Import and its fellow function batch import aren't really used any more it's mainly for legacy workflows. So you link you clips onto a bin. Transcode those clips to DNX LB (which is dnx36) That makes new clips that you edit with. At the conform the final sequence is just relinked to the original AMA clips and you are then working with the source

There is no need to delete linked clips. They take up next to no space. Most editors just save those clips in folders and close them. Avid stores the location of each linked file in its AMA media databases and that source file name and file location is malso saved in the transcoded clips (and used later to conform to back to the original sources. So

I'm no fan of RAID 5 now storage is so cheap. I'd prefer to go with RAID 1 RAID 5 if you have a drive fail can be almost unusable until you regenerate the RAID and that can take days. RAID 1 you pretty much carry on as normal and the rebuild is much quicker.

Has the license been used on a different machine? It looks like Avid thinks the license is in use elsewhere so unavialble.

I can't imagine there will be any grading improvements to come. I hacve expected the symphony option to just be consumed into the standard MC and can't see why that hasn't happened. But it looks like Avid have given up onn that level of finishing.

Are these Avid created MXF files? You say you put the mxf clips into a bin but how. Normally source files are linked to using the source browser into the bin.

These legacy decks need regular maintained especially if stored. I'd be opening them and cleaning heads and tape paths then testing with a hash tape before I put an important tape in them.

Well I've stuck with Windows (now 11) And can still install and run QT. Until Avid drop support.

Yup I'd agree either a head clog or failed head. I'd try a manual head clean first (after a visual inspection) Ideally you need a CRT monitor on the deck output for confidence. And ideally I'd capture analogue Beta SP via a digibeta deck like a DVWA500. Then capture the SDI out and avoid as much component processing as I could.

Prior to subscription we used to see major releases as a way to pull people on board. With subscription we tend to see incremental tweaks and feature developments. That said the last major update of the new UI and Titler have held many users back from upgrading. I think for many Avid editors the question has to be are you the type of editor Avid seesxas