New version of FCP?

[benoda]

Has anyone heard any rumors about when the next version of FCP is to be released?

I'm on the verge of buying the production suite, but with Apple touting some new FCP features I'm wondering if I should wait a bit.

Any rumblings?

[Moogs]

Well, the last update - from 4.0 to "HD" - was only a few months ago. I am however seeing the same promotions that show up when FCE is nearing an update. I would say you should expect to see FCE 3 by January (just a guess but seems reasonable).

[applenut]

there was a news blurb about new codecs supported in the next version yesterday somewhere i think

[benoda]

Yeah, that's the blurb I was referring to - makes you wonder if the next version is near. I'd hate to buy the production suite only to want an upgrade shortly after - i say want because it's hard to say whether or not i'd *need* the upgrade :)

[Moogs]

My thinking is not related to FCP (because I think it's already so powerful that anything they add is likely to be more an incremental improvement) but to Motion, as far as buying the suite.

That is, I wouldn't buy it until Motion is given a major update (even if it's a ".5" update). I never buy 1.0 apps, especially complex applications like Motion. Plenty of quirks to work out and performance tweaks that are needed I bet. That's what I'm waiting for....

[hmurchison]

Apple has only mentioned that the will add the codec support in a future version. They didn't even say "next" so I don't think you see another FCP version until NAB 2005 which is in April. They have to finish revamping the guts of Quicktime first. I think FCP 5 is going to be a monster upgrade but if I needed to learn FCP/DVD SP/Motion right now I'd buy the PS.