Well, 64bit isn't necessarily a good thing. Fortunately, it runs 32bit code natively so there is full backward compatability supposedly. As for when we'll see it... we've been hearing about the G5 for over 2 years now and it is still just smoke and mirrors, so they went to IBM... I still have the "I'll believe it when I see it mentality"! Now the question is... will FCP4 run in 64bit? On new motherboards with the new chips it could really cook! Of course, I still love my FCP3 and dual 800MHz G4!

Is it better than Vegas 4? ...just curious.

In my opinion it is. I don't think you're going to find too many editors or users that are extremely proficient in both. They compete in different markets. That's not to say their isn't some crossover, but FCP is aimed at the pro market and Vegas is more for the event, industrial, single user market. Sure you can do a feature on Vegas or a wedding on FCP, but those are not the markets they go after.

The real question is Vegas, or FCP, better for you? I do documentary and corporate work mostly and FCP offers the speed, features and tight integration to other tools that I need for my clients. The work flow is very smooth.

Believe me, I don't want to start an argument, political or otherwise. But, I don't understand the idea of not using a computer because of the attitude of other users. The longtime reliability of macs is well documented. I work with a lot of cross platform people. They'll use their pc when doing web work and move to the mac when doing their video work. I have a G3 that's over 5 years old that I suped up. I was recently offered $500 for it. My friend tried to sell his 3 year old pc recently and couldn't get more than $100 for it. I have nothing against pc's or pc users. But, I will say the few heated discussions I've gotten in were initiated by them. But let's get back to FCP 4. It's great. Like another thread around hear pointed out, you'd have to spend close to$100,000 to get an editing system that had much more.

There are many many Windows users who have a bad attitude as well, basically just running off at the mouth about how much better PCs are than Macs. So both camps fall victim to that my friend. I use both myself.

Back to the subject at hand... I have the student version of Final Cut Pro 3 which is the same as the full version, just a different license. Will I be able to upgrade to FCP 4 with the update? I assume the student license would remain in effect. I have already purchased the update, but want to know the answer before it will ship. The Apple salesguy really didn't have any info.

Are you upgrading to FCP 4 Academic version or FCP 4 Full Retail Version? The only difference will be the price you have to pay for the upgrade.

The Mac vs. PC thing will be an ongoing debate. There are jerks on both sides (none here fortunately). Neither side really understands the needs of the other or is willing to take the time and try to understand. Each side is too busy trying to tell the other why their side is better.

You'll still have an Academic License.

Anyone was at NAB in Vegas?

I now that FCP 3 has good color corrections but does it have any automatic options (like in Photoshop Elements). I realize that you are almost always better off working manually but sometimes the problem is consistent (white balance being off) and an auto correct works fine.

If not if FCP3 then what about FCP4, expecially since the new version of Avid seems to have it.

Let's see, G5 (970), FCP4, DSP2, ka-ching!

Jeff,
Well, not exactly like Photoshop Elements. Perhaps the handiest "auto color correction" feature I use are the eye droppers for setting various balances.

<<<-- Originally posted by Ken Tanaka : Jeff,
Well, not exactly like Photoshop Elements. Perhaps the handiest "auto color correction" feature I use are the eye droppers for setting various balances. -->>>

It works great with the whites and the blacks . . .

Any estimates on WHEN in June FCP4 will be out. I see that Apple has been sending the developers on the road to show it off to various FCP User Groups. On the other hand the coupon on the web site offers a $50 upgrade if you buy FCP3 between April 6 and June 20 which makes me wonder whether the release isn't until June 20, or even June 23 (WWDC).

One magazine reports that the main reason for the price drop in DVD Studio Pro is a reduction in licensing charges from Dolby Digital.

I would guess either just before WWDC or during it. I don't know about the licensing and price reduction of DVDSP. I know the new Adobe product had an announced price of $549. I thought maybe Apple was figuring on having to compete with Adobe

FCP 4
 

Saw it in action at the Production Show. Looks great. The UK are getting it in shops late June apparently, so probably mid June on the net.
LiveType seems simple to use and very quick to get professional looks.

Re: FCP 4
 

<<<-- Originally posted by Trent O Connor : Saw it in action at the Production Show. Looks great. The UK are getting it in shops late June apparently, so probably mid June on the net.
LiveType seems simple to use and very quick to get professional looks. -->>>


Same here. Soundtrack looks fun, I mean , err, a very useful app in the production workflow.