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More talk that the next Final Cut Pro will be the best thing since sliced bread
Okay, it's getting to the point now that the next Final Cut Pro better be the best thing ever invented because everyone who has played around with it seems to think it is. The latest heap of praise comes from Mark Raudonis, head of post production at Bunim/Murray Productions. Raudonis talked about the upcoming "awesome" FCP at a FilmMarker Magazine pre-NAB panel discussion. While Raudonis didn't give away any new features, he did have the following to say about the new Final Cut Pro, including a quote from Henry Ford: "I would also end with Henry Ford: 'If I asked people what they wanted, they'd tell me they wanted a faster horse.' So, Apple is very good at going their own way and figuring out where things will be. They may not ask you what you want. They are going to tell you, 'We're going to invent something different.' And that's kind of my take away from it. I was very impressed, it was awesome and look out, I believe they say it will be available in Spring 2011. So, that goes all the way up to June 20th. So, that's what I know, that's what I can say, and if there's anyone from Apple out there, I hope you don't sue me." I've worked with my fair share of video editors over the years and if there's one truth about them it's that they are very picky people. If a current editing suite works for them, there's no reason to reinvent the wheel. But reinventing the wheel seems to be exactly what Apple has done with this next Final Cut, and the fact that so many video editors are heaping extraordinary praise on it has me salivating just to get a glimpse of the next version of Apple's powerhouse video editing suite. For those of you into editing, watch the entire video after the break. There's a lot of good talk about the future of video editing -- and some speculation on where Apple wants to lead it. [via MacRumors]
What do you want to see in the next Final Cut Studio?
It's no secret that many post-production professionals feel Final Cut Studio has been falling behind over the last two years. While Apple has taken its time developing a new version of its video suite, competitors like Adobe have jumped ahead with significant updates; some have even questioned Apple's commitment to its Pro apps and hoped that Final Cut Studio doesn't go the way of Shake. As we reported yesterday, that is hopefully going change with Apple's announcement at the Final Cut Pro User Group SuperMeet on April 12, coinciding with the National Association of Broadcasters convention.
Rumor: New Final Cut Pro to debut on April 12
According to ProVideo Coalition, Apple is planning on debuting the next version of Final Cut Pro at the Final Cut Pro User Group SuperMeet on April 12. According to PVC, "Apple will be using the Vegas Supermeet to announce the next version of Final Cut Pro. Supposedly, Apple will be taking over the entire event for their announcement, canceling all other sponsors, including AJA, Avid, Canon, BlackMagic, Autodesk and others, who were set to give presentations." While the FCP SuperMeet does seem to be an odd event for Apple to launch the next version of its professional editing software (because NAB 2011 starts on April 9), the rumors do seem to have credibility because Canon, Avid and Autodesk have all confirmed that their sponsorships have been canceled because Apple has demanded no one else has the main stage. A Canon spokesperson supposedly confirmed to PVC, "Canon was told last night that Apple has demanded ALL 'lectern' or stage time exclusively." Likewise, Avid told them, "Apple doesn't want anyone to have stage time but them." There's no word yet on what the next Final Cut Pro will feature, but in February, a group of high-profile video editors were supposedly given time with the software. Their reactions to the new FCP were overwhelmingly positive, with one of them saying the next Final Cut Pro is "the biggest overhaul to Final Cut Pro since the original version was created over 10 years ago."
Xsan sites gain options as Active Storage steps in with new metadata controller
So long, Xserve. At the end of the day (January 31), you will be leaving the product sales list after serving the Mac community faithfully for nearly nine years. But today Active Storage introduced ActiveSAN, a high-performance metadata controller for Xsan and StorNext networks, intending to pick up where Xserve leaves off -- at least for this specialized function. Xsan is Apple's version of a storage area network/cluster file system, using high-speed Fibre Channel connections to allow bunches of workstations access to the same pool of data without clogging traditional Ethernet networks. They're widely deployed in video production environments, scientific computing and other spots where enterprises find the need to get lots of bits moved around in a big hurry. A typical Xsan deployment might include terabytes of storage (on Xserve RAID or Promise RAID redundant storage) available to users. In order to make sure that individual client machines only get access to the stuff they're supposed to (and to guard against two machines writing to the same block at the same time), Xsan requires metadata controllers -- traditionally Xserves or Mac Pros running Mac OS X Server and connected via PCI-based Fibre Channel cards to the SAN. While the Mac Pro is still an option for use as an MDC, the Mac mini server is not (no PCI slot to stash the FC card). Since Xsan is built on the same technology as Quantum's cross-platform StorNext, the Active Storage team was able to create a Linux-based 1U metadata controller with Xsan-friendly setup and a native Mac administration tool. There's no price or configurations for the system yet, but Active Storage intends to show off ActiveSAN at the NAB 2011 convention in April and start delivery during the second quarter. We can assume that ActiveSAN will take advantage of Active Storage's iPhone app, which monitors RAID systems remotely. You can see a video demonstrating ActiveSan following the jump. [hat tip 9to5Mac]
Final Cut Server app ClipTouch 1.0 for iPad released
Calling all Final Cut Pro users who want to bring their new iPad into the editing room with them -- this news is for you. According to The Mac Observer, Factorial Ltd.'s ClipTouch 1.0 for iPad Final Cut Server client app was recently released and allows content creators to browse, archive, restore and display video assets on their iPads via Wi-Fi, 3G and VPN, with no server configuration required. Apple's Final Cut Server was released in 2008 as a "scaleable server application ... (which) allows searching across multiple disks and SAN volumes and enables viewing, annotation and approval of content from anywhere using a PC or Mac," and it continues to be at the forefront of video content creation and delivery. This new iPad client app should help it stay that way. ClipTouch 1.0 for iPad is compatible with iOS 4.2 or later and Final Cut Server 1.5.1 and up. It's available for US$14.99 on the App Store. [via The Mac Observer]
New Apple patents for iPhone, wide trackpad, Final Cut Pro, and Apple Mail
Patently Apple's got a whole slew of new patent applications from Cupertino today. First up are the actual product designs of the original iPhone and the second-gen iPod shuffle. Apple's moved on from both of these designs to newer and better things, but they're putting the patents in anyway, just in case anyone wants to rip off the rounded iPhone edges or the little shuffle's clip design. There are also two MacBook patents: one for the latch holding the battery in, and another one for an extremely wide trackpad that creates a touchable surface all the way across the bottom of the notebook. I like that idea -- I guess Apple hasn't yet figured out a way to put a touchpad in there without getting in the way of the hard drive, the battery, or whatever else is already in that space, but that's an innovation we could see in a future revision. Finally, Final Cut Pro's scripting engine has gotten a patent application, and there are also two Apple Mail-related patents, for filtering and processing certain email messages. Nothing super groundbreaking, but Apple continues to leave its mark on as many types of computer innovation as it can.
New Apple patent features video editing innovation and simplification
Apple is already pretty tight with the film production industry. Final Cut Pro has a big chunk of the high-end editing business, and Apple continues innovating to keep their spot secure. A 2007 survey showed that Final Cut Pro had 49 percent of the professional editing market. A new patent granted to Apple, number 7,827,489, describes a system to make it easier for filmmakers to edit to tape. Most editing today is non-linear, with the video and audio on a hard disk that allows random access. Apple proposes that the media clips get transferred to a sequential medium (tape) for storage. Apple seems to see this as both an easy distribution method and a way to keep a secure permanent record of all the edit clips and have this done within a video editor. The system Apple describes has icons that represent a function to be saved to the storage device. Apple thinks this method is viable now because of the availability of faster processors. Lots of patents never get very far and never appear as products, but it's always interesting to get some insight into what Apple is thinking and what may turn up on either the professional or consumer side. How busy is Apple at applying for and getting patents? On November 2, Apple was granted 14!
Steve Jobs responds to customer's email about Final Cut Pro
Steve Jobs has been surprising customers lately with personal replies to their emails. He's done it again this week with the longest message yet. According to Mac Soda, customer Alex J. felt that the recent updates of Final Cut Pro (FCP) have gotten the application off track. As do many zealots who feel their faith slipping away, he asked for a sign: "Steve, Getting worried about Apple's interest in Final Cut. Last updates were not stellar. I heard a bunch of engineers were dropped too – give us a sign you still care about Pro Video, not just the iPad. Thanks, Alex" Much to Alex's surprise, Jobs replied. Not only that, he was motivated enough to share three whole sentences. Steve's email reads: "We certainly do. Folks who left were in support, not engineering. Next release will be awesome." Now we're excited for the next "awesome" release of FCP. We like this new "chatty" Steve. [Via MacDailyNews]
Apple posts two new updates
Just days after all the hardware updates on Tuesday, Apple has posted two new support downloads. The first, Pro Applications Update 2009-01, contains several updates for applications in Final Cut Studio. This update includes Final Cut Pro 7.0.1, Motion 4.0.1, Soundtrack Pro 3.0.1, Color 1.5.1, and Compressor 3.5.1. This update addresses general compatibility issues, improves overall stability, and addresses a number of other minor issues. You can download this update through Software Update, or on the Apple Support Downloads page. Also, Apple released Apple Server Diagnostics 3X106, which replaces Apple Server Diagnostics 3X104 to provide support for Snow Leopard Server. This is compatiable with the Xserve (Early 2008 or Early 2009) or the Mac mini server config (Early 2009). This download is also available on the Apple Support Downloads page.
JVC brings Blu-ray burning set-tops to the U.S., leaves all the fun overseas
U.S. buyers wanting to slide a Blu-ray playing & recording deck into their setup finally have an option coming from JVC, but the domestic limitations are almost as high as the pricetags. Unlike their Japanese and European cousins, there isn't any support for DVRing television content to the hard drive or discs here, with support limited strictly to unprotected Blu-ray content, or imported video from cameras or other sources via the Firewire, SDHC and USB ports. Still, professionals and prosumers interested in easily duping their own Blu-ray discs, video editing or quickly creating one-offs the SR-HD1500 (250GB, $1,995) and the SR-HD1250 (500GB, RS-232, Final Cut Pro .mov file support $2,550) may find a home for these when they ship in October.
Poll: Is Final Cut Pro an indication of more Blu-ray support coming from Apple?
Yeah we know, it's only been a month, but just like Apple and Microsoft, Apple and Blu-ray are the magic words, so when a smidgin of Blu-ray support popped up in the latest Final Cut Pro, we had to revisit the topic. Is everything properly lined up for a Blu-ray equipped Macbook, Apple TV or Mac Mini HD, or will it all be for naught once again?%Poll-32344%
For the first time, burn a Blu-ray directly within Final Cut Pro 7
Apple might not be ready to add Blu-ray to its computers yet, but prosumers can finally burn their creations directly to the discs (with a 3rd party drive of course) from Final Cut Pro 7. Otherwise, there's also the alternative of burning that HD footage you couldn't bear to squish onto YouTube to a DVD in the AVCHD format, but Macworld notes that beyond a few templates with FCP itself, DVD Studio Pro doesn't support Blu-ray authoring, encoding or burning at all. Of course, video editors probably have one or two other features to concern themselves with so check out the full review, but we'll be busy divining the exact date that "bag of hurt" shows up packed into the next Macbook.
Apple store back up; Final Cut Pro 7, Logic Pro 9 released
It's always an exciting day when the Apple Store goes down. And it's not even a Tuesday.Apple has updated Final Cut Studio, including Final Cut Pro 7 and Logic Pro 9. That's good news for artists! Musicians and filmmakers now have something new to play with. Even better, they can do it for less: the suite is now $999, $300 less than the previous version. Upgrades are $299. FCP 7 includes three new ProRes codecs, alpha transitions, new sharing options including support for iChat Theater, automatic transfer of P2 media and more. Motion 4 includes new 3D shadow and reflection options, and the ever-popular bad film filter. All the apps in Studio have been updated to new versions.Apple also announced version 1.5 of the Final Cut Server collaboration and asset management environment. The unlimited-license edition of FC Server is also $999 & upgrades are $299..Full feature list from Apple PR in the continuation of the post.[H/T The Loop]
JVC's GY-HM100 / GY-HM700 ProHD camcorders capture QuickTime straight to SDHC
Before buying either the JVC GY-HM100 / GY-HM700, you better be darn well married to Apple's Final Cut Pro. Said ProHD camcorders are the industry's first in the solid state line to store files in native QuickTime format onto SDHC cards. Apple's pushing the fact that users don't have to transcode or re-wrap prior to editing, and considering that each one cam can hold twin SDHC cards, you'll be able to capture a maximum of 64GB before needing to reload. And just think, this time next year the successor will hit with dual SDXC support, giving buyers a maximum capacity of 4TB. Decisions, decisions.
Pro Applications Update improves performance and stability
Apple has released Pro Applications Update 2008-04, which includes updates to Final Cut Pro, Compressor, Color, DVD Studio Pro, Cinema Tools, Motion, Soundtrack Pro and Shake. The update, according to Apple, "addresses general performance issues and improves overall stability." No specific details were provided about what the update improved about each software component, other than to say each update "addresses specific customer issues and general performance issues." The updates are recommended for all users of the software. The update includes the following versions: Final Cut Pro 6.0.5 Compressor 3.0.5 Shake 4.1.1 DVD Studio Pro 4.2.1 Cinema Tools 4.0.1 Motion 3.0.2 Color 1.0.3 Soundtrack Pro 2.0.2 The update is available from Apple's website. Thanks, Clancy!
Buy a Mac, get One to One training, win an Emmy Award
In one of those improbable stories that sounds like a Hollywood script, a Burbank, CA elementary school teacher won an Emmy Award for his first attempt at filmmaking.Larry Newman (photo at right), a band director at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Burbank, won the award for a film called "Children's Music Workshop: 2007 All Schools Honor Orchestra," in the category of Outstanding Achievement in Children/Youth and Music Programming.Newman had no previous filmmaking experience, and said that he "just purchased a high-definition camera and went to the Apple store for weekly lessons on Final Cut Pro." The film focused on the annual concert at UCLA of 130 students who are enrolled in Newman's Children's Music Workshop program, and particularly on nine students in the Burbank Unified School District.Our congratulations to Mr. Newman for his Emmy, and to that unknown Apple employee who provided the Final Cut Pro lessons.Thanks to Scott for the tip!
Pro Applications Update 2008-02
Apple just released an update to their Pro Application support for Mac OS X. According to Apple, this update "improves reliability for Apple's professional applications." This update is recommended to all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Server and Logic Studio. Final Cut Pro 6.0.4 and Compressor 3.0.3 are applications included in the update. You can download this update by opening Software Update (choosing Software Update from the Apple menu) or by downloading the installer package from the Apple Support Downloads site. You can visit the Pro Applications support note for more information about this update.
Two Pro App Updates
Apple released two Pro App updates bright and early this Monday morning:ProKit Update 4.5: "This update improves reliability for Apple's professional applications and is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Express, Aperture, Logic Studio and Logic Express."Plugin Manager 1.7.3: "This update improves reliability for Apple's professional applications and is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Express, Aperture, Logic Studio and related SDKs."According the release notes for the Plugin Manager update, it addresses a backwards compatibility issue with Apple and third-party filters in the applications listed above. Users of any of these apps and Motion should fire up Software Update and install the recommended updates. No reboot is required (and there was much rejoicing!).Update: These updates were new to me! Sorry for the false alarm all, I just installed FCP and jumped the gun. That being said, be sure to check out Apple's list of available updates. You never know what you'll find on there.Thanks to everyone in the comments for setting me straight.
Apple sends NAB event invites, 8-core Mac Pro on fanboy wishlists
No surprises here, but Apple is hosting another invite-only media event at next month's National Association of Broadcasters Conference in Vegas, and is almost sure to unveil a new version of its Final Cut Pro editing software. Luckily, Apple's NAB unveils aren't always limited to software, so hopes are high for word on that 8-core Mac Pro that's been squeezed through the rumor mill a few times in the past months. The "Lights Camera Apple" happenings will take place on April 15th at 11am.
DIY HD workstation
Remember Stevie's "year of HD" comment a few years ago during his '05 Apple Macworld keynote? Well, we kind of feel that this year, 2007, could be the year high definition finally becomes a consumers dream come true. There are finally a couple of HD camcorders to choose from and many new computers can finally handle the resource intensive task of editing the material. DV.com, home of most everything concerning digital video, has compiled a DIY listing for three different HD workstations all based around Apple's Mac Pro and Final Cut Pro software. The first is toned for those just wanting to get by and the second still keeps a budget in mind but includes allowance for more heavy duty hardware. The third throws out all the stops (example: 5-8 GB of ram) and allows for a fully professional rig costing nearly as much as a nicely equipped Toyota Prius. If visions of high-def videos are dancing around in your head, one of these units just might fit your budget.
