Avid Technology: Difference between revisions

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~~{{Incomplete}}~~

{{CompanyCargo

|Founded=1987

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==Consumer impact summary==

Avid Technology has implemented several policies that ~~negatively~~ impact their customers:

Avid Technology has implemented several policies that impact their customers:

*All Avid software solutions run on a Subscription or Perpetual + Support Plan model; Software + Support Plans typically only offer 1-3 years of support before needing to be purchased again.

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===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.<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>

====Pre-2023 Software Model====

Avid's previous policy for Perpetual and Subscription plans pre-2023 licensing overhaul were as of the following:

*The SKU (product ID) for Perpetual plan Renewals (those who are renewing their contracts and have active time on their support plan left) and Get Current Plan (those with expired support contracts) were different and had to be purchased separately at different pricing. Taking Pro Tools Ultimate as an example, the cost for a plan Renewal cost was USD $399, while a Get Current Plan would cost $699. This is not accounting the base price of the software, which was $2,599.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rodgers |first=Julian |date=Jan 2024 |title=Pro Tools: Perpetual Licence Or Subscription Plan? |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/pro-tools-perpetual-licence-or-subscription-plan |url-status=live |access-date=29 Apr 2026 |website=Sound on Sound}}</ref>

*There was a grace period of about 30 days of a Perpetual plan lapsing where the user would not be subject to the Get Current fee and be eligible to buy a Renewal plan at no risk.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 Feb 2024 |title=Is there a grace period with perp license renewal? |url=https://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=427790 |url-status=live |access-date=29 Apr 2026 |website=Digidesign User Community}}</ref>

*Prior to 2023, there was no option to buy a Perpetual license or Software Updates + Support Plan for Pro Tools Artist, making it subscription-only for the time.<ref name=":1" />

===Education Software Policy===

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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>

*'''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>

*'''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>

*'''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>

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**S6

*Pro Tools Tiers

**Pro Tools Intro - Free, feature limited software for demoing the core capabilities of Pro Tools

**Pro Tools Intro/Intro+ - Free, feature limited software for demoing the core capabilities of Pro Tools, Intro+ version exclusive to 3rd party promotions

**Pro Tools Artist - Entry-level tier that offers most tools and features for small to medium scale creators

**Pro Tools Studio - Advanced tier that provides advanced tools for bigger creators and studios; support for some of Avid's higher tier hardware solutions

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**Sibelius Artist - Entry-level tier that offers the core tools for small to medium composers

**Sibelius Ultimate - Full feature set for larger scale composers and those working for film scoring

**Sibelius Mobile - iOS/Android version of Sibelius for mobile use. Licensing includes a similar feature set based on your current subscription or perpetual tier. Requires an active Subscription or Software Updates + Support Plan to be able to use with your equivalent tier.

===Media Composer===

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Incomplete}}
 {{CompanyCargo
 |Founded=1987
@@ Line 15: / Line 14: @@
 ==Consumer impact summary==
-Avid Technology has implemented several policies that negatively impact their customers:
+Avid Technology has implemented several policies that impact their customers:
 *All Avid software solutions run on a Subscription or Perpetual + Support Plan model; Software + Support Plans typically only offer 1-3 years of support before needing to be purchased again.
@@ Line 46: / Line 45: @@
 ===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.<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>
+====Pre-2023 Software Model====
+Avid's previous policy for Perpetual and Subscription plans pre-2023 licensing overhaul were as of the following:
+*The SKU (product ID) for Perpetual plan Renewals (those who are renewing their contracts and have active time on their support plan left) and Get Current Plan (those with expired support contracts) were different and had to be purchased separately at different pricing. Taking Pro Tools Ultimate as an example, the cost for a plan Renewal cost was USD $399, while a Get Current Plan would cost $699. This is not accounting the base price of the software, which was $2,599.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rodgers |first=Julian |date=Jan 2024 |title=Pro Tools: Perpetual Licence Or Subscription Plan? |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/pro-tools-perpetual-licence-or-subscription-plan |url-status=live |access-date=29 Apr 2026 |website=Sound on Sound}}</ref>
+*There was a grace period of about 30 days of a Perpetual plan lapsing where the user would not be subject to the Get Current fee and be eligible to buy a Renewal plan at no risk.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 Feb 2024 |title=Is there a grace period with perp license renewal? |url=https://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=427790 |url-status=live |access-date=29 Apr 2026 |website=Digidesign User Community}}</ref>
+*Prior to 2023, there was no option to buy a Perpetual license or Software Updates + Support Plan for Pro Tools Artist, making it subscription-only for the time.<ref name=":1" />
 ===Education Software Policy===
@@ Line 148: / Line 154: @@
 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>
+*'''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>
+*'''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>
+*'''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>
@@ Line 175: / Line 181: @@
 **S6
 *Pro Tools Tiers
-**Pro Tools Intro - Free, feature limited software for demoing the core capabilities of Pro Tools
+**Pro Tools Intro/Intro+ - Free, feature limited software for demoing the core capabilities of Pro Tools, Intro+ version exclusive to 3rd party promotions
 **Pro Tools Artist - Entry-level tier that offers most tools and features for small to medium scale creators
 **Pro Tools Studio - Advanced tier that provides advanced tools for bigger creators and studios; support for some of Avid's higher tier hardware solutions
@@ Line 189: / Line 195: @@
 **Sibelius Artist - Entry-level tier that offers the core tools for small to medium composers
 **Sibelius Ultimate - Full feature set for larger scale composers and those working for film scoring
+**Sibelius Mobile - iOS/Android version of Sibelius for mobile use. Licensing includes a similar feature set based on your current subscription or perpetual tier. Requires an active Subscription or Software Updates + Support Plan to be able to use with your equivalent tier.
 ===Media Composer===