Apple Unveils ’Final Cut Studio 2’

Apple Computer has unveiled "Final Cut Studio 2" a significant upgrade to its video production suite - with new creative tools for film editors.

The "Final Cut Studio 2" includes Final Cut Pro 6, Soundtrack Pro 2, Motion 3, Compressor 3, and a new application called Color.

Final Cut Pro 6, an updated version, includes a new Open Format Timeline that lets editors mix and match virtually any video format and frame-rate in a single Timeline without transcoding. Final Cut Pro 6 also integrates optical flow based SmoothCam technology to remove unwanted or jarring camera movement with simple, easy-to-use tools.

Soundtrack Pro 2 is a brand new version of the audio editing application in Final Cut Studio 2. It features powerful new multitrack editing and recording tools in a streamlined interface that simplifies every aspect of the audio post production process. Soundtrack Pro 2 also features new heads up spotting display that allows aligning of effects and dialog with picture.

Motion 3 is the latest version of Apple's motion graphics software, and features an intuitive 3D environment, paint, and new behaviors. It extends all Motion tools to a 3D environment, and features drag-and-drop simplicity; Vector based paint tools; and a match moving tool that automatically maps any image or effect to the path of any other object.

Compressor 3 is the latest version of encoding tool, and promises to deliver powerful batch encoding for multiple formats with a single click. The company claims that the new streamlined interface and simplified workflows make encoding and delivering in multiple formats easier and more efficient. Compressor 3 extends support for industry-standard codecs such as MPEG-2 and H.264 to include new drag-and-drop presets for web, iPod, Apple TV, DVD, and mobile phones.

Besides, Final Cut Studio 2 integrates a new application called 'Color,' a professional color grading and finishing application for ensuring consistent color.

According to Apple, Color puts a logical task-based color grading and finishing workflow in the hands of every Final Cut Pro editor.

Color includes over 20 signature looks, which can be customized to create a unique mood for any given project. The application offers a seamless roundtrip workflow, where projects can be sent from Final Cut Pro 6 directly to Color for grading, finishing, and final rendering with 32-bit float 4:4:4 image processing.

Final Cut Studio 2 will be available in May for around $1,299; the upgrade will cost about $499. Whereas, upgrading from any version of Final Cut Pro to the Studio will cost around $699.