Avid Technology has recently announced the Avid Liquid product line, the company’s new non-linear editing software and hardware offerings for event videographers, government and corporate video producers, and high-end enthusiasts.

Developed from Pinnacle Liquid Edition products by Pinnacle Systems, the Avid Liquid family includes the new version 7 of the Avid Liquid and Avid Liquid Pro systems, both of which are packed with new features designed for users who want a single application for creation and delivery of tape, DVD and streaming media.

The Power of Avid for the Individual

Avid Liquid builds on popular Liquid features, including native HDV editing, GPU-accelerated effects, background rendering, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround audio with AC-3 encoding, DVD creation directly on the video editing timeline and great value I/O hardware.

New features of Avid Liquid 7 software include:

• SmartSound integration – custom music creation directly inside the Avid Liquid application.
  
  
• New multimedia format support – native editing of popular codec’s including WM9, DiVx, and MPEG-4 for repurposing and output of content to the Internet.
  
  
• New effects – Real-time Timewarp, Stabilise, Dream Glow, and over 50 plug-ins from the highly-regarded Commotion effects suite.
  
  
• Avid Open Timeline – native HD and SD editing on the same timeline in real time, without transcoding for fast, flexible editing regardless of format.
  
  
• Preview HDV in SD – for viewing HDV in SD on a client video monitor with Avid Liquid Pro.

1. What is the difference between the Avid Liquid and Avid Liquid Pro products?
   
   The key difference is that the Avid Liquid Pro product comes with a USB2 - based breakout box that provides composite, component, and s-video I/O, along with stereo audio input and surround audio output. In addition, the Avid Liquid Pro product supports capture to uncompressed video and MPEG-2 IBP video.
   
   Avid Liquid software is a software only product that uses the computer's built-in 1394 port to capture from DV or HDV cameras and decks.
   
   
2. Can I exchange projects between the Avid Liquid and Avid Xpress Pro products?
   
   Avid Liquid software does not support total conform with the Avid Xpress Pro and Avid Media Composer families of products. Customers looking for a workflow that includes conform on higher end Avid systems should start with Avid Xpress Pro software.
   
   
3. What formats does Avid Liquid software support?
   
   Avid Liquid 7 software can natively edit the following formats: DV25, HDV, 1:1 (uncompressed SD and HD), MPEG-2 I-frame & IBP, WM9, MPEG-4 and DiVx.
   
   
4. Can I work with film with Avid Liquid software?
   
   Avid Liquid software does not directly support film based workflows. Customers are advised to choose Avid Xpress Pro software for this type of work.
   
   
5. What type of system do I need to run Avid Liquid software?
   
   Key factors in choosing a system for Avid Liquid software include: 1GB system memory, a latest generation graphics card with at least 128MB memory for SD operation and 256MB memory for HD and a USB 2.0 controller for Avid Liquid Pro hardware.
   
   
6. Does Avid Liquid run on the Mac?
   
   No. Avid Liquid software is a PC only product. Mac customers should consider Avid Xpress DV or Avid Xpress Pro software.

• Editing / Audio / DVD / Effects. One application
  
  Avid Liquid software is a powerful SD and HD video editor for the PC that offers integrated DVD authoring, surround sound audio processing, and thousands of amazing realtime effects. Its integrated toolset provides all of the tools needed to create high-quality productions and quickly output to tape, DVD or web streams.
  
  
• Complete HDV workflow
  
  Avid Liquid offers native transfers and frame-accurate editing of 720p and 1080i HDV content. It also includes an MPEG IBP render codec that provides the same 25Mbit workflow editors use with DV media. It features a powerful real-time effects engine that provides multiple streams of HDV in real time; video monitoring either on the VGA monitor or down converted to an SD monitor in real time using the available breakout box; and, most important, a smooth workflow for output to SD or back to HDV tape.
  
  
• Format flexibility
  
  Avid Liquid supports the Avid Open Timeline: mix content from a variety of sources without having to transcode between formats. Videographers can edit DV, MPEG I-frame, MPEG IBP, uncompressed SD, Windows Media, DIVX and MPEG-4, as well as HDV, in the same timeline. With such a broad palette of native codec’s, editors can spend more time creatively editing instead of re-rendering from format to format.
  
  
• Smooth DVD production
  
  Using Avid Liquid Pro software and hardware, editors can capture footage to a DVD-compliant MPEG IBP codec. They can add titles and effects and then dive into a full-featured DVD authoring toolset to define the interactivity; create and customise menus and navigation; preview and modify the DVD from the timeline; add a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround mix; and then intelligently render out to a finished DVD.
  
  
• Editing for everyone
  
  Avid Liquid software offers a flexible user interface and functions that match any level of editing experience. As users move from other consumer-level or professional-level applications, the transition is smooth and efficient.
  
  See Adobe Acrobat pdf datasheet (left) for more information.
  
  Please note that for hardware upgrades , the breakout box or the card needs to be returned and for software upgrades, the original CD must be returned.

Real-world, realtime HD, SD, DV and film editing for Mac and PC systems.
There’s a reason emerging professionals and independent storytellers alike choose Avid Xpress Pro software to tell their stories. It’s a complete professional video editing environment in an affordable package combining video, audio, film, encoding tools, and custom music creation software. And it includes both Mac and PC platforms in one integrated package.

What's New
With version 5.7, every Avid Xpress Pro system now contains a version of Avid Xpress Pro for the Mac and Avid Xpress Pro for the PC. The Mac version has been updated with a Universal version that fully supports both Intel and PowerPC-based systems.

See Adobe Acrobat pdf datasheet (left) for more information.

Video and film editing plus animation, effects, and DVD authoring Avid Studio Toolkit is the ideal creative combination for editors, event videographers, independent filmmakers, and students who want to add dynamic visual effects and interactivity to their projects. No more importing and exporting graphics. No more jumping in and out of applications. Create and control everything from the Avid editing timeline.

Avid Studio Toolkit combines three powerful applications:

Avid 3D: Animation for busy storytellers
Start animating quickly with hundreds of models from the included Digimation libraries. Create 3D titles with dynamic warping. Use award-winning mental ray™ rendering for the industry's best-looking 3D output. Then simply drag-and-drop your animation directly into the Avid Xpress Pro HD timeline.

Avid FX: Add titles, effects, and more
No combination of external compositing applications and plug-ins provides the full range of features found in the fully integrated Avid FX – no export-import tango necessary here. Native vector titling, motion tracking, rotoscoping, paint, 2D and 3D compositing, a full suite of graphics creation tools and over 110 advanced effects filters are just the beginning. With over 1500 customisable title, effects, graphics and transition templates to get you started, Avid FX offers the ultimate combination of power and convenience.

Avid DVD by Sonic: Author like a pro
Based on Sonic DVD Producer, from the world's leading supplier of advanced DVD technology, Avid DVD makes easy work of authoring even the most complicated DVD interactivity. Now even more tightly integrated with Avid editing applications, Avid DVD offers the perfect balance of speed, flexibility and power. Learn more about Avid DVD by Sonic.

See Adobe Acrobat pdf datasheet (left) for more information.

Click here for Avid Training DVDs

Portable and powerful digital and analog I/O
Compact enough to take on location yet powerful enough to serve as the core of a professional video-editing suite, Avid Mojo SDI and Avid Mojo hardware connect to both laptop and desktop systems, both Mac and PC, with a single IEEE-1394 (FireWire) cable. Unlike other add-on hardware, they let you capture audio or video while also providing output of the same source, so you can monitor what you're capturing, including watching video on a client monitor while recording voiceover – impossible with hardware from other manufacturers. In addition, Avid Mojo and Avid Mojo SDI let you monitor and output HD timelines in SD with realtime down-convert.

Avid Mojo SDI
Avid Mojo SDI provides the highest quality professional SD connections to facility-class cameras, decks and digital pipelines. In addition to serial digital video, Avid Mojo SDI also provides I/O for IEEE-1394, and either component or composite and S-video. Mojo SDI supports up to 8 channels of embedded audio over SDI and 2 channels of optical S/PDIF audio, with additional connections for 4 channels of AES/EBU audio.

Avid Mojo
Avid Mojo offers uncompressed analog SD video support over S-video, composite and optional component video, along with built-in support for IEEE-1394 capture and playback.

Both offer simultaneous output to both broadcast monitors and tape, and feature Genlock and Word Clock for video and audio sync with external devices.

See Adobe Acrobat pdf datasheet (left) for more information.

Click here for Avid Training DVDs

Planet PC’s Avid Liquid Editing Workstations feature the latest in reliable, tried and tested, authorised components.

Avid Liquid software is a powerful SD and HD video editor for the PC that offers integrated DVD authoring, surround sound audio processing, and thousands of amazing real-time effects. Its integrated toolset provides all of the tools needed to create high-quality productions and quickly output to tape, DVD or web streams.

Complete HDV workflow
Avid Liquid offers native transfers and frame-accurate editing of 720p and 1080i HDV content. It also includes an MPEG IBP render codec that provides the same 25Mbit workflow editors use with DV media. It features a powerful real-time effects engine that provides multiple streams of HDV in real time; video monitoring either on the VGA monitor or down converted to an SD monitor in real time using the available breakout box; and, most important, a smooth workflow for output to SD or back to HDV tape.

Format flexibility
Avid Liquid supports the Avid Open Timeline: mix content from a variety of sources without having to transcode between formats. Videographers can edit DV, MPEG I-frame, MPEG IBP, uncompressed SD, Windows Media, DIVX and MPEG-4, as well as HDV, in the same timeline. With such a broad palette of native codec’s, editors can spend more time creatively editing instead of re-rendering from format to format.

Smooth DVD production
Using Avid Liquid Pro software and hardware, editors can capture footage to a DVD-compliant MPEG IBP codec. They can add titles and effects and then dive into a full-featured DVD authoring toolset to define the interactivity; create and customize menus and navigation; preview and modify the DVD from the timeline; add a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround mix; and then intelligently render out to a finished DVD.

Editing for everyone
Avid Liquid software offers a flexible user interface and functions that match any level of editing experience. As users move from other consumer-level or professional-level applications, the transition is smooth and efficient

System Specification:

• Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 3.00 GHz processor
  
• 2GB DDR2-667 SDRAM (2 x 1GB)
  
• 80GB Maxtor Serial ATA 7200rpm hard drive
  
• 500GB Maxtor Serial ATA 7200rpm hard drive
  
• NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT 512MB DDR-SDRAM PCI Express graphics adapter
  
• Midi-Tower extended ATX chassis
  
• 3.5" 1.44MB floppy disk drive
  
• Pioneer DVR-112 DVD±RW/CD-RW drive
  
• Microsoft Windows compatible keyboard
  
• Microsoft Wheel mouse
  
• Integrated Intel HD Audio
  
• Creative Labs 2.1 speakers
  
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  
• Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet network adapter
  
• ADS Pyro PCI 64 PCI FireWire card
  

• 1 Year RTB parts & labour hardware warranty
  *An option to upgrade to a 3 Year warranty is available on the checkout.
  
• 1 Year telephone technical support
  
• Manufacturers software warranty
  
• Planet PC Easy Restore recovery CD-ROM
  
• Planet PC Special Effects Pack CD-ROM
  
• All original documentation & media

The world’s most powerful and refined film and video editing software
Introducing Media Composer: the affordable, flexible, hardware-independent film and video editing solution for MacOS X, and Windows XP systems. New features include support for the Intel on Mac systems, the high quality low bandwidth DNxHD 36 Codec, improved XDCAM and P2 workflows, ScriptSync the automated script editor, 720p50 format support —plus all the creative tools, integrated media management, and multi-format editing support that have made Media Composer the best editor on the planet.

Edit faster with higher-quality results
Intuitive, integrated media management. Faster trim tools. One-step colour correction. Image stabilisation. Realtime animated alpha channels. 16-bit AVX effects processing. The industry's most accurate and reliable film editing workflow. No other application offers the features and functionality of the Media Composer software toolset.

Mix and edit multiple formats in real time
Combine HD, SD, DV, and film formats and resolutions, as well as Avid AVR and Meridien JFIF media, in the same timeline - without rendering, transcoding, or re-digitising. Edit native DVCPRO HD and HDV media. And take advantage of real-time, mixed-format HD, SD, and DV multicam editing.

Handle film and video sources with confidence
The industry's most powerful and precise 24p technology lets you handle film and video projects with equal ease and efficiency. Features such as real-time pulldown of 24p media directly over IEEE-1394 (FireWire) eliminate time-consuming conversions and offers greater flexibility to output to video or film.

Be more productive and have more time to create
The unified Avid editing environment and seamless conform between Avid editing and finishing systems eliminates the need to recreate or rebuild creative editorial work in the online suite. Support for Avid Unity media networks and Avid Interplay nonlinear workflows adds background media management and true facility-wide collaboration.

See Adobe Acrobat pdf datasheet (left) for more information.

Datavideo SE-800 4 Channel Digital / Analogue Mixer
4 Channel Vision Mixer featuring DV, Component , S-Video and Composite video and stereo audio connections (In and Out). Analogue and Digital Inputs can be used in any combination together, it also features SDI graphic overlay and 10 Bit SDI output. The Datavideo SE-800 is ideal for TV Studios, Outside Broadcast, Conference, Worship and Web Casting applications.

Datavideo SE-800AV
4 Channel Mixer featuring Component (Y:U:V), S-Video (Y/C) and Composite video and stereo audio connections. Optional DV input, DV Output and SDI output cards can be added if required.

Accessories Included:

• AC / DC Power Adaptor
  
• AC Lead
  
• Aluminium Carrying Case
  
• 2 x 1.2M S-Video Cable
  
• 1 x GPI Cable

• SE-800 Mixer
  
• TLM-404 4x4" Input Monitor
  
• TLM-702 2x7" Next Source/Program Monitor
  
• RMC-140 Tally/Next Source Control Box
  
• TLM-407JF Stand/Holder for Monitors

At the heart of the MS-800 lies the SE-800 4 channel DV / analog audio video switcher. The SE-800 allows four channels of digital or analogue video and up to six channels of audio to be mixed / switched.

The whole system is fully integrated with the ITC-100 for talkback / intercom, RMC-140 for next source preview and tally display, TLM-404 for input monitoring and TLM-702 for next source and main output monitoring. One box solution for “live in seconds” at any Conference, Studio, Outside Broadcast or Internet Streaming.

Output options include: Component (Y.U.V) which could be connected to a DVD recorder or projector, DV which could be connected to a DN-100 HDD DV recorder or a DV Deck and SDI.

Components Included:

• SE-800 - 4 Channel DV / Analogue Audio & Video switcher with DV, Analogue and SDI outputs.
  
• TLM-404 - Provides preview of all 4 cameras including tally light.
  
• TLM-702 - Provides next source and master output monitoring.
  
• ITC-100 - 8-channel full duplex talkback / intercom system. Supplied complete with 4 x cameraman beltpack, headset/microphone & tally indicators.

• ITC-100SL Belt Packs
  
• MC-2/LP-1 Microphone & Light
  
• CB-3 20 Metre Intercom Cable
  
• TD-1 Tally Indicator
  
• 2066 20M IEEE1394 DV Cable
  
• CB-7 Tally Cable
  
• MC-1 Microphone Headset

Converts between SDI, Y.U.V., S (Y/C), and composite video with Balanced Audio support. Includes features such as Audio Level & Video Colour Adjustments, Black Burst Generator, NTSC/PAL selectable and RS422 control.

Now with SmartDV incorporated.

Key Features:

• SDI In / Out
  
• DV In / Out
  
• Y:U:V, Y/C & CV In / Out
  
• Balanced Audio In / Out
  
• Digital Audio AES/EBU
  
• Colour, Contrast, Brightness Processor adjustment
  
• Audio Input Level Calibration
  
• Audio VU Meter
  
• RS422 Interface
  
• Time Code by RS422 Interface
  
• Locked Audio Support

• 4 x 1.2M BNC to BNC
  
• 1 x 30 cm Cable adaptor D-Sub 15 Pin to BNC-Male
  
• 1x 2 m D-Sub 9-Pin to 9-Pin RS-422 cable
  
• 1 x 1.2m Y/C Cable s-plug to s-plug
  
• 1 x Stereo Audio RCA 2R to 2R
  
• 1 x IEEE 1394 6Pin to 4Pin Cable 1.8m
  
• 1 x IEEE 1394 6Pin to 6Pin Cable 1.8M
  
• AC Lead
  
• Switching Adaptor 12V / 4.2A

4 Channel Vision Mixer featuring S-Video (Y/C) and Composite video inputs.
Features include Dissolve, Fade, Wipes, Splits, PIP and Colour Processor.
Channels are internally synced via a built in dual channel TBC 4:2:2 frame synchroniser. Component (YUV) via breakout cable, S-Video (Y/C) or Composite Video output.

The SE-500 uniquely displays all 4 input sources via a single quad output including a Tally Light indicator on each input meaning the user only needs 2 video monitors – one for all inputs, one for output. The input display will also automatically change to preview the next transition if selected.
The unit can be manually operated or controlled via RS-232 interface. Ideal for Schools, Seminars, Small Studios, Clubs and Pubs.

Datavide SE-500 Package includes:

• Datavideo SE 500 Mixer
  
• TLM 702 2 x 7" 4 Input / Preview + Program Monitor
  
• TLM 702JF Holder for TLM 702 Monitors

• 4 Channel Analogue Vision Mixer
  
• S-Video (Y/C) or Composite Video Inputs
  
• Component YUV / S-Video (Y/C) / 2 x Composite Video Outputs
  
• Component YUV / S-Video (Y/C) / 2 x Composite Video Outputs
  
• 2 x Microphone Inputs
  
• Stereo (Unbalanced) Output
  
• Quad View Input display output
  
• Tally Display
  
• Preview output
  
• Smooth T-bar Control
  
• Dual channel TBC 4:2:2 Frame Synchroniser
  
• Tally Light Output

• 2 x BNC to RCA 1.2m cable
  
• 1 x S-Video 1.2m Cable
  
• 1 x YUV Breakout cable (BNC x 3 to S(Y/C)+BNC cable) 1.2m
  
• 1 x RCA to RCA stereo cable 1.5m
  
• 2 x BNC to RCA connector
  
• 1 x AC/DC Switching adapter

Datavideo TLM-170MD 17" HD/SD SDI LCD Monitor. High Quality Reference Monitor designed to assist as program monitor during production. HD/SD SDI, YUV, YC & CV Input. Built-in speakers, 17" Widescreen. 1U 19" Rackmountable Unit included

Key Features:

• 17” High quality HD LCD Monitor
  
• 1 x HD/SD SDI Input (with Loop Through)
  
• 1 x Y:U:V Input
  
• 2 x Composite Inputs
  
• Resolution 1440 x 900
  
• Individual Adjustments For Contrast, Brightness and Colour Saturation
  
• 16:9 / 4:3 switchable
  
• PAL / NTSC Auto Detect
  
• Built in Speakers
  
• 12v DC requirement (supplied with mains DC converter)

Affordable high-performance storage solution. Rugged, quiet 10,000 rpm drives engineered for Avid editing systems.

The Avid MediaDrive rS 320/LVD (Low Voltage Differential) is a unique, self-contained fixed drive with a patented design that utilises the highest-performance Ultra 320 LVD 10,000 rpm drives on the market today. The Avid MediaDrive rS 320/LVD features QuietDrive, a revolutionary patent-pending sound dampening technology, and stackable and rack-mounted configurations.

Click here for Avid Training DVDs

Avid MediaDrive RS300 shown left

The unit incorporates a high performance MPEG-2 codec for real time recording of live audio/video material from camcorders, analogue VCRs, or other a/v sources on to DVD+R/RW disc. A built-in 3D comb filter & TBC ensures the highest quality recording. Heavy duty metal construction.

Key Features:

• Real Time Stand Alone MPEG-2 Player/ Recorder
  
• DVD + R / RW Disc Recording
  
• Variable Bit Rate From 1.7 to 10.7 Mbps
  
• DV Loop Through
  
• DV, YUV, S-Video (Y/C), Composite Video Inputs and Outputs
  
• Large Illuminated Control Panel
  
• Balanced and Unbalanced Stereo Inputs and Outputs
  
• Built In Video Processor With Colour Correction
  
• Audio Level Control
  
• RS 232 Remote Interface
  
• Rack Mountable (3U High)
  
• DC 12V Power Supply Included

• 1 x Y/C Cable s-plug to s-plug 1.2m
  
• 1 x Stereo Audio RCA 2 Phono to 2 Phono Cable
  
• 3 x BNC to BNC 1.2m
  
• 1 x IEEE 1394 6Pin to 4Pin Cable 1.8m
  
• 1 x IEEE 1394 6Pin to 6Pin Cable 1.8m
  
• AC power Lead
  
• AC/DC Switching Adaptor 12V / 4.2A

19” Rack Mountable Bank of 4 x 4” LCD Monitors. Robust steel and aluminium construction. Each monitor has individual adjustments for Contrast, Brightness and Colour Saturation and 3 colour LED tally light indication. Composite video input with loop through. Ideal companion for SE-800 Mixer. Suitable for OB Van or Studio use.

As a leading manufacturer Datavideo work closely with LCD manufacturers to ensure only the highest quality displays are used and offer a guarantee against spotlight defects. The high quality professional TLM monitor series automatically switches between PAL / NTSC and for flexibility can be powered via 12 V DC or AC power.

The Datavideo TLM monitor series is designed for video professionals that insist on superior performance. After all, every professional knows that you are only as good as the tools you use.

Whether it's in combination with switchers, 19” rack monitoring, in field operation, video editing, or the most advanced multimedia video you're creating, the Datavideo TLM monitor range offers the right tools for your job.

Key Features:

• 4 x 4” High quality TFT LCD Monitors
  
• 3 colour LED Tally Lights indicator on each monitor
  
• Individual Adjustments For Contrast, Brightness and Colour Saturation
  
• Composite V