Avid – “Fool me once…”

[David Roche]

Bob, I’m sorry to hear this happened to you. I was hoping that maybe Avid had learned something from their near-death experience – apparently not.

Well, with this week’s disastrous (predicted) release of FCPX, Avid will surely get some new customers. Let’s hope they read our complaints and respond. Not holding my breath…

[Douglas Ryan]

God, how Ioved my A-62. We created magic with that thing. I miss it still, the feel of the trackball in my hand. Thanks for the flashback.
Doug

[Scott Thomas]

[Steve Pankow] “The mention of A62 makes me think of Charlex and The Cars “You Might Think” music video.”

I believe “You Might Think” predates the A62.

What I remember hearing was that they had a huge amount of 1″ recorders, playing back both key and fill elements.

I remember reading that their compositing device back then was a custom built CDL switcher.

I think the later Pringles and “wine cooler” spots benefited from the A62.

[Steve Pankow]

Shoot, you’re right. I thought it was A62 work.

[Scott Cole]

I believe charlex’s claim to fame was their use of IVC 9000 HELICAL 2″ VTRS. The machines were probably the best analog tape machines ever, or at least their time. Their S/N ratio was incredible which made for great layering. They also had no banding issues.

M. Scott Cole
Senior Post Production Editor
60 MINUTES
CBS News, NYC
sc6@cbsnews.com
mscottc@comcast.net

[Justin Gray]

I completely agree with you David.

Thanks Fellow Bovines,

Justin Gray
Senior Editor/Motion Graphics Artist
Encore Multimedia
web.me.com/grayplanet

[David Roche]

Thanks Justin – and thanks for getting this discussion back on topic.

[Justin Gray]

I have used avid systems since before the Meridian days. Mostly though Media Composer running on adrenaline and Nitris DX boxes. I guess this makes me something of a new by but with around 10 years of daily avid usage I consider myself relatively seasoned. 

I was one of those who became increasingly frustrated with Avid, as was the trend, at the turn of the century. I looked to systems like discreet’s (now autodesk,) media 100,  and even the evil adobe premiere 6.5. 

My reasons were the same as everyone else’s. Avid had become arrogant and untouchable. Support was horrible… and horribly expensive and the media composer updates continually failed to impress. 

Along come final cut pro with all the “coolness” of apple behind it. It turned out to be great… editors liked and could afford it… an the rest is history. 

Avid, The tides have shifted and the ball is now in your court. So many great things can be said of your company and new attitude… especially since around the release of MC 3.5. You have been responsive and proactive in turning your company around and I thank you for that. But just remember that you can be the king for a day but a whore for a week. 

I know many shops that are looking to turn off the FCP switch. And if you play the cards right your won’t lose to adobe.

Man, Avid I’m rooting for you… but  neither mine, nor most professional editors, allegiance lies with anyone. I sure as hell would love to be a fly on the wall during the avid marketing meetings. 

Thanks Fellow Bovines,

Justin Gray
Senior Editor/Motion Graphics Artist
Encore Multimedia
web.me.com/grayplanet