Toolbox makeover

There has been some merging and shaking in the world of desktop editing of late, and it could benefit many editing HD and SD video on their desktop. Just for starters, Apple and Intel are now business partners, meaning all new Macs now use Intel Processors. This makes them more like PCs, enabling them to run many programs previously geared only for that platform - as well as all the programs in Final Cut Studio.

Likewise, there are revolutions at Avid. Key applications like Media Composer and Avid Express can now operate in a Mac environment. (But, oddly enough, not on the new Intel-Macs.) Adobe Premiere also established itself as a serious player on the HD NLE stage with its new HD-capable post-production suite for the pc.

It is a clear sign that HD editing on the desktop has reached a new stage in its evolution when the three big 'A's (Apple, Avid, Adobe) and their competitors are boasting workflow and software integration as much as individual HD features and functions. Among other benefits, this simplifies moving files among applications (DVD authoring, audio editing, compression, graphics, or color correction) by reducing or eliminating file conversion, and therefore potential quality loss. It also saves time and creates a user-friendly desktop work environment. The ability to do this with multiple strains of HD and SD formats in real-time helps separate the desktop heavyweights from the welterweights.

Adobe's Production Studio features tight integration of Premiere Pro 2.0, After Effects 7.0, Audition 2.0, Encore 2.0, Photoshop CS2, Illustrator CS2 and Adobe Bridge (asset management). It's a PC-only option that supports the dominant hd formats. And with Matrox's Axio board, which optimizes the package, Production Studio natively supports MXF files like DVCPRO HD from Panasonic's P2 HVX 200 and Sony's XDCAM HD at 17 to 35 Mbps, plus real-time color correction, chroma/luma keying, speed changes (slow mo/time-lapse), blur/glow/soft focus, and real-time 3D effects. The Axio LE (Axio board, Premiere Studio and breakout box) lists for US$4,500.

At Apple, the big news is clearly the new Mac Pro. At first glance, the old and new Macs look nearly identical, but under the hood the differences are striking: a pair of dual core Intel Xeon (2, 2.66, or 3 MHz) processors; up to 16 GB (8 slots) of RAM; and 2 TB of storage on two SuperDrives. With dual 3 GHz processors, the new Mac Pro cranks twice as fast as the quad G5.

Software-wise, OS X merely notches up to 10.3, and all the software in Final Cut Studio add a .1 to their current versions. More significant, though, is the fact that all the software in Final Cut Studio 5.1 will run on the new Mac Pros and on 'classic' Macs with OS X, which can run on the new Intel-Macs or on G5s. With G-series Macs no longer in production, Apple is keen to get established Final Cut users to switch to the new FC Studio, which operates in both worlds. (In part, to simplify support.)

To do so, Apple launched an attractive 'crossgrade' promotion enabling Production Suite owners to upgrade to Final Cut Studio 5.1 for only $49. Those with Final Cut Pro only (or other single apps) can buy FC Studio 5.1 for $199. A driving force is that apps like DVD Studio Pro 4.1 and Motion 2.1 can now be bought as part of Final Cut Studio for $1,299. Hence, the crossgrade promotion enables owners of single applications to get the full suite Final Cut software at a huge savings.