Q. What is the problem? What will happen if the codec is not updated? How will the problem manifest itself?
A. When VC-3 compliant DNxHD media is played in an Pre- Avid Media Composer v4.x, Avid Symphony v4.x, Avid NewsCutter v8.x and Avid DS v10.2 versions of the editor application, frames may be decompressed incorrectly. This is characterized by only the top half of a frame being decompressed with the bottom half of the image displaying either black or green. Installing the updated codec in the earlier editor applications, will result in correct decoding.
Q. What is Avid doing to fix this problem?
A. Avid will post codec updates for all older versions (Pre – Avid Media Composer v4.x, Avid Symphony v4.x, Avid NewsCutter v8.x and Avid DS v10.2) of the editors on the Avid Download center on September 25, 2009. At this time, we recommend that all customers update their codec files to the latest version regardless of their workflow. The individual downloads will contain information on the install procedures for all released versions.
Q. What about customers using the new Avid Media Composer v4.x, Avid Symphony v4.x, Avid NewsCutter v8.x or Avid DS v10.2.x?
A. Avid Media Composer v4.x, Avid Symphony v4.x, Avid NewsCutter v8.x and Avid DS v10.2.x software includes improvements to Avid's DNxHD codec. The improvements were specifically implemented to bring the codec into compliance with the SMPTE VC-3 specification. These editor applications will decode any DNxHD media created by ANY version of the editing application. No action is required.
Q. What about customers using any other version prior to Avid Media Composer v4.x, Avid Symphony v4.x, Avid NewsCutter v8.x and Avid DS v10.2.x:?
A. These editor applications WILL NOT be able to play back media created with the new Avid Media Composer v4.x, Avid Symphony v4.x, Avid NewsCutter v8.x or DS v10.2.x software. All earlier Avid editor versions will require an updated codec if DNxHD media is used.
Below are the codec installers for previous verions of Avid editors as far back as Avid Media Composer v2.2.x, Avid Symphony1.0.x, and Avid NewsCutter 6.2.x. Please follow the installation instructions carefully, which can be located in the corresponding ReadMe
If you are using Avid Xpress Pro or a version of Media Composer, NewsCutter, or Symphony prior to the ones listed, and you have a need to work with DNxHD media created in Media Composer 4.0, NewsCutter 8.0, or Symphony 4.0 and higher, Avid recommends that you upgrade your software to a version that supports the updated DNxHD codecs. For information on upgrade paths, please visit our online store at http://store.avid.com or contact your local Avid Reseller or Avid Sales Office (http://www.avid.com/products/howtobuy/Index.aspx).
ReadMes:
ReadMe_CodecUpdate2.2.x.pdf
ReadMe_CodecUpdate2.7.xand2.8.x.pdf
ReadMe_CodecUpdate3.0.x_3.1.x_3.5.x.pdf
Installers For PC:
DNxHDCodecUpdate_x.2.x.zip
DNxHDCodecUpdate_x.7.x_and x.8.x.zip
DNxHDCodecUpdate_3.0.x_3.1.x_3.5.x.zip
Installers For Mac:
Please Note: Both files are necessary for proper installation. These codecs are only for Media Composer and Symphony 3.0.x to 3.5.x
CMAvidHDCodec.avx.zip
CodecManager.avx.zip
Avid QuickTime Codec Update
The Avid QuickTime Codecs have also been updated to support the new DNxHD codecs. For more information on the QuickTime codecs, see the following:
For the ability to decode SMPTE compliant and non-compliant DNxHD QuickTime files, as well as encode compliant DNxHD QuickTime files only, see Avid QuickTime Codecs v.2.1
For the ability to decode SMPTE compliant and non-compliant DNxHD QuickTime files, as well as encode non-compliant DNxHD QuickTime files only, see Avid QuickTime Codecs v.2.01
