Apple Releases Final Cut Studio 2, Server

Apple introduced a new version of its Final Cut Studio professional video production suite, as well as introducing Final Cut Server, a new product aimed at simplifying and streamlining the post-production process.

The central application in the suite is Final Cut Pro 6, which now includes the capability to add clips using almost any format without the need to transcode. Additionally, a new format called ProRes 422 will allow editors to create HD content within SD file sizes.

Final Cut includes SmoothCam technology to remove camera motion, as well as tighter integration with Motion, the suite's motion graphics software. That application is also receiving a makeover, with new camera angles and easier methods to create animations.

New to the suite is an application called Color, which allows editors to easily correct and edit color profiles within a project. Additionally, 20 different presets will help create different moods and looks, the company says.

Other applications included are Soundtrack, an audio editing application, and Compressor, Final Cut's encoding tool. New features with Soundtrack will allow users to edit audio tracks in a simpler process, while Compressor extends support for MPEG-2 and H.264, and will make creating content for applications such as Apple TV, iPod and mobile phones easier.

"Final Cut Studio 2 was specifically designed to enable the rapidly growing community of over 800,000 Final Cut editors worldwide to animate, mix, grade and deliver their work as a natural extension of the editorial process," Applications marketing vice president Rob Schoeben said.

In addition to the Final Cut Studio announcement, Apple also introduced Final Cut Server. According to Apple, the product provides "media asset management and workflow automation for post production and broadcast professionals."