Media 100 to expand 844/X feature set

Media 100, a unit of Optibase and a leading provider of advanced media systems, has announced that it is developing new features and tool sets for its flagship 844/X system.
844/X is a real-time editing-compositing system and is available with Version 3.0 software, introduced in February 2004 - and the largest software expansion of 844/X to date.
The new capabilities in development include support for integrating 844/X into existing postproduction workflows plus new finishing toolsets that, when available, will make 844/X a more compatible and valuable companion to most post-production workflows. The new features include: Native support of Final Cut Pro XML format for program data and metadata compatibility with Apple's popular editing tool; AAF support for importing project data and metadata from AAF-compatible offline editing systems, such as Avid Media Composer; An integrated multi-layer video paint tool for background, retouch treatments and other graphic treatments; Motion tracking including automatic creation of motion-alpha mattes; Image stabilisation for smoothing out camera movements; New toolsets for audio sweetening and sound finishing; Enhanced colour correction capabilities, including full support for colour matching; and 3:2 pulldown support for editing film or other 24P-originated material.
The above features are expected to be available in future software releases planned for 2005.
"One of the first things we looked at upon acquiring the assets of Media 100 was how to widen the market opportunity for 844/X," said Amir Goren, general manager of the Media 100 business unit. "We realised there were two key elements necessary to support this objective: provide seamless interoperability with other editing systems that are often used in the post-production process in an offline capacity; and provide a complete toolset that would allow 844/X customers to conform and finish projects originated on these offline systems. With these capabilities, plus a native HD implementation - also announced today - to support HD and SD post production in a single system, we believe that 844/X will be an invaluable addition to anyone's creative workflow."
(GB)