Apple Posts Final Cut Pro X FAQ, Promises Updates

[H. Flower]

I agree. Looking at the new FPC XML standard and APIs for FPC it is clear to me that Apple clearly put a lot of effort into creating a world class frame work for Final Cut Pro, something that was missing in past Final Cut APIs.
Based on the API I believe Apple has big things planed for Final Cut, the thing is, some of these "big plans" will come from Apple and Others from partnering with developers to create add ons that fill the gaps that Apple believes can be better addressed as a developer opportunity. This as always been the case with Final Cut, and in my view what makes Final Cut pro great. I think we'll more of this strategy in other pro products like Logic, OSX Server and Aperture.

I use to work for Avid, and I can tell you first hand, Avid's biggest drawback is that they try to develop everything in house; from the internal meridian boards and IO break-out boxes software features that are best left to a 3rd party developer.

There's risks involved in that, though.

What happens when a system update kills a third party plugin? What happens when an FCPX update (automatic from the app store) breaks it? This happens ALL the time.

And which side is going to take responsibility? How long will it take to fix?

It's a deadly scenario if you're in the middle of time sensitive project. There's some advantages to not having your core features outsourced.

 

[H. Flower]

What drove people away from AVID to the old Final Cut was the price.

So basically you're telling me the reason why my friends and I ditched Avid for FCP is not the reason why, it was actually over money.




You have a bright future in Apple Marketing.

 

[jaduffy108]

By the way - for those insisting that it's not a big deal to keep both FCP 7 and also have FCPX on your system and just switch between based on the project you're doing should read this...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4722

Quite simply put - the programs aren't playing nicely together people are finding out and now Apple recommends partitioning your hard drive with fresh OSX installs on both.

Oh yeah - and reboot every time you want to switch which app you're going to use....

Simple!

holy guacomole.....this is a train wreck

 

[slackpacker]

Sorta remember Final Cut was not considered professional once.

Also the companies that jump ship are pretty stupid... just to give up trusty FCP7 for new app like Avid or Premiere that you perceive will allow you to edit the way you currently do on FCP7. You can edit with FCP7 for the next 5 years and be productive.... You don't think developers will have updates for the stuff they make money from you on? Come on... Ya 10 needs a ways to go before its Studio Proven. But Apple has always built great apps so I know they are going to do even greater things with 10. Its all because of these apps that we are all here yapping on this board.

 

[FPCPRO]

Think back to Past 10 years of FPC and that should answer your question.

There's risks involved in that, though.

What happens when a system update kills a third party plugin? What happens when an FCPX update (automatic from the app store) breaks it? This happens ALL the time.

And which side is going to take responsibility? How long will it take to fix?

It's a deadly scenario if you're in the middle of time sensitive project. There's some advantages to not having your core features outsourced.

I disagree. I've been using Final Cut since version 1 and I've never add a problem with a plugin or third party board due to a FPC update. Conversely, I've used Avid since 1994 and I have memories of many late nights on the phone with an ASR because someone installed a Media Composer update. My point is, Avid's "let's do it all approach" did work. As evident in the fact that Avid is moving to AJA and Black Magic for hardware acceleration, and just killed their Avid Unity CC tool, in favor of Davinci's Resolve (now owned by black magic).

 

[jaduffy108]

Are your skills your livelihood or is Final Cut Pro your livelihood? FCP is just a tool to me. I love it (despite its flakiness in recent years) but clients don't care what software I'm using.

For the 50th time....

You speak as a "one-man-show" editor...I'm happy for you. I agree FCP X is pretty cool for **YOU**. If I was freelance editor cutting docs and weddings, I'd dig it too.

TV Broadcast / film workflows are an entirely different animal. FCP X is UN-USEABLE in pro workflow, multi-user TV broadcast environments. Can I cut my story with FCP X? Of course! Can I share that project in a multi-user environment in a dependable, efficient manner? No. Can I get TC info to the color correction house? No. Can I get clean, organized audio to the sound house? No. I can continue to list about 25 more deal breaking, non-starter issues that make FCPX absolutely useless if needed for you to "get it".

This forum reflects exactly the "pro" users Apple is targeting for FCP X. Enjoy it. Bye-bye

 

[FPCPRO]

For the 50th time....

You speak as a "one-man-show" editor...I'm happy for you. I agree FCP X is pretty cool for **YOU**. If I was freelance editor cutting docs and weddings, I'd dig it too.

TV Broadcast / film workflows are an entirely different animal. FCP X is UN-USEABLE in pro workflow, multi-user TV broadcast environments. Can I cut my story with FCP X? Of course! Can I share that project in a multi-user environment in a dependable, efficient manner? No. Can I get TC info to the color correction house? No. Can I get clean, organized audio to the sound house? No. I can continue to list about 25 more deal breaking, non-starter issues that make FCPX absolutely useless if needed for you to "get it".

This forum reflects exactly the "pro" users Apple is targeting for FCP X. Enjoy it. Bye-bye

Far from a "one man show" our production company produces TV and Film projects fro NatGeo and Discover. We currently have 12 editors on staff. We came to FPC X with an open mind and a willingness to except that FPC X represents the future of editing. To be far it it took a full week to rap our heads around this new workflow. A week into FPC X and, I'm impressed with how quickly we're able to put together a 22 minute package. After only a week we've managed to shave a day off of our post process.

 

[FPCPRO]

Far from a "one man show" our production company produces TV and Film projects fro NatGeo and Discover. We currently have 12 editors on staff. We came to FPC X with an open mind and a willingness to except that FPC X represents the future of editing. To be far it it took a full week to rap our heads around this new workflow. A week into FPC X and, I'm impressed with how quickly we're able to put together a 22 minute package. After only a week we've managed to shave a day off of our post process.

We're using automatic duck [www.automaticduck.com] to export OMF files to pro tools -works like a charm. We're able to send TC our Resolve suite. For a creative, you sure are closed minded. We've put together 2 packages for NatGeo this week. Next week we'll be using FCP x to cut 7 seven packages. The quality is there, and the workflow is there you just need to pen your eyes to see it. I've got 25 years of production experience so maybe I've got an advantage over you. Sorry your so frustrated. Send me an email and I'll put you in touch with our tech.

 

[FPCPRO]

Far from a "one man show" our production company produces TV and Film projects fro NatGeo and Discover. We currently have 12 editors on staff. We came to FPC X with an open mind and a willingness to except that FPC X represents the future of editing. To be far it it took a full week to rap our heads around this new workflow. A week into FPC X and, I'm impressed with how quickly we're able to put together a 22 minute package. After only a week we've managed to shave a day off of our post process.

For the 50th time....

You speak as a "one-man-show" editor...I'm happy for you. I agree FCP X is pretty cool for **YOU**. If I was freelance editor cutting docs and weddings, I'd dig it too.

TV Broadcast / film workflows are an entirely different animal. FCP X is UN-USEABLE in pro workflow, multi-user TV broadcast environments. Can I cut my story with FCP X? Of course! Can I share that project in a multi-user environment in a dependable, efficient manner? No. Can I get TC info to the color correction house? No. Can I get clean, organized audio to the sound house? No. I can continue to list about 25 more deal breaking, non-starter issues that make FCPX absolutely useless if needed for you to "get it".

This forum reflects exactly the "pro" users Apple is targeting for FCP X. Enjoy it. Bye-bye

We're using automatic duck [www.automaticduck.com] to export OMF files to pro tools -works like a charm. We're able to send TC our Resolve suite. For a creative, you sure are closed minded. We've put together 2 packages for NatGeo this week. Next week we'll be using FCP x to cut 7 seven packages. The quality is there, and the workflow is there you just need to pen your eyes to see it. I've got 25 years of production experience so maybe I've got an advantage over you. Sorry your so frustrated. Send me an email and I'll put you in touch with our tech.

 

[jdesign]

Far from a "one man show" our production company produces TV and Film projects fro NatGeo and Discover. We currently have 12 editors on staff. We came to FPC X with an open mind and a willingness to except that FPC X represents the future of editing. To be far it it took a full week to rap our heads around this new workflow. A week into FPC X and, I'm impressed with how quickly we're able to put together a 22 minute package. After only a week we've managed to shave a day off of our post process.

are you working for apple? you seems new and all your post are all about defending FCP X ?

Sure it have lots of new features that i think its good.. But for now i'll just use the old trusty fcp .

 

[FPCPRO]

are you working for apple? you seems new and all your post are all about defending FCP X ?

Sure it have lots of new features that i think its good.. But for now i'll just use the old trusty fcp .

No. I'm a founding partner at Henninger Productions. I forgot the password to my old handle MAC411. I'm posting because a lot because I'm a bit fed up with all the wining about FPC-X. I also have more time on my hands than usual becuase I broke my leg yesterday morning. Basically, I'm board. Given the pain killers I'm on posting on this site is about all I can be trusted to do for the next few days.

 

[pgwalsh]

I also have more time on my hands than usual becuase I broke my leg yesterday morning. .

Was that because you spent all night trying to edit something with FCPX and out of frustration you broke your leg? J/K

 

[FPCPRO]

What that because you spent all night trying to edit something with FCPX and out of frustration you broke your leg? J/K

Funny guy. Nope. I dumped my bike on Pennsylvania ave, because a taxi driver was too concerned with is cell phone conversation and switched lanes and ran into me. lucky it was rush hour so I only came away with a broken leg and a dislocated shoulder. If the accident happen at a higher speed I'd be posting from a pine box. Last time I ride my Harley during rush hour. DC traffic is the worst.

 

[pgwalsh]

Funny guy. Nope. I dumped my bike on Pennsylvania ave, because a taxi driver was too concerned with is cell phone conversation and switched lanes and ran into me. lucky it was rush hour so I only came away with a broken leg and a dislocated shoulder. If the accident happen at a higher speed I'd be posting from a pine box. Last time I ride my Harley during rush hour. DC traffic is the worst.

Ok... That's enough about you, how's your Harley doing?

 

[FPCPRO]

So basically you're telling me the reason why my friends and I ditched Avid for FCP is not the reason why, it was actually over money.




You have a bright future in Apple Marketing.

He is. And I agree. FPC made it possible to grow our shop from 3 guys and a Avid to 12 staff editors. Back when Avid was King a Media Composer 1000 cost 50K. Our first Final Cut Workstation cost us 12K, and that included storage, Pinnacle CineWave card, and a top of the line Power Mac.

 

[FPCPRO]

Ok... That's enough about you, how's your Harley doing?

She's a tough bitch. She'll pull through.

 

[FPCPRO]

So basically you're telling me the reason why my friends and I ditched Avid for FCP is not the reason why, it was actually over money.




You have a bright future in Apple Marketing.

He is. And I agree. FPC made it possible to grow our shop from 3 guys and a Avid to 12 staff editors. Back when Avid was King a Media Composer 1000 cost 50K. Our first Final Cut Workstation cost us 12K, and that included storage, Pinnacle CineWave card, and a top of the line Power Mac.

 

[MattInOz]

What I got out the FAQ is that it will cater to the pro market, in the future, and for the added price of third party software. I wonder what it will cost to bring this 'Pro' software up to pro usability.

So why should Pro's who don't need all that overhead pay for it?
Why should specialized Pro's pay for tools of other specialized Pro's?
Can it every really cater to the high-end pro's without being a platform for 3rd Parties to make money targeting the more niche workflows?

Given the answer to all these questions is No, isn't best to create a base that services as board a market as possible, then open it up for bright people to make money servicing the more esoteric demands. As every one is start from a similar base then there is a real progression of skills and common language.

*Again I'm not a video guy but deal with different Pro software market where every vendor wants to sell you massive tool box of not very good tools and make it hard for anyone to replace just the deficient parts.

 

[Blu Reel]

FCP X not installed in Apple Retails

Am I the first one to post on this? But has anyone noticed/posted that Apple's own retail stores do not have a single copy of FCP X, Motion, or Compressor installed on the display Macs? The unofficial reply by a store employee was that they were expecting them to be available next week on the display Macs.

The fact the Apple, itself, hasn't rolled out FCP X on all their computers in all their retail stores, which I would hazard a guess to be over 3000 computers, should be an answer as to the "readiness" and future "cost" of installing FCP X in multiple workstation environments, right now.

Uh....Don't?

Sorry, it's not a viable business answer, but it's an obvious observation.

 

[cgbier]

So why should Pro's who don't need all that overhead pay for it?
Why should specialized Pro's pay for tools of other specialized Pro's?

Do you have a health insurance? You pay an extra-orbitant amount of money and go the doctor because of a cold once a year, but you pay for your neighbor's open heart surgery with your insurance payments. Do you think that is fair?

 

[MattInOz]

Do you have a health insurance? You pay an extra-orbitant amount of money and go the doctor because of a cold once a year, but you pay for your neighbor's open heart surgery with your insurance payments. Do you think that is fair?

Yes I have health Insurance plus I pay taxes to cover general health services in the community and I haven't been to a doctor in years (I'm Australian after all), but I don't get kit of doctors tools included when I buy my own trade tools.

 

[Nostromo]

I'm interested in to what extent the coming upgrades will be "free" to all those who bought FCP X.

To be fair, all upgrades this year should be included as they are completing the software.

 

[cgbier]

Yes I have health Insurance plus I pay taxes to cover general health services in the community and I haven't been to a doctor in years (I'm Australian after all), but I don't get kit of doctors tools included when I buy my own trade tools.

That is not what I meant. I meant that you pay for tools that you don't need, but help to reduce the cost for the "pro". One day, you might need these tools, then bitch that they are too expensive as they were only sold to a few, instead of peddled to the masses.

 

[paulvee]

Sorta remember Final Cut was not considered professional once.

Also the companies that jump ship are pretty stupid... just to give up trusty FCP7 for new app like Avid or Premiere that you perceive will allow you to edit the way you currently do on FCP7. You can edit with FCP7 for the next 5 years and be productive.... You don't think developers will have updates for the stuff they make money from you on? Come on... Ya 10 needs a ways to go before its Studio Proven. But Apple has always built great apps so I know they are going to do even greater things with 10. Its all because of these apps that we are all here yapping on this board.

Avid and Premiere are not new. In fact, the latest Premiere, running on a Mac, is shockingly mature and runs like a demon if you can use the Mercury Engine, something I was waiting for Apple to implement with FCP, especially since I bought the Quadro 4000 card from them.

Edit with it for the next 5 years? It's already long in the tooth. Lion will be gone by then. I've done my time keeping legacy software alive on legacy machines running legacy OS's. A host of issues there and it always ends in disaster.

I love Apple and will continue to use them for most of my work, but they don't always build great apps. Safari is the dog of all dogs, and they should have sorted that out by now. DVD-SP went from clunky to good to sucky to bad, so I switched to Encore. Remember QTVR Studio? Ugh.

Listen, I still worship at the altar of Steve and give them plenty of my money, but I need to ensure that my work is available and online in a modern NLE for as long as possible. That may mean FCP-X in a year or two, via Automatic Duck. It might also mean Premiere. This whole rollout was a disaster. The magnetic timeline, the compromises in media management, the lack of choices in preferences, the general bugginess are a disgrace.

"Oh wow, and now I just heard that Adobe's CS6 won't open .psd files..." How would that sound?

Apple apologists are doing a disservice to the company by granting them a free pass over this. And falling back on the classic disparagement of trashing "the whiners" is so tired. NO person that I know who lives in FCP is happy about this. The only ones who seem to be are the paid shills and the whole FCP ecosystem that's involved in training. Many of us resent having to spend the time learning something new FOR NO GOOD REASON. The nomenclature and terminology changes are one case in point. And don't trash us for not wanting to learn - most of us have spent years absorbing new info, learning the app and it's sub apps over and over, each time Apple has re-done the GUI, especially with Compressor and DVD-SP, I might add. I have read more manuals for this Suite in the last ten years than most of you have read good literature. I'm used to it. I suck it up.

This time it's different.

I'm going to use Premiere and keep an eye on FCP-X. I'd love it to be great one day, but I will never trust Apple again with a pro app.

 

[deconstruct60]

Is Apple having a "Vista moment" here?

How could Apple not have predicted (and tested) that users would want to run both FCP7 and FCPX?

I have a strong suspicion they are trying to prepare folks for a Lion/Snow Leopard setup once Lion releases. If Lion "unlocks" some subset of FCPX features that folks are howling about now by august there will be many folks who want a Lion/SL partitioning.

Maybe there is some incompatibility, but yeah... I would expect that has been tested. I don't think there is a large one. Seperating them though will minimize the disruptions though if one needs some update/upgrade/etc that the other one doesn't. Additionally, if you need to keep around a FCP 7 for archival work ( opening past projects , minor tweak to projects you thought were closed ) then can leave that partition rooted in the past also ( no non-security upgrades ) while the FCPX partition moves forward into the future.

It isn't a FUBAR. Those are best practices that work for lots of software packages where ones is in archive/maintenance mode and the other is normally moving forward in time.