Apple Announces Final Cut Pro X

Last evening, Apple announced the next version of its professional video editing software—Final Cut Pro X. The application, which was presented at this year’s Final Cut Pro User Group SuperMeet, has been described as a complete rewrite of the existing program, and is being lauded as “Something as revolutionary as the first version of Final Cut Pro when introduced in 1999.” The forthcoming application was presented by Apple’s Peter Steinauer at NAB last evening and elicited enthusiastic responses from event attendees. Though Apple has yet to issue an official release highlighting Final Cut Pro X, numerous details were confirmed by Steinauer last evening.

Final Cut Pro was last updated in 2009, and since its last revision there have been several highly anticipated updates from its base of over two million users. Among the most highly requested features were a UI overhaul and full 64-bit compatibility. FCP users will undoubtably be excited to hear that Final Cut Pro X implements both. Making use of Grand Central Dispatch, FCPX will utilize all available system cores and GPU for background rendering, resolution independent playback from SD to 4K, and ColorSync management. Additionally, the new software looks to finally banish the dreaded “writing video” render box—Steinauer hinted FCPX will allow for background rendering and for users to edit while importing. For legacy users who have become accustomed to preparing dinner while their video renders, this feature alone will warrant a day one purchase assuming it comes to fruition.

Other new features to Apple’s editing system include: content auto analysis, auto audio clean up, range based keywording and smart collections. Steinauer also demonstrated Clip Connections and Compound Clips. The former locks audio and video clips together so that they appear as one clip in the timeline and stay synced when moved, and the latter collapses media into a single clip on the timeline. The timeline itself has also been redesigned in FCPX enabling smoother and easier edits, easier clip trimming, and more. Very much a preview of the upcoming release, it is likely the software will undergo additional changes leading up to its release this June. Steinauer confirmed Final Cut Pro X will debut in the Mac App Store for $299 in June.