The keyboard can certainly be a powerful and efficient control surface for non-linear editing, especially with the mastery of hot-keys and short-cuts. Despite this, some editors desire a more visually intuitive way of interfacing with their NLE. There are those that prefer specialized color-coded editing keyboards or keyboard covers, while others swear by their tactile controllers. Those can go for around $80, but what about using an infinitely configurable iPad to take the place of one of these consoles? We've already seen one iOS app capable of controlling a wide range of video software, but with a new iPad app called ProCutX, Apple editors have yet another way to turn their tablet into a Final Cut Pro X console. Check out some images and details below.
In lieu of any promotional videos, here's creator Pixel Film Studios on ProCutX, via fcp.co:
Revolutionary Video Editing Interface
Built from the ground up to meet the needs of today’s creative editors, PROCUTX breaks free from the menus and tabs to streamline editor tasks. This application gives users control over all the FCPX editing tools in one clean interface, eliminating the need for clicking and searching through the Final Cut Pro X menus. From import to export, PROCUTX can speed up every step of the FCPX editing process.
Timeline Scrubbing at Your Fingertips
Using the main PROCUTX interface dial in the center of the iPad screen, editors can scan the magnetic timeline in their project by dragging their finger around the wheel. By moving their finger around the precision dial, users can move the playhead frame-by-frame along the timeline. PROCUTX also has buttons that allow editors to move forward or backwards to the cut points between their clips.
Control Your Editing Tools
With the Toolbox in the bottom left and main timeline dial, users can make all of their edits using just PROCUTX. Editors can quickly select, cut, and trim their footage without ever touching the mouse or keyboard. They can also manipulate the speed of their video using the retiming buttons in the top-middle of the iPad screen.
Color Grade Your Footage with PROCUTX
PROCUTX eliminates the need to click through tabs in the Final Cut Pro X Inspector to color correct images. Editors can control the Color Board’s exposure, saturation, and color using the powerful directional pad in the bottom right corner of the PROCUTX application.
Streamline Importing and Sharing
Using the designated buttons in the top-right of the PROCUTX application, users can take care of all of their importing, exporting and rendering needs. The fast and easy interface allows users to accept and deliver files to and from Final Cut Pro X at the push of a button.
Near-Future plans for PROCUTX
- Siri-like voice command capabilities
- Multiple [in-app screens] iPad integration for separate color-grading, audio controls, effect controls
- Social Sharing capabilities
Pixel Film Studios also dropped in to fcp.co and, along with other commenters, shed some light on how the app works. The integration with FCP is achieved through WiFi access, and enabled by an emailed link "to a preferences install that lets it connect." At least one commenter reported no noticeable lag, while at least one other claimed there was lag despite the whole process being "pretty snappy" -- a strong WiFi connection might help to alleviate latency. The app costs $25 on iTunes (down from $31 as a launch bonus), but hopefully at some point there will be a trial/demo version for those not ready to throw down their hard-earned cash. ProCutX also works with iPad Mini.
FCPX/iPad users out there, be sure to let us know of your experiences with ProCutX should you choose to give it a shot! For those of you considering but not yet convinced, Pixel Film has mentioned an upcoming video which will hopefully demonstrate ProCutX in action -- so be sure to check back over the next day or so for that update. In the mean time here's a demo from TechCentury on YouTube that goes over basic functionality:
What do you guys think, does ProCutX look like something that would be useful to your editing?
Links:
- ProCutX on iTunes
- ProCutX by Pixel Film Studios -- Website
