Disabling the Host Panel.
Uh, what? Wait, why? What is this? Can I close it? Why does this exist?
Those were a few initial thoughts upon encountering Media Composer’s new Host Panel for the first time, introduced in v2019.6. Most shows are using older, more stable versions of the software, but you’re bound to run into it at some point since it’s now carried over into v2020.x as well.
To turn off the Host Panel, go to Windows > Host Panels, and deselect the checked display.
What is the Host Panel? Here’s a FAQ posted on the Avid Knowledge Base:
Q) I noticed there is a background now on the Mac. Is there a way to turn this off?
A) Yes and no. Similar to the PC, by default the Mac now has a background (host panel) to support paneling. By default Mac users will no longer see other applications or the Desktop while inside of Media Composer. However, users can or resize the main host panel to reveal other applications or the Desktop. On a system with 2 or more displays, Media Composer will present a host panel on display 1 and display 2. Similarly, if using 3 or more monitors, users can manually add additional host panels through the Windows > Host Panels menu. Users can also disable all host panels on their displays except for the one on their primary display.
Going from Final Cut Pro 3 through 7, then migrating to Media Composer 6 and on, I never got to use any panel snapping interface styles like in Adobe Premiere, which I assume is the motivation for MC’s revamp. It’s new. I’m old. I fear change… Not really, but the Host Panel is something I immediately rejected. The way it takes over a whole monitor feels like being walled in. When I need a bin outside of the current project, I usually click on the desktop to go to the Finder in macOS. If you’re using Spotify or doing a continuity, you don’t want to command+tab your way back and forth. That’s madness.
Of course, change is necessary. Anything that stays the same for too long is doomed to stagnate. I appreciate Avid trying new things. I also hope they include options that allow me to somewhat preserve my original settings.