Lots of folks aren’t happy with Final Cut Pro X and Adobe knows it, so they’ve announced an upgrade program for video professionals who have purchased any version of Apple Final Cut Pro or Avid Media Composer and want to switch to professional video tools by Adobe–Creative Suite CS5.5 Production Premium or Premiere Pro CS5.5.

These customers will be eligible for a 50% savings on Adobe Creative Suite CS5.5 Production Premium or Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.5, both launched in April at the National Association of Broadcasters Show. Eligible Adobe suite and point product customers also qualify for the program.

“We’re hearing from video professionals that they want pro level tools that address cutting edge work but also allow them to use legacy footage and workflows,” says Jim Guerard, general manager and vice president of professional video and audio, Adobe. “At Adobe we’ve been in the trenches with video pros for years and with Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.5 and CS5.5 Production Premium we’ve delivered professional-grade tools that are already being battle-tested by some of the most innovative filmmakers, broadcasters and video pros.”

For more information on eligibility requirements for the switcher program, visit http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere/switch , or participating resellers. The program will end Sept. 30.

— Dennis Sellers