Exclusive IBM IntelliStation Solution Provides Complete Streaming Video Workflow

TEWKSBURY, MA. --Aug. 24, 2000-- Avid Technology, Inc.announced that Version 1.5 of Avid Xpress DV on IBM IntelliStation- a complete solution for editing and delivering video content for Web streaming, CD, DVD and other media - is now shipping. The new version provides an exclusive streaming video workflow, from content creation to streaming media output to automated FTP upload to web video hosting. It also offers improved interoperability with other content creation tools, enhanced editing features, and a choice of workstation configurations. It's ideal for web and DVD content creation, professional video production, sales and marketing, training, Web-based teaching and other uses. This new turnkey solution includes Avid Xpress DV 1.5 software pre-loaded and pre-configured on an IBM IntelliStation M Pro workstation, all starting under $6,400 ERP(a).

The new streaming video workflow covers every element of creating and delivering streaming media. To create powerful video content, Avid Xpress DV editing software offers a rich, deep toolset based on the tenth-generation Avid tools that are used to edit 96% of primetime television shows. To create streaming versions of the completed video, a single pull-down command exports seamlessly to Terran Interactive's Media Cleaner EZ, included in the new release, and Media Cleaner Pro, sold separately. These leading programs allow easy export to various streaming media formats including QuickTime, RealNetworks, and Microsoft Windows Media technology. To upload the video to web servers, the new release adds an integrated Avid Publishing Wizard, which automates the process of FTP upload to Web video servers. Finally, to host the video, customers in the United States and Canada (excluding Quebec) will receive three months of free video hosting from Yahoo!, representing an additional value of up to $7,500.

"In the few months it's been available, Avid Xpress DV on IBM IntelliStation has proven to be an overwhelming success. The solution leverages the powerful features of Avid's advanced editing systems, combined with state-of-the-art Web streaming capabilities plus automated FTP delivery to web servers," said Alan Hoff, product manager for Avid Xpress DV. "With Version 1.5, exporting to Web is now an even simpler, one-step process, and improved interoperability dramatically enhances collaborative workflow between multiple users."

For improved interoperability, the new release includes virtually instantaneous QuickTime export to popular applications such as Adobe After Effects through QuickTime Reference Movie. Version 1.5 also now supports Avid Unity MediaNet, the most powerful and inclusive media network solution available for content creation.

New editing capabilities in Version 1.5 include support for 16:9 widescreen media to accommodate the wider aspect ratio of DTV and many popular DV devices.

Avid Xpress DV on IBM IntelliStation is available in two configurations. A new affordable model features a 733 MHz(1) Intel Pentium III processor, a 30GB(2) EIDE for video files and a 15GB EIDE for applications. A high-performance model features 933MHz Intel Pentium III processor and the high performance and expandability of SCSI drives, and includes a 36GB SCSI for video files and a 9.1GB SCSI for applications.

Availability and Pricing

The solution is currently shipping and is available exclusively through IBM resellers and distributors, Avid resellers and distributors, or direct from IBM (1-888 Shop-IBM). US IBM estimated reseller prices are as follows: $6,349(3) for a model with a 733MHz Intel Pentium III processor and 15GB and 30GB EIDE hard drives (model 6868-93); $6,909(3) for a model with a 733MHz Intel Pentium III processor and 9.1GB and 18.2GB SCSI hard drives (model 6868-92); and $7,889(3) for a model with a 933MHz Intel Pentium III processor and 9.1GB and 36GB SCSI hard drives (model 6868-94).

About Avid Xpress DV on IBM IntelliStation

Avid Xpress DV on IBM IntelliStation solution combines industry-proven Avid digital video editing software with easy Web streaming and DVD delivery on a reliable, powerful IBM IntelliStation workstation. Based on the award-winning Avid interface, the Avid Xpress DV software includes a powerful set of professional DV editing, effects, audio, titling, graphics, compositing and interoperability features. One-Step Technology allows users to save time by accomplishing the most common editing tasks in the fewest possible steps, often with a single mouse click. Supported multimedia formats include RealNetworks G2, Microsoft Windows Media (ASF), AVI and Apple QuickTime. The system also includes Ligos GoMotion for MPEG1 and MPEG2 encoding, as well as Sonic Solutions DVDit! LE for preparing rich DVD content.

Avid Xpress DV on IBM IntelliStation is tightly compatible with Avid Media Composer(R), Avid Xpress and Symphony(TM) products, with the ability to exchange and Total Conform projects, bins and sequences. The solution also offers exceptional interchange with third-party content creation, supporting 25 file interchange formats and plug-in architectures such as AVX(TM) and Digidesign(R) AudioSuite(TM) tools.

The Avid Xpress DV software is sold exclusively on the IBM IntelliStation M Pro, a workstation designed to solve new creative problems posed by the world of video editing, animation, Web design and three-dimensional computer-aided design.

About Avid Technology, Inc.

Avid Technology, Inc. is an international, industry-leading provider of digital audio and video tools for information and entertainment applications. The company's products are used by a variety of customers worldwide, including film, television and interactive content producers and corporate communicators. For more information, visit Avid's Web site at www.avid.com.

(a)U.S. estimated reseller's price. Resellers set their own prices may vary. See reseller for further details.

Footnotes

1. MHz only measures microprocessor's internal clock speed, not application performance. Many factors affect application performance.

2. When referring to hard drive capacity, GB stands for one thousand million bytes. Total user-accessible capacity may be less. Maximum internal hard disk drive capacities assume the replacement of any standard hard disk drives and the population of all hard disk drive bays with the largest currently supported drives available from IBM.

3. IBM list price; does not include tax or shipping and is subject to change without notice. Reseller prices may vary.

(c)2000 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product specifications are subject to change without notice. Avid, Digidesign, Media Composer and Avid Xpress are registered trademarks and AVX, Symphony, Avid Unity and AudioSuite are trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. IBM and IntelliStation are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. Microsoft, Windows Media and Windows NT are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Apple is a registered trademark and QuickTime is a trademark used under license from Apple Computer, Inc. Yahoo! is a trademark of Yahoo! Inc. RealNetworks is a registered trademark of RealNetworks, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Media Cleaner Pro is a trademark of Terran Interactive, Inc. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.