Joan,
Do you see MSFT as perhaps starting to tread on ADBE's turf with video-editing software (see below article), in addition to MSFT's Frontpage and Publisher? Also wondered if there might be major announcements impacting ADBE at Seybold later this month, considering CEO's of Adbe, Apple and MSFT are all making personal appearances -- I don't believe it is normal for the latter two company CEOs to speak there.
Key Frame/ Paradigm shift/ Omnibus vehicles for
nonlinear editing
September 24, 1997
MacWEEK via Individual Inc. : Amid the sea of nonlinear editing programs on the market, vendors have traditionally
developed specialized software geared to specific editing tasks. Now, however, a second paradigm seems to be
emerging, as both Macromedia Inc. and Microsoft Corp. ready ambitious omnibus packages that handle a variety of
nonlinear chores.
This new approach promises fundamental changes to the role of the video editor in the production process. Whether
Mac users will be in the vanguard of this revolution remains an open question, however; while Macromedia's Final
Cut package will be cross-platform, Microsoft's Softimage Digital Studio is destined for Windows NT only.
The current crop
Adobe Systems Inc.'s recent integration of its Illustrator and Photoshop graphics packages typifies the
multiple-tasks, single-application approach that currently dominates desktop video. The company is now working to
bring its After Effects video-effects package up to speed. Once Adobe revamps its dated Premiere editing package, it
will complete a nonlinear-editing tool set composed of discrete applications.
Meanwhile, Discreet Logic USA's cross-platform Illuminaire Paint and Composition applications give the company
two innovative and highly integrated pieces of a complete solution. Its July purchase of D-Vision Systems Inc.,
developer of a sophisticated Windows video editor, completes the picture - as long as Discreet can make its tools
work together seamlessly.
A new approach
In contrast, both Macromedia's Final Cut and Microsoft's Softimage Digital Studio promise complete,
comprehensive and fully integrated nonlinear editing of picture and sound, digital effects, and compositing packages.
In addition, Digital Studio will offer paint capabilities and, eventually, full 3-D integration.
Digital Studio, which should stake out the high end for performance, cost and features, is due by year-end; Final Cut,
which will serve a somewhat broader audience, should be released by mid-1998.
Their appeal to professionals will distinguish both packages. Indeed, both programming teams have ties to landmark
digital-editing programs - Final Cut is being created by the original Adobe Premiere development team, and the
Digital Studio team has strong links to the early days of Avid Technology Inc.'s Media Composer.
The advantage of omnibus programs is their ability to switch from one task to another and manage media assets. The
challenge is to create integrated features that are comparable to the stand-alone applications they are supposed to
replace.
The adoption of Final Cut or Digital Studio into video-production environments will change the role of video editors,
who will assume more responsibility for compositing effects, titling and even wire removal. Meanwhile, artists'
access to pro-level editing will help them edit as well as create their effects.
John McIntosh is director of technology programs at the American Film Institute in Hollywood. He can be reached at
jmac@afioline.org.
<<MacWEEK -- 09-22-97>>
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