Apple FINAL CUT PRO 6 New Features

New Features in Final Cut Pro 6

This is an overview of the new features in Final Cut Pro 6. For more information about
these features and their use, see the

Open Format Timeline Feature

In Final Cut Pro 6, you can freely mix clips with different formats in a single sequence and
play back the sequence in real time. This allows you to combine formats such as standard
definition (SD) and high definition (HD) video, full-resolution and offline-quality video,
and video with mixed frame rates, field dominance, and scanning methods (interlaced
and progressive).

Automatically Conforming a Sequence to Clip Settings

Final Cut Pro can automatically conform a sequence’s settings to the settings of the first
clip edited into the sequence. This allows you to make your sequence match your clips
without ever opening the Sequence Settings window. The “Auto conform sequence”
option in the Editing tab of the User Preferences window allows you to control how
conforming is handled.

Automatically Scaling Clips to Fit a Sequence

When you mix video with different frame dimensions in a sequence, some video
must necessarily be scaled to fit the dimensions of the sequence. Clips whose frame
dimensions are larger than those of the sequence are always scaled to fit in the
sequence, but you can choose how smaller clips are handled with the “Always scale
clips to sequence size” option in the Editing tab of the User Preferences window.

Final Cut Pro 6 User Manual

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Master Templates

Master templates are Motion templates whose text and video elements you can
customize directly in Final Cut Pro. For example, you can create dozens of animated
lower third titles from a single master template. Each lower third title can have unique
text and video elements while the animation and effects remain the same. You can
immediately update the look of all your titles simply by changing the original Motion
template file.

You can create your own master templates in Motion and then use the installed master
templates in Final Cut Pro. Master templates are accessible from the following locations:

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Master Template Browser (choose Sequence > Add Master Template)

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Generator pop-up menu in the Viewer

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Effects menu

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Effects tab of the Browser

You can use the Master Template Browser to perform insert, overwrite, and
superimpose edits directly to the Timeline, or you can drag master templates from the
Browser or Viewer just as you would with any other clip. As with generator clips, you
can adjust master template parameters, such as text and video within a master
template, in the Controls tab of the Viewer.

SmoothCam Filter

The new SmoothCam filter steadies handheld shots and stabilizes jitter in shots created
with a dolly or jib arm. Using the SmoothCam filter is a two-step process:

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First, a clip’s entire media file is analyzed to determine what kind of motion
compensation is required. The new SmoothCam clip property and the Background
Processes window allow you to start and stop motion analysis of clips. Overlays in
the Viewer and Canvas indicate the status of motion analysis.

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Second, you adjust the parameters of the SmoothCam filter and the clip In and Out
points to specify how much motion compensation is applied.

Apple ProRes 422 Codec

Final Cut Pro includes the new Apple ProRes 422 codec, a high-quality 10-bit 4:2:2
video codec designed for demanding post-production workflows. Both SD and HD
resolutions are supported at two quality levels—standard and high. All standard
frame rates are available: 23.98, 25, 29.97, and 59.94 fps.

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Video Format Support and Easy Setups

Final Cut Pro includes the following new Easy Setups and features.

Improved Selection of Easy Setups

You can now limit which Easy Setups are displayed in the Easy Setup dialog using the
new Format and Rate pop-up menus. You can restrict the Easy Setups based on video
system format (such as NTSC, PAL, or HD) or by codec (DV, DVCPRO HD, and so on). You
can further restrict the displayed Easy Setups by frame rate.

New Sequence Presets for the Apple ProRes 422 Codec

Apple ProRes 422 sequence presets are included for SD and HD formats at most
standard frame rates and dimensions.

New Easy Setups for XDCAM HD

Final Cut Pro 6 includes Easy Setups for XDCAM HD constant bit rate (CBR) formats.

720p25 DVCPRO HD

You can now capture and output 720p25 DVCPRO HD from supported video devices,
such as the Panasonic AJ-HD1400 VTR.

Integrated DVCPRO HD Frame Rate Converter

The DVCPRO HD Frame Rate Converter is now installed with Final Cut Pro. Both 720p60
and 720p50 footage can now be converted.

Real-Time Support for 40 Mbps IMX

Final Cut Pro now supports real-time playback and effects for 40 Mbps IMX video footage.

Real-Time Support for 1080p30 XDCAM HD (SP)

Final Cut Pro now supports real-time playback and effects for 1080p30 XDCAM (SP)
video footage. This format uses a constant bit rate of 25 Mbps.

P2 Import Window Is Now the Log and Transfer Window

The Log and Transfer window can transfer footage from multiple formats, such as
P2 cards and Sony Video Disk Units (VDUs). To open the Log and Transfer window,
choose File > Log and Transfer (or press Command-Shift-8).

Improved Sony VDU Workflow

Footage from Sony VDUs is now accessible via the Log and Transfer window. The
Import Sony VDU command has been removed.

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