Media Composer and 4K

A few days ago Avid released the long awaited update that allowed 4K editing in the Media Composer system.

4K has finally arrived

As part of an initiative called “Avid Resolution Independence,” announced last September, users can now edit natively in 2K, 4K and UHD.

Through AMA you can link DPX, XAVC-1, RED or QT ProRes files or transcode them to the new DNxHR codec, created for resolutions higher than HD.

Thanks to this update, projects with these resolutions can be exported as QuickTime ProRes or DPX files using the AMA File Export tool.

Avid has published a “High-Resolution Workflows guide,” which goes into detail on procedures for working with the new codecs, including a new proxy mode that reduces processing demands when working with high-resolution media. If a DNxHR reaches 3730 Mbps on a 4K, 10-bit, 4:4:4 clip at 60p, with Proxy mode it is possible to work at 1/4 or 1/6 of the project resolution, rendering the effects at this resolution until proxy mode is deactivated and they are all rendered at high resolution.

If you are working with a client monitor, you will be able to view 4K with any of these third-party hardware:

• AJA Kona 4
• AJA IO 4k Thunderbolt 2
• Blackmagic Design BMD Decklink 4K Extreme
• Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 4K Thunderbolt 2

New frame rates

New support also for frame rates 47.952, 48, 50, 59.94 and 60 fps. When we are editing with high frame rates, we will be able to limit the base speed to the standards, i.e. if for example we are working in 50p or 60p, the speed is set to 25p or 30p (using frame rates divisible by 2 so as not to cause artifacts).

This feature is called Two-Frame Safety and is especially useful for projects that require a lowering of speed.

Another new feature is the possibility of changing the playback frame rates through the Source Settings tab, being able to choose if we want to see it with the clip speed or the project speed.

Other new features

On the color side, this version also includes support for Rec. 2020 and DCI-P3 color spaces, as well as general workflow improvements, for example being able to install LUTs that are available in all projects and apply them to clips on the timeline. There are also LUTs for external monitors.

In addition, we can now expand the color levels to full scale (0-255) by right-clicking and selecting “Display Color Space” > full range.

Among other functions we find the “Quick Filter” within the bins, or “List Tool”, a tool to generate EDLs, Cut Lists or Change Lists from within Media Composer.

This update is free for all users with subscriptions, floating licenses or perpetual licenses with a support and upgrade plan; simply click on “Update” in your “Application Manager” to download the new version. You can also download it from here.