Today was high-five day for editors in the Final Cut Pro world. There was a much needed upgrade in FCPX which includes multicamera editing capability, manual media relinking, photoshop file layer support, and more robust XML handling (among other features and fixes). I will certainly have some comments on these once I have had an opportunity to use it, but that is not why I am excited.

The exciting news is for the editors with old Final Cut Pro 7 projects. If you are an FCP7 editor you are well aware by now that FCP7 files do not open with FCPX. This has to do with the software code itself, and the processor’s bit size. If you are trying to develop a solution in your editing workflow with the new FCPX on the scene, and are miffed about FCP7’s non-64-bit architecture meaning you can’t open old projects in FCPX, have hope today. The plug-in/third party software gods have been kind to us.

I am pleased to relay that Philip Hodgetts and Intelligent Assistance have today announced a translation program for going from FCP7 to FCPX. Guess what it’s called: 7toX for Final Cut Pro.

I had the good fortune of hearing Philip speak at a few Boston Final Cut Pro User Group meetings (BOSFCPUG, now renamed the Boston Creative Pro User Group, or BOSCPUG). If the software is as helpful as Philip’s discussions or resources, this is one you will want to go get (only $9.99 on App Store). I will be playing with its functionality as soon as I can catch a break from some current projects.

Feel free to make some comments about how both the FCPX 10.0.3 update and the 7toX software are working for you – I am quite curious.

Focus of the day:
What is your favorite editing app / plugin?

Film-tip: MPEG-Streamclip is one of the best tools in the editing and DI’s toolbox. This video encoder is free, and a must-have if you are ingesting, transcoding, encoding, or even delivering. Get this encoder.

Eco-tip: It’s winter in New England. Whatever sunlight there is, remember to use it! Save money by letting the blinds open; you’ll warm the room a little, allowing you to turn the heat down a bit, and will need less electrical lights.

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