Apple Introduces Final Cut Server
Complete Asset Management & Workflow Automation for Final Cut Studio 2
NAB, LAS VEGAS–April 15, 2007–Apple today introduced Final Cut Server, a
powerful new server application that works seamlessly with Final Cut Studio
2 to provide media asset management and workflow automation for post
production and broadcast professionals. A scaleable server application that
supports workgroups of any size, Final Cut Server includes a cross-platform
client that enables content browsing, review and approval from within a
studio or over the Internet. Final Cut Server automatically catalogs large
collections of assets and enables searching across multiple volumes via an
intuitive user interface. Final Cut Server is designed to manage the flow
of work, as assets and projects move from producer to editor to artist
through the entire production process.
“Final Cut Server’s powerful media asset management capabilities simplify
managing the thousands of assets that make up a typical edit,” said Rob
Schoeben, Apple’s vice president of Applications Product Marketing. “And
Final Cut Server’s sophisticated workflow automation tools ensure projects
flow smoothly through an organization, enabling everyone to be more
productive.”
“Apple has done it again–they’ve taken media asset management, simplified
it and made it affordable, and most importantly, it works right out of the
box,” said Jeffrey Birch, vice president, Engineering, CBS Television
Stations.
Final Cut Server automatically catalogs content, generating thumbnails and
low resolution clip proxies in the process. Broad search capabilities
extend from simple keywords to complex combinations of IPTC, XMP and XML
metadata. Final Cut Server can configure a range of highly specific access
controls that define user permissions on an asset or project basis.
Final Cut Server includes customizable templates that manage the flow of
work typically found in broadcast, post and education environments.
Sophisticated watch-and-respond systems can be configured to track the
progress of assets, alert editors as projects move through the production
pipeline and automatically notify producers by email when a project is
ready for evaluation. In addition, location-independent review and approval
tools enable clients to view, annotate and approve content from anywhere.
Final Cut Server includes a time-saving shot selection and editing tool
that supports drag and drop integration with Final Cut Pro 6 projects. An
offline/online workflow enables editors to work with HD proxies in the
field on a MacBook Pro. Final Cut Server integrates directly with
Compressor 3 for delivery and provides pristine format conversions for
publishing to broadcast television, web, iPod, Apple TV, DVD and mobile
phones.
Pricing & Availability
Final Cut Server will be available this summer through the Apple Store
(www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a
suggested retail price of $999 (US) for one server and 10 concurrent client
licenses, and $1,999 (US) for one server and unlimited client licenses.
Full system requirements and more information on Final Cut Server can be
found at www.apple.com/finalcutserver.