Cutter in pure NTSC mode

Cutter turns a Macintosh into the most powerful cuts-only video editing controller ever available. It extends the capabilities of Mac-based nonlinear editing systems by letting you edit long scenes directly from tape to tape without digitizing, when “pulling” shots off of master tapes to digitizing sub-masters, or when editing compilation reels to show to clients. For a white paper on using Cutter in a nonlinear suite, click here.

As a replacement for a hardware controller such as the Sony™ RM-450 or the Panasonic™ AG-A770, Cutter provides far more power, capabilities and features at a much lower price.

It can also serve as a full-function remote control for up to four RS-422 video recorders (any two at a time using a four-port RS-422 card), and offers advanced logging capabilities.

Cutter works in both NTSC, PAL, 24p and interformat modes.

Cutter 2 addresses the need to work in interformat mode, with HDTV 24 FPS progressive scan machines such as the 24p Sony HDWF500 and standard 30 FPS NTSC 30i interlaced machines, in either combination. Editing from 24p to 30i is commonly done when downconverting HDTV material to NTSC for standard broadcast. Editing from 30i to 24p is common for performing audio laybacks. Cutter 2 is designed to deal with either interformat situation. Cutter 2 can also be used to edit using 24p machines as both source and recorder. It also adds support for PCI RS-422 serial port expansion cards. Finally, version 2.5 adds support for the eight audio channels found on some HD and Sony IMX decks, a Syncro-Scan function that lets you keep two decks in sync during variable-speed shuttle for working with stereo video or multi-camera shoots, and the ability to turn off record deck E-to-E switching when working with a non-video source machine such as a DAT dek..

As an interformat controller, it replaces systems costing upwards of $100,000.



Cutter with a 24p Source and a 30i Recorder

 

“Cutter is EXACTLY the tool every NLE editor has been waiting for - at last there is no need to digitize simply to assemble release dubs or assemble a show.”

Mike Parsons - Visual Effects Supervision, Editing and Compositing;
Post Production Supervisor for Next Gen Videos

“This gem has many uses, including downconverts, restripes and packaging. I use Cutter in both 24 and 30 fps modes. Cutter is the swiss army knife of our high definition post facility.”

Jeff Krebs - Serial Digital Post, Toronto

  

Cutter’s Features:

  • Frame-accurate editing
  • NTSC, PAL, 24p and interformat 24p <-> 30i compatibility
  • 5,000-edit memory
  • Preview & Perform
  • Performs split edits in any combination of channels
  • Insert and Assemble modes
  • Basic list management (cut, copy and paste with ripple)
  • Text notes of up to 80 characters for each edit with search function
  • Tape logging function
  • Re-edit with ripple
  • Recall edit function
  • Review edit function
  • Renumber list
  • Change record start
  • Ripple source time codes
  • Eight-character alphanumeric reel names
  • Auto assembly in both A-Mode and B-Mode
  • Optimized logging capabilities
  • Edit list import/export in CMX, GVG and Sony formats
  • GoTo function (tape search)
  • Keyboard shortcuts for control of most editing functions
  • Individual tape eject and eject both command
  • Jog function with mouse or trackball
  • Auto ballistics “learns” transport characteristics
  • Support for Pre-Read function on digital recorders
  • Mixed drop frame/non-drop frame operation in NTSC

New in Cutter 2.5:

  • Interformat editing with 24p and 30i VTRs for HDTV-to-NTSC or NTSC-to-HDTV conversion and audio layback
  • 24p-to-24p editing
  • Support for multiple serial ports using PCI serial port cards
  • Option-Mark In/Out to mark both source and record with selected VTR's TC (for sync rolling, as with 3Dfootage)
  • Option-channel click to rescan VTRs
  • Sorting during EDL import, and Sort command in List menu
  • Improved synchronization, adds fail-safe for edit in point
  • 5-frame auto-trim option for 24p source machines with 30i record
  • Support for Avid Log file export, including when editing 24p -> 30i, with pullin notation
  • Export lists to Media 100 PowerLog format from any qualified Mac
  • Complete interface redesign (from 2.0)
  • Supports eight audio channels
  • Syncro-Scan two decks in variable-speed shuttle (decks must be same model)
  • Record deck E-to-E Disable option for using audio-only decks as source machines
  • Makes incredibly tasty julienne fries... er... no. But it does help you create very clean and tasty video.


System Requirements

Cutter runs on virtually any Macintosh with a greyscale or color display of 640 x 480 or larger, and System 8.1 or later, up to OS 9.2.2, but not including System X (OSX's pre-emptive multitasking would interfere with Cutter’s performance, even on a G5). It works with 68040 or PowerPC machines, which means you can use an extremely inexpensive used Quadra, Performa or any PowerMac model to run it. (PowerMac 7X00 series machines are ideal, and are available for less than $100 on eBay and through used Mac dealers, often including monitor.)

For control of both source and record video machines, the Mac must have two serial ports — Modem and Printer on pre-B&W G3 Macs, or later models with a PCI Serial Port expansion card, such as the KeySpan SX Pro (settings notes) or other serial port expansion card.

Cutter will not run on B/W G3 or G4 Macs with USB ports using a USB-to-RS-422 adapter.

Cutter’s memory requirements are modest; it will run well with 2 MB of memory assigned to it.

   


Where’s the Windows Version?

There isn’t one, for two main reasons:

First, Cutter makes use of Macintosh API (Application Programming Interface) calls that simply don’t exist in Windows. These Mac Toolbox calls are what allow Cutter to be frame-accurate. We could theoretically create a Windows version of Cutter, but it couldn’t be frame-accurate.

Second, until the introduction of the second generation of PowerMac G3 machines (the Blue & White models), every Mac ever made offered a pair of RS-422 ports as standard equipment. In later models, multi-channel RS-422 PCI cards can be added at minimal expense. In all cases, the Mac’s Communication Toolbox provides support for RS-422 communications. Conversely, no Windows machine comes with either RS-422 ports or built-in support for them. And with the wide variety of other cards competing for IRQ and other settings, supporting Cutter—even with specified RS-422 expansion cards—would be logistically impractical. For these reasons, we’ve decided to pass on Windows as far as Cutter goes.



Video Recorders

Cutter works with broadcast and professional video recorders and players that can be controlled via an RS-422 remote port. This includes virtually all broadcast and many professional/industrial-level video tape recorders, including Digital Betacam, Betacam, D1, D2, D3, D5, D9 (Digital-S) MII, Sony 1-inch, 3/4-inch (BVU-series and VO-98XX), high-end S-VHS recorders from JVC, Panasonic and Sony, and the Sony Hi8 EVO-98XX machines. It also works with DVCam and DVCPRO machines that provide RS-422 control, and with the Sony HDWF500 and IMX format and Panasonic AJ-HD3700A recorders as either source or record machine, or both.

The basic criteria are that the recorder must have an RS-422 remote control port, and a built-in SMPTE time code reader.

Cutter does not work directly with consumer video cassette recorders or camcorders via the Control-L, Control-M, Control-S or Visca protocols. These recorders are not frame-accurate editors, and do not support SMPTE time code.

With the addition of the Rosetta Stone RS-4/L adapter from Addenda Electronics, Cutter can be used with a Control-L camcorder as the source. In this configuration, edits will be frame accurate on the record machine, but source frame accuracy cannot be guaranteed.


Cutter Pricing

Cutter 2.5 is $495.00. Ten-foot serial cables to connect from the Mac’s serial ports to the RS-422 ports on video recorders are available at $20.00 each. (Cutter will work with the RS-422 serial cables supplied with all nonlinear editing systems. If you already have one such cable, you only need one additional cable, which you can make yourself from instructions we supply, or can purchase from us.)

If you need multiple seats, the second copy of Cutter 2.5 is $395.00, and the third and additional copies are $295.00 each.

Upgrades from Cutter 1.x to Cutter 2.5 are $50.00 for registered Cutter 1.x owners.

Cutter is distributed via internet download from our web site from the link below. Initially, it will run in demo mode. To unlock Cutter from demo mode, you can order a serial number from our secure order page. Once you’ve downloaded Cutter (see link below), run it and note the Registration Code in the Register window, accessed under the Edit menu. Enter the Registration Code on the order form, and we’ll return a serial number that will unlock your copy of Cutter.

Note: Cutter installs itself on a particular computer, and will run unlocked only on that computer. If you transfer it to another computer, it will reset to demo mode. We provide for one computer upgrade each year at no charge.

Rosetta Stone RS-4/L and RS-4/U adapters are priced at $148.00.

Who’s Using Cutter?

Here's a brief sampling of current Cutter users:
  • AB CENTRALFILM, Sweden
  • Boston University College of Communications, MA
  • Brick House Productions, Ontario, Canada
  • College of San Mateo (KCSM-60 PBS)
  • Concept Corporate Communications, NSW, Australia
  • Columbia Tristar Television, CA
  • Creative Edge Communications, CA
  • Edit 'B, The Netherlands
  • hier & jetzt GmbH, Germany
  • Idaho Power Company, ID
  • Jump Ship Studios, CA
  • Earthship Productions (James Cameron’s New Company)
  • Lights in the Sky, London, UK
  • Lightstorm Entertainment (2)
  • LucasFilm, CA (2)
  • Magic Pictures Co., TX
  • Pixar, CA (2)
  • Red, Green & Blue Co., London, UK
  • Serial Digital Post, Toronto, Ont.
  • Showtime Networks, NY
  • South Coast Productions, CA
  • Southern Virginia College, VA
  • Tattersall Casablanca, Toronto, Ont.*
  • UCLA, CA
  • Walt Disney Imagineering, CA


* Tattersal Casablanca is using Cutter 2 to downconvert all their 24p footage to 30i, including all material for the series “Gene Roddenberry’s Earth: Final Conflict.”

Downloading the Cutter Demo

The current version, Cutter 2.5, is available for download as an update or demo. If you're a registered owner of Cutter 2.x, the download will update you to version 2.5. The manual is an Acrobat Reader file, and the package is available in either StuffIt or BinHex encoded StuffIt format. Cutter can be unlocked from demo mode by phone, email or our web site, as described above.

Cutter 2.5 includes significant enhancements to interformat editing synchronization and working with a variety of record machines. If you have an earlier version of Cutter 2.x, we strongly encourage you to download the new version.

If you're not a registered owner, Cutter 2.5 will run in demo mode. In demo mode, there are a number of functions that are disabled - described both in the manual and in a startup screen - but enough of Cutter is enabled to let you see how it works.

(In order to try the Cutter 2.5, you’ll need two Mac-to-RS-422 serial cables. If you own a nonlinear editing system you may already have one cable. The download package includes specifications on how to make a cable. You can also purchase cables for $20.00 each.)

Click here to download the Cutter 2.5 demo/update.

Cutter’s Pedigree

Cutter is the latest in a long line of editing software from McQ Productions/Software Systems, stretching back to 1984. Cutter’s “Grandfather” was Edit Lister, the best-selling edit list management software ever, which ran on the Apple II, MS-DOS machines and the Mac, and which we’ve recently touched up and rereleased for MS-DOS running under Windows up to and including XP.

Cutter‘s “Father” is Edit Master, the best-selling MS-DOS and Mac-based editing systems running on the CVNET control network, with more than 1,000 systems installed worldwide. (Cuts-only software also named Cutter was available for CVNET -- perhaps it could be considered to be Cutter’s “Mom”.)

While Cutter builds on the concepts of its ancestors, it is comprised of more than 90% new code, optimized to provide maximum performance for cuts-only video editing.

McQ Home Page

Copyright 2008 McQ Productions/Software Systems