For anybody who missed it here is the news from Larry Jordan on the next generation of Final Cut

"I’ve Seen The New Version of Final Cut Pro… and it’s a jaw-dropper."

Goodies: Larry's Blog (http://www.larryjordan.biz/goodies/blog.html)

actually, its all hype and no specifics. FCP is yesterdays news anyway unless they have a 64bit app that equals prem pro's performance... and I doubt it.

It will definitely be interesting to see how much Apple re-vamped it.

Hopeful list -

- 64bit enabled
- GPU acceleration (for AMD and nVidia would be nice)
- Flash and Blu-Ray (HA!! yeah wishful thinking I know!!)
- Compressor (better quality output)
- Matching interfaces and tighter integration across all the Suite applications

We shall see....hopefully on or before NAB 2011!!

P.S. - Wish Mr. Jobs a healthy and quick return to Apple

My simple wishlist:
RT effects for h.264
Better text editor

Anyone else want this?

They wouldn't dare release the next version in 32 bit.
I hope they correct the gamma issue with H264. x264 is better but very confusing.
Motion is missing many functions that After Effects has, they could improve that.
It would also be awesome if you could make rudimentary 3D shapes right in Motion, skinable.
FCP has issues with clip duration when using some plugins, ie Twixtor. Fix that.

I use CS5 tools as much as FCS. If they make huge changes to the workflow I think I'd be tempted just to put more time into CS5 than relearn FCS4, unless there were big benefits.

Oh, and whip us up some fresh audio tracks and stingers in the next version. :) Hey, it is a wish list.

btw - The new MacBook Pros... I ordered a new 17" this morning!
WOOT!

.....I use CS5 tools as much as FCS. If they make huge changes to the workflow I think I'd be tempted just to put more time into CS5 than relearn FCS4, unless there were big benefits.....

Are you using CS5 on the Mac or Windows?

If it's on the Mac, are you using an nVidia or AMD card?

Larry Jordan is a very reliable and trustworthy source. No specifics but I don't think he'd use "jaw dropping" lightly.

actually, its all hype and no specifics. FCP is yesterdays news anyway unless they have a 64bit app that equals prem pro's performance... and I doubt it.

More rumor mill:
New Final Cut Pro Is Real, And It’s Spectacular (And It’s Expected Spring 2011) (http://techcrunch.com/2011/02/22/new-final-cut-pro-is-real-and-its-spectacular-and-its-expected-spring-2011/)

Cool man,

Bring it on.

This might be a bit off topic, but If I bought, and registered FCS3 with in the last 45 days, would there be any chance they would offer a free upgrade to the new version?

Within 45 days of what Jeff? The apparently officially sanctioned "I've see it" leak, or the eventual actual release date whenever that may be? Either way, don't be too hopeful.

Apple has had discounted upgrades in the past (not free) but you may be outside the Window as they haven't made an official announcement. Usually at the point of announcement they offer discounts for people who buy. It makes sense because they don't want sales to stall. In fact that's the fundamental reason why Apple doesn't announce future hardware since they can't make the same kind of offer for that financially.

If FCP8 or whatever has a bunch of bells and whistles and a new interface without fixing problems under the hood (ie media mgt) then i won't be impressed. FCP will also need to match Avid with real-time mixed multiformat and timebase timelines. That should be doable now with Thiunderbolt I/O at 10Gbits/Sec.

I'd like to be able to sync FCP to an audio package like Logic or ProTools so one could work on audio editing and video in real time using the right tools.

My hopes: Apple makes FCP so much better that Avid and Adobe must put more effort into their products. The downside to that is the large amount of fanboys arguing back and forth.

About those who went to Apple's event - do you honestly think Apple would invite anyone who would be critical? That would be like Iran inviting the CIA in to assess their reactors.

Actually yes, if the vague description given to the attendees to this product focus group (which I am making an assumption that it was run as) is anything near accurate, then some of them would be critical of any immediately apparent flaws in the new product. Of course some flaws take a few hours of work to really find.

As a person who has been part of focus groups in the past, comments are encouraged whether or not the company decides to act on the comments or merely tell their PR departments to de-emphasize the weaknesses. One focus group (pre-Internet) was about an office management system that integrated computers, phones and whatever. It was shot down by one executive who wondered why anyone would use the electronic note system when paper stickies were so easy and cheap. The company had no answer.

I was once part of the team analyzing focus groups of kids, nationwide, watching cartoon pilots. The kids all preferred one show over the rest but the network management didn't want to hear that so they ignored the results and went with the show that fit their plans instead.

We're in the process of migrating several sites from FCP to CS5 for two reasons: Firstly, a general suspicion that the next upgrade will be another let down and secondly its provides an escape route if Apple move further in their transition to a consumer electronics company.

This was purely a publicity event. Apple wanted to offer 'hope' to its FCP customers in order to prevent many more jumping ship to Avid & Adobe.

If the next version is released in the next few months, then all this event did was show people new features. There is not enough time for feedback and then rewriting the software based on that feedback.

well no doubt its a publicity stunt to keep the faithful onboard.... but no they are not going to be re-writting anything in a few months. clearly they have had a couple years to do that, and this was a first peak at their new creation near final stages. they are in bug fix mode.

some things to keep in mind, if they announce a new product, according to SEC rules they must ship it within the quarter, so seeing a just shy of NAB release would make sense. by the time the show hits, they'll have it on the street, and in the booths of other vendors for everyone to look / see.

while apple says they aren't doing trade shows anymore, there is NOTHING stopping them from doing a big media event sunday afternoon like they have in the past, or for doing the FCP LA super meet cattle call party on tues nite to let the masses see what they are up to. in fact I would more then bet thats exactly what happens.... so just sit tight for another month or so.

that said, I switched over the prem pro full time over a year ago. once you go CUDA, there's no going back :)

to sit and think adobe and avid are sitting still would be silly. avid just announced updates to their products - MC 5.5 should be shipping shortly. so don't think anybody is sitting around, in fact if anything its apple thats guilty of it.

This was purely a publicity event. Apple wanted to offer 'hope' to its FCP customers in order to prevent many more jumping ship to Avid & Adobe.

If the next version is released in the next few months, then all this event did was show people new features. There is not enough time for feedback and then rewriting the software based on that feedback.

Enjoy CS5 then. It's a good suite. It seems you and others have decided fate regarding Apple and FCS on no evidence but time and rumor. And yes there's plenty of time to rewrite software, especially the UI if the team is on it exclusively.

Good luck, you naysayers might be right. I'll wait it out however, Premier is not for me.