Avid Free DV FAQ
Below are a number of frequently asked questions regarding Avid Free DV. Also check out the Avid Free DV forum for more information.
What is Avid Free DV?
Avid Free DV is feature-streamlined, standalone software designed to give a user the opportunity to explore the Avid editing application. It includes basic video and audio editing capabilities, up to two streams of real-time effects and support for both Windows XP and Macintosh OS X platforms. When you're ready for even more horsepower, you can step up to Avid's professional line of products including Avid Xpress Pro and Avid Media Composer, and take advantage of the fully functional Avid editing interface and toolset [top]
Who is Avid Free DV for?
Perfect for students, DV camera owners, video enthusiasts or anyone exploring video editing - Avid Free DV software is an easy, free way to join the Avid family and test-drive the industry-standard editing interface used by more professionals than any other video editing solution. [top]
What are the minimum system requirements to run Avid Free DV?
The system requirements of Avid Free DV are:
For Windows:
- Windows XP OS, 933 MHz Pentium III or any Pentium 4 or any Pentium M processor, 1 GB system memory (1.5 GB recommended).
For Macintosh:
- Mac OS X 10.3.4 or OS X 10.3.5 667 MHz or faster G4, 1 GB system memory (1.5 GB recommended).
- Avid Free DV can be used on the following earlier Mac operating systems for trial purposes only: Mac OS X 10.2.6, Mac OS X 10.2.8, Mac OS X 10.3.1, and Mac OS X 10.3.2. [top]
How do I get Avid Free DV?
Avid FreeDV is no longer available. This page is made available as a support resource for existing Avid Free DV users. [top]
What kind of product support will be available?
Avid Free DV software is provided "as is." This means Avid does not guarantee this software's compatibility with any particular computer system, or various components installed on it. Additionally, Avid does not assume any technical or customer support responsibilities for Avid Free DV by phone, e-mail, or fax. Because of the widespread, free nature of this release, we invite users to become a part of our online community to obtain and share information with other users.
For assistance, Avid Free DV users should visit the Avid Free DV Forum. This online community is where you can share your knowledge, ask questions and build relationships with other Avid Free DV users.
Please note that all Avid products available for purchase include technical support from the product experts at Avid.
If this is your first time editing with an Avid product, you may need help familiarizing yourself with the user interface and toolset. Avid Free DV Tutorials are available to help you get started, visit the Avid Free DV training page to view the many flash tutorials available. [top]
Does any documentation come with the Avid Free DV download?
Avid Free DV is not a supported Avid product. The help and documentation available for Avid Free DV is actually the Avid Xpress Products online help system. This system includes many features that are not available with Avid Free DV. These features have been grayed out or do not appear in the application, but are available in the Avid Xpress Pro software. The Avid Xpress Products Help includes a contents list, search capabilities, and context-sensitive Help, all available from within the Avid Free DV Help menu.
If this is your first time editing with an Avid product, you may need help familiarizing yourself with the user interface and toolset. Avid Free DV Tutorials are available to help you get started, visit the Avid Free DV Tutorials page to view the many flash modules available. [top]
Are Avid Free DV projects compatible with Avid Xpress Pro or Avid Media Composer?
No, Avid Free DV is a free, stand alone opportunity to experience the Avid editing interface. [top]
Why is Avid editing software better than other video editing software?
With Avid Free DV you are getting a small subset of the vast functionality, power and performance of our award winning Avid editing products. Avid is the world leader in digital nonlinear media creation, management and distribution solutions, enabling film, video, audio, animation, games, and broadcast news professionals to work more efficiently, productively and creatively. Avid Xpress Pro and Avid Media Composer products are recognized by professionals as the best video editing solutions available. Learn more by clicking here. [top]
What is my upgrade path after Avid Free DV?
To increase functionality and capabilities, your next step Avid editing software product would be Avid Xpress Pro. Avid Xpress Pro is a complete video editing environment in an affordable package that combines video, audio, film, encoding tools, and custom music creation software. You can add Avid Mojo for portable and powerful analog and digital I/O. For even more professional functionality, flexibility and collaborative workflows you can move up to Avid Media Composer. [top]
Why would I want to move up from Avid Free DV to Avid Xpress Pro?
Created to give users experience with the Avid interface, Avid Free DV is a streamlined version of Avid's award-winning video editing software and therefore has limited capabilities. By purchasing Avid Xpress Pro, users will benefit dramatically with the increased functionality, power and compatibility with other Avid products. What you get is definitely worth the price! A features list can be viewed on the Avid Xpress Pro features page. [top]
Can I install and run Avid Free DV on a system that already has another Avid product installed on it?
Avid Free DV should not be installed on a system with an Avid product already on it. Doing so could cause issues with the performance of both.
Didn't find an answer to your question?
Post your question to the Avid
Free DV user forum. [top]