Apple announces Final Cut Pro 4

By Simon Aughton

Posted on 7 Apr 2003 at 10:12

With its open architecture, Final Cut Pro 4 fits into virtually any production pipeline and provides incredible developer extensibility through a new XML interchange format and FireWire-based I/O framework. This new standards-based composition and metadata interchange format, combined with a new import/export plug-in API, allows developers to create tools that integrate Final Cut Pro 4 into a wide range of production workflows. In addition, the new FireWire-based I/O Framework allows third-party developers to build FireWire-based I/O devices for fully uncompressed 8- and 10-bit 4:2:2 broadcast video.

Additional features in Final Cut Pro 4 include: advanced trimming and timeline tools such as support for dynamic and asymmetrical trimming, master clips, merged clips and ganged playback controls; enhanced media management; full support for Unicode; enhanced audio editing capabilities such as keyframe thinning, multi-track audio mixing, multi-channel audio output and real-time audio effects; and Cinema Tools, previously sold separately, with new support for change lists and ink numbers for filmmakers working with 35mm or 16mm film.

'Final Cut Pro has revolutionized professional video editing by making previously expensive and complex technology affordable and easier to use,' said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. 'With Final Cut Pro 4, we're introducing more professional capabilities and broadening the market by offering a more accessible and affordable product with innovative features that far exceed the competition.'

Final Cut Pro 4 will be available in June for £799, or £299 if upgrading from a previous version. Further details from www.apple.com/uk/finalcutpro.