Apple has released Final Cut Studio 2, an updated bundle of its video editing applications, at NAB in Las Vegas.
Final Cut Studio 2 includes Final Cut Pro 6, Motion 3, Soundtrack Pro 2, Compressor 3, DVD Studio Pro 4.2, and introduces Color.
Color is a professional color grading and finishing application. Apple claims the application: “Puts a logical task-based color grading and finishing workflow in the hands of every Final Cut Pro editor”. Color offers color correction tools such as gamma, lift and gain adjustments, as well as custom R, G, B and luma curves. It also offers the ability to isolate specific areas of an image with soft-edged mattes and custom-shaped vignettes. Monitoring of chrominance and luminance values via waveforms, histograms and new 3D scopes is also possible. Color also includes over 20 customizable signature looks. Projects can be sent from Final Cut Pro 6 directly to Color for grading, finishing and final rendering with 32-bit float 4:4:4 image processing.
Final Cut Pro 6 introduces Apple’s ProRes 422, a new full raster, 10-bit 4:2:2 post production format that produces stunning HD quality at SD file sizes. Apple claims companies including Panasonic, Sony and RED are embracing ProRes 422. Final Cut Pro 6 also offers a new Open Format Timeline that The lets editors mix and match virtually any video format and frame-rate in a single Timeline without transcoding, according to Apple. Another new feature is SmoothCam technology for removing unwanted camera movement. FCP 6 also includes the ability to edit Motion templates with video drop zones and editable text fields.
Motion 3 now features a 3D environment, paint and new behaviors. These include new drag-and-drop camera behaviors, vector based paint tools, and a match moving tool that automatically maps any image or effect to the path of any other object, according to Apple. New retiming behaviors enable editors to slip and slide retiming effects on the Timeline without keyframes, while new audio behaviors allow users to create animations that respond to soundtrack volume and frequency. Motion 3 also includes over 1,500 new design elements including professional stock imagery.
Apple’s audio editing application Soundtrack Pro 2 adds tools for multitrack editing, surround mixing and a new Conform tool that enables users to synchronize and track changes between picture and sound editorial. Stereo and surround mixing tools enable users to create 5.1 and stereo mixes in the same project and a royalty-free library of over 5,000 professionally produced sound effects are included. Apple says it’s simple to combine pieces of the best takes to craft seamless performances.
Compressor 3 is the latest version of Apple’s encoding tool. The user interface is now more streamlined and it offers a simplified workflow, according to Apple. Compressor 3 extends support for codecs such as MPEG-2 and H.264 and adds new drag-and-drop presets for delivery to broadcast television, web, iPod, Apple TV, DVD and mobile phones. Dynamic filters applied during preprocessing now support timecode overlays, audio/video fade in and out, and animated watermarks that can be applied directly from Motion projects.
Also included is DVD Studio Pro 4.2 for SD and HD DVD authoring.
Final Cut Studio will be available in May and will cost
Apple has also introduced Final Cut Server, a new server application for media asset management and workflow automation.