Module 5

Working with AVID XPRESS DV 4 6

Starting Projects and Working with Project Window - Using Basic Tools and Logging - Preparing to
Record and Recording - Importing Files - Organizing with Bins - Viewing and Making Footage - Using
Timeline and Working in Trim Mode - Working with Audio - Output Options.

Avid Express refers to a family of video editing software products that were developed by Avid
Technology. These tools were designed to provide professional-quality, non-linear video editing
solutions. The software was used primarily by film editors, TV professionals, and independent
filmmakers who needed powerful, yet affordable, editing solutions for a wide range of media projects.
Key Features of Avid Express
 Non-Linear Editing (NLE): This means editors could access and edit any part of their video content in
any order, unlike older, linear editing systems which required editing in a sequential manner. This
made the process much faster and more flexible.
 High-Quality Video and Audio: Avid Express supported both standard and high-definition video
formats, along with advanced audio tools, making it a complete solution for video post-production.
 Multi-Platform Support: Avid Express was designed to work across different platforms, offering both
Mac and PC versions. This was a key feature for professionals who often needed to collaborate across
different systems.
 Real-Time Editing and Effects: Editors could apply certain effects, transitions, and filters in real-time
without having to render every change first. This sped up the editing process significantly.
 Compatibility with Avid’s Broader Ecosystem: Avid products work well together, so Avid Express
could be easily integrated with other professional tools and systems from Avid, like Avid Pro Tools for
audio editing and Avid storage systems.
Uses of Avid Xpress
1. Non-linear Video Editing:
o Avid Xpress allows editors to perform non-linear video editing, providing the flexibility to access and
manipulate any part of a video sequence at any time, without altering the original footage.
2. Professional Film and TV Production:
o Avid Xpress is widely used in film and television for editing both high-definition (HD) and standard-
definition (SD) footage, making it a preferred choice in professional editing environments.
3. Audio-Video Integration:
o It supports audio and video synchronization within the same timeline, making it easier to edit and
adjust both media types simultaneously, ideal for projects involving complex soundtracks.

Starting Projects
1. Launching the Software
 First, open your Avid software.Once launched, you'll typically see a Project Window or a Start New
Project screen.
2. Creating a New Project
 New Project Dialog Box: When you start Avid Express, a dialog box should prompt you to create a
new project. If you're in the Media Composer interface, it will be the same process.
 Name the Project:
o Choose a unique project name that will help you identify it later. Make sure the name is descriptive
and follows a naming convention if you're working on multiple projects.
 Project Settings:
o Format: Choose the correct video format based on your project. This can include options for:
 Resolution (HD, 4K, SD, etc.)
 Frame Rate (24 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps, etc.)
 Aspect Ratio (16:9, 4:3, etc.)
 Storage Location: Select a folder on your hard drive or network storage where Avid will store the
project files. It’s important to organize your files here for easy access.
Working with Project Window
The Project Window is essentially the control panel for your entire editing project. It allows you to:
Create and manage bins (digital folders to organize clips),Manage sequence settings, Access and
organize your media, Monitor project information (like settings, metadata, etc.).
 Bins:
Bins are virtual folders that help you organize your media clips (video, audio, images, etc.),
sequences, and other assets.You can create multiple bins for different types of content, like raw
footage, audio tracks, titles, and effects.
 Project Settings:
Within the Project Window, you’ll find a set of project settings that define the overall format and
characteristics of the project.
Frame Rate: Set the frame rate (e.g., 24fps, 30fps, 60fps) based on your media.
Resolution: Choose the resolution of your footage (HD, 4K, SD, etc.).
 Sequence:
A Sequence is where your actual editing happens—where you assemble the video and audio clips in
a timeline.You can create a new sequence by right-clicking in the Project Window and selecting New
Sequence, or by dragging clips into the timeline, which will automatically create a new
sequence.Sequences are displayed as part of the Project Window, and you can double-click them to
open them in theTimeline for editing.
 Media Tool:
The Media Tool is a powerful feature that lets you access media files that are part of your project but
not yet imported into your bins.
 Project Metadata:

The Project Window displays key metadata about your project and its contents, such as clip duration,
format, frame rate, and more.
Using Basic Tools in Avid Xpress
1. Selection Tool (Arrow Tool)
Shortcut: V
 The Selection Tool is the most commonly used tool in Avid. It’s used to select clips in the timeline or
bins.
 In the Timeline: You can click and drag clips, move them to different tracks, or select multiple clips
for editing.
 In Bins: You can click to select individual clips, drag them to the timeline, or perform actions like
renaming, marking, or applying metadata.
2. Segment Mode (Lift/Overwrite Mode)
Shortcut: B (Lift) / O (Overwrite)
 The Segment Mode tool is used to move, overwrite, or lift clips in your timeline:
o Lift Mode (B): Removes a clip from the timeline, leaving a gap behind. This is often used for trimming
out sections of a sequence.
o Overwrite Mode (O): Allows you to overwrite a clip in the timeline, replacing the existing clip with
the new one, keeping the same timing.
o Extract Mode: This tool works similarly to Lift, but it also closes the gap left by the extracted clip.
3. Trim Tool
Shortcut: T
 The Trim Tool is used to adjust the In and Out points of clips in the timeline to change their duration
or to refine edits.
o Single-Track Trim: Adjusts the beginning or end of a single clip.
o Double-Track Trim: Allows you to trim both video and audio tracks simultaneously, which is useful for
ensuring audio stays in sync with the video during adjustments.
 You can perform Ripple Trims (where other clips move automatically to fill the gap) or Rolling Edits
(where clips shift, but the overall timeline length doesn’t change).
4. Marking Tools
 In & Out Points (I/O):
o In Point (I): Marks the start of the clip or sequence in the timeline or source monitor.
o Out Point (O): Marks the end of the clip or sequence.
o These points are essential for determining which section of a clip will be edited into the timeline, and
they are used in conjunction with the Trim Tool and Insertion Tools.
5. Play/Stop Controls
 The Play/Stop button is used to start and stop playback of the timeline or source footage.
o Play in Real-Time: Hit the spacebar to begin playback from the current position of the playhead.
o Stop: Press the spacebar again to stop playback.
6. Ripple Edit Tool
 The Ripple Edit Tool is used to adjust the length of a clip, moving it left or right while automatically
adjusting all clips that follow it in the timeline.
o Ripple Trim: Reduces the duration of a clip and shifts all clips to the right to close the gap, or increases
the clip's length and pushes subsequent clips to the left.
7. Audio Mixer Tool
 The Audio Mixer Tool allows you to adjust the volume levels and apply real-time mixing for your audio
tracks in the timeline.
o You can control individual tracks (A1, A2, etc.), adjusting levels for each track independently.
o It's also useful for applying real-time audio effects like EQ, reverb, and compression.
8. Add/Edit Effect Tool
 The Add/Edit Effect Tool opens the Effects Editor and allows you to apply transitions, visual effects,
and motion effects to clips in the timeline.
o Transitions: You can easily add transitions like fades, dissolves, and wipes between clips.
o Video Effects: This tool is used to apply more advanced effects, such as color correction, filters, or
motion effects.
 What is Logging?
 Logging refers to the process of reviewing and annotating raw footage or media files, marking key
information that can help you quickly locate and use specific clips during the editing process.
• In Avid Xpress, logging is an essential part of the pre-editing phase, particularly in projects involving
a lot of footage, such as documentaries or feature films. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the
logging process:
1. Capturing or Importing Footage:
The first step in logging is to bring the video footage into the editing system. This can be done by
capturing footage directly from a camera or importing pre-existing media files
2. Creating Logs and Bins:Once the footage is captured or imported, Avid Xpress allows the editor to
organize the clips into bins. Bins are essentially folders that hold media clips and allow editors to keep
the footage organized.Editors can create detailed logs for each clip, which usually include information
like:
• Clip Name: A unique identifier for each clip.
• Timecode: The specific time references for when the footage starts and ends.
• Scene and Take Numbers: To identify different scenes or takes from a film shoot
• Notes: Additional comments or descriptions about the content of the clip (such as shot quality or
context).
3. Metadata Management:A key feature in Avid is the ability to attach metadata to each clip. This can
include technical details such as resolution, frame rate, and file format, as well as creative notes like
camera angles, lens used, and performance notes.
4. Subclipping:During logging, editors often create subclips—shorter portions of a longer piece of
footage. This is particularly useful for breaking down long takes into more manageable clips for editing
later on

Preparing to Record and Recording in Avid

1. Set Up the Project: Begin by creating a new project in Avid Media Composer. Ensure the frame rate,
resolution, and audio sample rate (typically 48 kHz for video) match the media you plan to record.
Set the project type according to your footage (e.g., HD, 4K).
2. Connect Input Devices:
o For video recording, connect your camera or video deck via FireWire, HD-SDI, or Thunderbolt.
Ensure the device is in VTR/Playback mode for proper input.
o For audio recording, connect the microphone or audio interface to your computer, ensuring the input
device is recognized by Avid.
3. Configure Media Storage: Make sure you have sufficient disk space on your media drive for the
incoming video and audio files. It's essential to set the correct media drive location where Avid will
store the recorded files.
4. Prepare Audio and Video Tracks: In the Timeline, create the necessary audio and video tracks for
recording. Enable record enable for audio tracks and select the correct input. For video, ensure the
video tracks are ready to receive the incoming footage.
5. Test Devices and Levels: Perform a quick test to ensure that both video and audio inputs are
functioning. Check the audio levels using the Audio Mixer and make sure they are not too high or
low (typically -6 dB). Also, ensure the video input shows up correctly in the Capture Tool.
6. Record the Media:
o For video, click the Record button in Avid's Capture Tool to start recording from the connected device.
Monitor the video quality and stop once you have the desired footage.
o For audio, enable Record Enable on the audio track, then click Record in the Audio Tool or timeline.
Record your voiceover, dialogue, or sound effects, monitoring levels in real-time.
7. Finalizing the Recording: After recording, stop the process in both the Audio Tool and Capture Tool.
The recorded media will appear in your Bins and Timeline for further editing. Save the project
regularly to avoid data loss.

Importing Files
1. Prepare Media Files: Organize your files (video, audio, images) and ensure they match your project
settings (resolution, frame rate, sample rate).
2. Open the Import Dialog: Go to File > Input > Import or use the Media Browser to locate the files you
want to import.
3. Select Files: Choose individual files or entire folders to import. You can select multiple files at once.
4. Set Import Settings: Adjust settings for format, resizing, and audio options (e.g., mono or stereo,
sample rate). Select the appropriate video codec (e.g., DNxHD or ProRes).
5. Choose Media Storage: Specify the location where Avid will store the media files. Ensure the storage
drive has sufficient space.
6. Import the Files: Click OK to start the import. Avid will convert and store the media files as needed.
7. Verify Imported Media: After the import process, check the Bins to confirm the files are imported
correctly and ready for editing.

Organizing with Bins

In Avid Media Composer, Bins are containers used to organize and manage various media elements
within a project. These media elements can include video clips, audio files, graphics, and other assets.
Bins function similarly to file folders in a computer system but are specifically designed for media
management within Avid’s editing environment.
Importance of Bins
 Organizing Media Efficiently:
Bins help keep the project organized by grouping related media together. For example, you can create
separate bins for video, audio, and graphics. You can also organize by scenes, locations, or other
categories, making it easier to find and access specific clips during the editing process. This logical
organization is crucial, especially in larger projects with many assets.
 Sorting and Searching:
One of the key features of Bins is their ability to sort and filter clips. You can sort clips within a bin by
name, duration, or other metadata like creation date or file type. Additionally, filters can be applied
 to quickly search and isolate specific media types or clips with particular characteristics, saving time
when working with large amounts of media.
 Sub-Bins for Further Organization:
You can create sub-bins within a main bin to further organize your media. For example, within a
“Footage” bin, you could have sub-bins for different scenes or takes. This nested structure allows for
even more granular organization, which is particularly useful in larger projects with complex media
requirements.
 Color Coding and Labeling: Bins in Avid allow you to color-code clips and apply labels to make it easier
to visually identify specific types of media. For example, you could use one color for all video clips,
another for audio, and a third for special effects. This color-coding helps you quickly differentiate
between various assets and increases editing speed.
 Collaboration and Sharing:
Bins play a crucial role in collaborative workflows, especially in larger teams where multiple editors,
sound designers, and other professionals work on the same project. By organizing media into bins,
team members can quickly find the clips they need without disrupting the workflow of others.
 Improving Workflow and Efficiency:
The primary importance of Bins lies in their ability to significantly improve the workflow and efficiency
of the editing process. By logically organizing and categorizing media, Bins help you quickly locate and
access assets, reducing the time spent searching for clips. This organization allows editors to focus
more on creative decisions rather than wasting time managing files.

Working with bins

1. Create a New Bin: To keep your project organized, go to File > New Bin or right-click in the Project
window and select New Bin. You can create multiple bins for different media types (video, audio,
graphics).
2. Naming Bins: Name your bins according to their content (e.g., "Footage," "Audio," "Sound Effects")
to make it easy to locate and manage files.
3. Organize Files Within Bins: Drag and drop media files (video, audio, images) into the appropriate bins.
You can also group similar clips together within each bin for better organization.
4. Sub-bins: For complex projects, create sub-bins inside bins to further categorize media (e.g., "Scene
1," "Scene 2," or "Voiceovers" within an Audio bin).
5. Sort and Filter: Use the sort feature to arrange clips by name, duration, or other metadata. You can
also apply filters to quickly find specific media types, like only audio or video clips.
6. Labeling and Color Coding: To visually identify clips quickly, use color coding or labels for clips. Right-
click a clip and select a color label to help differentiate media.
7. Save Bins: Always save your bins regularly to avoid losing your organizational structure. Bins are
stored within your project and can be accessed anytime.

Viewing and Making Footage

1. Viewing Footage:
o Import Media: First, ensure all your media files are imported into your project. This can include video,
audio, or images.
o Open Bins: In the Bin window, double-click on a clip to open and view it. You can use the Source
Monitor to preview clips before placing them on the timeline.
o Use the Timeline: Drag clips from the Bin to the Timeline to view them in context with other footage.
You can use the Playhead to scrub through your footage.
2. Make Footage:
o Trim and Edit: Select the Trim Tool to adjust clip in/out points and refine your footage. Use the
Segment Mode to move clips or trim parts of clips.
o Combine Clips: You can splice multiple clips together in the timeline or use the Lift and Extract tools
to remove unwanted sections.
o Add Transitions: To smooth cuts between clips, add transitions like dissolves or fades using the
Effects Palette.
3. Monitor Video and Audio:
o Audio: Use the Audio Mixer to adjust volume levels. You can also add audio effects like EQ or reverb
directly onto the timeline.
o Video Effects: Apply video effects (e.g., color correction, stabilization) from the Effects Palette to
enhance your footage.
4. Play and Review:
o Use the Play button or spacebar to play back footage. You can also adjust playback speed for faster
or slower reviews (press L to increase speed and K to slow down).
5. Save and Export:
o Once you’re satisfied with the footage, save your project and export clips or sequences for final
delivery using File > Export.

Using the Timeline in Avid

1. Opening the Timeline:
o The Timeline is where you arrange and edit your media clips. Open the Timeline by clicking on the
Timeline button at the bottom of the workspace or pressing Ctrl+Shift+T (Windows) or
Command+Shift+T (Mac).
2. Adding Clips to the Timeline:
o To add clips, drag them from the Bin into the Timeline. You can add video, audio, or graphics onto
separate tracks. Video clips go on video tracks (V1, V2, etc.), and audio clips go on audio tracks (A1,
A2, etc.).
3. Trimming and Adjusting Clips:
o Trim Tool: Use the Trim Tool (press T) to adjust the in and out points of clips, either in the Timeline
or the Source Monitor. This allows precise control over the duration of your clips.
o Ripple Trim: If you trim a clip in the Timeline, the remaining clips will automatically shift, maintaining
the sync and flow of the sequence.
4. Arranging Clips:
o Use Segment Mode (press Arrow tool or S) to move clips around the timeline. You can drag and drop
clips to change their order, add space, or create a better flow between clips.
5. Using the Playhead:
o The Playhead (the vertical line in the Timeline) shows your current position in the sequence. Drag the
Playhead to scrub through the clips or hit Spacebar to start playback. You can zoom in and out of the
timeline using Alt+Scroll (Windows) or Option+Scroll (Mac) for more detailed editing.
6. Audio and Video Tracks:
o Locking Tracks: Lock audio or video tracks to prevent accidental edits by clicking the lock icon next to
the track.
o Track Activating: You can activate or deactivate specific tracks for editing, such as disabling an audio
track temporarily to focus on video.
7. Markers and Effects:
o Markers: Use Markers (press *** on the numeric keypad**) to mark important points in the Timeline
for reference, such as scene changes or key moments.
o Adding Effects: Apply transitions, titles, or video/audio effects directly in the Timeline by dragging
them from the Effects Palette onto the clips.
8. Play and Review:
o To review your edits, use the Spacebar to play the sequence. You can also use L to fast forward or K
to slow down playback.
9. Saving and Exporting:
o Regularly save your project using Ctrl+S (Windows) or Command+S (Mac). When editing is complete,
export the sequence through File > Export to share or finalize your project.

Working in Trim Mode

1. Entering Trim Mode:
Activate Trim Mode by pressing T or clicking the Trim button in the toolbar. This allows precise
adjustment of the in and out points of clips.
2. Trim Types:
o Single-Sided Trim: Adjusts either the in or out point of a single clip.
o Dual-Sided Trim: Simultaneously trims both in and out points of adjacent clips.
o Ripple Trim: Shifts all clips after the trimmed clip to maintain sync.
3. Trim Handles:
Use the Trim Handles in the Timeline or Source Monitor to adjust the trim points visually.
4. Play Around the Trim:
Use the Play Around button to preview the trim in real-time before finalizing.
5. Trim Tools:
o Roll Trim: Adjusts the in and out points of two adjacent clips.
o Slip Trim: Changes the content of a clip without affecting its in/out points.
o Slide Trim: Moves the entire clip while maintaining sync with adjacent clips.

6. Exiting Trim Mode:Press Esc or click the Trim button again to exit Trim Mode and return to normal
editing.

Working with Audio

1. Importing Audio:
o To import audio, drag it from the Bin to the Audio Track in the Timeline or use File > Input > Import.
2. Adjusting Audio Levels:
o Use the Audio Mixer or the Audio Track Controls in the Timeline to adjust the volume of individual
tracks.
3. Creating Audio Keyframes:
o Enable keyframes on an audio track to adjust volume over time. Right-click on the track and use the
keyframe tool to set volume changes at specific points.
4. Audio Effects:
o Apply effects such as EQ, reverb, or compression by dragging them from the Audio Effects tab in the
Effects Palette onto the audio clip in the Timeline.
5. Syncing Audio to Video:
o To sync audio to video, drag the audio clip to align it with the video track in the Timeline. Use Slip and
Slide tools to adjust the sync if necessary.
6. Soloing Tracks:
o Use the solo button on audio tracks to listen to specific audio clips in isolation while editing.
7. Monitoring Audio:
o During playback, monitor the audio levels using the Audio Mixer or check the levels on the audio
tracks to ensure balanced sound.

Output Options in Avid Xpress

1. Exporting Sequences:
o To export a sequence, go to File > Export and select the desired format (e.g., QuickTime, MXF,
DNxHD). Choose the appropriate codec and resolution based on your outpaut needs.
2. Audio/Video Settings:
o You can export both audio and video together or choose audio-only (WAV, AIFF) or video-only
(QuickTime, H.264). Adjust the codec and bitrate for optimal quality or file size.
3. Exporting to External Devices:
o Use File > Output > Send to Tape for exporting directly to an external device or tape, useful for
broadcast delivery or archiving.

Frame View, Script View, and Custom Bin View in Avid

1. Frame View:
o Definition: In Frame View, clips within a bin are displayed as thumbnail images of the video frames,
allowing editors to visually identify clips based on their content. This view is particularly useful for
browsing video footage, as it shows a small preview of the clip’s first frame.
o Importance: It helps editors quickly recognize and select clips by visual reference, making it easier to
find specific footage without needing to open each clip in the Source Monitor. Frame View is ideal for
tasks like sorting through footage to find the right shot or scene.
2. Script View:
o Definition: Script View displays a text-based list of clips in the bin, showing detailed metadata such
as clip names, timecodes, reel names, and other text-based information. This view is useful for editors
working with scripts or when needing to access specific clip data quickly.
o Importance: Script View is often used when an editor needs to organize or find clips based on textual
information rather than visual content. It's useful for logging media, referencing notes, or working
with project-specific metadata, especially in large-scale productions with lots of clips or specific shot
data.
3. Custom Bin View:
o Definition: Custom Bin View allows users to tailor the bin layout according to specific needs,
providing flexibility in how clips are displayed and which information is visible. Editors can choose to
show or hide columns of data, adjust the size of thumbnails, and select which metadata is shown,
such as clip duration, file format, or timecode.
o Importance: The Custom Bin View is highly versatile and can be adjusted to suit individual workflows.
It enables editors to streamline their view by focusing on relevant clip attributes and organizing the
bin for maximum efficiency. This flexibility helps when working with a large volume of media or when
different team members require different views.

Script Integration in Avid

Script integration in Avid Media Composer (formerly Avid Xpress) allows editors to link their editing
process directly to the script of a film or TV show, making it easier to sync footage with specific lines,
actions, and scenes. This feature is essential for editors working with scripted content, such as feature
films, television series, documentaries, and scripted commercials.

Benefits of Script Integration

1. Efficient Editing Workflow:
o Script integration streamlines the editing process by allowing editors to work directly
with the script. Dialogue and actions from the script can be easily synced to the
corresponding footage, saving time and reducing the manual effort involved in
matching scenes.
2. Improved Collaboration:
o Script integration enhances collaboration between the editor, script supervisor, and
director. Since everyone works with the same script linked to the footage, it reduces
confusion and ensures that the edits stay true to the original intent of the script.
3. Timecode Synchronization:
o Avid Media Composer integrates timecodes with the script. Editors can jump directly
to specific lines or scenes by referencing the timecodes, making it easy to find the
relevant footage without having to manually search through the timeline.
4. Enhanced Accuracy and Continuity:
o By syncing the script with the footage, editors can ensure that the edit adheres to the
continuity of the narrative. This integration helps to avoid errors, such as cutting to the
wrong scene or using the wrong take, ensuring that the story is told accurately and
consistently.
Features of Script Integration in Avid Media Composer
1. ScriptSync:
o ScriptSync is a powerful tool in Avid Media Composer that automatically aligns
dialogue with video clips. By analyzing the audio tracks, ScriptSync matches the
spoken words in the footage with the corresponding lines in the script, creating a
seamless connection between the two. This allows for fast and accurate syncing of
dialogue-heavy content.
2. Markers and Timecodes:
o Editors can use markers on the timeline to indicate specific lines or scenes from the
script. These markers are linked to timecodes, allowing editors to quickly navigate to
the relevant footage.
3. Script View:
o Avid Media Composer offers a Script View that displays the script alongside the
footage in the timeline. This view helps the editor visually align the footage with the
text of the script, making it easier to follow the dialogue and actions
4. Metadata Import:
o Metadata from the script, such as scene numbers, character names, and dialogue
lines, can be imported into Avid.
5. Audio and Dialogue Sync:
 o Editors can sync audio tracks (e.g., dialogue or voiceovers) with the script, ensuring
that the spoken words match the video footage. This feature helps maintain the timing
and pacing of scenes, especially in dialogue-driven content.

Steps for Script Integration in Avid Media Composer

1. Importing the Script:
o Begin by importing the script into Avid Media Composer. The script can be imported
as a text file (e.g., .txt or .rtf) or through third-party integration with tools like Final
Draft or Celtx. Once imported, Avid will automatically format the script for use in the
editing timeline.
2. Syncing Dialogue with ScriptSync:
o Use ScriptSync to align the footage with the dialogue from the script. ScriptSync will
analyze the audio from the footage and automatically match it with the corresponding
lines in the script, placing markers at the relevant moments.
3. Placing Markers:
o Place markers in the timeline to correspond with key dialogue or action points from
the script. These markers help you quickly navigate to specific scenes or lines of
dialogue when editing.
4. Using Script View:
o Switch to Script View to view the entire script alongside the timeline. This makes it
easy to check the sync between the footage and script and navigate through the
timeline based on the script's structure.
5. Editing with the Script:
o As you edit, refer to the script for guidance. The synced markers and timecodes allow
you to jump to specific scenes or lines of dialogue quickly, ensuring that the editing
process remains aligned with the script.
6. Finalizing and Collaboration:
o Once the script is integrated and the edit is complete, collaborate with the script
supervisor and other team members to ensure the final cut stays true to the original
script.

*****Refer Notebook: How media files are managed by Avid Xpress dv4?*****