Apple enhances its media software

LOS ANGELES: Apple Computer Inc. has unveiled new versions to its media software. With this, the maker of Macintosh personal computers hopes will continue to broaden the market for its digital film and DVD editing products.

"We have added new high-quality capabilities, Final Cut Pro now matches or exceeds what can be done with video processing systems that cost half a million dollars and upwards," said Phil Schiller, Apple"s senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, referring to the company"s $999 movie editing software package.

Schiller said the new Final Cut software also allows editors to create movie titles and soundtracks. "Normally, when a filmmaker wants to add a music track they have to buy rights to the music or have someone score it. This allows editors to easily integrate a music soundtrack," he explained. The company"s new DVD Studio Pro is designed to allow users of Final Pro Cut to author their own customized DVDs.

Shake 3, the latest version of the Apple special effects software used in movies like "Lord of the Rings," makes Academy Award-type effects available to all video editors and broadcasters, Schiller said. He said research data has shown that Macintosh is already the platform for more than 60 percent of professional digital video and DVD editing.

© Reuters