Apple Releases Major Update and Free Trial for Final Cut Pro X

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As reported by CNET and Macworld, Apple has released a major update to its Final Cut Pro X software, making a number of improvements and addressing some of the strong criticism that has been levied against the revamped video production software.

One of the major features included in the update is support for XML, an addition that had been promised in an Apple FAQ posted to address the backlash against the software. CNET notes:

Among the biggest new feature to be added as part of a software update that will go out to users this morning is support for XML. This adds the option to both import and export projects and events in the XML format, meaning users can take XML formatted projects and work on them in Final Cut Pro X.

That addition addresses one of the potential sticking points for upgraders, who were left unable to open old Final Cut Pro projects in the newer version of the software. XML support brings that indirectly, as users can export Final Cut Pro 7 projects in XML, then import them into Final Cut Pro X via a third-party tool like CatDV from Square Box.

Other additions in Final Cut Pro X 10.0.1 include support for events and projects through Xsan, support for media stems, custom starting time codes, full-screen view for OS X Lion, and GPU-accelerated export. Apple has also released a new software development kit in order to help camera manufacturers create plug-ins to make their latest cameras compatible with Final Cut Pro X.

fcp x media stems export
Media stems export in Final Cut Pro X 10.0.1

Apple is also promising another update to bring multi cam editing and broadcast video output support, but that update isn't expected to launch until next year.

One other important change for Final Cut Pro X is the addition of a new 30-day free trial for the software, giving users the opportunity to test out the software before committing to a $299.99 purchase. Apple did issue refunds for unhappy early purchasers of Final Cut Pro X, and thus it appears that the company has launched the free trial in order to cut down on those refund requests.

Update: Apple has also released a 4.0.1 update for Compressor.

This update improves overall stability and performance including:

- Updates the bitrates in Cellular settings for HTTP Live Streaming.
- Fixes an issue with accessing QuickTime Export Component settings in Final Cut Pro X.
- Fixes an issue in which This Computer cluster does not appear when system is configured in Chinese.
- Resolves stability issues when launching Soundtrack Pro after Compressor 4 is installed.

Motion has also received an update to version 5.0.1.

This update improves overall stability and performance including:

- Adds support for dual displays.
- Fixes an issue with the import and playback of multichannel audio.
- Resolves a stability issue when navigating to keyframes at a negative time.
- Fixes an issue with incorrect text positioning when the Inspector is open.
- Provides for correct kerning between characters when applying adjustments.
- Resolves stability issues when entering an empty string in a title while in Draft Mode.

Finally, Apple has released an updated version of its ProApps QuickTime Codecs to support the new releases.

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Top Rated Comments

chirpie Avatar
chirpie
179 months ago
Now if they can give us proper monitoring, batch export, a better way to see source timecode, and aaf/omf support, it'll be 3/4 of what the old FCP was :rolleyes:
I use Final Cut 7 on the weekdays, and X on the weekends. There really is a LOT to like about X.

Use X for a weekend and you'll find yourself thinking "I really miss "insert feature" a lot" more often than you might think. (I particularly like the independent fades at the ends of clips. Such a huge timesaver)

Having said that, here's my top items before I recommend we use it at work. (Keeping in mind we don't deliver to anything but the web for our use)

- Some backwards compatibility. It doesn't need to be perfect. Just something that gets the basic shell of an old project in there.

- Better media management. In other words, let ME relink my files to new media if I darn well please.

- More export options like we used to have through quicktime.

- Kill some of the buginess. I can't recall how many times I've exported separate streams of audio and video only to watch them pop out at different lengths. (Yes the frame rate is correct, yes the audio sampling matches across the board.)

- Better audio editing options. What's there isn't bad, but it's about half of what we had round tripping to Soundtrack Pro.

- More workflow options that integrate better with collaborative environments. (Like color grading, and some kind of decision list export)

Like I said, I really think the program wasn't as bad as I first heard, but it does have a few more hurdles left. And I don't care what people say, the GUI is one of the best designed interfaces I've had the pleasure of staring at for 16 hours straight.

Not a bad update Apple, just keep running with it.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gatearray Avatar
gatearray
179 months ago
This is great news!

This is great news all around, why so many curmudgeony responses? What would some of you prefer Apple do, not listen to user feedback on v1 software and work hard to address it? The 30 day free trial from the App Store makes a ton of sense, too.

We all know that software is a work in progress, and to release this update as 10.0.1 instead of 10.1 as a poster above mentioned, signals to me that Apple is just getting started with FCPX, and there will be many more user concerns being addressed and general improvements moving forward.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mjsanders5uk Avatar
mjsanders5uk
179 months ago
still an unfinshed amateur editing software. well the pros arent apples target anymore.

Total crap! Are you even an editor?

I'm a professional cameraman & editor and to be honest I really like FCP X, it doesn't do everything I want, and yes its buggy (10.0.1 has just finished downloading so I'll try it after finishing typing this) but to be honest when I go back to FCP 7 I start to miss the features in FCP X. I've now cut loads of projects on it (some have even been broadcast on national TV!) and its been a dream. In fact several projects are repeats of old projects and I've cut them in half the time it took me in FCP 7.

Yes it's not for everyone, but then neither was FCP 7 which is why Avid, Quantel etc are still doing roaring trade.

Sorry its total rubbish that FCP X isn't pro - when was the last time an amateur piece of software had decent accurate scopes, or able to sync dual sound systems. Oh and how many amateurs do you know that work of an XSAN (which FCP X as of the updates does!).
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
addicted44 Avatar
addicted44
179 months ago
So they are releasing an update to enable backwards compatibility and calling it a feature?

GPU accelerated exporting sounds enticing, but Compressor seems to do the job for me.

Its free dude. They aren't calling a feature. They are saying they added it.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WestonHarvey1 Avatar
WestonHarvey1
179 months ago
Software is a not a "work in progress" after retail release. By then it should be finished to the point where only unintended bugs that slipped through QA are fixed, not major features and requirements are omitted and then only added after bad publicity compels them to.

Every software package is a continual work in progress. Real Artists Ship. You eventually say "stop" and release something, and keep working on it and releasing updates. The alternative to this process is Duke Nukem Forever.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Metal Dice Avatar
Metal Dice
179 months ago
At least it seems like they are working hard on improving the software.
I just don't understand why Apple would rush to get one of their products on the market early. Doesn't seem very Apple-like to release a feature-lacking "pro" product.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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