Digidesign showcased several new products and upgrades at NAB 2006. The forthcoming Pro Tools HD 7.2 software upgrade ($199) will offer the ability to work with multiple video clips, tracks and playlists; play QuickTime video through AVoption|V10 or Avid Mojo; bounce edited audio and video files to QuickTime format; and much more.
Digidesign also introduced Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools M-Powered Version 7.1.1 software. The new versions offer Intel-based Mac support, are expected to ship in late May and will be available as a free update to registered users.
A new Surround Panner ($1,695) option from JLCooper Electronics offers ICON D-Command and Pro Tools HD system users a solution for dedicated panning control. With an industrial design that matches D-Command, the panner features one touch-sensitive joystick with a brushed aluminum handle, plus knobs and mode buttons for individual parameter control and a single, integrated MIDI/power cable. The Surround Panner is expected to ship in the third quarter of 2006.
Digidesign also announced improved streamlined integration between Pro Tools systems and Avid video systems. Thanks to enhanced export capabilities in Avid systems that are expected in the second half of 2006, Pro Tools editors will be able to import 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.
Lastly, Digidesign previewed a solution that 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. Using two separate workstations with bi-directional control, Pro Tools editors will be able to synchronize playback of Avid sequences, including DNxHD video, with Pro Tools sessions.
For more information, visit Digidesign at www.digidesign.com, Avid at www.avid.com and JLCooper Electronics at www.jlcooper.com.
