Final Cut Studio Goes Universal

[sigamy]

Man, this is kiling me...I can upgrade to FCS Universal for $199 because I have Soundtrack Pro. I guess I should have waited to tell the wife "no more spending!"

I don't really need all the apps or the pro level apps beyound Soundtrack Pro but this deal is just too good.

 

[digitalbiker]

Microsoft doesn't sell xbox at a loss to get market share, they do it because they make up the loss on game sales. That's not analagous to this situation.

Sure it is! Apple sells Intel Macs. They can make up for the loss of universal binary conversion fees by getting more users to upgrade to Intel Mac hardware.

But no such luck. They have to get greedy and stick it to existing paying users.

Effin A! Apple sucks! Microsoft and Adobe are done with their one-click-in-Xcode change! How come it takes Apple so long! And they aren't charging some stupid "cross-grade" to their users! Oh, wait…

I understand third party's charging for universal binary conversions because they didn't know the change to intel was coming and they don't sell Intel Mac hardware.

Apple made the change in hardware that required software conversion not the third parties. Also Apple makes up for conversion costs by selling more Intel Mac hardware to upgrading users.

 

[dmcgann]

Good news indeed, nice to see that the universal pro apps are starting to roll out.

Have guys checked Apple stock? Is it because the upgraded Cinema or what, but it's rising for change!

I guess its because of the ipod update!! an ipod volume cap will prevent lawsuits of possibly millions!!

 

[mutantteenager]

Not likely

Will it work fine on the new Mac mini core duo?
WIll the core dou mini's graphic chip will be enough for motion?

I did the Mac Expo in the UK running Motion when it first came out on a 17" with 2GB RAM and I think a 64MB Graphics card, and it chugged! Motion and Aperture are demons for the graphics card, if Motion is what you want to do, get a different machine, with a better graphics card.

FCP is less demanding on the graphics card. Hope this helps

 

[Max on Macs]

It ticks me off when people rate this kind of thing as negative. I mean, how the hell does that work? I think voting should only be available to members who have X number of posts to prevent the people who are determined to vote against anything pro-Apple that they can find.

 

[milo]

Sure it is! Apple sells Intel Macs. They can make up for the loss of universal binary conversion fees by getting more users to upgrade to Intel Mac hardware.

It doesn't quite work that way. Since the update is universal, it runs on PPC as well. If it was free, PPC users could order it and load it on their machines just for the sake of having it, even though it wouldn't make a difference. Don't forget, even if they eat the cost of updating the code, it still costs them money to press the four dvd's and ship them along with any documentation.

 

[macEfan]

good, they finally made it work with intelmacs.... that a good move for apple, now adobe has to do the same.

 

[Rustus Maximus]

Have you been living under a rock? This was announced months ago.

It's worse than that. If you're running one of the single apps, they're not selling them individually any more. So if you need the intel version, you're looking at $199 to get a port of the app, not even an updated version. If you have an academic copy, that's probably more than you paid in the first place!

What's the deal?

I thought ol'wonderboy SJ showed us that if the program was coded in Xcode then it was a simple button click or two to generate a conversion.

Apple can't have it both ways! Either it is easy and should be supplied free of charge or it is time consuming / difficult and requires fees.

Even Microsoft which everyone spouts off on this site about being money grubbing, sell their xboxes at a small loss to help establish the market.

Apple has 8 billion in cash in the bank, completely changes their hardware platform at the drop of a hat, and still charges it's users for universal binary conversions.

Pathetic! Bring back the old Apple.

Well, if you are already running FCP 5 then it's only $99 and that is if you are upgrading from a standalone version of FCP. To crossgrade from a present version of Studio it reads to be only $49.

I believe too that if there are any minor changes or bug fixes they will be released in a free update as they always are for PowerPC runners.

On the note of Apple being greedy. Early adapters of the Mac with Intel inside did so with full knowledge that there would be few if any native programs at the moment but that they were coming. It would be a little naive to assume that these native apps will be supplied to you free of charge when they do become available, no matter how "one button easy" they are programmed.

This is a new platform, not an update of PowerPC. The Apple world is changing again, just as it did with OS X. You are going to need these crossgrades now or later, it's up to you. $49 dollars at the minimum for this set of apps is absolutely paltry. If you guys are sneezing at even $200 for this set, you're being ridiculous. You should be making that back in a heartbeat if you are using this professionally.

 

[bousozoku]

Effin A! Apple sucks! Microsoft and Adobe are done with their one-click-in-Xcode change! How come it takes Apple so long! And they aren't charging some stupid "cross-grade" to their users! Oh, wait…

Good thing you're an end user and not a software developer. It shields you from the complexity.

I feel really dumb. I could've sworn I read that it had gone universal just after MWSF.

They announced that Aperture was going Universal, not that it was finished. They also mentioned that it would be a free update through the Software Update utility.

 

[steve_hill4]

Apple were going to be dropping non Universal apps soon weren't they? I think that with Adobe announcing no CS3 until 2007 and no universal binary of CS2, ever, Apple are upping the stakes.

We know the PowerMac replacement will be coming this year, most probably at WWDC in August, so apple just want to say to developers that they are leading the way and encourage the few that haven't yet to do so.

 

[digitalbiker]

It doesn't quite work that way. Since the update is universal, it runs on PPC as well. If it was free, PPC users could order it and load it on their machines just for the sake of having it, even though it wouldn't make a difference. Don't forget, even if they eat the cost of updating the code, it still costs them money to press the four dvd's and ship them along with any documentation.

I think that is a pretty lame reason to be charging for universal binaries, that's all. Most PPC users are not going to need bloated UB versions on their machines when they already have native versions.

I can understand charging if their are actual improvements to the software but if it were just a conversion then I think Apple should supply those for no cost. Whatever small loss Apple accrues they should more than make up for in good will toward users and new upgrade sales of Intel Macs.

 

[jacg]

Does anyone know if the $199 upgrade from Final Cut Pro 4 would apply to the Academic version of Final Cut Pro 4? Specifically, I bought the Apple Production Suite, which included Final Cut Pro 4, DVD Studio Pro, and others.

ANSWER: YES! If you look at the PDF, it allows for Academic upgrades.
SWEET!

I can prove it. I upgraded my FCP4 (edu) and it's on its way. At this rate it may arrive a day after my iMac!

 

[jacg]

It's worse than that. If you're running one of the single apps, they're not selling them individually any more. So if you need the intel version, you're looking at $199 to get a port of the app, not even an updated version. If you have an academic copy, that's probably more than you paid in the first place!

On the other hand, I bought FCP4 a long while ago for the academic price and never thought I'd be able to afford an upgrade again, let alone get DVD SP, Motion, etc. Now I get the whole lot for £139. If this keeps me going for another three years that seems like a good deal.

I see what you're saying about people who just use one of the pro apps. I guess they must have done some research and decided that this was a very small percentage of users?

 

[digitalbiker]

On the note of Apple being greedy. Early adapters of the Mac with Intel inside did so with full knowledge that there would be few if any native programs at the moment but that they were coming. It would be a little naive to assume that these native apps will be supplied to you free of charge when they do become available, no matter how "one button easy" they are programmed.

This is a new platform, not an update of PowerPC. The Apple world is changing again, just as it did with OS X. You are going to need these crossgrades now or later, it's up to you. $49 dollars at the minimum for this set of apps is absolutely paltry. If you guys are sneezing at even $200 for this set, you're being ridiculous. You should be making that back in a heartbeat if you are using this professionally.

Look I agree that this is not a lot of money on one particular Apple app. But wouldn't Apple benefit more by supplying an already licensed user of a current app a free universal binary conversion.

It promotes more goodwill to the customer. It doesn't cost Apple much and it makes upgrading to a Intel Mac more attractive. Why nickel and dime a loyal user to death with conversion fees when ultimately you want him to move to the new hardware anyway?

That is all I am saying. Sure you can be jerks with your customers, charge them for iWork conversions, Apereture conversions, FCP Studio conversions, etc. Then 6 months later you can turn around and release new upgrades and charge them again. That way you can hope to get two fees out of your customer in a 6 month period with only one upgrade.

Apple used to supply things like this for free. That is what made them seem a little better than the average corporation. But those days are gone.

 

[milo]

I think that is a pretty lame reason to be charging for universal binaries, that's all. Most PPC users are not going to need bloated UB versions on their machines when they already have native versions.

I can understand charging if their are actual improvements to the software but if it were just a conversion then I think Apple should supply those for no cost. Whatever small loss Apple accrues they should more than make up for in good will toward users and new upgrade sales of Intel Macs.

Many users don't understand what UB means and some might send for a free upgrade whether they need it or not. Or people who plan on getting an intel box in a few months who go ahead and get the install disks just to be ready. With the upgrade to the full FCP, they probably are selling quite a few to PPC users who just want upgraded versions or additional apps. The people who are getting the least out of this are those who are just crossgrading, and it costs them $49. Everyone else IS getting upgraded software, and most likely new manuals to go with it.

Look I agree that this is not a lot of money on one particular Apple app. But wouldn't Apple benefit more by supplying an already licensed user of a current app a free universal binary conversion.

It promotes more goodwill to the customer. It doesn't cost Apple much and it makes upgrading to a Intel Mac more attractive. Why nickel and dime a loyal user to death with conversion fees when ultimately you want him to move to the new hardware anyway?

That is all I am saying. Sure you can be jerks with your customers, charge them for iWork conversions, Apereture conversions, FCP Studio conversions, etc. Then 6 months later you can turn around and release new upgrades and charge them again. That way you can hope to get two fees out of your customer in a 6 month period with only one upgrade.

Apple used to supply things like this for free. That is what made them seem a little better than the average corporation. But those days are gone.

First, it's four apps, not one app.

Second, iWork didn't charge for UB, it was a new version that included a new app. Third, Aperature is a free upgrade to UB. Apple does supply things like this for free in some cases, it just depends on the app or apps.

Don't forget, only users of the full FCS 5 suite are paying for just UB. Many other people are getting a bargain price on an upgrade to the full suite.

 

[digitalbiker]

First, it's four apps, not one app.

Second, iWork didn't charge for UB, it was a new version that included a new app. Third, Aperature is a free upgrade to UB. Apple does supply things like this for free in some cases, it just depends on the app or apps.

Don't forget, only users of the full FCS 5 suite are paying for just UB. Many other people are getting a bargain price on an upgrade to the full suite.

Well it is good to know that they aren't charging for Aperature conversions. But are you sure about the iWork UB?

I have the latest release of iWork but for the PPC. It is the latest version released but it isn't UB. If I were to buy a new macbook pro would I be able to download a free UB version through software update?

 

[steve_hill4]

First, it's four apps, not one app.

Second, iWork didn't charge for UB, it was a new version that included a new app. Third, Aperature is a free upgrade to UB. Apple does supply things like this for free in some cases, it just depends on the app or apps.

Don't forget, only users of the full FCS 5 suite are paying for just UB. Many other people are getting a bargain price on an upgrade to the full suite.

Will the update to 1.1 for existing owners be a full universal binary? I am not sure on the full details of the update and/or upgrade packages available.

As for iWork, even if we did have iWork running under Rosetta, it wouldn't be as much a difference as Aperture. On these dual core portables, iWork '05 under Rosetta and iWork '06 native aren't noticeably different. '05 on a PowerBook and '06 on a MBP, again, not as much difference as some would think. it's the Pro apps that need the support.

 

[milo]

Well it is good to know that they aren't charging for Aperature conversions. But are you sure about the iWork UB?

I have the latest release of iWork but for the PPC. It is the latest version released but it isn't UB. If I were to buy a new macbook pro would I be able to download a free UB version through software update?

iWork 06 was released as a UB. On your computer, get info shows PPC?

Will the update to 1.1 for existing owners be a full universal binary? I am not sure on the full details of the update and/or upgrade packages available.

It's free, and it's UB.

"Aperture 1.1—the first Universal version of Aperture—offers increased computer and camera compatibility. The upgrade allows photographers to run Aperture on both PowerPC-based and the new Intel-based Macintosh computers, including MacBook Pro.

Developed in consultation with pro photographers, Aperture 1.1—scheduled for release in March—will be available for $499. Current owners of Aperture 1.0 can upgrade to Aperture 1.1 via Software Update."

 

[rdbishop]

Apple has 2 more days to get the Aperture 1.1 UB update out and not miss the target date. Hopefully they won't let us down like they did with the 1.0 release... otherwise I am going to stick with Lightroom.

Mini Core Duo, Powerbook G4 1.67ghz

 

[Platform]

Yeah.....now Aperture then CS3 and I'm done.....wait Rapidweaver, Office and Shake too

 

[ChrisA]

I thought ol'wonderboy SJ showed us that if the program was coded in Xcode then it was a simple button click or two to generate a conversion.

Apple can't have it both ways!

So the logical conclusion is that the software was not done in Xcode. Or more likely, not completely in Xcode.

I think FCP has a very long history that began outside of Apple. It's very likely there were parts of it not so simple to port. I would not even doubt there might have been some PPC assembly language in there. Who outside of Apple would know?

 

[ModestPenguin]

Why the heck is everyone ASSUMING Apple will go with a stupid name like Mac Pro?!? The purported reason for changing from Powerbook to MacBook Pro was that they wanted Mac in the name of all their computer products.

"Powerbook" does not contain "Mac" -> "MacBook Pro"
"iMac G5" contains Mac -> "iMac Core Duo"
"Mac mini" contains Mac -> "Mac mini"

"iBook" does not contain "Mac" -> ???? (most likely "MacBook")

Question: Does the name "PowerMac" contain "Mac" in it?? The answer is left for the reader to determine.

agh that totally bothers me as well, Steveo even said that they were changing the names of products to all have the word Mac in it. PowerMac...Mac...iMac...MAC....the only other name left to change is the iBook. It will probobly be MacBook....
/rant

 

[(L)]

Will it work fine on the new Mac mini core duo?
WIll the core dou mini's graphic chip will be enough for motion?

I would say no. The minimum specs seem to qualify the mini, but then the whole integrated graphics isn't listed as compatible with motion. (http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/motion/specs.html)

Anyway, I wouldn't try it. "Work fine" should not mean "just barely sputters along," so MBP at the moment I guess.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

How pissed are "crossgraders" going to be plunking down $49 today if Apple announces FCP 6 in a few weeks @ NAB. I noticed the crossgrade form says the crossgrade expires in Dec. So looks like all FCP owners get one crack at a check upgrade. Seems like it's worth it to wait a few more weeks to see what happens at NAB.

 

[nbame786]

Aperture has been universal for a while. Its is a Download via software update.

no it hasnt, if it has then apparently i missed something ... and by missed something i mean i'm positive it's not out