After getting a MBP dual core 2 I tried Free DV. Worked except video would not play.

Then I read that Xpress Pro wouldn't work with ATI -- no video play. And, that Xpress Pro would not work with Core 2.

Nevertheless, I loaded my old 5.5.3, and other than an Exception error when it starts (which I ignore) it seems to work fine -- so far.

1) 5.5.3 seems to have everything DV and HDV -- except 24p -- that I need. What's the major gain in going to 5.6.x?

2) Anyone have an idea why the old version seems to run , but not the newer versions?

3) Do you think both cores are being used?

4) Are there free update patches to 5.5.3? I really don't want to spend money now while I wait for the next real UPGRADE?

5) And, if there are free UPDATES, how far can one go before ATI graphics are not supported?

THANK YOU

Steve, My 2 cents...

I stopped at 5.2.3. My past experience with Avid, going all the way back to the old Media Composer AVR 26, in 1993, is that version main number say for example 5 (v.5) and .5 (v. 5.5) releases are buggy. It seems like version 5.2's or 5.6.7's are the releases with all of the bug fixes. So, 5.6 might work better for you. Also, last year I had 5.1.5 and it worked with an ATI card although it was very slow/sluggish, window sticking etc. I switched to a 256mb Nvidia card about a month ago and Xpress Pro runs much better. Clean, playback is smooth, and windows don't stick when you try to move them.

I hate to say it but you might need to change your graphics card to Nvidia for long term compatibility.

As for me, I'll stick with what works and won't upgrade until version 6.2.5 or something and only then if they successfully implement 720/24p HDV, better JVC HD 100 support and direct to DVD output.

Avid is not currently supported on Intel Macs, only PowerPC macs. It will run, but on an Intel Mac using Apples rosetta emulation to make it work, which is why it won't play video. A universal binary release should come some time in the new year.