Jahshaka 2.0: open-source video editing
updated 05:40 pm EDT, Wed May 17, 2006
Jahshaka 2.0rc3 released
The Jahshaka Project has released Jahshaka 2.0 RC3, which it claims is "the world’s first" complete, open source, real-time editing and visual effects application. Distributed under the GNU General Public License, Jahshaka is designed for editors and other professionals involved in digital content creation. The post production suite will ultimately include modules for video and audio editing, compositing, animation, visual effects, graphics and paint. Hardware accelerated using OpenGL and built using cross-platform technology, the software runs equally well on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux, according to the company. The Jahshaka 2.0 release also includes JahPlayer, a cross-platform media player that eliminates the need to install multiple media player software.
The tool supports 2K and 4K playback of everything from media files to raw image sequences--and is able to maintain the aspect ratio of the source. It utilizes a completely hardware accelerated pipeline. Future versions will include real-time color correction, real-time 3D scene files and A/B playback, according to the open-source developers.
"We believe that Jahshaka will fundamentally change the way digital content is created buy putting powerful, professional quality tools into the hands of anyone who wants them," said Karsten Becker, founder of the Jahshaka Project. "This product significantly lowers the barrier to entry in video production by eliminating costly software licensing fees and it taps into the creativity and talent of the community of users by making them active participants in its ongoing development. Out motto is participation equals ownership."
As an open source project, Jahshaka will integrate seamlessly with other software tools. It also has the potential to develop faster and attain greater functionality and flexibility than current tools developed as closed source products.
"We want to stimulate interest in Jahshaka and grow the community of both users and developers in order to attract feedback from industry professionals and spur further product development," said Goncalo De Carvalho, lead developer of the Jahshaka Project. "Jahshaka 2.0 is just a sample of what's to come. As we move forward with the v3 codebase, and the product continues to mature, you will start to see a lot of high end functionality being rolled out."
