CMX Systems was an American company that specialized in computer‑controlled video editing equipment. The firm was founded in the early 1970s as a joint venture between the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) and the Xerox Corporation, with the objective of developing computer‑assisted editing technology for television production.
History and Development
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Early 1970s | Formation of CMX Systems by CBS and Xerox to explore computer‑based video editing. |
| 1975 | Introduction of the CMX 6000, marketed as the first fully computer‑controlled video edit controller. The system used a combination of magnetic tape recorders, video disc players, and a minicomputer to execute edit decisions. |
| Late 1970s–1980s | Release of subsequent models such as the CMX 2000, CMX 3000, and CMX 5000, which expanded on linear editing capabilities, improved edit precision, and added support for multiple tape decks. |
| 1985 | CMX introduced the CMX 8000, featuring a more powerful computer interface and improved user interaction. |
| 1990s | The company shifted focus toward video server technology and non‑linear editing workflows, complementing the growing market for digital post‑production. |
| 2000s | The CMX name and product line were incorporated into Grass Valley, a broadcast equipment manufacturer. Grass Valley continued to market products under the CMX brand, primarily video servers and playout solutions for broadcast and media facilities. |
Products and Technological Impact
- Linear Edit Controllers: CMX’s early systems were pioneering in integrating computer logic with tape‑based editing, allowing precise edit points and repeatable edit sequences that reduced manual labor.
- Non‑Linear Capabilities: Later CMX products incorporated digital storage and networked video servers, facilitating non‑linear editing (NLE) workflows that later became standard in the industry.
- Industry Adoption: Broadcast networks and post‑production houses adopted CMX systems throughout the 1970s and 1980s, influencing the development of subsequent editing platforms from competitors such as Sony, Panasonic, and Avid Technology.
Corporate Evolution
- Ownership: After its inception as a joint venture, CBS eventually acquired full ownership of CMX Systems. In the 1990s, the CMX product portfolio was sold to Grass Valley, which itself has undergone multiple ownership changes, most recently being part of Belden Inc. (acquired in 2018).
- Current Status: The CMX brand persists as a line of broadcast video servers and playout products under the Grass Valley umbrella, targeting professional television facilities, live event production, and streaming workflows.
Legacy
CMX Systems is recognized historically for introducing computer‑driven editing to television production, establishing foundational concepts for later digital and non‑linear editing systems. The company's early hardware demonstrated the feasibility of integrating computing control with analog video, a step that paved the way for modern digital post‑production environments.
