Category: Apple Pro Apps

Final Cut Pro X 10.1.4

Out of the blue, Apple announces Final Cut Pro X 10.1.4, which includes some key stability improvements. There is alsoÂ aÂ Pro Video Formats 2.0 software update, which provides native support for importing, editing, and exporting MXF files with Final Cut Pro X. While FCP X already supported import of MXF files from video cameras, this update extends the format support to a broader range of files and workflows.

So, I guess we know what happened to Hamburg’s MXF technology!

Here is a summary of whatâ€™s new in version 10.1.4:

– Native MXF import, edit, and export with Pro Video Formats 2.0 software update (also works with Motion)
– Option to export AVC-Intra MXF files
– Fixes issues with automatic library backups
– Fixes a problem where clips with certain frame rates from Canon and Sanyo cameras would not import properlyÂ
– Resolves issues that could interrupt long imports when App Nap is enabled
– Stabilization and Rolling Shutter reduction works correctly with 240fps video

For more information about the new MXF support, you can view the following article:Â http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT6423

Hard to categorize this as either a feature or maintenance release. I’ll go for feature release simply because of the support for MXF natively and export to AVC-Intra MXF files. Neither will affect me, but they are features that are very important to the higher end of the editing market.

Jon Chapelle of Digital Rebellion has noted that the support for MXF is much wider than just Pro Apps. What is interesting is that the MXF components seem to be QuickTime based, rather than AV Foundation, probably for historic reasons.

AVFoundation gets massive upgrade in Yosemite

Post author By Philip
Post date October 17, 2014
15 Comments on AVFoundation gets massive upgrade in Yosemite

As Final Cut Pro X – and other modern video apps – are built on Frameworks from the core OS, those Frameworks sometimes provide clues to Apple’s thinking. One that we care a lot about is AVFoundation, which is the modern replacement for QuickTime at the application and OS level. We’ve seen this in the transition from QuickTime Player 7, which is built on QuickTime (both QTKit and the older C API). Unfortunately AVFoundation has lacked many features that are essential for video workflows, so I watch the features added to AVFoundation as a way of understanding where video apps might go.

Firstly, thereÂ has been a massive update to AVFoundation in Yosemite, and it appears we get reference movies back.

Adobe Apple Apple Pro Apps

A good day for Final Cut Pro X

Post author By Philip
Post date September 4, 2014
10 Comments on A good day for Final Cut Pro X

FCP.co’s lead story today is good news for Apple and Final Cut Pro X – The BBC are adopting more than 1000 seats of Final Cut Pro X for news. To be fair, the BBC seems to be adopting both Final Cut Pro X and Premiere Pro across their own production units, and some remain on installs of Media Composer, but News seems to be going Final Cut Pro X exclusively.

My Apple PR contacts tell me that Final Cut Pro X is also being used on “several popular daytime shows” as well.

In other good news, not reported (yet) on FCP.co, the French TF1 group have also adopted Final Cut Pro X.Â According to this TweetÂ both Premiere Pro CC and Final Cut Pro X were tested, with Final Cut Pro X getting the gig.

Of course, come IBC I’m sure Adobe will share some of their new partners as well, and no doubt, increased Creative Cloud subscribers.

Apple Apple Pro Apps Video Technology

Demystifying Apple’s ProRes Codec

Post author By Philip
Post date August 18, 2014

In this free webinar I examine Apple’s ProRes codec inside and out. Content includes:

Apple’s ProRes family is becoming one of the most common formats in production and postproduction, but how much do you really know about this code? Which version is best for your needs?

Introducing the ProRes family

RCBA vs YUV – what does it mean?

Lossless vs Visually Lossless

Using ProRes: a codec by codec guide.

Check out the trailerÂ and register free.

Apple Pro Apps Lumberjack Solar Odyssey Video Technology

Evolving Thinking: 4K and Lumberjack

Post author By Philip
Post date July 7, 2014

I frequently find myself evolving my position on technology as new information comes to light. As my email sig line used to say “Above all, I reserve the right to be wrong”. As new information comes to light, or reaching a certain point in thinking allows another perspective to open up, my positions frequently evolve.

One example would be the use of 4K, another is the development of Lumberjack System.

Apple Apple Pro Apps Lumberjack

Lumberjack System adds Story Mode

Post author By Philip
Post date July 2, 2014

Lumberjack System, the muscular, real-time logging and pre-edit tool for Final Cut Pro X, expands to take advantage of new features in the latest release of Appleâ€™s Final Cut Pro X to enable a new Story mode that creates string-outs based on already logged footage. This opens up the pre-edit string-out features of Lumberjack Lumberyard to projects with a long timescale.

Apple Apple Pro Apps

Final Cut Pro X 10.1.2

This morning Apple released a new version of Final Cut Pro X with a long list of new features and performance improvements. Top of the list for me is a new, unified Library XML that unlocks the power of Story Mode for Lumberjack System. But there are great new features for everyone in this release.

Apple Pro Apps Assisted Editing Lumberjack

NAB 2014: Find me and some new announcements

Post author By Philip
Post date April 5, 2014
1 Comment on NAB 2014: Find me and some new announcements

It always seems that NAB is about the nights when the social activities start. Sure, NAB is an important professional event, but if I’m honest my primary motivation is to see friends I only see at NAB. Because I tend to research industry trends continually through the year and because I’m still on many people’s announcement lists from my BuZZ days, it’s only the surprise announcements that are new to me.

This year I’ll be at the FCPWORKS demo room at the WynnÂ with some new features for Lumberjack System and our workflow apps. Other than that I’ll be on the show floor Wednesday and at some social engagements during the week.

Apple Pro Apps

Another FCP X Movie?

Last week, we sold a Producer’s Best Friend, Sync-N-Link X and a Change List X all through the UK Apple Store on the same day. I think it’s reasonable to assume it was the same customer. That combination of apps appeals only to the highest level of productions – generally major motion pictures or very high end Television.

The App Store never lets developers know who made the purchase, so I don’t know any details, but it appears the “$100 million movie” isn’t the only one.

Apple Pro Apps Assisted Editing

A year in Software Releases

Post author By Philip
Post date January 3, 2014
7 Comments on A year in Software Releases

As is usual at this time of the year, Greg tallied up our software releases for the year. Well, more accurately his software releases, as I do not write the software. Surprisingly, we’re still updating software for Final Cut Pro 7.