Pro Tools 8.0.3 also marks the first Avid Pro Tools release. This brand change is the next step in
Avid’s transformation into a unified company that is stronger and more agile than ever, working as
one to provide you with the most powerful, elegant, and comprehensive solutions for media creation.
Details :
With Pro Tools 8.0.3, you can upgrade your computer to the latest Mac OS X 10.6 “Snow Leopard” or
Microsoft Windows 7* operating systems, get improved performance and stability with over 100 key
bug fixes, and gain more efficiency through improved workflows.  Some of the key improvements are
found in the following areas:
 
• QuickTime video playback (on Mac)
• Blackmagic cards
• Field recorder workflows
• Automation
• Video Satellite
• DigiTranslator
• DigiBase
• User interface
• Editing
• Playback/record
• File management
• AudioSuite
• Third-party conform applications
• Synchronization
• Control surfaces  
• MIDI
• Bounce to Disk
• Groups  
 
We know your success depends on a system that’s stable and lets you work with the latest
technologies and gear, and our priority is to provide you with the best experience and deliver
compatibility with today’s computers and operating systems in a timely manner. For a complete list of improvements, please visit the Pro Tools 8.0.3 download page and review the release notes.   
* Important: Windows 7 compatibility in Pro Tools 8.0.3 is not fully tested or supported by
Avid/Digidesign. We recommend backing up your system and work files before using this software, or
installing a fresh copy of Windows 7 on a different boot drive. In preliminary testing, we have found most plug-ins to be compatible with Pro Tools 8.0.3 and Windows 7.
 
 
Download Pro Tools 8.0.3 :
Pro Tools 8.0.3 is a free download for all Pro Tools 8 users. Please note that you will need your Pro Tools 8 authorization code (Pro Tools LE) or iLok authorization (Pro Tools|HD or Pro Tools M-
Powered) to authorize the Pro Tools 8.0.3 software.
 
 
The following items will not be supported with Pro Tools 8.0.3:
 
• Mbox (original version). More information can be found here.
• Expansion|HD expansion chassis. More information can be found here.
• Power-PC Macintosh computers. More information can be found here.
 
Frequently Asked Questions :
Q: The last Pro Tools software update was version 8.0.1 but this release is 8.0.3. What
happened to version 8.0.2 ?
A: Pro Tools M-Powered Essential 8.0.2 is a new software version specifically made for bundles with new M-Audio hardware. Like Pro Tools 8.0.1, Pro Tools M-Powered Essential 8.0.2 has not been
qualified with OS X 10.6.
 
Q: Will all 3rd party plug-ins work on Snow Leopard, or should I expect a lengthy compatibility
transition ?
A: At the time of this release we have found that most plug-ins work without problems.  Please
contact 3rd party partners for details on their support plans.
 
Q: Does Pro Tools 8.0.3 take advantage of new Mac OS technologies such as GrandCentral or
OpenCL ?
A: While both technology developments are exciting on many levels, Pro Tools 8.0.3 software will not directly take advantage of either one.  GrandCentral allows new software developers to take
advantage of many-core processing without requiring complicated and lengthy development work. Pro
Tools already employs a modern multi-threaded processing engine that is fully compatible with many-core CPUs.  OpenCL affords additional processing power by taking advantage of the computers
graphics processing unit (GPU) in addition to the CPU. While extremely powerful, GPUs will work best with only certain kinds of calculations and are not well suited for low-latency audio environments. Additionally OpenCL support is only available with certain computers and display cards.  As always,we are in close contact with Apple and will evaluate this and other new developments for future use in Pro Tools.  
Q: Snow Leopard provides a 64-bit kernel mode. Will Pro Tools 8.0.3 work in 64-bit kernel
mode ?
A: Pro Tools 8.0.3 is not qualified with Snow Leopard’s 64-bit kernel mode at this time.  
 
Q: Is Pro Tools 8.0.3 a 64-bit application ?
A: Pro Tools 8.0.3 is a 32-bit application. We are investigating 64-bit support and have no release
plans to share at this time.  
 
 
Q: What happened to the Digidesign “d” in the splash screen ?
A: In an on-going effort to introduce the Avid brand to all Digidesign product, the Pro Tools 8.0.3 software installer and DVD will be the first Digidesign product to use the new AVID logo, which will replace the Digidesign “d” logo.   
 
 
 
Windows 7 Information :
 
Avid is pleased to announce that Pro Tools® 8.0.3 provides public beta* compatibility for Pro
Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools M-Powered with 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Microsoft’s
Windows 7 operating system. This public beta is provided as a convenience for Windows 7-based Pro
Tools 8.0.3 users who may wish to begin their transition to Windows 7 before fully tested and qualified Windows 7 support for Pro Tools becomes available.   
 
As always, we appreciate your ongoing support and are doing our best to get you up and running on
the latest Windows platforms as quickly and reliably as possible.  
 
The following items have not been evaluated for Windows 7 public beta compatibility for the Pro Tools 8.0.3 release :
 
• Avid video peripherals
• Interplay
• Unity ISIS
• Unity MediaNetwork
• Media Composer Co-install
• Video Satellite
 
Windows 7 Public Beta Frequently Asked Questions :
Q: Windows 7 provides a 64-bit version. Will the Pro Tools 8.0.3 Windows 7 public beta work
with this 64-bit operating system ?
 
A: Yes, we are not aware of any issues running the Pro Tools Windows 7 public beta with Windows 7
64-bit. Of course, the 32-bit version can also be used.  
Q: Is Pro Tools 8.0.3 a 64-bit application ?
 
A: Pro Tools 8.0.3 is a 32-bit application. We are investigating 64-bit support and have no release plans to share at this time.  
 
Q: When can I expect a fully qualified version of Pro Tools on Windows 7 ?
A: We are currently working to qualify Pro Tools on Windows 7 and have no release date to share at
this time. Please check www.digidesign.com for updates.
Source : Digidesign Avid 171209