Apple has started shipping Final Cut Studio 2 from their online store. This update to Apple's video editing suite was first announced at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) trade event last month.

Final Cut Studio 2 includes Final Cut Pro 6 which features Apple's new ProRes 422 format for uncompressed HD quality at SD file sizes. With Final Cut Pro 6, users will also get the option to work on mixed video formats and frame rates in a single Timeline. It also includes Compressor 3 and DVD Studio Pro 4.2.

The suite also includes Color, a professional color grading and finishing application for ensuring consistent color and creating signature looks, along with Motion 3, which offers an intuitive 3D environment, paint and new behaviors, and Soundtrack Pro 2, which gives users tools for multitrack editing, surround mixing and con-forming sound to picture.

New versions are available at the Apple Store for US$ 1,299. Upgrades are a bit cheaper. The price is US$ 499 if you're upgrading from Final Cut Studio and US$ 699 if you're upgrading from older versions of Final Cut Pro.