Joe...really??
I think most people here are aware enough of technology and tools (being gear sluts) to realise you are asking the Digi rep questions about technology where Fairlight have an edge at this point in time! "curious" lol cmon! It's a thread about the changes at Avid, not about Fairlight technology!
Different tools, different jobs - both PT and Xynergi IMHO have a home in different types of facilities, but this isn't the thread to have it out, is it?
To avoid be called a "cop out" to the gaunlet wrapped in a velvet glove from Joe...
XML interchange, not currently, but considered a priority. Automatic duck does the job for most clients who require XML, but, yknow, theyve been doing OMF export for years and that works fine MOST of the time
DNXHD playback, we use video satellite, two machines rather than your single machine solution, but we use MXF rather than a QT wrapper for tight sync, not sure what you guys are doing there to keep sync within 1/64th frame (as we do)
To some other questions
AJA Kona cards, Avid already collaborate with them on the DS range, however not the Media composer range. Perhaps down the track, hard to know since Im in the audio division not video. I know its not uncommon feedback. Talk to your local reps and let them know your reasons and business needs.
The way Digi treat clients? I'm sorry to hear you had trouble in the past, I cant change whats happened and I have largely little to no control outside my own sandpit in oceania, but I'll pass on the feedback for sure.
Personally Ive considered myself "front line" (over here in the far eastern end of the spiral galaxy...) since I started with them 7 years ago so it's definately filtering down!
If you have a problem with an Avid staff presentation just let the reseller know so they can talk to us about it. (Like anything, we cant fix it if we aren't aware it's broke.)
Cost of video products? It dropped immensely last year at NAB. A full blown Media composer software version for students is only US$295...
We also have 3 different levels of support depending on your needs. Thats changed in recently times. Maybe check in with your local vid rep to see if you're on the right type of service agreement to meet your needs. Basic cover for telephone calls during business hours is very affordable to the best of my knowledge.
Please dont compare our tech support with that of the fruit company (!)...hopefully you realise we aren't a consumer company, our tech staff seriously know their stuff and are industry veterans for the most part, not uni students or a call centre script overseas somewhere.
Anyways, enough of a blab. I join these forums to keep an ear to the ground to help people and to give answers to questions when I can, and to learn a bunch from folks like you all. Im not here to throw out company lines again and again, check my post history and hopefully that will bear me out. Hopefully Ive answered your questions and if anyone ever needs anything just drop me a line or PM through the boards.
We're here to help, believe it or not, hence my blog etc. Thats all done on my own time, not company dime.