Continuing with Avid's new Youtube tutorial series, here is part 2 devoted to "Getting started fast with Avid Media Composer 7". Part 2 (above) deals with the importing and capturing of media within Media Composer 7.  Now, since video editing is such an intense file management craft, this video is really a must-watch.  The tutorial also covers AMA linking or "Avid Media Access".  Lets look at exactly what AMA linking is:

AMA (Avid Media Access) is a revolutionary plug-in architecture that greatly accelerates your tapeless video workflows. With AMA, you can simply connect a support card/disc or device and begin viewing and cutting footage right away – no need to transcode media or use other software to view the extra clips.  ~ Overview provided by Avid

So yes, AMA linking is a pretty powerful workflow timesaver.  Other topics covered in this video are Frame Flex, the Background Task Queue, and the Capture Tool.

Stay tuned for Part 3 which deals with a much more glamorous subject.. EDITING!