Digidesign Previews Pro Tools 6.1 UpdateAdds Windows XP & Mac OS X Feature Parity, Avid Interop, ReWire Support, & More! April 8, 2003
Digidesign is is previewing Pro Tools 6.1 software, an update to the recently released Pro Tools 6.0 software for the Mac OS X platform that added a powerful set of new features and improvements for Pro Tools TDM and LE systems. Now, with the Pro Tools 6.1 software, Windows XP users can enjoy the enhanced Pro Tools functionality added in Pro Tools 6.0 for Mac OS X systems, as well as take advantage of a host of other exciting new features.
Along with a streamlined new look for the Mix, Edit, and Transport windows, Pro Tools 6.1 software brings to the table the powerful DigiBase file management utility, enhanced MIDI functionality (including high-resolution groove templates!), additional Beat Detective features, new Import Session options, plug-in functionality enhancements, MachineControl additions, a host of new enhancements to Pro Tools LE, and much more.
Pro Tools 6.1 software for both TDM and LE systems offers near-parity across both Windows XP and Mac OS X computers and includes the following new features:
Interoperability with Avid Systems
Pro Tools 6.1 adds cross-platform support for AVoption|XL, and allows for recording and playback of up to 1:1 uncompressed JFIF resolution video. Pro Tools TDM 6.1 software also allows for recording, playback, and seamless interchange of audio and video files via Avid Unity MediaNetwork shared storage systems (Pro Tools|HD only). Plus, with support for Avid Unity MediaManager (Windows XP only), users can easily drag and drop Avid sequences from Avid Unity MediaNetwork to open them in Pro Tools -- all without having to copy a single file! Pro Tools 6.1 with the DigiTranslator 2.0 option features support for the Advanced Authoring Format (AAF), the new industry-standard interchange file format for media sequence import/export.
DV Toolkit Option for Pro Tools LE
The new DV Toolkit for Pro Tools is an optional cross-platform bundle that adds desktop post production functionality to your Pro Tools LE system. DVToolkit option enables timecode ruler functionality in Pro Tools LE and also includes DigiTranslator 2.0, Synchro Arts VocALign Project for lip sync and audio alignment vand an AudioSuite-only DINR plug-in. Specific functionality includes the ability to edit audio with timecode functionality, import and export of media files with other applications -- particularly Avid Xpress DV, and the ability to replace bad on-camera dialog and repair/restore poor field audio.
Introductory list price is $795 US MSRP (Regular price: $995 US MSRP),
AAF Interchange Support and OMF Video Metadata Display
The Pro Tools 6.1 software with the DigiTranslator 2.0 option features support for Advanced Authoring Format (AAF), the new industry-standard for media sequence import/export. Expanding on the capabilities of OMF Interchange, AAF utilizes a new architecture to provide seamless interchange of rich media between a host of AAF-capable applications, including Avid systems. OMF video metadata is now displayed within the DigiBase browsers.
ReWire Support
Pro Tools 6.1 software introduces support for Propellerhead Software's ReWire technology. Interfacing via a RTAS plug-in for both TDM- and LE-based Pro Tools systems, ReWire provides real-time audio and MIDI streaming between applications supporting ReWire, with sample accurate synchronization and common transport functionality. ReWire allows for up to 24-bit audio signals from your favorite compatible software synthesizers, samplers, and other host-based instruments to be directly routed into Pro Tools for further mixing and processing possibilities.
Two New Video Options for Pro Tools
With the following new video interface options, the doors are now open for any Pro Tools user to work with high quality Avid video media.
New AVoption|V10 for Pro Tools TDM Systems
(Due out late 2003 for around $10,000 US)
Digidesign unveiled AVoption | V10, a professional video I/O bundled with capture/conform software for Pro Tools TDM customers who require 10 bit video quality for projection and professional connectivity including component and SDI. Adding AVoption | V10 to a Pro Tools TDM system will enable real-time playback of uncompressed standard definition video, DV25, and Avid's AVR (ABVB)and JFIF (Meridien hardware) compression formats directly within the Pro Tools application for full compatibility with Avid's new Media Composer Adrenaline product. Because AVoption | V10 works with the same video files as an Avid system, bringing a project into Pro Tools will be as easy as importing an AAF composition file.
Avid Mojo Support for Pro Tools LE and TDM
(Due out late 2003 - $1,695 US MSRP)
Pro Tools customers will soon have the option to add the new Avid Mojo video I/O peripheral to Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools TDM systems. The Avid Mojo accelerator delivers cost-effective, integrated Avid video, turning Pro Tools into the perfect audio companion for Avid Xpress Pro projects using 1:1 uncompressed 601 or DV25. However it also can play several JFIF resolutions from Media Composer systems, including 15:1s, 14:1p (24p), 35:1 and more.
System Requirements
Digidesign-approved Pro Tools TDM (Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools|24 MIX, Pro Tools|24) or LE (Mbox, Digi 001, Digi 002, and Digi ToolBox) system running Windows XP or Mac OS X.
For more information, visit their web site at www.digidesign.com. | 
