New ! Making Compressor Multi-processor Aware
One of the new features in Compressor 3 is its ability to harness all the processors in your computer to speed video compression. But, you have to turn this feature on before you can use it. Here's how. (Published: Jun. 2008 ; Compressor)
New ! Strengths and Weaknesses of Final Cut Server
Final Cut Server is out, but what does it really do? In this article, we take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the product. Server has a lot of power, but it isn't for everyone -- this article helps you decide for yourself. (Published: Jun. 2008 ; Final Cut Serve v. 1.0)
New ! Editing Workflow for ProRes and HDV
HDV is a very popular, inexpensive format, but it can be tricky to edit. Converting it to ProRes 422 can save editing time - but the question is how to convert it. This article describes how. (Published: Jun. 2008 ; Final Cut Pro v. 6)
New ! Removing Filters
It's happened to all of us. We created an effect that looked great at the time, but now, after a night's rest, we hate it. Here are two techniques you can use to remove all the filters from selected clips. (Published: Jun. 2008 ; Final Cut Pro v. HD, 5.0x, 5.1x, 6)
New ! Removing a Microphone from the Top of the Frame
The lighting is perfect, the acting superb, the audio flawless -- except the boom mike has crept into the top of the frame. Here are several quick techniques you can use to get rid of it -- without reshooting. (Published: Jun. 2008 ; Final Cut Pro v. 4, HD, 5.0x, 5.1x, 6)
New ! Shooting 4:3 to look like 16:9
Here's a great technique you can use if your camera only shoots 4:3, but you want it to look like 16:9. This works for any standard-def video format; you don't need it when shooting HD, because HD is already 16:9. (Published: Jun. 2008 ; Final Cut Pro v. HD, 5.0x, 5.1x, 6)
New ! Converting 16:9 to 4:3
Taking a portion of a 16:9 image and expanding it so it fills a 4:3 screen is called a "center cut." While taking a center cut of an HD image to fill a 4:3 SD frame is easy, this article describes how, and whether, to expand a 16:9 SD image to fill a 4:3 frame. (Published: Jun. 2008 ; Final Cut Pro v. HD, 5.0x, 5.1x, 6)
New ! Editing HD in an SD Timeline
Not everyone needs HD. However, HD can make reframing a lot easier -- especially when it is integrated into an SD timeline. This article provides an example of how this is done. (Published: Jun. 2008 ; Final Cut Pro v. 5.0x, 5.1x, 6)
New ! Creating Freeze Frames and Exporting Stills from FCP 6.0.2
Freeze frames, also called "still frames," are fun to work with and easy to create. However, in Final Cut 6.0.2, Apple changed how it exports freeze frames. Reading this article is critical to preventing problems with image scaling. This was fixed in version 6.0.3. (Published: Jun. 2008 ; Final Cut Pro v. 6)
New ! Managing Render Files
Final Cut creates render files for all transitions, effects, and audio mixes. This article explains what you need to know to keep these files under control and recover hard disk space at the end of a project. (Published: May 2008 ; Final Cut Pro v. 4, HD, 5.0x, 5.1x, 6)
Updated ! Getting Organized for Editing
One of the biggest challenges editors face is getting organized at the start of a project, then staying organized during a project. Here is a collection of tips and techniques from a variety of readers than can give you the system you need to get on top of your project.
(Published: Jun. 2007 - Updated: Jun. 2007 ; Final Cut Pro v. 4, HD, 5.0x, 5.1x, 6)
Updated ! Trouble-Shooting Your Final Cut System
Having problems with Final Cut? This article provides dozens and dozens of techniques you can use to optimize your Final Cut system; plus trouble-shooting tips to prevent problems. (Published: Aug. 2005 - Updated: Jun. 2007 ; Final Cut Pro v. 4, HD, 5.0x)
Improving the Look of your Graphics and Text.
This is a comprehensive look at how computer and video graphics are different and what you need to know to create great looking video text and graphics. This article can make your life a LOT easier! (Published: May 2006)
Exporting Audio Using OMF
When your audio mix is more complex than Final Cut can handle, this technique shows you how to export your audio using OMF, while keeping all your clips and handles intact. (Published: Mar. 2006 ; Final Cut Pro v. 4, HD, 5.0x)
Tip: Position motion effects on even pixels.
Creating keys on the computer is easy - and they look great. Where problems occur is when those specials effects are shot with interlaced video and displayed on an interlaced TV set or monitor. This article describes how to avoid suddenly discovering that all your effects look out of focus. (Published: Feb. 2006 ; Final Cut Pro v. 4, HD, 5.0x)
How to Read Scopes
Understanding how to read the Waveform Monitor and Vectorscope are essential to getting the best possible pictures out of Final Cut Pro. This article gives you an overview of how to read them and what they mean. (Published: Jun. 2005 ; Final Cut Pro v. 4, HD, 5.0x)
Updated ! Tips for Successful On-lining
Understanding the Media Manager is critical to successfully recapturing media, whether for creating the highest quality final master, or for resurrecting an old project. But the Media Manager is not that intuitive. This article walks you through what you need to know for successfully recapturing your project. (Published: Apr. 2005 - Updated: Jun. 2005 ; Final Cut Pro v. 4, HD, 5.0x)
How to capture 24fps video from a DVX-100 camera.
Having problems capturing 24 fps video from the DVX camera? This article tells you what you need to know. (Published: Feb. 2005)
Organizing Your Final Cut Projects
The best way to archive your project is to organize it before you even start. This article provides a host of tips on getting organized, what to save and how to go about it. (Published: Feb. 2005 ; Final Cut Pro v. 4, HD, 5.0x)
