Avid Releases Latest Version of AirSpeed

Avid Technology Inc. has announced the release of version 2.5 of the company's AirSpeed multipurpose video ingest and play-out server. This latest version can operate in an Avid Unity shared storage environment, or, for the first time, as a standalone video server.

In standalone configurations, the new AirSpeed can connect directly with Avid editing workstations and provide ingest and play-out functionalities. Version 2.5 also provides support for 720p/50 video formats and for streamlined high-definition ingest involving PAL editing projects.

Before its release, AirSpeed version 2.5 underwent beta testing at KTBS-TV in Shreveport, La.

"KTBS was a beta test site for AirSpeed 2.5 and the experience convinced us of the viability and value of AirSpeed as a standalone solution," said Dale Cassidy, director of engineering at the station. "AirSpeed, working in conjunction with our Avid NewsCutter editors, can speed the process of getting content to air and play a key role in transitioning from conventional tape decks to a server-based system."

The new release was designed to easily integrate with existing customer equipment, production processes and applications, including station automation systems. This version features direct output of longitudinal timecode, on-screen display of available storage and bandwidth optimization tools, among other new functionalities.