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                                                                     EXHIBIT 5


                                             March 28, 1997


Media 100 Inc.
100 Locke Drive
Marlboro, MA 01752-1192


Ladies and Gentlemen:


     This opinion is being furnished in connection with a registration statement
on Form S-8 and all exhibits thereto (the "Registration Statement"), filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, for the registration of 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share (the "Shares"), of Media 100 Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"). The Shares are to be issued pursuant to the exercise of options
granted under the Company's Key Employee Incentive Plan (1992) (the "Plan").


     I am General Counsel of the Company and am familiar with the action taken
by the Company in connection with the Plan. For purposes of this opinion, I have
examined the Registration Statement, the Plan and such other documents, records,
certificates and other instruments as I have deemed necessary.


     I express no opinion as to the applicability of, compliance with or effect
of federal law or the law of any jurisdiction other than the General Corporation
Law of the State of Delaware.


     Based on the foregoing, I am of the opinion that, when the Shares have been
issued and sold in accordance with the terms of the Plan, the Shares will be
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.


     I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.


     It is understood that this opinion is to be used only in connection with
the offer and sale of the Shares while the Registration Statement is in effect.


                                             Very truly yours,


                                             CRAIG BARROWS

                                             Craig Barrows
                                             General Counsel of Media 100 Inc.