Media 100 Inc. has supported the Mac with updated OS X-native versions of its Media 100 i software, but it’s been eight years since the company produced any hardware for the Mac. Now that drought has ended with the introduction of the Media 100 HD, a new native High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) editing system that resides on a PCI-based expansion card.
The Media 100 HD employs Media 100’s new GenesisEngine (844/X) technology, called HDX, to provide 10-bit uncompressed resolution-independent native HD and SD editing and broadcast-quality format conversion — a first for personal computers, according to Media 100.
At US$7,995, the Media 100 HD is positioned at broadcasters and post-production facilities, as well as advanced corporate, educational and institutional media departments. Media 100 plans to begin shipping the new card in February, 2004.
Bundled with Media 100 i software, the Media 100 HD system supports uncompressed input and output of all HD and SD digital television formats defined by SMPTE 292M and SMPTE 259M.
Media 100 HD is compatible with Media 100 i timeline and media and the Power Mac G5. Media 100 also noted that it’s developing a Media 100 i codec and a native Media 100 HD codec to allow QuickTime-based applications to create HD and SD media on any Mac system. Media 100 did not offer a timeframe for when that will happen, however.
Priced at US$7,995 for new systems, Media 100 HD is also available as an upgrade to existing Media 100 i systems for $6,995. Qualified Media 100 i users who choose to participate in the beta test process will be able to upgrade for $5,995. Media 100 will also sell new Mac workstations outfitted with Media 100 HD and configured with high-speed media storage at prices starting around $15,000.
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