Final Cut Pro 10.4.1 Update Adds ProRes RAW, Improved Closed Captioning Tools

Apple has announced what could be the most important update to Final Cut Pro X so far, and it could change the industry completely.

A  press release announced the 10.4.1 update of Final Cut Pro X, which features new support for raw video content as well as closed captioning. The update falls on the heels of the big 10.4 update in January, which featured lots of 360-degree VR support.

Final Cut Pro X now has a full suite of closed-captioning tools that allows editors to import captions or create new ones. The captions are tied to the selected video or audio clip, so if a clip is moved, the caption goes along with it.

Apple outfits the feature with validation so editors will know if captions overlap, contain errors or invalid characters, or are improperly formatted. Captions can be exported in CEA-608 and iTT formats, and captions can be embedded into a video file or exported as a sidecar file. Captions also have YouTube and Vimeo support.

But most importantly is the introduction of ProRes RAW. Apple’s new ProRes RAW format yields smaller file sizes than actual raw footage, which makes working with that greater editing latitude more practical, thanks to lossless compression.

As the press release explains:

ProRes RAW is a new format from Apple that offers the quality and workflow advantages of RAW with the stunning performance of ProRes. With ProRes RAW, editors can import, edit and grade pristine footage with RAW data from the camera sensor, providing ultimate flexibility when adjusting highlights and shadows — ideal for HDR workflows. And with performance optimized for macOS, editors can play full-quality 4K ProRes RAW files on MacBook Pro and iMac systems in real time without rendering. ProRes RAW files are even smaller than ProRes 4444 files, allowing editors to make better use of storage while providing an excellent format for archiving.

Apple is working with hardware vendors to make ProRes Raw accessible to video producers. This includes planned support from monitor/recorder maker Atomos, whose Sumo and Shogun Inferno devices will receive firmware updates with ProRes Raw support.

Final Cut Pro X 10.4.1 will be available to download on April 9th.

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