Archive notice: This article was originally published on May 19, 2006. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Apple has introduced Final Cut Express HD 3.5, a major upgrade for the smaller sibling of the editing software Final Cut Pro 5. The Express version lacks a number of high-end features of the Pro version, such as support for Uncompressed 8- and 10-bit SD and HD. The new version runs on both Intel- and PowerPC-based Macs.
New in Final Cut Express HD 3.5 are real-time playback of effects with Dynamic RT, Soundtrack 1.5 (not to be confused with the considerably more extensive Soundtrack Pro) with a complete set of professional tools for audio production, as well as LiveType 2.1 for the animation of text and titles.
Final Cut Express HD 3.5 offers a complete set of editing tools for DV and HDV formats with support for multiple video layers, real-time special effects and transitions as well as powerful color correction and filters.
The new Dynamic RT makes it possible to play back HDV video with multiple layers in real time. This makes the editing process noticeably faster, since it is no longer necessary to re-render the clips every time. In addition, all effects, transitions and motion parameters can now be set as keyframes, which the user can save and use for other projects.
Final Cut Express HD 3.5 also includes a new version of Soundtrack, to which Apple has added more than 4000 royalty-free instrument loops and sound effects that the user can combine into a stand-alone musical accompaniment.
The new features of Soundtrack 1.5 include improved multitrack audio editing and recording tools modeled on a professional sound studio, for example to precisely record, monitor and edit dialog.
With the included LiveType 2.1, users can equip their film projects with dynamically animated text and numerous included, royalty-free backgrounds.
The new features of LiveType 2.1 include new graphic animations, among them 70 new animated objects, 15 new textures and 60 individually customizable preset effects for animated text and title graphics. With the new, vector-based LiveFont technology, users can scale animated text styles such as Tremor, Script, Ribbon, Cool and Blueprint for any resolution such as HD.
Final Cut Express HD 3.5 is available from specialist retailers for 289 euros including VAT. Owners of an earlier version of Final Cut Express can upgrade to Final Cut Express HD 3.5 for 99 euros.
Further links:
- Apple Finals Cut Express
