Panasonic announces AVC-ULTRA Plug-Ins for Avid Media Composer

SECAUCUS, NJ (March 20, 2013) -- Panasonic has announced AVC-ULTRA plug-ins for Avid Media Composer 6.5, both Mac and Windows versions.

Avid and Panasonic has been collaborating since 2004 to achieve seamless file-based workflows encompassing the evolution of the P2 solid-state format. The latest Avid software development kit facilitates comprehensive workflow tools for the AVC-ULTRA codec family, including AVC-Proxy, AVC-Intra and AVC-LongG.

Panasonic’s AVC-ULTRA offers master-quality and/or low-bit-rate 10-bit, 4:2:2 recording in Full HD to meet a variety of user needs from mastering to transmission. AVC-Proxy encodes are made in parallel with higher bandwidth production formats, enabling fast, efficient offline editing, at bit-rates from 3.5 megabits down to 800 kilobits per second. AVC-Intra currently provides fully integrated production, with native workflow from a camcorder, to near-line and offline editing, to final broadcast, transmission and mastering. AVC-LongG, designed for applications where file size is critical, offers 10-bit, 4:2:2 sampled recording in a much smaller file size, saving storage cost and transfer times over MPEG-2 while maintaining equal or better video quality.

AJ-PS001 activates the AVC-Proxy Re-Link feature, which allows the user to import AVC-Proxy and edit natively; edit sequence are re-linked to corresponding high-res clips automatically. The proxy workflow yields faster file transfer and less storage space, and is an ideal solution for breaking news, long-form documentaries and reality television.

AJ-PS002 activates the AVC-Intra Export feature, which allows the user to export AVC-Intra 100/50 clips. The AJ-PS002 will export from either a P2 card or a specified folder in the hard drive, and supports spanned clips. It also includes DV to DVCPRO HD import and export, and AVC-Intra 100/50 import capability.

The AJ-PS001 and AJ-PS002 plug-ins will be available in June 2013 at suggested list prices of $199 and $149 respectively in USA. The plug-in software will be downloadable from the Panasonic web site in June, and will come with a 30-day free trial period.

AJ-PS003 activates AVC-LongG Export, with a choice of file sizes up to 50Mbps. AJ-PS004 activates AVC-LongG Import, which allows the user to import P2 AVC-LongG clips and edit them natively on the timeline, enabling seamless integration between AVC-ULTRA camcorders and Avid Media Composer.

The AJ-PS003 and AJ-PS004 plug-ins will be available in October November 2013 at suggested list prices of $149 and $99 respectively. The plug-in software will be downloadable from the Panasonic web site in October November, and will come with a 30-day free trial period.