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{{CompanyCargo
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1987
|Founded=1987
|Industry=Audio, Music, Video
|Industry=Pro Audio, Pro Video, Music, Broadcast
|Logo=Pure Purple AVID Logo.png
|Logo=Pure Purple AVID Logo.png
|ParentCompany=Symphony Technology Group
|ParentCompany=Symphony Technology Group
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}}
}}


'''Avid Technology Inc.''' is a US-based multimedia and technology company located in Massachusetts formed in 1987 that specializes in providing solutions for the professional audio, video, and media markets.
'''Avid Technology Inc.''' is a US-based multimedia and technology company located in Massachusetts formed in August of 1987 that specializes in providing solutions for the professional audio, video, and media markets. They are most well known for the music software Pro Tools, scoring software Sibelius, and video editing software Media Composer.


Avid Technology is owned by the parent private equity group Symphony Technology Group (STG) as of 2023.
Avid Technology is owned by the parent [[wikipedia:Private_equity|private equity]] group Symphony Technology Group (STG) as of 2023.


==Consumer impact summary==
==Consumer impact summary==
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*Requiring customers to purchase an Avid Support Code (ASC) or be under an active product Subscription or Software Updates + Support Plan to receive direct ticketing support using Avid's helpdesk. Phone support is only offered on an ASC code usage or a higher Support Plan.
*Requiring customers to purchase an Avid Support Code (ASC) or be under an active product Subscription or Software Updates + Support Plan to receive direct ticketing support using Avid's helpdesk. Phone support is only offered on an ASC code usage or a higher Support Plan.
*Usage of Avid designed hardware require the use of an "advanced" tier of their software products in order to provide full functionality and/or control.
*Usage of Avid designed hardware require the use of an "advanced" tier of their software products in order to provide full functionality and/or control.
*Avid designed hardware have a fixed 5-year term for hardware and software support when the product reaches its declared End of Sale date. After that point, all support for the product will cease officially.
*Avid designed hardware have a fixed 5-6 year term for hardware and software support when the product reaches its declared End of Sale date. After that point, all support for the product will cease officially.


==Incidents==
==Incidents==
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===Avid is Acquired by an Affiliate of STG for USD $1.4B (Nov 2023)===
===Avid is Acquired by an Affiliate of STG for USD $1.4B (Nov 2023)===
Avid Technology was acquired by an affiliate of [https://https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphony_Technology_Group STG (Symphony Technology Group)] for 1.4 billion dollars on November 7, 2023 in a cash-only deal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 Nov 2023 |title=STG Completes Acquisition of Avid Technology |url=https://stg.com/news/stg-completes-acquisition-of-avid-technology/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260307073724/https://stg.com/news/stg-completes-acquisition-of-avid-technology/ |archive-date=7 Mar 2026 |access-date=16 Apr 2026 |website=STG}}</ref> This delisted Avid from the NYSE and returned its status as a private entity.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Avid Technology (AVID) - Stock split history |url=https://companiesmarketcap.com/avid-technology/stock-splits/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260416175443/https://companiesmarketcap.com/avid-technology/stock-splits/ |archive-date=16 Apr 2026 |access-date=16 Apr 2026 |website=CompaniesMarketCap.com |quote=This company appears to have been delisted Reason: Acquired by Private Equity Firm STG Last recorded trade on: January 9, 2024}}</ref> Subsequently, some of Avid's product development has been moved to STG Labs, the primary engineering office for STG in India, alongside other portfolio companies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About STG Labs |url=https://stg.com/stg-labs/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-04-16}}</ref>
Avid Technology was acquired by an affiliate of [https://https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphony_Technology_Group STG (Symphony Technology Group)] for 1.4 billion dollars on November 7, 2023 in a cash-only deal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 Nov 2023 |title=STG Completes Acquisition of Avid Technology |url=https://stg.com/news/stg-completes-acquisition-of-avid-technology/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260307073724/https://stg.com/news/stg-completes-acquisition-of-avid-technology/ |archive-date=7 Mar 2026 |access-date=16 Apr 2026 |website=STG}}</ref> This delisted Avid from the NYSE and returned its status as a private entity.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Avid Technology (AVID) - Stock split history |url=https://companiesmarketcap.com/avid-technology/stock-splits/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260416175443/https://companiesmarketcap.com/avid-technology/stock-splits/ |archive-date=16 Apr 2026 |access-date=16 Apr 2026 |website=CompaniesMarketCap.com |quote=This company appears to have been delisted Reason: Acquired by Private Equity Firm STG Last recorded trade on: January 9, 2024}}</ref> Subsequently, some of Avid's product development has been moved to STG Labs, the primary engineering office for STG in India, alongside other portfolio companies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About STG Labs |url=https://stg.com/stg-labs/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-04-16}}</ref>
===Avid Partners with Google Cloud to bring Agentic AI to Media Production (April 2026)===
Avid Technology has announced a partnership with [[wikipedia:Google_Cloud_Platform|Google Cloud]] in a multi-year contract to bring Google [[wikipedia:Google_Gemini|Gemini]] and [[wikipedia:Vertex_AI|Vertex]] models into an integrated workflow with Media Composer and Avid Content Core, a [[Software as a service|SaaS]] cloud service for media asset management.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 Apr 2026 |title=Avid and Google Cloud Announce Partnership to Bring Agentic AI to Media Production |url=https://www.avid.com/press-room/2026/04/avid-and-google-bring-agentic-ai-to-media-production |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2026 |website=Avid.com}}</ref>
This poses the danger that raw audio and video material may be subject to privacy issues associated with Google Cloud and Gemini/Vertex; critical for sensitive media under security by the dub stage and evolving cloud workflows.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tehrani |first=Cyrus |date=3 Feb 2026 |title=Google Gemini security risks and privacy concerns explained |url=https://concentric.ai/google-gemini-security-risks/ |url-status=live |access-date=23 Apr 2026 |website=Cocentric AI}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first= |date=21 Apr 2026 |title=Building a future-ready security strategy: Lessons from leading studios |url=https://blogs.autodesk.com/media-and-entertainment/2026/04/21/building-a-future-ready-security-strategy-lessons-from-leading-studios/ |url-status=live |access-date=23 Apr 2026 |website=Autodesk}}</ref>
With direct integration into Media Composer, concerns that Gemini may be able to automate editing tasks previously done by manual review questions whether this partnership may replace video editors operating at any level of production. Additionally, generative tools included in the integration may bring the criticism and risks associated with generative tools in mass media production.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 Apr 2026 |title=Avid makes a deal with Google for a new AI tool |url=https://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=433718 |url-status=live |access-date=23 Apr 2026 |website=Avid Pro Audio Community (DUC)}}</ref>


==Policies==
==Policies==
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===Software Product Model===
===Software Product Model===
All Avid Software Products are using a subscription-based or a perpetual + support plan model. Those which have expired support plans for perpetual users cannot upgrade their software version past bug fix releases for their current given year and major release. Renewal contracts for perpetual users are usually fixed in 1-3 year renewals, requiring constant purchasing unless the user lapses every few years.
All Avid Software Products are using a subscription-based or a perpetual + support plan model. Those which have expired support plans for perpetual users cannot upgrade their software version past bug fix releases for their current given year and major release. Renewal contracts for perpetual users are usually fixed in 1-3 year renewals, requiring constant purchasing unless the user lapses every few years.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=22 Apr 2026 |title=Pro Tools - Music Software |url=https://www.avid.com/pro-tools |url-status=live |access-date=22 Apr 2026 |website=Avid.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 Sep 2025 |title=Software Updates + Support Plan upgrades FAQs |url=https://kb.avid.com/pkb/articles/FAQ/FAQs-1-Year-Upgrade-with-Software-Updates-Support-Plan |url-status=live |access-date=22 Apr 2026 |website=Avid Knowledge Base}}</ref>
 
===Education Software Policy===
All Avid Software Products that are labeled and sold as "Educational", "Academic", or similar use case versions cannot be used for commercial use. A full priced, non educational license is required for all use cases. Additionally, users cannot apply any special-price education software redemption or renewal codes to a commercial version of the same product, and the users will require a refund to purchase the full-price version.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 2024 |title=End User License Terms for Avid Software - Avid Technology |url=https://www.avid.com/legal/end-user-license-terms-for-avid-software |url-status=live |access-date=24 Apr 2026 |website=Avid.com}}</ref>


===Avid Advantage Support System===
===Avid Advantage Support System===
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|Yes
|Yes
|-
|-
|OnCue Incident Mangement
|[https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/avidtech-d6a2e9a9/media/files/avid-advantage-support/oncue-program_a4_ds.pdf OnCue Incident Mangement]
|N/A
|N/A
|No
|No
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|-
|-
|For-fee Options
|For-fee Options
|N/A
|ASC Only
|ASC, Advance
|ASC, Advance
Exchange
Exchange
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Onsite Support
Onsite Support
|Onsite Support,
|Onsite Support,
Dedicated Support
[https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/avidtech-d6a2e9a9/media/files/legal/avid-designated-support-expert-offer-description.pdf?sc_lang=en Dedicated Support Expert], [https://www.avid.com/support/avid-service-account-manager Avid Service Account Manager]
Expert, Avid Service
Account Manager
|-
|-
|Self-Help Options
|Self-Help Options
|Avid Knowledge Base,
|[https://www.avid.com/search#tab=Knowledge%20Base Avid Knowledge Base],
Avid Forums
Avid Forums
(Digidesign User Community,
([https://duc.avid.com Digidesign User Community],
Avid Video Community,
[https://community.avid.com Avid Video Community],
Sibelius Community)
[https://www.sibelius.com/cgi-bin/helpcenter/chat/chat.pl?com=show&groupid=3 Sibelius Community])
|All
|All
|All
|All
|All
|All
|}
|}


===Hardware Restrictions===
===Hardware Restrictions===
Use of Avid's HDX series of hardware (HDX Core, MTRX Family, Carbon Family, legacy HD Devices) all require a Pro Tools Ultimate license to be able to interface with the hardware and a complete system requires at least one HDX Core card and one HD audio interface to be installed and connected. The interfaces use a proprietary connector called DigiLink Mini that can only link with Avid designed hardware or licensed hardware from 3rd parties.
Use of Avid's HDX series of hardware (HDX Core, MTRX Family, HD Native and legacy HD Devices) all require a Pro Tools Ultimate license to be able to interface with the hardware and a complete system requires at least one HDX Core card and one HD audio interface to be installed and connected. The interfaces use a proprietary connector called DigiLink Mini that can only link with Avid designed hardware or licensed hardware from 3rd parties. For MTRX devices, full compatibility with all Pro Tools tiers is possible but requires the Thunderbolt I/O card to be installed at a separate cost. Carbon Family devices require Pro Tools Studio or higher and operates on a custom [[wikipedia:Audio_Video_Bridging|Audio Video Bridge]] implementation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 Jun 2025 |title=Pro Tools Supported Audio Hardware and Control Surfaces |url=https://kb.avid.com/pkb/articles/Knowledge/Pro-Tools-Supported-Audio-Hardware-and-Control-Surfaces |url-status=live |access-date=22 Apr 2026 |website=Avid Knowledge Base}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=Aug 2023 |title=Pro Tools {{!}} HDX Guide |url=https://resources.avid.com/SupportFiles/PT/Pro_Tools_HDX_Guide.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=22 Apr 2026 |website=Avid Support Files}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2024 |title=Pro Tools {{!}} Carbon Systems Guide |url=https://resources.avid.com/SupportFiles/PT/Pro_Tools_Carbon_Systems_Guide.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=22 Apr 2026 |website=Avid Support Files}}</ref>


Avid's NEXIS media storage and editing pool solution requires a license to function and integrate with Avid's software products. NEXIS solutions with an F-series component require either a perpetual modular engine license or subscription capacity license, whereas NEXIS | SDA+ solutions require a standard or advanced subscription capacity license. E-series component licensing is deterministic based on capacity needs and system configuration.
Avid's NEXIS media storage and editing pool solution requires a license to function and integrate with Avid's software products. NEXIS solutions with an F-series component require either a perpetual modular engine license or subscription capacity license, whereas NEXIS | SDA+ solutions require a standard or advanced subscription capacity license. E-series component licensing is deterministic based on capacity needs and system configuration.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Oct 2025 |title=Avid NEXIS® Setup and Licensing Quick Start Guide v2 |url=https://resources.avid.com/SupportFiles/attach/AvidNEXIS/AvidNEXIS_Licensing_QSG_V2_October2025.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=22 Apr 2026 |website=Avid Support Files}}</ref>
 
===Proprietary Solutions===
These are proprietary solutions:<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 Feb 2025 |title=Trademarks & Other Notices - Avid Technology |url=https://www.avid.com/legal/trademarks-and-other-notices |url-status=live |access-date=24 Apr 2026 |website=Avid.com}}</ref>
*'''DigiLink/DigiLink Mini''' - HD/HDX Family digital interface connector<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Apr 2026 |title=DigiLink Cables |url=https://www.avid.com/products/DigiLink-Cables |url-status=live |access-date=22 Apr 2026 |website=Avid.com}}</ref>
*'''EUCON [Extended User Control]''' - Closed system of software and hardware integration, 3rd parties may integrate EUCON components into their applications but Avid manufactures the hardware and software control is one sided (EUCON controls software, but software cannot)<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Apr 2026 |title=What is EUCON |url=https://www.avid.com/pro-tools/control-surfaces/what-is-eucon |url-status=live |access-date=22 Apr 2026 |website=Avid.com}}</ref>
*'''Avid DNx codec [formerly DNxHD, DNxHR, DNxIO]''' - Lossy post-production codec used for multi-gen video compositing with reduced storage and bandwidth limits; tailored for the pro video space in cinematography and broadcast<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Apr 2026 |title=Avid DNx naming scheme and data rates |url=https://kb.avid.com/pkb/articles/en_US/Knowledge/Avid-DNx-naming-scheme-and-data-rates |url-status=live |access-date=22 Apr 2026 |website=Avid Knowledge Base}}</ref> <small>[<- ''Note: Download the whitepaper linked in the cite for full info on DNx'']</small><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 Nov 2024 |title=Avid DNxHD® List of Patent Rights - Avid Technology |url=https://www.avid.com/legal/avid-dnxhd-list-of-patent-rights |url-status=live |access-date=24 Apr 2026 |website=Avid.com}}</ref>
*'''AAX Plugin Format [Avid Audio eXtention]''' - Exclusive plugin container format for Pro Tools and Media Composer, no compatibility with VST or AU plugins natively<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-03 |title=AAX (Avid Audio Extension) – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Software Glossary |url=https://audiodramaproduction.com/audio-software-glossary/aax-avid-audio-extension/ |url-status=live |access-date=22 Apr 2026 |website=AudioDramaProduction.com}}</ref>
*'''Open Media Framework Interchange (OMF/OMFI)''' - Platform-independent interchange format for transferring digital media and effect metadata across software applications. Despite being listed as "open", it is developed and under license from Avid and intended to be used to transfer media to Pro Tools and Media Composer. Now superseded by the independent [[wikipedia:Advanced_Authoring_Format|Advanced Authoring Format (AAF)]] standard<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 Sep 1997 |title=OMF Interchange Specification Version 2.1 |url=https://www.cubase.it/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/omfspec21.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=27 Apr 2026 |website=Cubase.it}}</ref>


===Strict End of Life Policy===
===Strict End of Life Policy===
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===Pro Tools===
===Pro Tools===
A Digital Audio Workstation used by many studios and installations for music composition, recording, music production, and video post-production.
A [[wikipedia:Digital_audio_workstation|Digital Audio Workstation]] used by many studios and installations for music composition, recording, music production, and video post-production.<ref name=":0" />


=====Pro Tools Systems=====
=====Pro Tools Systems=====


*Hardware
*Hardware<ref group="note"> Avid MBOX Studio is listed on the Avid.com website as a hardware feature page [https://www.avid.com/products/mbox-studio here], however the hardware is declared End of Sale so it is not listed here. Will be removed when the page is updated. </ref>
**Pro Tools HDX
**Pro Tools | HDX Core
**Pro Tools | MTRX II
**Pro Tools | MTRX II
**Pro Tools | MTRX Studio
**Pro Tools | MTRX Studio
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===Sibelius===
===Sibelius===
A music notation and engraving software used by score composers for general and film scoring.
A [[wikipedia:Scorewriter|music notation]] and engraving software used by score composers for general and film scoring.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Apr 2026 |title=Sibelius - Notation Software |url=https://www.avid.com/sibelius |url-status=live |access-date=22 Apr 2026 |website=Avid.com}}</ref>


=====Sibelius Systems=====
=====Sibelius Systems=====
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===Media Composer===
===Media Composer===
A non-linear editor (NLE) for post-production video work for TV and film workflows.
A [[wikipedia:Non-linear_editing|non-linear editor (NLE)]] designed for post-production video work for TV and film postproduction workflows.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Apr 2026 |title=Media Composer - Professional Video Editing Software |url=https://www.avid.com/media-composer |url-status=live |access-date=22 Apr 2026 |website=Avid.com}}</ref>


====Media Composer Systems====
====Media Composer Systems====
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*Hardware
*Hardware
**Avid NEXIS
**Avid NEXIS
*EUCON Control Surfaces
**Dock
**S1
*Media Composer Tiers
*Media Composer Tiers
**MC First - Free, feature limited tier for demoing the core features of Media Composer
**MC First - Free, feature limited tier for demoing the core features of Media Composer
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===VENUE===
===VENUE===
Modular system designed for live sound and touring productions with advanced integration with Pro Tools systems.
Modular system designed for live sound and touring productions with advanced integration with Pro Tools systems.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Apr 2026 |title=VENUE {{!}} S6L |url=https://www.avid.com/products/venue-s6l-system |url-status=live |access-date=22 Apr 2026 |website=Avid.com}}</ref>


=====VENUE Systems=====
=====VENUE Systems=====
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===MediaCentral===
===MediaCentral===
A suite of unified tools for newsroom events and live broadcast productions combining script-writing, automation, ingest, delivery, and collaboration in a single package.
A suite of unified tools for newsroom events and live broadcast productions combining script-writing, automation, ingest, delivery, and collaboration in a single package.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Apr 2026 |title=MediaCentral {{!}} Media Workflow Mangement Software |url=https://www.avid.com/products/mediacentral |url-status=live |access-date=22 Apr 2026 |website=Avid.com}}</ref>


====MediaCentral Systems====
====MediaCentral Systems====
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*Hardware
*Hardware
**Avid NEXIS
**Avid NEXIS
*Software Solutions
**Maestro - Real-time graphic control, design, and playout for live and studio broadcasts
**Avid | Stream IO - Scalable, software-based ingest and playout for SDI and IP solutions
**MC | Stream - Ingest and playout solution designed for IP integration with the MediaCentral family
**MC | Aquire - Dedicated ingest control and management solution
**MC | Publisher - Dedicated publishing solution for digital platforms
**MC | Newsroom Management - Dedicated newsroom computer system (NRCS) for managing all production stages
**MC | Production Management - Management software for automation, permission security, media control, and collaboration across productions teams
**Wolftech News - Toolset for production planning, resource management, and process streamlining for time-sensitive productions


==Notes==
<references group="note" />
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Technology companies]]
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