Apple posts Final Cut FAQ, says features to return
The company lays out details about its newest pro video-editing software and says that a handful of missing features will eventually make a comeback.
Apple last night posted a frequently asked questions page about Final Cut Pro X, a product it released this past week that has since gone on to become an item of controversy among long-time Final Cut users.
"Final Cut Pro X is a breakthrough in nonlinear video editing. The application has impressed many pro editors, and it has also generated a lot of discussion in the pro video community," the FAQ reads. "We know people have questions about the new features in Final Cut Pro X and how it compares with previous versions of Final Cut Pro. Here are the answers to the most common questions we've heard."
In the FAQ, which details specifics about importing, editing, media management, export and purchase, Apple's tried to make one thing clear: some of the missing features will return with future software updates.
Related links:
• Apple releases overhauled Final Cut Pro X
• A look at Final Cut Pro X (images)
• Conan O'Brien rips Apple's Final Cut Pro X on show
• Apple issuing refunds to some Final Cut Pro X users
Included on that list is support for more cameras, multicam editing, XML export, assigning audio tracks for export, and eventual support for OMF, AAF and EDL with the help of third-party tools. Regarding other things, like plug-ins from third-parties, as well as driver software for items like external monitors, Apple says it's up to those companies to update for compatibility.
Apple calls out both multicam editing and XML support as "important" features that will be making a return. As for the timing on those, Apple says multicam editing will come back "in the next major release" of the software, and APIs for third-parties to write XML tools to be made available "in the next few weeks." Apple also makes mention of a "summer" update that will bring the selective audio track export feature back.
Not making an appearance, however, is mention of refunds for unhappy purchasers. Based on a number of discussions from Apple's support forums, it seems Apple has been breaking its all-sales-are-final rule bydoling out refunds to those who have written in to complain.
Along with the mention of specific features, Apple announced that it will soon be offering a volume licensing program for Final Cut Pro X, and companion applications Motion 5 and Compressor 4. This will let businesses and educational customers buy 20 or more copies of the software at once versus having to buy it one at a time in the Mac App Store.