3D Merge Frustration

I can't for the life of me merge two 3-D layers into one scene. I followed the instructions here...
http://help.adobe.com/en_US/Photoshop/11.0/WS31576EB8-5348-4a1e-A4E7-7D122A56F41F.html
But they aren't even accurate. For one thing, there is no "Merge Down" in the layer panel options menu. There is a "Merge 3D Layers" in the 3D menu of the menu bar, but I CANNOT get it to enable no matter what I try. I'm fairly proficient with PS in general, and I've use 3D modeling and rendering applications, but this has me completely baffled. I must be overlooking something. This CAN'T be this difficult!
Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? ( I forgot to mention that I'm using CS4 on MacOS X 10.5.5.)
-Steve

> To get "Merge Down" to show up you need to have just the top layer selected.
I did.
> To get the "Merge 3D Layers" active you need to have 2 3D layers selected.
I did.
>The 3D layers you want to merge must share the same camera view. CAVEAT: your 3D layer can't include inactive items in the 3D {Scene} panel (things that Ps can't edit)
How do I tell what's active or inactive in the 3-D scene? None of the meshes are editable. As far as I know, PS doesn't have any 3-D modeling capabilities, does it?
>Here's very simple steps to see if you can get the basic functionality.
>1) launch Ps and create a default PS RGB document
>2) go to 3D> New Shape from Layer> Cone
>3) duplicate the 3D layer
>Now you should see "Merge Down".
That's all fine and dandy, but it doesn't help me with my real world problem. I need to get a model into the same scene as my panorama. Any suggestions on how to go about it?
>I have a feeling your 3D layers might have attributes that Ps can't edit and thus 3D Merge is disable.
How do I know, and how do I remedy it?
>How are you creating the 3D layers?
The model is in 3DS format, and it opens just fine in Photoshop. The panorama is created from a 2-D equirectangular image (a panorama that I shot and stitched). I map it onto a sphere in Photoshop using the "New shape from layer" feature.
This is a common use I had planned for the 3-D functionality in Photoshop, and I'm sorely disappointed that it's so difficult and nonintuitive. Why is there so much burden placed on the user to set things up just right in order to simply merge two 3-D layers?
-Steve

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Frustrating that either my mac can communicate with iCloud alone or my iphone , But the information on my calendar is not merging! My password on my yahoo account is according to icloud wrong , but it isn't ! Only pages and other apps could be passed to

Frustrating that either my mac can communicate with iCloud alone or my iphone , But the information on my calendar is not merging! My password on my yahoo account is according to icloud wrong , but it isn't ! Only pages and other apps could be passed to the i phone . The local store says I should pay for them solving the problem . I doubt they will listen to all the aspects before I search again and again (and pay again and again??) Allready been there many times, downloaded many things!!

She was as frustrated as I and was going to kick the problem "upstairs." She felt that by now iCloud had been out long enough for them to have resolved the issues without having to resort to fixes from the outside (so in essence, I would have to say that she agrees with you that they should be able to provide a resolution for their own software).
I have more than just that issue on my MBP (iPhoto keeps asking me to "upgrade" everytime I open it, old Safari windows open when I restart or turn the machine on from a shutdown....I think it's possessed. I'm able to do everything that I want to do, but it's very annoying....) and so I'll be working with her again when she returns to work on Monday. I do have to say that she doesn't rush and has spent at a minimum 2 hours each night for the last 2 nights with me over the phone (talk about califlower ear!)
She had me do a reinstall of Lion last night and as far as I can tell, it fixed nothing....

HT204053 We have three iPhones but one Apple ID because I pay for the acct whenever we buy Apps or music. However, it's frustrating that when we share iCloud it merges our notes and contacts even if we say "DO NOT MERGE." I've also lost my notes but cou

We have three iPhones but one Apple ID because I pay for the acct whenever we buy Apps or music. However, it's frustrating that when we share iCloud it merges our notes and contacts even if we say "DO NOT MERGE." I've also lost my notes but could not recover them even if I did a restore.

You can share the same iTunes ID on all your devices and still have different iCloud accounts with different IDs on them. The ID you use for iTunes does not need to be the same as the ID used for iCloud.
If you want to migrate your devices to separate accounts, on the devices that will be moving save any photo stream photos to your camera roll by opening the photo stream album in the thumbnail view, tapping Edit, then tap all the photos you want to save, tap Share and tap Save to Camera Roll. Also email any synced notes to yourself so you can recreate them in the new account. Finally, if you are syncing any iWork documents with iCloud, go to the iWork app settings and turn off iCloud syncing.
Once this is done, go to Settings>iCloud, scroll to the bottom and tap Delete Account. (This will only delete the account from this phone, not from iCloud. The phone that will be keeping the account will not be effected by this.) When prompted about what to do with the iCloud data, be sure to select Keep On My iPhone. Next, set up a new iCloud account using a different Apple ID (if you don't have one, tap Get a Free Apple ID at the bottom). Then turn iCloud data syncing for contacts, etc. back to On, and when prompted about merging with iCloud, choose Merge. This will upload the data to the new account.
Once the phones are all on separate accounts you can then have to go to icloud.com on your computer and sign into each iCloud account separately and manually delete the data you don't want from each account.

Migration assistant added second user did not merge data: iTunes

I set up my new mac at the store then came home and connected my OLD iMac to the new via Firewire. I used Migration Assistant, and the migration took about 90 minutes. When it was done I had two parallel usernames; my old username with the old desktop look and stuff and the new computer's username I set up with the clerk at the Mac Store. Now I have two separate users on my computer, complete with two separate iTunes. When I look in the finder under Macintosh HD/Users, I see an icon for the new user (the little house) and a folder labeled with the old username but it has a red "negative" circle over it (like a push icon on an iPhone, but with a minus sign in the middle), plus a Shared folder.
The weird thing is that all the documents and stuff merged, but I have to go to the old user to use iTunes. My old computer did also have 2 users (why? I have no idea) and it brought the iTunes library I did not use in, but not the massive library I do use in. I teach a fitness class and have about 100 unique playlists and ALOT of music on that thing - but the wrong library was brought in. Now I have to switch back to the old user to use iTunes and that just seems silly. I have tried 'add to library" to try to bring the stuff over but it can't see into the other user I guess.
Any suggestions? It is so frustrating that my whole library is there but I can't access it on the new user after spending all that money.
Thanks!

Read here on why a second user was added and how to remedy.
http://web.me.com/pondini/AppleTips/SetupAsst.html
Regards,
Captfred

My itunes is on an old computer. So old that I can't update it and so Haven't used it in two years. How can I move it to my new laptop and make sure this doesn't happen again? Very frustrated that I've spend $$ but can't get my music.

My itunes is on an old computer. So old that I can't update it and so Haven't used it in two years. How can I move it to my new laptop and make sure this doesn't happen again? Very frustrated that I've spend $$ but can't get my music.
I want so set up itunes on my laptop and make sure that I get all of my old music and any music shared from my sons' itunes accounts. Do I have to set up itunes on my new laptop first and then use the same logins? Really concerned about losing any music, etc.

These are two possible approaches that will normally work to move an existing library to a new computer.
Method 1
Backup the library with this User Tip.
Deauthorize the old computer if you no longer want to access protected content on it.
Restore the backup to your new computer using the same tool used to back it up.
Keep your backup up-to-date in future.
Method 2
Connect the two computers to the same network. Share your <User's Music> folder from the old computer and copy the entire iTunes library folder into the <User's Music> folder on the new one. Again, deauthorize the old computer if no longer required.
Both methods should give the new computer a working clone of the library that was on the old one. As far as iTunes is concerned this is still the "home" library for your devices so you shouldn't have any issues with iTunes wanting to erase and reload.
I'd recommend method 1 since it establishes an ongoing backup for your library.
Note if you have failed to move contacts and calendar items across you should create one dummy entry of each in your new profile and iTunes should merge the existing data from the device.
If your media folder has been split out from the main iTunes folder you may need to do some preparatory work to make it easier to move. See make a split library portable.
Should you be in the unfortunate position where you are no longer able to access your original library or a backup then then see Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device for advice on how to set up your devices with a new library with the maximum preservation of data.
tt2

How can I merge double CDs, boxsets, and bonus material down to one grouping in iTunes?

By far the most annoying thing about iTunes to me is that it will separate double albums and songs that have bonus tracks onto two or more albums. I don’t understand why iTunes does this. The reason that some albums are released as double albums is that the albums were too long to fit on a single cd. Of course when using iTunes we don’t have that space restriction so why can’t I just merge everything together?
I have tried changing the title of the albums but that mixes the songs together oddly. It will play track one of disc one and then it will play track one of disc two! Obviously that wasn’t what I intended for it to do. What I find even more frustrating then splitting by double albums is that if you buy the disc and then buy bonus material on the albums from iTunes and Amazon you will have the bonus material just group by where you purchased it. One of the albums I have lists the album three times because both iTunes and Amazon had bonus material that I got from that album that could only be bought at certain stores. How can I get them all merged together into one album?

You can give both CDs the identical album name but then make sure you enter a number for each disc in the disc number field. This will set the order to tracks on disc 1, then disc 2.
I have never bought bonus material so I am not sure of the nature of this material. As long as you give things the identical album and artist name they will all cluster in the same album as long as nothing is set in the sort fields. If the artist varies then make sure the album artist field is set to the identical artist.

Multiple devices, multiple users, multiple accounts.... unwanted merge

My husband and I accidentally synced phones to each others iTunes account. I am 75% sure that I know how this happened, so that we can avoid it in the future. The problem is that his apps are mixed in with mine on all devices, the Mac, the iPad, and both of our iPhones... even though we have separate accounts. Our contacts have merged as well through iCloud (even though I only created my iCloud account today). Its been so frustrating that if it weren't for losing all music and contacts in my accounts, I'd be willing to delete all info just to get things clear again... but really hoping that I don't have to resort to that extreme. How can we undo all of the confusion and regain our separate devices?

Cannot be done. Only one instance of iTunes can be open at a time.
tt2

How do I merge two valid, purchased iTunes accounts into one so all my music is in same account?

I have two valid, purchasd iTunes accounts. Older iPod has some great music, I just got a new iPad and set up second iTunes account, bought some more iTunes items for that account. Just discovered iCloud. Now I want to put all my music from both accounts onto the cloud so I can access it on all my apple devices. Can't seem to add from one account to the other. Can sign onto the new account wiht my old iPod, but it will not let me sync without erasing all the music on the device. How can I merge these two accounts into one?
PS Makes you wonder how helpful support is when the usernames "Frustrated," "really frustrated," and "Help!!!!" are all taken...lol

HeyStupid wrote:
how do I merge two valid, purchased iTunes accounts into one so all my music is in same account?
You cannot. iTunes pruchases remian tied to the account they were purchased with.
I just got a new iPad and set up second iTunes account,
Why?
Remove your info from new account, update old account as needed and use that.

HT204161 Merge & Delete unused Apple IDs & Clear the 1 YR PW memory to use old PWs

I keep getting a note for me to sign into a old Apple ID at "me.com" . I NEVER used this account as far as I know and was probably one that was used a long time ago to initially set up one of my computers. I would like to see if there is anything important there but have NO idea what the password is since I have not actually signed onto it in years. I think maybe the cloud may think its a primary default account? I have really notice the issue since I have up dated my computer. I would like to DELETE it after I see if there is anything I dont want to loose. Better yet, Id rather merge it into the account I use now. Is there some way the Apple techs can see HOW MANY iCloud account I have hanging out there and if so can we merege and delete the ones I am not using? Anther thing:
IWhen I cannot always remember my password it always has me change it. I get blocked sometimes and just get frustrated and give up. It also tells me everytime I trty to put a new PW in of which I WILL be able to remember - that it has been used within the last 12 months. Can I have Apple reset that memory so I acan put PSs that I can actually remember? - Then there is the whole "Mail issue"- I have about 5 accounts for different purposes..but again sometime I have to change the PW...does the same crap- I thing the are ALL KINDS of settings when yoiu change a PW so that the mail can coordinate wityh AOL, the Cloud, Gmail,and all my devices (iPhone. 2 Airbooks, my primary Desktop, my TVs, etc...etc.. Its all fristrating as ****! Can you help me?
I want to use 2 passwords ONLY for all these accounts...but like to clear that 1 yr memory thing that says PWs cannot be used..I wnd upo with so many different PWs I forget them all. Theere has to be a better way?

I fixed the Daemon error so I did not need to migrate. Please delete all of this thread.

I accidently created a new apple account on my new phone, How do I merge my old and new accounts

I had an old account but had lost access to the email. In frustration I created a new account to use with iTunes on windows. Now history repeats itself and I've a new iPhone 4 that I want to load with data from both old and new accounts. Do I need to just go to the Genius bar next time I'm in town or is there some way to log into each account, back up the data and merge to the new account?

Actually not trying to merge the accounts, but back up the DATA i have stored in those accounts. Once I've pulled the many songs I purchased under the old account I'll burn them to something and delete the old account... and I think I've just answered my own question.
i.e. Don't try to merge anything, just salvage music and other data (contacts, notes)

Why won't data merge allow more than one data source at a time?

I need to number tickets, 8 up on a tabloid page, in InDesign (CS5)
I have found out how to use data merge, but it won't allow me to select more than one data source at a time, therefore, making me use 800 sheets of paper instead of 100. That's not acceptable!! Is there a way to merge the pdfs if I make 8 different ones in the places they need to be? Each file that I export will have 100 pages, so is there a way to merge the files to put all eight tickets on each sheet, sequentially? This is driving me nuts!!!!!!!

Past users have solved this frustrating problem. You can find their solutions with a Google search like "InDesign data merge multiple sequential items on one page" without quotes.
HTH
Regards,
Peter
Peter Gold
KnowHow ProServices
Frankie at Quad wrote:
I need to number tickets, 8 up on a tabloid page, in InDesign (CS5)
I have found out how to use data merge, but it won't allow me to select more than one data source at a time, therefore, making me use 800 sheets of paper instead of 100. That's not acceptable!! Is there a way to merge the pdfs if I make 8 different ones in the places they need to be? Each file that I export will have 100 pages, so is there a way to merge the files to put all eight tickets on each sheet, sequentially? This is driving me nuts!!!!!!!

Merging randomly-named XML data file on client-side with pdf designed in Livecycle 7.0 (and addition

Okay, as a heads up I work for a financial institution and we are converting our legacy "jetforms" to pdf format. I have in my staff for the project, 2 code developers and myself- a form designer. We have currently spent 2 months in trial and error attempting to resolve this problem, please let us know anything you can have. All client-side (internal) machines are running Windows XP and Adobe Reader 7.0.7
The software we use as a financial institution allows our users to export a customer's data file onto their machine which is then renamed to include the member's account number and first and last name for our staff to determine which data file they need more accurately. In legacy jetforms, we have developed a program that pushes the data from the customers file that they select, into the jetform that they want to open and the matching fields in the data file fill in the fields of the jetform. Clean and simple.
Now, i have hit nothing but frustration when attempting to perform the same process with pdfs using a form designed in livecycle designer 7. First, i see no obvious command for opening a pdf and importing a data file using a command line, like pdfmerge or something of the sort in which an xml data file can be specified and a pdf can be specified. I saw something like it using an fdf format and attempted to do this but apparently reader cannot import the data into the pdf that was designed adobe livecycle 7. All i have been seeing is database connections and using javascript inside the form to populate fields based on these database connections, etc. etc. or doing a manual file>import data>etc. which we don't want to have our staff do. We do not have reader extensions enabled, simply because i cannot get an adobe representative to call me and discuss pricing nor see any estimated pricing chart around. I don't know if reader extensions are necessary for this or not but i'm becoming very very frustrated with it.
We don't want a complex server-side data connection binding with dynamic input. No, we just want it where our developers can say "if this data file is selected, and this pdf form is selected run this command" which would be a simple pdfmerge type solution. Is this possible or do i need to stay with jetforms until our software the billion dollar financial institution uses does form building inside its own application? I don't want to fight about who is better, what version to use, etc. I just want the straight up honest truth. If you need to know the pricing that the reader extensions would have to go by, assume there will be 500 client computers that will need to use it.

From your post it sounds like you are Central Pro (a product for which I am by no means an expert), but you say you want to upgrade to a newer product from your "legacy" one. Is there a reason for this? Have your requirements change so that it no longer fits them? Central is still in the current Adobe roster and as far as I know there is no plans to get rid of it any time soon, so if it does everything you want I don't see why you would want to change.
There is no product in the LiveCycle suite that merges xml data into a form from the command line. LiveCycle (with the exception of Designer) is a suite of server products, so the closest you would come is LiveCycle Forms (merge the xml and create a fillable PDF) or LiveCycle Print (merge the xml and print the form).
Hope this helps somewhat.
Chris
Adobe Enterprise Developer Support

[CS5.5/6] - XML / Data Merge questions & Best practice.

Fellow Countrymen (and women),
I work as a graphic designer for a large outlet chain retailer which is constantly growing our base of centers. This growth has brought a workload that used to be manageable with but two people to a never ending sprint with five. Much of what we do is print, which is not my forte, but is also generally a disorganized, ad-hoc affair into which I am wading to try to help reduce overall strain.
Upon picking up InDesign I noted the power of the simple Data Merge function and have added it to our repetoire in mass merging data sources. There are some critical failures I see in this as a tool going forward for our purposes, however:
1) Data Merge cannot handle information stored and categorized in a singular column well. As an example we have centers in many cities, and each center has its own list of specific stores. Data merge cannot handle a single column, or even multiple column list of these stores very easily and has forced us into some manual operations to concatenate the data into one cell and then, using delimiter characters, find and replace hard returns to seperate them.
2) Data Merge offers no method of alternate alignment of data, or selection by ranges. That is to say: I cannot tell Data merge to start at Cell1 in one column, and in another column select say... Cell 42 as the starting point.
3) Data merge only accepts data organized in a very specific, and generally inflexible pattern.
These are just a few limitations.
ON TO MY ACTUAL DILEMMA aka Convert to XML or not?
Recently my coworker has suggested we move toward using XML as a repository / delivery system that helps us quickly get data from our SQL database into a usable form in InDesign.
I've watched some tutorials on Lynda.com and havent yet seen a clear answer to a very simple question:
"Can XML help to 'merge' large, dynamic, data sets like a list of 200 stores per center over 40 centers based off of a single template file?"
What I've seen is that I would need to manually duplicate pages, linking the correct XML entry as I go rather than the program generating a set of merged pages like that from Data Merge with very little effort on my part. Perhaps setting up a master page would allow for easy drag and drop fields for my XML data?
I'm not an idiot, I'm simply green with this -- and it's kind of scary because I genuinely want us to proceed forward with the most flexible, reliable, trainable and sustainable solution. A tall order, I know. Correct me if I'm wrong, but XML is that beast, no?
Formatting the XML
Currently I'm afraid our XML feed for our centers isnt formatted correctly with the current format looking as such:
<BRANDS>
     <BRAND>
          • BrandID = xxxx
          [Brand Name]
          [Description]
          [WebMoniker]
          <CATEGORIES>
               <CATEGORY>
                    • xmlns = URL
                    • WebMoniker = category_type
          <STORES>
               <STORE>
                    • StoreID = ID#
                    • CenterID = ID#
I dont think this is currently usable because if I wanted to create a list of stores from a particular center, that information is stored as an attribute of the <Store> tag, buried deep within the data, making it impossible to 'drag-n-drop'.
Not to mention much of the important data is held in attributes rather than text fields which are children of the tag.
Im thinking of proposing the following organizational layout:
<CENTERS>
     <CENTER>
     [Center_name]
     [Center_location]
          <CATEGORIES>
               <CATEGORY>
                    [Category_Type]
                    <BRANDS>
                         <BRAND>
                              [Brand_name]
My thought is that if I have the <CENTER> tag then I can simply drag that into a frame and it will auto populate all of the brands by Category (as organized in the XML) for that center into the frame.
Why is this important?
This is used on multiple documents in different layout styles, and since our store list is ever changes as leases end or begin, over 40 centers this becomes a big hairy monster. We want this to be as automated as possible, but I'd settle for a significant amount of dragging and dropping as long as it is simple and straightforward. I have a high tollerance for druding through code and creating work arounds but my co-workers do not. This needs to be a system that is repeatable and understandable and needs to be able to function whether I'm here or not -- Mainly because I would like to step away from the responsibility of setting it up every time
I'd love to hear your raw, unadulterated thoughts on the subject of Data merge and XML usage to accomplish these sorts of tasks. What are your best practices and how would you / do you accomplish these operations?
Regards-
Robert

From what I've gleaned through watching Lynda tutorials on the subject is that what I'm hoping to do is indeed possible.
Peter, I dont disagree with you that there is a steep learning curve for me as the instigator / designer of this method for our team, but in terms of my teammates and end-users that will be softened considerably. Even so I'm used to steep learning curves and the associated frustrations -- but I cope well with new learning and am self taught in many tools and programs.
Flow based XML structures:
It seems as though as long as the initial page is set up correctly using imported XML, individual data records that cascade in a logical fashion can be flowed automatically into new pages. Basically what you do is to create an XML based layout with the dynamic portion you wish to flow in a single frame, apply paragraph styles to the different tags appropriately and then after deleting unused records, reimport the XML with some specific boxes checked (depending on how you wish to proceed).
From there simply dragging the data root into the frame will cause overset text as it imports all the XML information into the frame. Assuming that everything is cascaded correctly using auto-flow will cause new pages to be automatically generated with the tags correctly placed in a similar fashion to datamerge -- but far more powerful and flexible.
The issue then again comes down to data organization in the XML file. In order to use this method the data must be organized in the same order in which it will be displayed. For example if I had a Lastname field, and a Firstname field in that order, I could not call the Firstname first without faulting the document using the flow method. I could, however, still drag and drop content from each tag into the frame and it would populate correctly regardless of the order of appearance in the XML.
Honestly either method would be fantastic for our current set of projects, however the flow method may be particularly useful in jobs that would require more than 40 spreads or simple layouts with huge amounts of data to be merged.

Can't Login to YouTube on Apple TV (3rd Gen) (YT and Gmail merged)

So, I am unable to log in to my YouTube account on my Apple TV (3rd Gen). I have read a lot of suggestions and nothing has helped. In like 2006 I got my YouTube User Name, then in like 2009 I got my Gmail. Google bought YouTube, they merged so I have a YouTube UN and Gmail Account. I've tried logging in with each. I've tried using the the 2-step verification, and application specific password. But to no avail, not working. Im getting either this Username can't be used on this device for the gmail account log in info. And unable to login with this Username/password for YouTube UN.
Anyone have any suggestions! This is really frustrating!
Thanks Brad

I had problems back way back in the day with my gmail login so I made a new one (youtube user) for test and that worked fine
not even sure it's possible anymore to make a pure youtube user you can troubleshoot by checking if it is

Another User Frustrated and the Disappointed

I am currently a producer for the NBA and a former segment director on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live. I started editing on 3/4" U-matic video tape years ago and now work with tapeless acquisition formats such as RED, the Canon MK II, and Sony XDCAM cameras. I do not currently have nor have I EVER had ANY problems adapting to new technologies and new directions in my field of work. The ability to adapt to changes in the industry keeps you competitive and insures you won't be left behind.
That being said, I am extremely worried about Apple and their dedication to its pro users. I have been a loyal Apple user since Mac OS System 6. Sacrificing functionality for simplicity is not always a good thing. Over the past two decades Microsoft Windows has been known solely as a creature of function, and a very frustrating one at that. I fell in love with Apple because they have always strived to achieve perfect harmony in the marriage of form WITH function. Their products were simple and powerful. Final Cut Pro X marks a defined shift in Apple's priorities (though when you look at Apple's history, this has been coming for a while). It is now very clear that Apple wants to be a consumer products company. It's probably a matter of time until the Mac OS and the iOS merge. Mac OS X Lion will be the first step towards that transition.
Fox Sports and the NBA invested in multiple Mac Pros and Final Cut Studio suites powered by Final Cut servers. After Apple discontinued their servers, we all began to worry about Apple's dedication to their professional customers. Final Cut X is another step towards Apple abandoning the very user base that helped keep them alive for 20 years. Fox Sports and the NBA will more than likely cease using Final Cut due to the lack of professional features in Final Cut X and the discontinuation of their media server. This has nothing to do with learning a new, modern system and everything to do with Final Cut X being a subpar product absent of the tools we need to GET THE JOB DONE.
The following timeline was pulled from a post from another user. I share his sentiments:
The real tragedy here is if Apple thinks all the anger over FCP X is just about that particular software, and not the growing fear over the last few years that pro apps and gear are a fading priority for Apple. For instance:
* It took almost 2.5 years to go from Final Cut Studio 2 to Final Cut Studio 3, and Final Cut Studio 3 was just a moderate update. Then it took almost another 2 full years to introduce Final Cut Pro X, which removed important tools and features that post houses require to function in this industry.
* Apple bought Shake, and then cancelled it almost immediately. Apple told us all that there would be a next-generation app coming in Shake's place, but that never showed up.
* Apple started letting Logic atrophy.
* Apple "phoned-in" the last few Mac Pro updates, just slapping in some new Intel chips, but not adding value such as 1) more expansion slots (three slots is not a lot for a workstation), and 2) never bothering to include an eSATA port, even though tons of media professionals started using eSATA, 3) never bothering to include a USB3 port, etc. etc. Many people are wondering if the new Thunderbolt port will be Apple's excuse to give up on the Mac Pro altogether. This is a real possibility.
* Apple stopped updating its "Pro" page almost two years ago, here: [url]http://www.apple.com/pro/[/url]
* Apple stopped attending NAB, and other standard industry events.
* Multiple rumors that Apple was trying to sell its Pro Apps division.
People have spent a lot of time and money building their businesses and careers around FCP. But since the iPhone launched, FCP and other pro apps and gear have gotten noticeably less attention.
That makes a lot of people nervous, and left to wonder what Apple's intentions are. You really can't help but wonder because Apple is so ridiculously silent about its intentions, which works fine on the consumer side but not when people are investing tens of thousands of dollars in apps and gear around Apple.
Combine that with Apple shipping a new version of Final Cut that is so radically different and so underpowered, and also discontinuing sales for FCS 3 suites and FCP Server (with no explanation about Server's demise or any intentions on bringing back multi-user functionality) and you can see how the dam finally burst in the Pro community and the angry flood waters rushed in.
Apple better start communicating better with its pro customers, and re-assuring them that it's committed to professional work in this new era of the iPhone/iPad. Otherwise, a lot of people will be heading for the doors.

Hello Derek,
I'm a Graphic and Web designer, but have on ocassion have had to do some video work for clients, and had a passing interest in what Apple was going to do with FCP. And then the 'Net exploded in Pro Rage.
But this is a kind of disturbingly familiar to me. The Design cimmunity had been feeling marginalized by Apples' full blown pursuit of the consumer market for a while. We've been put in the position of where a Mac Pro is TOO much, and often too costly for a small studio or freelancer, and the iMac is not flexible or expandable enough. Tho' they are now positioning the iMac as the "Mac Pro for the rest of us."
But I frakkin' cringe every timeI I hear the word "magical" come out the mouth of an Apple exec.
In the early 90's Apple virtually INVENTED "Desktop Publishing" with the Mac SE, Pagemaker, Postscript and the LaserWriter which changed literally everything in Publishing and Design... forever. They have since seemed to lose all interest in the industry they essentially created. Apple's attention seems to be fully consumed with the users of iThings, but hey, I work for a living.
a Pro Editor's take on FCP X:
"...these aren’t omissions. They’re mistakes. They’re conscious, deliberate choices Apple made and got wrong. And as long as FCP X shows you all your bins all the time, and as long as FCP X doesn’t have the concept of tracks in the timeline, it’s going to be literally unusable in commercial post." - Jeffery Harrell
http://jefferyharrell.tumblr.com/post/6830049685/what-went-wrong-with-final-cut- pro-x
It's very insightful, specific and worth a read.
Over the years, I have generally preferred the Mac as a platform. It's a more elegant and less maintenance-intensive user experience and (for the most part) gets out of my way and lets me work. With Apple's current relentless pursuit of the "consumer computing" market, they seem to have lost interest in the professional market. But who's creating the apps and content for users to "consume?" The Mac Pro is now the last in the upgrade cycle, and last years update was dissapointing for the lack of Pro level capabilities that were highly desired in the professional community. I recall when Mac towers were first to get the shiny. While they are still certainly heavy metal, and priced to match, they are no longer awesome. They are not the dominant machines the G4 and G5 towers were, and you can now purchase workstation class Xeon machines on the PC side from several makers
I certainly can't do pre-press or serious web design on an iPad, appealing little slab of electric crack it may be.
"Final Cut Pro X review: Apple will happily **** off 5,000 professionals to please 5,000,000 amateurs." - Daniel Jalkut, on Twitter (via Daring Fireball)
Pretty much sums up where Apple's seems to be. It's not the specific problems of FCP X that worries me, it's Apple's ATTITUDE. And illuminates why at times I feel Apple doesn't always have my interests as a Creative Pro at heart. At one time we were Apple's core and most loyal market, but I increasingly feel dismissed by Apple. Apple kicked the Design community to the curb years ago. And they antagonize Adobe at our professional peril. I literally live and die by Adobe's Design apps, without them I am literally irrelevant in the publishing world.
But Apple is so frustratingly close mouthed about EVERYTHNG, that it's particularly hellish to try to plan for one's professional needs.
I feel your pain.

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