Is it possible to add any effects on a cineform timeline in FCP and NOT have to render?
I added a dissolve using the pen tool / opacity and have to render everything.

Any realtime effects still possible?

thank you,

turn on the RT Enabler.

Cineform Tech Blog Blog Archive Neo3D System Requirements (http://techblog.cineform.com/?p=3008)

RT is enabled through the system preferences.
When I apply any effect, I get red render bars.

Likely means you video doesn't match you timeline settings.

Strange. Thanks for pointing that out. I just checked my sequence settings, and I don't see any settings for Cineform listed in my Sequence presets.. any idea why? FCP ver 7.0.3. (though That shouldn't matter). How do install the presets?

Easy solution - Rip to prores instead.

I dont know if FCP has Cineform presets, Ive never seen any.

Preset aren't needed, simply have FCP automatically configure the sequence to match the clip you place on it. If you set it up wrong there is a solution, but that is a question for someone who actually uses a Mac.

There are no sequence presets available in FCP that I am aware of.

I simply open FCP
Import my cineform clips
Drag 1 clip onto the timeline
It asks me if I want to convert my sequence to match the clip, I say OK.

However any effect applied require a render.

Surely there must be a solution for this... or a step I'm missing?

Talk to support, as that is you need to do.

Justin please update this thread when you get an answer.

working on an answer..

I do know that I'm working with 2048 x 856 footage which could be part of the problem.
I have noticed that 1920x1080 can give me orange bars - with really stuttery playback.
2048x856 NEVER gives me orange render bars, and always forces me to render any transitions/effects.

FCP-7 doesn't support greater than HD at all well (particularly Cinema Desktop.) The RT modes are set up for standard HD resolutions only.

The RT Enabler does not support 2048x856, only the "normal" resolutions: 1280x720, 1920x1080, 2048x1024 and 2048x1152. FCP chokes on the 2K playback, though.