Avid has launched a major upgrade to its top end content creation and conforming system. The release provides extended support for different file formats and a new resolution independent canvas for graphics and effects. These will eliminate transcoding time and boost workflow productivity. The headline creative news in version 11 is the tight integration of Avid Artist Color, which gives the editor hands-on colour correction and grading. In conjunction with the resolution independent canvas this speeds the creation of high resolution graphics and conforming, and at the same time improves control and quality. DS 11 also supports HDR images using Open EXR and DCDM Tiff formats. The 444 version of the Avid DNxHD codec is now supported, and the Red connectivity is extended to cover the Epic and Scarlet cameras. File exchange with other Avid systems is also improved, with the ability to send high resolution sequences to DS from Media Composer or Symphony, directly or via Isis, simultaneously sharing media. Additional long-Gop support for MXF files such as XDCam also eliminates the need for transcoding when conforming edits. Audio is extended to 16 channels in and out. Avid DS 11 can run on the AJA Kona 3G hardware as well as any hardware supported by Media Composer or Symphony.“We are pleased to deliver enhanced integration and flexibility in DS11, providing our customers with the highest quality tools to spend more time on creating rather than rendering or exporting to other applications,” explained David Colantuoni of Avid. DS11 is available now.
