Now Available: Final Cut Studio 2

Apple Inc. has now released its latest version of the professional film editing software Final Cut Studio. This collection of applications are used all over the world by Hollywood film makers and Corporate video creators alike. The Studio suite includes:

• Final Cut Pro 6 - Create time lines with virtually any video format
• Motion 3 - Add attractive 3D effects to your videos
• Soundtrack Pro 2 - Add music in to time line and professionally synchronise video and sound changes
• Color - Improve the quality of your videos with state-of-the-art colour grading
• Compressor - Save your work in to any video format
• DVD Studio Pro 4 - Master the perfect DVD for your SD or HD projects

This software directly competes with the upcoming Adobe Production Premium suite, which provides equal functionality to Final Cut Sudio. The main downside of Final Cut is that it works only on Apple computers. Not on the Windows-based PCs. Therefore this is one method Apple is using to attract customers to use its own computer systems. However, Adobe's suite of production applications run on Windows. It is yet to be seen if Final Cut Studio will make the cut, or if Adobe will beat them to it.

In Sri Lanka - Final Cut Studio 2 may be available from the authorized Apple dealer in Sri Lanka. But Adobe is likely to win the Sri Lankan market, since hardly anyone has a Mac computer in Sri Lanka. And I doubt that half those idiotic film makers know that such software exists. They can't even make a film properly, let alone special effects, good sound and proper editing. Good luck to Apple, anyway.

Choosing an High Definition Television

HDTV is becoming more and more common around the world, with a few exceptions like Sri Lanka. Unfortunately we are still stuck in the Analog age. But that has not prevented HD Television Sets, Xbox 360s and Blu-ray/HD DVD Players getting in to the country.

Therefore it is suitable that we prepare for the future, which has already arrived in other countries. After all, we can have a much more enjoyable experience with HD on our Xbox 360. And it gets better if you hook up a HD DVD extension drive to the Xbox, and watch some imported HD DVDs. Even watching cricket on a Standard Definition Television will look nice (although not very clear from nearby).

Here are some famous and trusted Television makers, and their local dealers:-

• Sony - Siedles
• LG - Abans
• Samsung - Sinhagiri
• Panasonic - Softlogic
• Singer - Singer Sri Lanka

Now, there are four types of HDTVs currently available in the market:-

• Tube based HDTV (CRT)
• LCD Flat-Panel HDTV
• Plasma HDTV
• Projection HDTV

Tube based HDTV

This is the good old, space taking Cathode Ray Tube Television, like your old one. But it has 4 times more pixels to provide a HD experience. These are currently the cheapest HDTV Sets around today. But due to the space and energy requirement, I do not recommend this.

LCD Flat-Panel HDTV

This is the slim, beautiful television set that may look like your computer monitor. These are more expensive, but the Eco-friendliness, space requirements and beauty will be worth it. They may also be more reliable than CRTs. Recommended for sizes under 50".

Plasma HDTV

These are similar to LCD HDTVs but have better clarity, sharpness and colour quality. But this comes at a price. Plasma screens are best suited for screens over 50", as they become cheaper than LCDs at that level.

Projection HDTV

A Projection HDTV is based on Front Projection or Rear Projection.

Front Projection uses a separate projector to project the image on to the screen. These are not really suitable except when you want an extremely large size, since the image need to be correctly aligned with the screen (sold separately).

A Rear Projection HDTV is fully built into a single case. It can be made of a CRT, LCD or use DLP or SCoS. Click here for more information on these rather complicated systems. The advantage is they have a larger screen size, and become cheaper than Plasma or LCD at over 80". But it is best suited for a theatre room.

Windows Live Messenger for Xbox 360

Microsoft announced on Monday that the well known Windows Live Messenger software will be made available for Instant Messaging on the Xbox 360. Users may IM with up to 6 other users, including PCs and other Smart Devices. The update will be available through the Spring Update 2007, releasing on May 7th.

In Sri Lanka - I've managed to sign up for Xbox Live from Sri Lanka through the Singapore service. Just connected up to my router and sgined up. Could have done better with a USB keyboard though. Users in Sri Lanka can do so and enjoy the same experience other Xbox users are enjoying around the world.