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Digidesign have unveiled the latest release
of its industry-standard Pro Tools software.
Pro Tools 7.4 offers numerous new music and post-production features and
workflow enhancements for Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE, and Pro Tools M-Powered users. Topping the list
is a powerful, multifaceted new music composition and production tool called Elastic Time. The software also
provides improved networking compatibility with Avid Unity ISIS shared storage systems and new support for
HD video workflows.
Gannon Kashiwa, market manager for Digidesign’s professional products told us,
“With Pro Tools 7.4, we’re delivering some powerful new tools for both music and post production. Our new Elastic Time functionality
provides a revolutionary new way to manipulate the timing of audio events in Pro Tools—all in real time while
maintaining the class-leading sound quality that our users have come to expect. Elastic Time is as easy to use
as it is deep and flexible. It goes way beyond simple loop and tempo conforming, and delivers extremely
powerful time-based tools that sound absolutely fantastic.
Pro Tools integration with Avid-based post-production workflows is truly coming of age
with Pro Tools 7.4. With support for Avid Mojo SDI on Pro Tools LE systems, independent engineers and
commercial facilities now have access to affordable, professional solutions for desktop post production that
seamlessly integrate industry-standard Avid video. And for facilities relying on Avid-based workflows, Pro
Tools HD 7.4 takes interoperability to the next level with direct media streaming to and from Avid Unity ISIS
shared storage networks on Windows XP-based systems. Finally, the new Avid Media Station|PT software with
Video Satellite Option completes the picture with exciting new ways to work with Avid video.�
Pro Tools 7.4 Software Features
- Elastic Time
Elastic Time allows users to easily change the tempo and timing of loops, music, dialogue, and other
sound files in real time without cutting up audio tracks. Users can now easily audition or import loops
and audio files that instantly sync with a session’s tempo. Users can also use the Elastic Time feature
to quantise audio to the session grid or extracted grooves, and fine-tune regions with precision
control over each individual beat.
- Avid Media Station|PT 2.7 Software with Video Satellite Option
Running on a separate computer, new Avid® Media Station|PT 2.7 software coupled with the new
Video Satellite Option brings Pro Tools more deeply into the Avid workflow by enabling Pro Tools
editors to quickly and easily play Avid video sequences in sync with Pro Tools|HD. The Video Satellite
Option eliminates time-consuming video exports and removes all video-processing burdens from the
Pro Tools|HD system by synchronising playback with Media Station|PT on a separate, dedicated
computer.
- Avid ISIS Streaming
Avid Unity ISIS offers the most scalable shared storage option for large, integrated post environments.
With Pro Tools HD 7.4 software on Windows XP systems, editors can record and play back audio and
video directly from qualified Avid ISIS shared storage systems.
Pricing and Availability:
Pro Tools 7.4 software will be available in late 2007 for Windows XP- and Mac OS X (Tiger)-based Pro
Tools|HD systems as well as Windows XP-, Windows Vista- and Mac OS X (Tiger)-based Pro Tools LE and Pro
Tools M-Powered. Expanded Windows Vista and OS X (Leopard) support will be announced later.
Customers who have purchased a new Pro Tools system or upgrade within one month prior to the release of
Pro Tools 7.4 will be eligible for a free software upgrade. Customers purchasing new systems with old
software will also be eligible for the free upgrade. Upgrades will be available through the DigiStore as well as
through authorised Digidesign dealers.
Pro Tools HD: $199 standard upgrade; $79 upgrade from Pro Tools HD 7.3
Pro Tools LE/M-Powered: $75 standard upgrade; $49 upgrade from Pro Tools LE/M-Powered 7.3
(UK or Euro pricing not available at time of going to press)
More information: