Dec
After a long wait since it was announced during NAB 2012 in April, six pre-release beta versions, several changes that we have been informing you about, and a great expectation, it is here: Smoke 2013.
Autodesk announced two days ago the official release of this redesigned software that combines high-end editing and compositing. Its distribution was expected to start in September, but the company has preferred to delay it in order to get more feedback from users and thus be able to offer an improved full version with all the necessary features.
To do this, the Smoke team asked for input from editors who face problematic environments due to having to change software, as well as from users of the beta versions that have been released. Following recommendations and paying attention to queries, they have developed this completely revamped system for editors who need “more than just editing”.
New features and characteristics
Smoke’s main advantage over other editing systems is that it offers the ability to edit and add compositing effects within the same timeline, without ever having to leave the editing environment. In this version, a revamped and intuitive user interface has been added to offer an all-in-one workflow, combining track-based editing and easy access to Autodesk’s creative tools, including color correction, keying, masks and even titles, effects and 3D graphics.
ConnectFX is arguably the flagship tool in the system. It is a powerful node-based compositing interface that is seamlessly integrated with the original timeline and allows for high-end effects and advanced compositing.
Smoke 2013 also has a robust set of finishing tools, such as Action, for 3D compositing; Colour Warper, for color correction and plane matching; Master Keyer, for extracting chromas with a single click; or tools for editing and effects in s3D.
Features have also been added that have arisen directly from user recommendations:
– Ability to drag and drop a clip directly from the Source Player to the timeline.
– Possibility to expand or contract the work area with FX on the timeline.
– Simplification and redesign of some interface elements for faster workflow.
Also, note that previous versions of Smoke used DPX files as an intermediate format, and this one supports Apple ProRes. Other formats supported include Red, ArriRaw, AVCHD, XDCAM, MXF, JPEG, PNG and more. It also supports XML ingest from Final Cut Pro (7 and X) and Adobe Premiere Pro.
Availability
Smoke 2013 is available exclusively for Mac (OS X 10.6.6; 10.6.7, 10.7.2 or higher; or 10.8.x). Among the system requirements we can see that for best playback performance it is recommended to install Smoke with a separate storage volume, such as with Thunderbolt. Also, that for video output an AJA Kona 3G is required, as in the previous version.
Its price, although we already knew this, is also new. Smoke 2013 costs 3,495$ (before January 25 it is 2,796$) compared to the 15,000$ of previous versions. Here is the link in case you want to download the trial.
If you want more information, you can see its official website, visit the Youtube channel(Smoke Learning Channel) or the forums area. You can also read the “First Impressions” that Yoyi Molina left us some time ago.
709 Media Room is planning to release soon a course on Smoke 2013 for those who are interested in learning this tool. We will keep you informed at a later date.
