Hello Everyone,
I think native, flexible media managementis lacking in Avid. "Have you tried Media Tool?", you might ask. Here's my problem with Media Tool - it's not easy to use. For example:
1. An Assistant Editor finishes logging, then wants to transfer the project to an Editor. He'll bundle up the assets in one folder, grab the Avid project folder, and send them over to the Editor. Might be over the network (peer-to-peer) or through sneaker net.
2. An Editor finishes his project, and wants to do a backup. Same as before - he'll bundle up the assets, grab the Avid project, and store them on backup drives.
3. We produce events that require last-minute changes. Plus, there's on-location editing that requires gathering assets from multiple users. So bundling all the assets you need before traveling is critical. Hotel networks aren't built for large file transfers.
For years, the alternatives were MediaMover and MDV. MediaMover can do all the above, but MDV is the best I've ever used. It's simple, easy, and fast.
Here's the problem with MDV. (Problems, really.)
1. It's Windows only. There are ways of making it work in OS X, but you hate them all. How do I know? Because it keeps coming up.
2. It has limitations in Wine - neither bin sifting nor folder scanning works.
3. It's abandoned.
So what would it take to create a native OS X media management tool?
First, we need to know what we're working with, the data. Are there available file specs on:
1. Media Stream Managers (MSM's)
2. Projects
3. Bins
4. Metadata layout on individual MXF's
Is it just a matter of asking someone from Avid HQ? Do you know anybody?
It's clear we need something. But everyone's busy, you know... editing. Plus you're thinking, "What can I do? I'm not a programmer!" Well, I'm an anomaly. I do what you do, but I also have some development/IT chops. They just need some refreshing. And this project would be worth refreshing them.
So what do you think? Is it worth making the next MDV? Are there any others like me who would be interested in contributing? Do you have any contacts that could help point me in a direction?
Thanks!