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Pro Applications Update 2008-04

Yesterday Apple posted a big ProApp update containing updates for several applications.

Final Cut Pro 6.0.5

Improved High-Precision Rendering
If you render sequences using the high-precision video processing setting, make sure to update to Final Cut Pro 6.0.5 for improved reliability when rendering still images and footage in high-resolution formats.

Extended Metadata Support for the Panasonic AG-HMC150 Camcorder
Final Cut Pro 6.0.5 captures the additional metadata for footage recorded with the Panasonic AG-HMC150 professional AVCHD camcorder.

Improved Support for the Panasonic HDC-SD9 Camcorder
Final Cut Pro 6.0.5 provides enhanced precision and reliability when ingesting files from the Panasonic HDC-SD9 camcorder.

Improved Support for Metadata Imported from P2 Cards
Final Cut Pro 6.0.5 provides support for extended metadata that is captured on P2 cards.

However, one of the biggest features doesn't even come from Apple. RED have posted their Final Cut Studio Installer that adds native .R3D file support to FCP 6.0.5.

Compressor 3.0.5 and Qmaster 3.0.5

Using QuickClusters and Back to My Mac on the Same Computer
The QuickCluster feature of the Apple Qmaster distributed processing system is a simple and automated alternative to creating and configuring clusters manually. In previous versions of Compressor, enabling the Back to My Mac feature in Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard would remove any existing QuickClusters. This issue has been resolved. For more information about QuickClusters, see the Distributed Processing Setup guide.

Color 1.0.3

Improved Format Support

Color 1.0.3 provides support for XDCAM 422 media and for the RED plug-ins for Final Cut Studio.

The RED plug-in and accompanying documentation can be downloaded at http://www.red.com. For workflow suggestions and more information about this format, see HD and Broadcast Formats, available from the Final Cut Pro Help menu.

Improved Application Reliability
Overall application reliability has been improved, including in the following areas:

* Using trackers in the Geometry room
* Using the Reconform command
* Adjusting the Minimum and Maximum nodes in the Color FX room

Improved EDL Handling
Accuracy and reliability during EDL import have been improved.

Application of Display LUT Now Indicated Consistently
Color 1.0.3 consistently indicates when a display LUT has been applied to a project in the Project Settings tab of the Setup room.

Improved Handling of DPX Image Sequences
Color 1.0.3 provides improved reliability when reading and outputting the header information of DPX image sequences, including timecode, frame size, aspect ratio, and transfer code.

The Fix Headers Button Now Works Properly
The Fix Headers button, which appears in the clip bin of the Setup room when you select an image sequence, now correctly alters the header information of DPX image sequences.

Improved Handling of Interlaced Media
Interlaced clips with Pan & Scan adjustments in the Geometry room correctly render the exact range of clip media.

Tangent Control Surface Mappings Are Improved
The HSL qualifier and reset control surface mappings for the Tangent CP100 control surface have been fixed.

Shake 4.1.1

* This update addresses compatibility issues for QuickTime codecs greater than 8 bits.

I don't think anyone expected Shake updates but yes, you read that correctly. Apple later posted a knowledge base article clarifying that the fix was for the QuickTime component only so Shake itself will still display 4.1 as its version number. It's also worth noting that this only applies to people who applied for the Shake 4.1 crossgrade or purchased it after 4.1 came out - 4.0 owners will not be able to upgrade.

Pro Applications Update 2008-04 Release Notes

I know you're probably dying to install these updates but first, make note of the Golden Rules (TM):
* Never update in the middle of a project.
* Don't update if you don't actually need any of the features included in the update.
* Always clone or backup your system beforehand.
* Wait for at least a week to see if there are any reported problems with the patch.
* Wait even longer if you're using third party hardware or plugins e.g. the AJA Kona card or FXFactory plugins.