
Apple held a private Final Cut Pro X (FCP X) briefing for enterprise contracts in London on July 6th. One first hand report has been posted to the internet detailing what Apple discussed during the event. Alex4d summarizes tweets by @aPostEngineer which reveals the following points:
1. FCP XML in/out is coming via 3rd party soon…no FCP 6/7 support project support coming ever it seems…
2. Ability to buy FCP7 licenses for enterprise deployments coming in the next few weeks…
3. FCPX EDL import/export coming soon…
4. FCPX AJA plugins coming soon for tape capture and layback…capture straight into FCPX [events].
5. XSAN support for FCPX coming in the next few weeks…
6. FCPX Broadcast video output via #Blackmagic & @AJAVideo coming soon…
7. Additional codec support for FCPX via 3rd Parties coming soon…
8. Customizable sequence TC in FCPX for master exports coming soon…
9. Some FCPX updates will be free some will cost…
Notably, the event reveals that Apple is working on allowing existing Final Cut Pro 7 enterprise deployments to purchase additional licenses. One of major complaints about the FCP X launch had been Apple's discontinuing sales of Final Cut Pro 7 even before video professionals had been able to become comfortable with FCP X.
Final Cut Pro X was released as an App Store title on June 21st for $299. Apple later posted a FAQ to address concerns of video professionals, and has promised a number of new features and fixes in the coming months.
Update: Apple has apparently contacted the tweeter with this clarification:
Apple have contacted me in regards to my tweets…and wanted to make sure the facts are right…
2. Ability to buy ADDITIONAL FCP7 licenses for EXISTING volume licensed deployments is something Apple are only looking into at this stage.
4. FCPX AJA plugins coming soon for tape capture and layback…capture straight into FCPX events. Will not be a plugin but an AJA application.
Top Rated Comments
It won't let small shops who don't qualify for enterprise licences buy additional seats.
Phazer
Big software upgrades always cost. Remember that Final Cut Pro X is a hell of a lot cheaper than Studio used to be. Apple just recognises that not everyone needs some things, so why not get a great basic functionality and let third parties handle those things?
All of these NLE software options are just tools for doing the job. Choose the one that suits you based on that and be done with it.
That's like being sold a car without a working transmission and then being told afterward that it is simply a 'preview' of what is to come.
I'm an unabashed Apple fan, but these kinds of nonsensical apologies are simply sad.
Again, you don't know that they will charge for the updates they are talking about on the short term. Multicam for example will be a free upgrade: http://www.fcp.co/forum/4-final-cut-pro-x-fcpx/346-my-take-on-the-apple-fcpx-briefing-in-london-6711#346