Compressor 3.5. Streamlined Encoding and Delivery.

Compressor 3.5 simplifies encoding tasks and makes multiformat delivery more efficient than ever. Set up encoding batches with drag-and-drop ease and save them as templates for future use. Create droplets that are like miniature Compressor applications or use convenient single-click batch presets.

Streamlined interface

Encode and output multiple formats from the same source file or even output multiple formats from multiple files. Use the dynamic Preview window to evaluate adjustments in real time as you prepare your footage for encoding. Scrub through your video with frame-accurate timecode controls, trim media, and see the results of effects and filters.

Encoding presets

You can choose from more than 100 intelligent encoding presets that analyze your files to provide the best default setting. Or customize settings, save them for reuse, and apply them to encoding jobs with drag-and-drop ease. Use the new Auto-Detect Settings feature to instantly create a custom preset from an existing file by dragging any QuickTime file into the Settings pane.

Creating Custom Output Settings

Crop video, add watermarks, and even adjust frame rates.

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Droplets

You can convert any preset to a droplet, a special desktop icon that is used to set up and run a batch process. Just drag your files onto the droplet and let them encode in the background while you do other work. Droplets are now like miniature Compressor applications, complete with adjustable settings. Choose alternative settings at any time by double-clicking the droplet to reveal its interface.

Creating a Droplet

Create a custom droplet for encoding on the desktop.

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Batch templates

Compressor 3.5 introduces batch templates for automating end-to-end encoding and delivery workflows. For common tasks, you can choose one of the preset batch templates that are similar to those in the Share window in Final Cut Pro 7 and Motion 4. For complete flexibility, create your own templates for use in Compressor, using any combination of settings and destinations, as well as a job action.

Encoding Using a Template

Use Apple-designed menus in a Blu-ray disc or DVD.

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Job actions

The new Job Action feature in Compressor 3.5 makes it easy to automate a variety of post-transcoding tasks. Choose a job action to have Compressor open a file, publish it to the web, or send it to your iTunes library. You can also use job actions to burn a Blu-ray disc or a DVD, or even trigger Automator workflows.

Job chaining

Sometimes the order in which you perform encoding steps is critical to maintaining quality. Job chaining allows you to use the output of one step as the source for the next step. Quickly set up job chaining in the batch window to arrange the sequence of processes that you need.

Video filters

Compressor includes video filters that offer additional flexibility as you prepare files for output. Preprocess your video with filters for colour adjustment, noise reduction, brightness, and contrast. Easily produce footage with timecode burn-in windows or add text overlays. You can even place animated watermarks in your footage by bringing in an Alpha-channel Motion project or QuickTime movie.

Audio filters

Use audio filters to perform final adjustments on your audio before encoding it. Filters include Dynamic Range, Peak Limiter, Graphic Equalizer, and Fade In/Out.

Geometry

Compressor includes easy-to-use controls for reframing your video, including image padding, as well as tools that let you simultaneously crop and scale to adjust the aspect ratio of your video before output. Compressor can detect the requirements of common conversions and automatically crop and scale to avoid letterboxing.

Delivery options

Compressor 3.5 includes a range of convenient delivery options:

Blu-ray disc and DVD burning. You can now easily burn a Blu-ray disc or a DVD directly from Compressor. Quickly add a menu to your disc by choosing one of the beautiful Apple-designed HD or SD templates or, to achieve a specific look, import and use third-party or custom templates.

Burning a Disc

Add a delivery step to settings and destinations.

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Single-click delivery. Compressor includes a window with presets that are similar to those in the Share window in Final Cut Pro and Motion. Export your file to iTunes for syncing with Apple TV; publish to YouTube or MobileMe; or burn a Blu-ray disc or a DVD. You can also access custom Compressor presets with a single click.
Automated file transfers with Final Cut Server. Use Final Cut Server to automate any combination of encoding and delivery steps in Compressor, including transfers to broadcast or other production servers.