ProRes 4444 XQ and other Apple updates

The latest Final Cut update has come with the surprise of the sixth codec belonging to the ProRes family: Apple ProRes 4444 XQ.

It offers 12-bit RGB encoding with a compression ratio of 1:4:5, maintaining high dynamic range color gamuts while providing speed and ease of use. As with ProRes 4444, introduced in 2009, the last “4” refers to the full-resolution 16-bit alpha channel. The ProRes 4444 codec has a rate of 330 Mbps for 1080p 30p/60i images, while the rate of ProRes 4444 XQ (for the same material) would be 495 Mbps.

Apple has conducted some performance tests to see how this codec works with Final Cut Pro in multi-stream editing environments.

You can also read the new ProRes White Paper here.

ProRes 4444 XQ and ARRI

ProRes 4444 XQ is also suitable for in-camera recording of source material (in addition to mastering or archiving), and in fact ARRI has said that the Alexa XT and Alexa Classic cameras with the XR module will be the first to support it.

In the next firmware update the codec will be available for HD and 2K resolutions. This software update packet is expected to be released as an open beta in July and officially launched in August.

Final Cut, Motion and Compressor Updates

These are the improvements and new features added in Final Cut Pro version 10.1.2:

• The optimized, proxied and rendered media can be stored anywhere outside the library.
• Easily remove optimized media, proxies and rendering from within FCP X.
• Media indicators used for Compound, Multicam and synchronized clips.
• Option to show only the unused media in the Browser.
• More speed and accuracy when synchronizing clips.
• Selecting a library displays the key metadata in the Inspector.
• Export the entire library as a single XML file.
• Create Keywords from finder tags when importing media.
• Option to sort events by date or name in the Libraries list.
• Import a clip by dragging it directly into the Browser.
• Apply a Rec.709 look in real time to images from ARRI, Blackmagic Design, Canon and Sony.
• Automatically apply an ARRI embedded 3D LUT from the AMIRA camera.
• Support for the new ProRes 4444 XQ.
• Fast export of projects (with cuts only) containing XDCAM media.
• Share a 4K video on Vimeo.
• Improvements in audio recording, including countdown and automatic creation of Audition for multiple tasks.
• Adjustment of the relative and absolute volume of a clip or a range.

Motion 5.1 also comes with support for ProRes 4444 XQ and optimizations for working with 4K material, with playback and rendering using two GPUs on the new Mac Pro and the ability to share videos of this resolution to YouTube.

The Compressor update is mainly dedicated to fixing performance issues and, finally, Apple has decided to discontinue the Aperture photo app.