Apple Unveils Final Cut Express HD 3.5

by David Kender
Published on May 22, 2006 7:00 AM

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May 22, 2006 - On Friday Apple announced Final Cut Express HD 3.5, an upgrade to the entry-level version of their popular Final Cut video editing software line. The new program, which runs natively on Intel and Power-PC based Macs, is available for $299 as a standalone, and $99 as an upgrade.

Final Cut HD 3.5 offers editing tools for DV and HDV formats. The new Dynamic RT features allows for real-time playback of multi-layered HDV video, speeding up workflow. Other controls include color correction, matting filters, and keyframing for all effects, transitions, and motion parameters.

Soundtrack 1.5 and LiveType 2.1 will come bundled with Final Cut HD 3.5. Soundtrack includes over 4000 royalty-free instrumental loops and sound effects, with additional recording tools like tracks, busses, outputs, and realtime effects processing. LiveType can be used to create vector-based digital lettering, with options for royalty-free animated objects and textures. Objects can then be scaled to any resolution.

Apple is not the first to offer HD editing capability for the consumer, but they are now among the most affordable. Avid offers Liquid 7, a native SD and HD editing suite for the PC platform, at a price of $499. Sony Vegas, also geared towards consumers, offers HD editing for $449. So far, Adobe, the other major player in the market, has not updated their Premiere Elements software for HD support. Adobe fans must opt for the pricier Premiere Pro ($849).

Final Cut Express HD 3.5 is currently available through authorized retailers or for download from Apple, at a price of $299 for a standalone edition and $99 for an upgrade.