Avid Announces Avid NetReview; Professional Review Tool Increases Productivity and Reduces Post-Production Costs.

Business/Technology Editors

TEWKSBURY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 23, 2001

Avid Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVID) today announced the availability of the Avid(R) NetReview(TM) system, a secure LAN- and Internet-based review tool. Built on the cutting edge technology that powers the AvidProNet(TM) Review & Approval(TM) service, the NetReview system streamlines the review process by reducing time spent duplicating, mailing, and waiting for delivery of tapes. The NetReview system, which operates on an in-house server, is also designed for Internet-based collaboration, allowing reviewers to view and comment on media from virtually any location, whether within the corporate facility or over an Internet connection.

"The often time-consuming review process is a reality in this industry," said Tim Claman, product marketing director. "Post-production facilities are continually looking for ways to better utilize their time and resources. The NetReview system provides a great solution for maximizing editing time and eliminating administrative tasks, and allows facilities to offer alternative review services for customers who want the convenience of digital media."

Professional Tool that Optimizes Efficiency

A tool designed for private networks, the NetReview system ensures that sensitive, non-public material can be reviewed quickly and easily within a customer's secure environment. The NetReview encryption and access control features for reviewers who must review media over the Internet help to dispel apprehension relating to security.

Despite this security, the NetReview system provides a straightforward user interface that anyone can use. A tape operator can simply upload media to the NetReview server and invite reviewers to view and comment on it from the convenience of their office or other location. Both parties are freed from the confines of tapes, VCRs and group screenings. Reviewers view media and submit comments at any time through an Internet browser from the convenience of virtually any location. Editors then receive the frame-accurate comments, which can appear as locators within a supported Avid editing application's timeline.

For facilities that normally spend significant amounts of time and money on the review process, the NetReview solution can lead to cost savings, both through improvements in workflow and through reduced material costs. For reviewers, increased options for viewing the media translate into greater efficiency.

Additional features include:

--Archive of transactions for reporting and billing purposes

--Custom branding allows customers to add their own service name and logo

--All media stored on customer's private network or on Avid Unity(TM) MediaNet shared storage

--Ability to review media on a laptop without an Internet connection.

--Media Cleaner encoding templates provided

The NetReview system has already won the praise of beta testers including Mike Granowsky, general manager of SideShow Post, a New York City-based design, production and post-production company.

"Avid changed the way media was made with the digital nonlinear editing system, now it's an industry standard," said Granowsky. "NetReview will do the same thing with the media review process. You'll be expected to use it." SideShow recently signed a new bi-coastal client and, given the geographic distance, the company expects the NetReview system to help reduce review cycle times on the account, which will enable staff to provide better, faster service.

"We won the account based on our creative abilities," said Granowsky. "But NetReview allows us to offer faster service by eliminating the time lag of shipping tapes. That certainly offered us an edge over the competition."

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for the NetReview system is $29,950 USMSRP and includes one year of Avid Assurance customer support service. The NetReview system is available through local Avid resellers or by calling 1-800-949-AVID (2843).

About Avid Technology, Inc.

Avid Technology, Inc. delivers the solutions that Make, Manage and Move Media(TM). As a recognized digital standard for professionals who Make the world's media--from video, audio and film to animation, special effects and streaming media--Avid's products are used to make more television and news shows, commercials, music videos and CDs, corporate/industrial productions and major motion pictures combined than any other nonlinear editing manufacturer in the world. Now, building on its Oscar(R), Grammy(R) and Emmy(R) award-winning heritage in creating content, Avid is extending its reach by redefining how digital media is shared, stored and distributed. To Manage today's increasingly rich collection of dynamic media, Avid provides powerful servers, networks and media tools to help customers search files, share media and collaborate on new productions, both locally and globally. Avid's solutions also empower users to easily Move media, whether on air, over cable or satellite or through the Internet. Like no other media company today, Avid's end-to-end solutions span the continuum of media creation, management and distribution. The company's corporate headquarters are located in Tewksbury, MA. More information about Avid is available at www.avid.com.

(c)2001 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product specifications and availability are subject to change without notice. All prices are USMSRP for the U.S. and Canada only and are subject to change without notice. Contact your local Avid office or reseller for prices outside the U.S. and Canada. Avid is a registered trademark, and Avid Unity, AvidProNet, NetReview, Review & Approval, and Make, Manage and Move Media are trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. Oscar is a registered trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Emmy is a registered trademark of ATAS/NATAS. Grammy is a trademark of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.