Re: How does this change anything?

1) this is solid code. Autodesk makes good stuff that has a deep history and understanding of video. Remember all the stupid gotchas we had in FCP trying to interface with decks and TV's? Smoke always lays off on frame 1. Today, tomorrow, and years ago. (well, at least on Linux...)

2) imagine having a robust node based compositing system available in your timeline. You click on a clip and get a Flame-like compositing system within the clip. This changes EVERYTHING. You can rapidly and deeply work on a shot. Graphics, roto, keying, CC, cleanup, etc..... No renders to keep track of on a system drive

3) it really DOES do everything. For 90% of everyday editing and effects Smoke has it covered. If you're working on more complicated stuff you already have a CG department and Nuke/Flame so it's not an issue.

4) for the price you can't do any better. whatsoever.

My only thought right now: I don't like Smoke purely as an editing system. FCP was so much more intuitive and quick. Smoke is a little more regimented - sorta like Avid. I hope they've smoothed it out for MacSmoke.