo and try it for 30 days to make sure it will run on your system before you spend the money.
 
Thanks guys.

So there's no student option here, per say? I will definitely do the demo for now, but just can't afford the $1500 price tag (not complaining, just can't).

edit:

saw this on the site you recommended - http://www.videoguys.com/Item/Avid+...ith+4+years+FREE+Upgrades/445545356334D4.aspx

Now, will I need to have 5.5 or any other Avid software installed on my computer previously in order for this to work, or can I just buy it as is and it'l run?
 
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Are you a student or teacher? If you are, you can get the student price for $295 and the four years of free upgrades. If you're not a student you can't - you have to provide proof of being a student or teacher to purchase it.
 
No, and I highly, highly, highly recommend that you don't map your Avid keyboard like it's FCP.

If you're coming from FCP you're used to it and probably fast with it, but use the default Avid keyboard layout when you learn Avid. It's by far the most efficient and logical default layout of any NLE I've used and is designed to run Avid, fast.

The left hand alone, resting on the home keys, has everything mapped for probably 90% of your everyday editorial tasks (mark in, out, go to in, out, insert, overwrite, lift, extract, clear marks, etc...) You'd be doing yourself a disservice to try to make Avid run like FCP, and you'll get frustrated if you do.
 
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