Videoguys' Guide to Avid Media Composer
Understanding the new Licensing Options of Avid Media Composer | Software
At NAB2014 Avid announced that editors would now have several choices on how they can purchase Media Composer. Since then it has created some levels of confusion. Videoguys has put together a detailed FAQ with explainer videos to help you better understand your options. This guide is intended as an overview to quickly help you understand the differences.
Avid has now released the latest version (MC 8.0) in all the new licensing options. The key differentiators between the various flavors of licensing is the included 3rd party and Avid software. All prices in the top part of this post are MSRP but you can scroll down or click through for Videoguys' sales prices.
Let's start with existing Avid Editors.
If you already own a version of Media Composer or Symphony you will be able to upgrade for $299. What you will purchase for $299 is NOT an upgrade, it is an annual support package that includes free upgrades, updates and patches for a year. There are two flavors of this annual support contract, one for Media Composer owners and one for Symphony owners. The annual support package does not include any 3rd party software, but you can keep using the 3rd party software you already own, although you may require an upgrade from the 3rd party software vendor.
Avid is gave existing MC & Symphony owners until Dec 31st, 2014 to purchase an annual support plan. If you did not purchase a support plan by then, you would not be able to upgrade your software without buying a new perpetual license (or subscription). If at any time you decide to stop buying support, you will still own your perpetual license along with any and all upgrades you downloaded and installed while under your support contract.
You can still purchase Avid Media Composer & Symphony Support / upgrades for $285 from Videoguys!
Videoguys is an authorized Avid partner and we have been given permission by Avid to continue to sell Media Composer upgrade/ annual support plans. This is for a limited time only and it will only last as long as we have inventory left. We think we have enough to allow us to continue selling into February, but we can't guarantee that. Avid will not allow us to purchase any more, so when they are gone, they are gone forever.
You can use activation or your existing dongle when you upgrade under your annual support contract. Avid will allow you to run MC 6.5, 7 or 8 with an updated dongle. Activation will support MC 8 and the previous version MC7.
If you wish to upgrade from Media Composer to Symphony you can purchase the Symphony option for $749. The Symphony option now includes Boris Continuum Lite, not the full Continuum Complete.
Note: Avid ScriptSync and PhraseFind will initially will not be supported by the MC8. Avid is still negotiating with the software vendors and hopefully something will be worked out in the near future. For now we still have both ScriptSync and PhraseFind available to purchase for use with your existing MC 7 or earlier software.
Subscription vs Perpetual New Avid editors have two choices on how they can purchase Media Composer. You can still own the software by purchasing it for $1,299. This higher price includes you first year annual support contract as well. So if you purchase today, you would be eligible for any and all upgrades released for the next 12 months. Unfortunately Avid has significantly reduced the 3rd party software now shipping with Media Composer. The perpetual license only includes NewBlue Titler Pro v1, along with trial versions to Sorenson Squeeze Lite and iZotope Insight. Avid FX, Avid DVD and the full version of Sorenson Squeeze Standard are no longer included.
You can purchase the Avid Production Pack for $599 which gives you New Blue Titler v2, Sorenson Squeeze Standard and iZotope Insight. Not a bad value, but still no Avid FX. If you want that you'll have to purchase it as Boris Red.
The new Avid Subscription plan is a fantastic value. For $599 you don't just get Avid Media Composer, you also get the Symphony option! The 3rd party software is much better as well. You get New Blue Titler v2, Sorenson Squeeze Lite, Boris Continuum Lite and a 30 day trail to iZotope Insight. You also get a year of Avid support which entitles you to all upgrades and updates.
Note: You can't subscribe to an older version of Media Composer, all subscriptions are Media Composer 8. Updates are not automatic, you decide which future updates/upgrades you wish to download and when to install them.
Student and academic Options Students can subscribe to Media Composer for just $119 per year. Academic Institutions can subscribe for $479 per year. If you already own an Avid Student version and you are beyond your 4 years of free upgrades you can purchase an annual student support package for just $99. Students and educational facilities can still purchase Media Composer for $295 which includes the first year's annual support contract. Avid also has some fantastic floating license deals for Academic Institutions that makes deploying Avid easier and more cost effective than ever.
Floating Licenses Avid has also introduced a new option for facilities called floating licenses. You can purchase these as a pack of 20 or 50 licenses. Each pack also includes floating license server software which allows you to manage and deploy your seats as you wish. With a floating license server you can install Avid on as many machines as you like throughout your organization. The server then controls how many people can be using the software concurrently. With a 20 seat floating license you can have up to 20 users at a time. If you need to have more than 20 you would need to purchase another 20 pack or upgrade to a 50 pack. 20 & 50 packs are all that Avid initially will offer, but they may offer smaller add-on packs in the future. Note: Floating Licenses are for MC8 only. Just as with subscriptions, you can't have a floating license for previous versions. We have special pricing for converting your current facility to floating licensing and for academic institutions. For more information on Floating licenses and pricing please give us a call and a member of our Avid expert sales team will help advise you on the right configuration to fit your needs.
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Check out these videos for a quick overview on the New Avid Media Composer | Software |
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Avid Media Composer | Software is now available in 3 license types making it the perfect professional editing solution for everyone.
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Avid Media Composer | Software Perpetual License now includes a 1-year support plan that entitles you to free updates and upgrades during that period and with this license you own the software even if you do not continue to renew the support. The Perpetual License includes:
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Get the advanced tools you need to professionally correct and grade color, design stunning visual effects, and master your projects with the Media Composer | Symphony Option, an add-on for Media Composer | Software. This powerful software option adds advanced, secondary, and relational color correction tools to help you get the look you want, enables you to deliver multiple formats from a single master source, and design stunning visual effects with Boris Continuum Complete Lite.
$699.00 |
Give your Media Composer projects the professional look and sound quality they need to make the biggest impact. The Media Composer | Production Pack includes three complementary software tools—NewBlue Titler Pro 2, iZotope Insight, and Sorenson Squeeze—that enable you to create stunning 2D and 3D video titles, analyze and troubleshoot audio mixes, and optimize video for web and disc play. Media Composer | Production Pack $569.00
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Media Composer |
Symphony Option
Media Composer | Production Pack
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Media Composer Floating Licensing and Benefits For large-scale media enterprise, post-production houses, and educational institutions, Avid now offers floating licensing, enabling you to purchase “packs” of shared licenses to deploy across your entire facility using a single system ID. This enables multiple editors to use Media Composer® simultaneously on any number of workstations when licenses are available (not actively in use). Once you close your Media Composer application, the license is automatically returned to the pool of available licenses on the licensing server.
Get flexible license access To obtain a floating license, simply open Media Composer on your network-connected computer, and the software automatically connects to your licensing server and issues an available license in the background. In addition—similar to a library—floating licenses can be “checked out” to individual machines, such as a laptop, when you, an editor, or student needs to work off site or at home. Your administrator simply grants these privileges to the requestor, along with an expiration date. This makes it easy to add freelancers or students on a per-project basis, and have the granted licenses automatically returned at the end of the project. Save time and money By incorporating floating licensing, you can:
Avid Floating License Server software will require a Windows-based computer running Windows Server 2008, Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit) or Windows Server 2003 R2 |
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Media Composer Licensing FAQ |
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 Q: Why is Avid offering a Media Composer subscription license?
A: Many of our customers have asked for this option and we delivered. That’s why you now have a choice—gain access to the latest Media Composer toolset as needed on a low-cost monthly or annual basis, significantly lowering entry to the industry’s most trusted editing tool, or purchase and own it outright, as before. World class Avid support and software upgrades are now included in all plans. However, perpetual licenses must be renewed after the first year to continue receiving support and upgrades. New support options means help is there when you need it. See the Media Composer License Comparison Guide (above) for more information about these new Media Composer licensing and support options.Q: Isn’t that going to cost me more over time? What is the benefit for my business?
A: We know your budget is tighter than ever, making the decision to keep software up to date or invest in new products more difficult. These new licensing options make it easier for you to get new software features and enhancements the moment they are ready, as opposed to waiting for the next big release. On top of all that, Avid support and software upgrades are now included in all plans which previously required an additional purchase. Most importantly, Avid now puts choice in the hands of our customers, enabling you to decide how you acquire, use, and interact with our tools.Q: I’m an existing Media Composer user; what happens to my software now? Do I have to upgrade to this new licensing model?
A: If you have an existing Avid Expert Plus or Elite Support plan, you will be able to upgrade to Media Composer 8 when it is available as long as your contract is still active. If your contract has expired or you don’t have an Avid Support plan, you have the choice of purchasing an Avid Support renewal plan, which provides support and updates/upgrades for one year, or not renewing and remaining at your current level of software. Outside of the renewal program, you can continue to run your current version of software indefinitely. To take advantage of the $299 price for the Avid Support plan, you MUST renew in 2014 or renew when your existing support contract expires. Your other option is to simply subscribe to a monthly or annual subscription plan.
1 Year Avid Annual Support Plan $285.00 Q: How can I verify the expiration date of my support contract? A: You can verify the expiration date of your Avid contract by logging into your Support Center portal from within the “My Account” section at account.avid.com. Q: Why did Avid discontinue NewsCutter?
A: Most of the news-centric editing features introduced in past NewsCutter releases have also been added to Media Composer over time. Some specific news features that remained were based on legacy tape workflows. The most unique feature of NewsCutter—the NRCS (News Room Computer System) tool—is now available as an option for Media Composer. The Media Composer | NewsCutter Option enables you to open an iNEWS or ENPS interactive session within Media Composer, where you can view rundowns, scripts, and edit video to scripts by dropping selected text directly to the timeline. Additional displays and settings are now integrated into Media Composer, so all film, television, and news editors now have access to the same tools in one truly versatile application.
Q: Do I have to change the way I buy Avid software? Can I just continue to buy an upgrade when I need it?
A: If you have Media Composer but aren’t currently on an Avid Support plan, you should sign up for the yearly Avid Support renewal plan for $299 USD, which includes software upgrades/updates and support for one year from the date of purchase. That’s like paying for a single upgrade, but getting a whole year’s worth of updates and upgrades, plus a team of world-class support experts available when you need help. If you neglect to join the Avid Support plan in 2014 (or at the end of your support contract), you will have to purchase the product anew, or subscribe to a monthly or annual plan in order to continue to receive the latest features and support.
If you haven’t upgraded Media Composer recently (you own a release prior to Media Composer v6.5), you can effectively “upgrade” your license to v8 by purchasing an Avid Support renewal plan at $299 in 2014. This includes the Avid Support plan that provides software updates/upgrades and support for one year. At the end of that year, the software will continue to work, but to continue receiving new features and support, you will want to let the plan auto-renew yearly for $299 USD.
Q: I like to buy Avid software, hardware, and support from my favorite reseller; will I still be able to do this or has this new subscription-based model ended that? A: You will still be able to buy software, hardware, and Avid Support plans from your local reseller as before. However, monthly subscriptions are only available through the Avid Online Store. Avid resellers will continue to sell perpetual software licenses, as they’ve always done, while also offering annual subscriptions, yearly renewals, and floating licenses. Q: What happens to my existing Avid Support plan under this new licensing system? A: Your existing contract will continue to be honored. When the contract expires, you will have more options available for you to decide how your system will be licensed and supported. A basic level of Avid Support is now included as standard with all Avid license options. If you have additional support requirements, there are other Avid Support plans available to fit your needs. See the Media Composer Licensing Options Guide (above). Q: I travel a lot and need Media Composer to always work. If I’m not able to get network access, will my software still work? A: Yes. With a subscription license, the software will attempt to contact the authentication servers approximately every 30 days. As your renewal period approaches, if your system has been unable to reach the servers, Media Composer will remind you to connect to the Internet for authentication. A grace period is also used so that there is adequate time to find a connection. If your Internet connectivity is frequently sparse, then the better option would be to buy a perpetual license, which will never expire. The choice is yours.
Q: What is BCC Lite? What is different about it when compared to BCC? A: BCC Lite includes the most popular, highest-performing filters from BCC to give you expert effect creation right inside Media Composer. The filters include cover the four major filter categoris: Lights, Stylize, Color and Transitions. • BCC Lens Flare 3D • BCC Scanline • BCC Colorize • BCC Swishpan Transition Customers who wish to use the full suite of BCC filters can upgrade to BCC through Avid’s web store. Q: What is Sorenson Squeeze Lite? What is different about it when compared to Squeeze Pro or Squeeze Standard? A: Sorenson Squeeze Lite provides expert video encoding to some of the most popular formats for web publication. Customers that require the complete set of filters and encoding formats from Sorenson can upgrade to Squeeze Pro via Avid’s web store. Complete information regarding the difference between Squeeze Lite, Standard and Pro can be found here.
Q: What is included with standard Avid Support and are there other support packages available? How is this different from Avid Support in the past? A: Whether you’re utilizing the subscription and perpetual licensing Options, Avid Support plans are the same. In all cases, additional Avid Support Options are available to add to the included standard Avid Support package. Avid Elite Support provides unlimited phone and email incidents as well as hardware coverage. See the Media Composer Licensing Options Guide (below). |
Q: Is there a version of Media Composer that won’t “time out” if I don’t keep paying my monthly subscription fee? I don’t want to worry about the software no longer working if I’m without Internet access or I haven’t paid the monthly bill. A: Yes, Avid offers you a choice between a low-cost monthly or annual subscription license, or a perpetual license that you can purchase and own outright. The main difference is that a monthly license offers a very low-cost way to add a Media Composer seat as needed, but will “time out” if you let your subscription lapse, while the perpetual license will function forever. However, with a perpetual license, you will need to renew your annual support plan each year to ensure that you continue to receive the latest updates and access to world-class customer support if you need help Q: If I buy Media Composer outright (a perpetual license), how do I upgrade it? Will software patches and bug fixes be free like they’ve always been? A: If you buy Media Composer, it includes standard Avid Support and software upgrades for one year after purchase. Following the first year, you should auto-renew your Avid Support plan to continue getting software updates and upgrades for another year. Fixes and new features are displayed in the Application Manager in Media Composer whenever new software or a patch is available for download. If you cancel your auto-renewing Avid Support plan, you will have to purchase the product anew if you wish to continue receiving software updates and support. Q: I don’t want to pay month to month. I didn’t like it when the other “A” company did this, and I don’t like that Avid is doing it now. I want to buy or upgrade when I feel there are features that I need. A: Monthly subscriptions are only one of the new licensing choices for those who wish to add Media Composer seats instantly at a very low cost. This enables you to ramp editing systems up and down based on your individual or business needs. With an annual subscription, you can save even more on your monthly costs. Of course you also still have the option of buying the software outright for $1,299 (USD), which includes one year of Avid Support and software upgrades from the date of purchase. To continue receiving updates/upgrades and support after the first year, simply join the yearly Avid Support renewal plan for the low price of $299 (USD). Q: What if I buy and don’t register. Can my “year of Avid Support and software upgrades” start from that date? A: The registration process has changed from how it was handled previously. When a customer purchases and redeems the download code they are automatically registered at that time.
Q: With a monthly subscription, can I use Media Composer on more than one computer if I’m at work and then want to take a project home on my laptop? A: No. Whether you have a monthly or annual subscription, your Media Composer license can only be used on a single system | platform, whether you use a Mac or PC. Depending on your business, floating licenses can be an attractive and easy option for dynamically assigning licenses across your network and enabling editors to check out licenses for specific time periods. For more information, see the Media Composer Floating Licensing and Benefits Guide (below). Q: What happens to my software if I stop paying my monthly subscription? A: If you allow a subscription to lapse, Media Composer will cease to function the next time it pings the authentication server at the beginning of your next renewal cycle. Q: What happens to my subscription license if I’m not connected to the Internet? Will my software stop working? A: Not necessarily. The software pings the authentication server approximately every 30 days. As the system approaches the renewal date, Media Composer will send you daily reminders to connect to the Internet so that the license can be verified. Q: Will the Avid Support Plan prices be offered internationally? How will I buy? A: Yes. You can buy directly from Avid or from your favorite reseller. Q: How does this new license model work with other software I want, such as the Symphony Option, ScriptSync, and PhraseFind Options? A: Media Composer | Symphony Option, Media Composer | NewsCutter Option, Media Composer | ScriptSync Option, and Media Composer | PhraseFind Options are available to buy and own outright, as before. The Symphony Option is included in Media Composer monthly and annual subscriptions—along with a full bundle of third-party creative tools—starting at just $49.99/month USD. See the Media Composer Licensing Options Guide (above) for prices for various Options and suites.
Q: I’ve got multiple seats of Media Composer in my facility. Month-to-month subscriptions are going to be a management headache for me. Do you have a plan that makes sense for my business? A: If your facility has 20 or more seats of Media Composer, then a floating license server is an excellent solution. We now offer floating licensing for Media Composer, enabling you to quickly and easily distribute licenses across your facility, on demand, from a single, centralized server running on your existing hardware (Windows OS). And because Media Composer editors can collaborate both locally and remotely, you can extend your production beyond the walls of your facility. Floating licenses can also be “checked out” for specific time periods by the system administrator when systems need to be taken off premises. For more information, see the Media Composer Floating Licensing and Benefits Guide (below). Q: How do I manage a mix of license options with the floating license server? Can I have multiple software versions? A: You can buy smaller packs of licenses for Options such as Symphony, PhraseFind, ScriptSync, and Newscutter. These Options are licensed separately by the server. For added control, the Floating Server software will allow you to grant specific Options to individual machines on your network. Q: My facility has a lot of freelance editors coming and going. I don’t feel a subscription model works well for my business. Do you have any other options? A: With the new Media Composer | Software subscription and floating license offerings, you can now scale your workgroup as needed—even at a moment’s notice. Add additional Media Composer seats on a month-to-month basis when production demands extra editors, and scale them back between jobs. With floating licensing, you can quickly and easily distribute licenses across your facility, on demand, from a single, centralized server. And because Media Composer editors can collaborate both locally and remotely, you can extend your production beyond the walls of your facility. Q: If my facility uses floating licensing, can I take a laptop offsite away from the building and still access the software? A: Yes. To access licenses off-premises with a floating license system, the server administrator can assign a license to your system and allow it to be “checked out” for a period of time. Similar to a library, but with more control, the license can then be set to automatically “time out” at the end of a project. Q: I use a dongle to license my software; will that continue to work? A: Yes. Dongles are supported as part of Avid’s perpetual license offerings as they are today. In this case, the only difference is that you will need to purchase a yearly Avid Support plan, which will provide new features, patches, and enhancements as well as access to standard Avid Support. |
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Q: What happens to all of the other software that came bundled with Media Composer, such as Avid FX, Avid DVD, Sorenson Squeeze, and Boris Continuum Complete? Are they available with any of these licensing options?
A: While many partner plug-ins and applications are available as “lite” versions included in Avid’s subscription offerings, full perpetual licenses for Avid FX (aka Boris Red), Sorenson Squeeze, iZotope Insight, and NewBlue Titler Pro v2 are available as part of the Avid Production Pack or available for individual purchase through the Avid Marketplace. Please note that since DVD production requirements have not changed in many years, Avid DVD is no longer been developed or sold.
Q: I see that this version is designated as Media Composer 8, but I don’t see any big new features in this release like Avid usually delivers.
A: Don’t worry—they’re coming. For this initial launch of Media Composer, we want to make sure that our new subscription offerings have a smooth deployment and that all of our new subscribers get the best experience. We are even creating a forum on 
Q: How can I determine which Options I have already?
A: You can verify what Options you have now for use with your Media Composer by logging into the “My Account” section at |
Avid Support Plans for Media Composer A standard Avid Support plan is now included with all Media Composer subscriptions and purchases. If your support needs are more demanding, you can upgrade to Elite support for an additional cost, either as a monthly subscription plan or an annual one. If you have an existing Avid Support contract, it will continue to be honored until it expires. At that time, you can choose the new support option that best suits your needs.
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