The two packages are differnet. Adobe departed form making a pro version of premiere and decided to make two versions that are completely different. The result is really a range of features that have much in common.

Essentially the difference is in the speed/quality of rendered output, the diversity of formats and the extensibility of the system.

If you are not involved in commercial broadcast production, then I very much doubt you would really need to look past these solutions towards final cut pro.

The two packages are differnet. Adobe departed form making a pro version of premiere and decided to make two versions that are completely different. The result is really a range of features that have much in common.

Essentially the difference is in the speed/quality of rendered output, the diversity of formats and the extensibility of the system.

Premier pro is commonly used commercially. If you are not involved in high level commercial broadcast production, then I very much doubt you would really need to look past these solutions towards Final Cut pro.

Here are the general pluses that Adobe Premier Pro 1.5 offers - Color correction, 5.1 surround sound, advanced timeline and transistions features. There is much more, but you can find that out at adobe.com/premiere

Render less, edit more

• Real-time editing
  Take advantage of a new, real-time editing experience that provides immediate feedback and enables you to edit with amazing speed.
• Multiple, nestable timelines
  Take advantage of multiple, nestable timelines to experiment more freely and manage complex projects more efficiently.
• Advanced color correction
  Use color correction tools to adjust hue, saturation, and lightness for highlights, midtones, and shadows; replace a color throughout a clip with a single selection; and more.
• Enhanced audio editing
  Produce richer, more vibrant audio using sample-level editing, VST filters, track-based effects, and 5.1 surround sound.
• Customizable keyboard shortcuts
  Customize keyboard shortcuts to fit your editing style. Use default presets, leverage industry-standard shortcuts, or create your own. Export custom sets to share with colleagues.

Be open, be integrated

• Scalable editing platform
  Work closely with your other video software and hardware tools: Adobe Premiere Pro supports the latest industry standards, including OHCI, ASIO, AAF, and VST.
• Standard definition/high definition support
  Import, edit, and deliver HD or SD productions using certified OEM hardware with Adobe Premiere Pro. Encode HD Windows Media™ 9 Series content using the built-in Adobe Media Encoder.
• Unprecedented Adobe integration
  Enjoy unmatched integration with your favorite Adobe applications, including Adobe After Effects®, Adobe Encore™ DVD, and Adobe Photoshop® software.
• Third-party hardware support
  Enjoy extensive hardware support and an open architecture that let you work with everything from an impressive list of DVCAM gear to the latest video decks and camcorders to third-party hardware, including SD and HD boards.
• Windows XP speed advantage
  Make the most of multiple processors, advanced multithreading technology, and hyperthreading support on the latest Intel® Pentium® based Windows XP systems.