Save Time Encoding with the new Final Cut Studio

July 30, 2009 | by Mike Chiavetta

Category: Technology

Today Apple released the greatly anticipated upgrade to Final Cut Pro 7. This update is part of an overall Final Cut Studio refresh that includes over 100 new features including iChat Theater support for real-time collaboration that allows users to watch clips live while chatting with clients. Other features include enhanced tools for Motion 4 to give 3D shadows, reflections and depth of field for professional visual effects. And Soundtrack Pro's 3 tighter integration with Logic Pro makes using Soundtrack Pro's File Editor even easier.

A fantastic upgrade to help you save time uploading to Simian is the new Compressor 3.5. Compressor 3.5 lets you work even more efficiently, with new batch templates, job actions, and enhanced droplets that are like miniature encoding applications. Batch templates are used for automating end-to-end encoding workflows, Droplets allow you to create a standalone Compressor preset that you can use on your desktop and Job Actions makes it easy to automate a variety of post-transcoding tasks. You can view what’s new here http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/whats-new.html

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LIsten First, Build Second

July 15, 2009 | by Mike Chiavetta

Category: Technology

There was a Twitter post the other day saying, "customers have the best ideas," the same day I read that Best Buy launched their customer idea exchange aptly called Idea X. And it struck me that the simple act of listening to the customer is at the core of Simian's success. We built Simian from the outside-in, meaning our end users were there with us from the beginning. All of the input and direction we've received from clients over the years drove our product development and continues to daily. If it weren't for the invaluable insight from these industry experts, Simian would not have the incredible traction we see today in the market. Instinctively, we stayed true to our "listen first, build second" values. Mixergy has a great interview with Marcus Nelson of UserVoice on this subject, 11 Ways To Build Killer Sites By Listening To Your Users.

This philosophy has helped build an avid client list with heavy-hitter Moxie Pictures leading the pack. We were stoked to get this response from Head of Production, Roger Zorovich, "Simian’s development team has created a user friendly system for both our sales and production teams. I'm especially pleased with how quickly our suggestions and comments are addressed - it shows that Simian takes their client feedback seriously. Updates and enhancements are done quickly and seamlessly. They have a first rate product that the production community can rely on."

Simian is at the convergence of web, production and technology. In the middle of all that is the client. We invite you to join the collaboration (whether you're a Simian user or not) and continue to fuel the ideas to create the best production software to serve your needs. Follow us on Twitter, fan us on Facebook or suggest a feature by contacting us.

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Projects Perfected

June 11, 2009 | by Brian Atton

Category: Software Updates

Simian launched its Projects application this week, and it's already become a scene stealer. We've received overwhelming feedback about its streamlined features and ease of use. But most importantly, our clients are telling us that it saves them time. With this economy, there's nothing more valuable than getting an edge over the competition. Do away with unnecessary steps, like uploading files repeatedly or manually coding web presentations, and break away from the pack. Learn more about Simian Projects.