AV Linux 5.0 Is Here

AV Linux 5.0, a Linux distro based on Debian aimed at audio and video production, has been released. It's based on the latest Debian Squeeze, but has some packages from other Debian flavours, to create a complete, out-of-the box experience enabling users to get to work as soon as they're done installing AV Linux.

"After more than 5 months of daily development following the release of 4.2 AV Linux 5.0 is here," Glen MacArthur, AV Linux's main developer, announced.

"This release balances the rock-solid reliability of Debian's stable 'Squeeze' release and fortifies it with some carefully selected Sid and Custom packages to make it a state-of-the-art Multimedia Content Creation Powerhouse," he explained.

"This release will usher in a less frequent annual release cycle and shift the focus from Linux Audio/Video software testing to reliable Linux Audio/Video PRODUCTION. If you are someone who'd rather create content than experiment with alpha/beta software then this release is for you," he added.

A great emphasis was put on making sure that everything included in the ISO is working properly and that everything you'd need is already there. Ideally, you'd be able to install AV Linux 5.0 and start creating without the need of an internet connection.

Since the distro is intended for workstations, it does not include automatic updates and the announcement makes it clear that users should only update their software if they really have to, if there are security issues or bugs, or a new version has come out.

Highlights of AV Linux 5.0:

· Linux kernel 2.6.39.1 - with IRQ Threading/rtirq-init activated;
· LibreOffice 3.4 and other regular desktop software;
· RTC (Real Time Clock) permissions set by default;
· FFADO SVN Firewire drivers;
· Jack Session ready Ardour, Qtractor, Bristol, Specimen;
· Openshot 1.31, Kdenlive 0.8, LiVES 1.43 and Cinelerra 2.1.5CV - all included in the LiveDVD.

AV Linux 5.0 includes a big list of audio and video applications, basically all of what Linux has to offer. AV Linux 5.0 also marks the introduction of a new release cycle, the distro will see a major release once a year from now on.

AV Linux 5.0 is available for download here on Softpedia.