


Avid Technology, Inc.: USC Equips New Cutting Edge Cinema Arts Facility With More Than 260 Avid Audio and Video Solutions
TEWKSBURY, MA--(Marketwire - March 30, 2009) - Avid Technology, Inc. (
"We couldn't do what we do here without Avid, as our goal was to create a modern facility that would appeal to the next generation of talented media creators, as well as one that would deliver an environment in which theory and practice are closely integrated," said Meri Weingarten, Director of Post Production at the School of Cinematic Arts. "Over the years some of the entertainment industry's most influential members have emerged from our cutting-edge film programs. A key piece of that success is equipping our students who are coming on the scene with the skills they need to function in a professional capacity. We outfitted the new facility with Avid audio and video solutions knowing that our students must be well-versed in Avid [products] to be competitive in today's job market."
For recording, editing and mixing sound, the new facility houses 72 Pro Tools LE® and 22 Pro Tools|HD® systems, as well as six [ ICON digital console systems ], that allow students to work with unparalleled hands-on mixing control and flexibility. For picture editing, there are more than 140 Media Composer systems, including Media Composer software, [ Mojo DX ], [ Nitris® DX ] and [ Symphony™ Nitris ] systems. Approximately 25 additional Media Composer systems are located in theaters, classrooms and media conference rooms. All systems throughout the building are connected to an 80 TB [ Avid Unity™ ISIS® shared storage network ]. The Avid Unity ISIS set-up enables students, faculty and staff to simultaneously access media and a broad range of third-party applications from any workstation on the network, creating a truly collaborative environment representative of today's professional production settings.
In addition, interoperability between Avid's digital audio and video tools fosters collaboration throughout the post process, mirroring real-world workflows such as exchanging sound files and picture references. Overall, SCA's Avid implementation rivals that of larger professional studios, offering an environment that paves a smooth transition for graduates who are interested in becoming professionals.
"USC is recognized as one of the world's leading educational institutions for film, television and interactive media and we are thrilled to be a part of the process of creating tomorrow's most promising media professionals," said Kirk Arnold, GM and EVP of Customer Operations at Avid Technology, Inc. "Avid is committed to serving students, educators and institutions with competitively priced, world class solutions that allow them to unleash their creative talents at an early age and then go on to create some of tomorrow's most watched and loved media in the world."
The first two buildings in the new School of Cinematic Arts complex opened for classes this January, with another four slated to go on line in August 2010. Students interested in learning about Avid's video editing software can [ download a free trial version of Media Composer v3.5 ]. Avid Media Composer is available to students for only $295.00 USMSRP. For more information about Avid's educational offerings and academic pricing programs, visit [ Avid Education ].
About Avid Technology, Inc.
Avid is a worldwide leader in tools for film, video, audio, and broadcast professionals -- as well as for home audio and video enthusiasts. Avid professional and consumer brands include Avid, Digidesign®, M-Audio®, Pinnacle Systems®, Sibelius® and Sundance Digital® The vast majority of primetime television shows, feature films, commercials and chart-topping music hits are made using one or more Avid products. Whether used by seasoned professionals or beginning students, Avid's products and services enable customers to work more efficiently, productively and creatively. Avid received an Oscar® statuette representing the 1998 Scientific and Technical Award for the concept, design, and engineering of the Avid Film Composer® system for motion picture editing. For more information about the company's Oscar, Grammy® and Emmy® award-winning products and services, visit [ www.avid.com ], [ del.icio.us ], [ Flickr ], [ twitter ] and [ YouTube ]; connect with Avid on [ Facebook ] or subscribe to [ Avid Industry Buzz. ]
© 2009 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product features, specifications, systems requirement and availability are subject to change without notice. Promotions and discounts are subject to availability and change without notice. All prices are USMSRP for the U.S. and Canada only and are subject to change without notice. Contact your local Avid office or reseller for prices outside the U.S. and Canada. Avid, Digidesign, Film Composer, M-Audio, Pinnacle Systems, Sibelius, Sundance Digital, Avid Unity, Film Composer, ISIS, Media Composer, Nitris, Pro Tools, Pro Tools LE, Pro Tools|HD and Symphony are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Emmy is a registered trademark of ATAS/NATA. Oscar is a trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Grammy is a trademark of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.