# Avid Media Composer software and licensing changes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/avid-media-composer-software-and-licensing-changes
> Updated: 2026-08-25T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Avid has introduced changes to its Media Composer 2026.8 update affecting bin locking and storage compatibility. The update removes support for third-party storage systems that emulate Avid NEXIS or ISIS behavior, which were previously used for project sharing on platforms such as EditShare, Facilis, LucidLink, and OWC Jellyfish.

Avid characterizes this change as a “security and workflow integrity update” to prevent project conflicts. However, to retain bin locking capabilities on third-party storage, users must upgrade from the Media Composer Ultimate tier to the Media Composer Enterprise tier, raising annual costs from roughly $540 to $900. The company Hedge has criticized the decision, describing it as “a walled garden disguised as a licensing update.”

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Avid updates Media Composer storage support and infrastructure

Avid is restricting Media Composer bin locking on third-party storage in its 2026.8 update, while MediaCity Studios in the UK expands its production capabilities using Avid | Stream IO.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/avid-updates-media-composer-storage-support-and-infrastructure

### 2026-08-20: Broadcast technology updates: NTP Technology and Avid infrastructure advancements

NTP Technology introduces ST 2110-30-RAVENNA cards for DAD interfaces, while MediaCity Studios adopts Avid Stream IO to enhance its broadcast and editing workflows.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/broadcast-technology-updates-ntp-technology-and-avid-infrastructure-advancements

---
Cite as: Avid Media Composer software and licensing changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/avid-media-composer-software-and-licensing-changes