In a most unusual release, Apple have "snuck" out Final Cut Pro 5.1.2 with a number that would normally indicate nothing more than a "bug fix". (Typically full number upgrades are where we see interface changes or major new features, first dot for incremental upgrades with some new features and second dot for minor upgrades and bug fixes.) This is no minor upgrade, in fact it contains features promised for "the next major release of Final Cut Pro" back at NAB. However it is being positioned as a maintenance release and will be free to Final Cut Studio owners who have crossgraded to the Intel compatible 5.1. The upgrade is available now through Software Update and includes Final Cut Pro 5.1.2, Cinema Tools 3.1.2 and Pro Applications Update 2006-02.

Upgraded format compatibility

Sony XDCAM HD: Adding 1080 25P and support for native 18- and 35Mbit VBR MPEG HD.  XDCAM support now includes

• 1080i 50/60, 1080p 24/25/30.
• Native 25Mbit CBR, 18- and 35Mbit VBR MPEG HD for HD
• Native IMX 30 (new) and IMX 50 for SD

Panasonic:  Adding 720 25P from P2 devices.  Support now includes

• 1080i 50/60, 720p 24/24N/25/25N/30 from P2 cards
• 1080pA 24 (Advanced Pulldown) now supported via FireWire
• from AJ-HD1200A
• more reliable P2 import dialog with ability browser, mark, and ingest in the background.

CANON: 1080p 24/25 HDV

JVC: 720p 24/25 HDV

Other Changes and additions

While Apple call these "Stability and Reliability Improvements", many are actually significantly updated features.

• Scopes:
• Improved accuracy for scopes and monitors which now sample all video lines (not just 16 down the screen)
• Scopes will update in real-time during video playback.
• Final Cut Pro is now compatible with "some" FxPlug (real-time graphics card accelerated) filters (a totally new feature not expected until Final Cut Pro 6).
• Gamma Control for Imported Graphics (also new).
• Metadata Preservation in QuickTime files (also new) - Cineon/DPX files will import  the appropriate QT-Component with all metadata!
  
• Able to insert edit to audio channels 5-12 on decks.
• Improvements in:
  
• BWF (audio) compatibility;
• Media Manager reliability;
• EDL and Cinema Tools lists;
• XML for developers; and
• Edit-to-tap accuracy for D5.

This update (and apparently all future updates) will only be available for Universal Final Cut Studio owners. The crossgrade/upgrade program ends at the end of the year. Crossgrading or upgrading is highly recommended for all Final Cut Studio application owners, even those still on PPC Macs.