Apple Introduces Final Cut Server

NEW ZEALAND, Auckland—16 April 2007—Apple today introduced Final Cut Server,a powerful new server application that works seamlessly with Final Cut Studio 2 toprovide media asset management and workflow automation for post production and broadcastprofessionals. A scaleable server application that supports workgroups of any size, Final CutServer includes a cross-platform client that enables content browsing, review and approvalfrom within a studio or over the Internet. Final Cut Server automatically catalogs largecollections of assets and enables searching across multiple volumes via an intuitive userinterface. Final Cut Server is designed to manage the flow of work, as assets and projectsmove from producer to editor to artist through the entire production process.

“Final Cut Server’s powerful media asset management capabilities simplify managingthe thousands of assets that make up a typical edit,” said Rob Schoeben, Apple’svice president of Applications Product Marketing. “And Final Cut Server’ssophisticated 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 itand made it affordable, and most importantly, it works right out of the box,” saidJeffrey Birch, vice president, Engineering, CBS Television Stations.

Final Cut Server automatically catalogues content, generating thumbnails and low resolution clipproxies in the process. Broad search capabilities extend from simple keywords to complexcombinations of IPTC, XMP and XML metadata. Final Cut Server can configure a range of highlyspecific access controls that define user permissions on an asset or project basis.

Final Cut Server includes customisable templates that manage the flow of work typically foundin broadcast, post and education environments. Sophisticated watch-and-respond systems can beconfigured to track the progress of assets, alert editors as projects move through theproduction pipeline and automatically notify producers by email when a project is ready forevaluation. In addition, location-independent review and approval tools enable clients toview, annotate and approve content from anywhere.

Final Cut Server includes a time-saving shot selection and editing tool that supports drag anddrop integration with Final Cut Pro 6 projects. An offline/online workflow enables editors towork with HD proxies in the field on a MacBook Pro. Final Cut Server integrates directly withCompressor 3 for delivery and provides pristine format conversions for publishing to broadcasttelevision, web, iPod, Apple TV, DVD and mobile phones.

Pricing & Availability
Final Cut Server is expected to be available mid 2007 through the Apple Store (www.apple.co.nz) and Apple Authorised Resellers for arecommended retail price of NZ$1,499 inc GST for one server and 10 concurrent client licenses, and RRP NZ$2,999 inc GST for one server and unlimited client licenses. Full system requirements and more information on Final Cut Server can be found at www.apple.co.nz/finalcutserver.

Press Contacts:
Fiona Martin
Apple
[email protected]
+61 2 9641 8320

John Marx
Apple
[email protected]
+61 2 9641 8399