Final Cut Pro - Module IV

Introduction: Output

The final step in finishing a video project is called output. In Final Cut Pro 3, producers have the option to print their finished video on to tape, export it as a QuickTime movie file for web streaming, or to export only the sound as an audio file.

To make the right decision for output, however, it's important to understand how two concepts work together: File types, which are computer-based file extensions that tell systems what equipment is necessary to run the file, and codecs, which are video compression extensions for files based on mathematic models. File types determine equipment; codecs determine compression, discussed in Step I.

In this module, users will learn about the different file types and codecs available in Final Cut Pro 3 before learning how to print to tape, create QuickTime movie files and to create AIFF audio files.

1. File types and codecs
   
2. Exporting to QuickTime
   
3. Exporting audio only
   
4. Exporting a still image
   
5. Printing to tape

This module uses sequences created in Modules II and III as examples for exporting.

Please note that step five of this module requires a FireWire system with VCR deck. Without this equipment, however, users can still follow along.