Update recommended for all users of the powerful exporting tool

Sep 21, 2011 12:51 GMT  ·  By

Compressor, the $49,99 / 39,99 € tool that adds power and flexibility to Final Cut Pro X export, has been updated to version 4.0.1 with the purpose of improving overall stability and performance, according to Apple.

A standalone app that FCP X users can download from the Mac App Store immediately, Compressor facilitates customizing output settings, and working faster with distributed encoding.

It facilitates delivery with one-step settings for platforms such as Vimeo, YouTube, and Facebook, as well as for Apple’s own devices.

Video editing professionals choose Compressor to customize encoding settings available in Final Cut Pro using a wide array of codecs, sizes, frame rates, and other parameters.

Creatives can save custom settings in Compressor which then automatically appear in Final Cut Pro. The configurations can be shared with other editors, even if Compressor isn't installed on their computers.

So, what’s new in Compressor 4.0.1? Well, Apple says this update improves overall stability and performance. But all this includes a bunch of specifics, like:

• Updates the bitrates in Cellular settings for HTTP Live Streaming. • Fixes an issue with accessing QuickTime Export Component settings in Final Cut Pro X. • Fixes an issue in which This Computer cluster does not appear when system is configured in Chinese. • Resolves stability issues when launching Soundtrack Pro after Compressor 4 is installed.

As usual, Apple strongly recommends that existing users update to the latest version to achieve the best results possible.

Download Compressor (Mac App Store link)

System requirements for the new Compressor remain unchanged, meaning users are required to pack 2GB of RAM (4GB recommended), a graphics card capable of handling the OpenCL technology (or Intel HD Graphics 3000 or later) with 256MB of VRAM, a display with 1280-by-768 resolution or higher, and just under 700 megs of free disk space.

Some features within Compressor will also require Internet access, while burning Blu-ray discs will, of course, require a Blu-ray burner.