Avid Technology: Difference between revisions

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.

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>

===Avid Advantage Support System===

Line 139:

===Hardware Restrictions===

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 ~~proprietary~~ [[wikipedia:Audio_Video_Bridging|Audio Video Bridge]] implementation.

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===

*'''DigiLink Mini''' (HD/HDX Family digital interface connector)

*'''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])

*'''Avid DNx codec [formerly DNxHD and DNxHR]''' (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)

*'''Avid DNx codec [formerly DNxHD and DNxHR]''' (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> [''Note: Download the whitepaper linked in the cite for full info on DNx'']

*'''AAX Plugin Format [Avid Audio eXtention]''' (Exclusive plugin container format for Pro Tools and Media Composer, ~~superseded the proprietary RTAS~~ (~~Realtime AudioSuite~~) ~~and TDM (Time~~-~~division multiplexing) formats)~~

*'''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=04-03-2026 |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>

===Strict End of Life Policy===

Line 156:

===Pro Tools===

A Digital Audio Workstation used by many studios and installations for music composition, recording, music production, and video post-production.

A 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=====

Line 178:

===Sibelius===

A music notation and engraving software used by score composers for general and film scoring.

A 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=====

Line 188:

===Media Composer===

A non-linear editor (NLE) designed for post-production video work for TV and film workflows.

A non-linear editor (NLE) designed for post-production video work for TV and film 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====

Line 204:

===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=====

Line 230:

===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====

@@ Line 45: / 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.
+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>
 ===Avid Advantage Support System===
@@ Line 139: / Line 139: @@
 ===Hardware Restrictions===
-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 proprietary [[wikipedia:Audio_Video_Bridging|Audio Video Bridge]] implementation.
+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===
-*'''DigiLink Mini''' (HD/HDX Family digital interface connector)
+*'''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])
-*'''Avid DNx codec [formerly DNxHD and DNxHR]''' (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)
+*'''Avid DNx codec [formerly DNxHD and DNxHR]''' (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> [''Note: Download the whitepaper linked in the cite for full info on DNx'']
-*'''AAX Plugin Format [Avid Audio eXtention]''' (Exclusive plugin container format for Pro Tools and Media Composer, superseded the proprietary RTAS (Realtime AudioSuite) and TDM (Time-division multiplexing) formats)
+*'''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=04-03-2026 |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>
 ===Strict End of Life Policy===
@@ Line 156: / Line 156: @@
 ===Pro Tools===
-A Digital Audio Workstation used by many studios and installations for music composition, recording, music production, and video post-production.
+A 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=====
@@ Line 178: / Line 178: @@
 ===Sibelius===
-A music notation and engraving software used by score composers for general and film scoring.
+A 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=====
@@ Line 188: / Line 188: @@
 ===Media Composer===
-A non-linear editor (NLE) designed for post-production video work for TV and film workflows.
+A non-linear editor (NLE) designed for post-production video work for TV and film 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====
@@ Line 204: / Line 204: @@
 ===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=====
@@ Line 230: / Line 230: @@
 ===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====