Avid has released Media composer version 5.5. It is now available for download purchase from the Avid website ($149 upgrade for MC5 owners). The download is for the Avid MC 5.5 application only, it does not include the 3rd party software Avid calls the Production Suite. Boxed units with Production Suite will begin shipping March 18th. The only software in the Production Suite that has been updated is the Boris Continuum AVX, which goes from ver 6 to 7 while all other 3rd party software remains the same. It is available for Windows and Mac operating systems.

The upgrade download from version 5 costs $149, while the full product download is $1,895.00.

Full specifications of the updated version are below:

• Capture, monitor, and output video with support for the AJA Io Express interface.
• Natively access and edit Sony HDCAM SR Lite media through AMA (Avid Media Access).
• Accelerate Panasonic AVC-Intra projects—and use multiple streams—with support for the new Nitris DX AVC-Intra hardware interface.
• Take hands-on control of your video and audio editing/mixing with EUCON support for Artist Control, Artist Mix, and Artist Transport control surfaces.
• Find the right clips fast with support for the new PhraseFind option (watch the video.)
• Directly manipulate transitions in the timeline with the expanded Smart Tool.
• Be more creative with updates to production suite.
• Quickly find files across local and shared storage bins using the improved Find tool.
• Capture and monitor audio in Media Composer projects using Pro Tools hardware.
• Specify audio track formats during import or through AMA, and expand your creative palette with 20 included AIR effects plug-ins.
• Be more creative with new updates to the included Production Suite (sold separately from download purchases.)
• Get more flexibility with audio signal routing when sending material to air (Send to Playback), with up to 16 audio output channels.
• View portions of the software interface in localized languages, including Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, German, and Italian.
• Get better Long GOP performance when using Send to Playback with AirSpeed servers.
• Use proxies of H.264 material in AirSpeed MultiStream environments for faster response time and increased stream counts.
• New format support with Matrox MX02 Mini now includes SD 23.976, 720p 23.98, 1080p 23.98, 1080p 24, 1080p 25, and 1080p 29.97 as well as the ability to select PsF or true P output in 1080p modes. Also MX02 Mini with Max acceleration has been qualified on Mac OS systems.