AJA New Updates Available for FCP 7 and FCP X

AJA announced software and driver updates early this week and continues development with another update today.

AJA have just released a new 9.0.3 software release for KONA, Io Express and Io HD users that solves a possible Kernel Panic problem for Final Cut Pro 7 users with OS X 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard), in addition to other improvements.

For FCP X users AJA have released an updated KONA X Beta software version for KONA 3G, KONA 3, KONA LHi and KONA LHe.

You can find the new AJA Mac and Windows software, plug-ins, and release notes at: http://www.aja.com/support/index.php

Conan on Final Cut Pro X

Pretty hilarious video from the Late Night with Conan.

AJA Mac Product Updates for FCPX and FCP7 -KONA X beta driver

AJA is providing KONA X beta driver software and workflow advice for users adopting the new Final Cut Pro X from Apple. In addition, for users staying with Final Cut Pro 7,  AJA is also releasing new KONA, Io Express & Io HD 9.0.1 software for Mac with increased functionality.

Final Cut Pro X and AJA

Final Cut Pro X is the latest update for Apple's popular non-linear editing software. It features a new user interface and boasts new, exciting features for editors. However, the way editors interact with third party tools, like the AJA KONA cards, is different from previous versions of Final Cut Pro. AJA has prepared a document that explains how editors can use AJA products with the latest version of Final Cut Pro.

You can download the document here:
http://www.aja.com/pdf/FCP_X_and_AJA.pdf

KONA X Beta drivers are available for KONA users running Final Cut Pro X with KONA 3G, KONA 3 or KONA LHi. Users running Final Cut Pro 7 should use AJA KONA version 9.0.1 drivers. Before installing KONA X Beta software, ensure you thoroughly read the PDF mentioned above.

In addition to KONA X Beta drivers, AJA has also posted VTR Xchange 5.

This release is recommended for use with Final Cut Pro X and is also backward compatible with Final Cut Pro 7. New VTR Xchange features include batch capture and more advanced clip naming.

Version 9.0.1 Software for Io Express, Io HD, and KONA

Now available for download, software version 9.0.1 for KONA, Io Express and Io HD brings a whole new Control Panel layout with improved navigation!

In addition, there are a number of improvements and fixes for each product. Please read the release notes for more information.

Download KONA X Beta driver and KONA version 9.0.1 here:
http://www.aja.com/support/index.php

From NAB 2010: Davinci for $995 - WTF?

Quite the buzz about this!  It took Blackmagic less than a year to bring Davinci to the desktop market, and at $995 - I think we have to take a serious look.  First of all, lets get this right out in the open.  This is NOT the system for you to plan on running 2k or 4k files, raw RED files, or stereoscopic HD work.  For that you will need to get the Linux based, $50K license - yes, $50k.  It's $20k for the licenses, and $30k for the REQUIRED control surface panel.  The Tangent Wave device won't work.

From NAB 2010: Adobe CS5 Mercury Playback and Matrox RT

NAB, something I have had a love-hate relationship with for many, many years.  This year promised to be the year of stereoscopic production, and so far it is! 

This post however is going to center around our every day production needs - and what has become one of the most anticipated software releases at this year's conference - Adobe CS5!  I have to say, thus far,  it looks fantastic!  I wanted to spend a few moments sharing some thoughts on one of the big features that many people have been waiting for: The Mercury Playback Engine, and what it really means, and what companies like Matrox are doing to work with Adobe.

If you don't already know, the Mercury playback engine is designed around technology that combines the power of the GPU, with the CPU.  In this case, an Nvidia based card with CUDA.  The demonstrations at Adobe's booth and others are all shown on top-of-the-line workstations (HPz800 and 8 or 12 core machines), with Nvidia 5800 graphics cards ($2000+) of course to put the Adobe Cs5 products in the best light possible.  Understandable, but not something many of you might have just sitting around at the moment!  I was privy to see a Mercury demo at a Matrox meeting though, when done on a quad core workstation, with an Nvidia 4800 card ($1500) to see why Matrox was still relevant.  Ok, I'm listening.