Showing posts with label camcorder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label camcorder. Show all posts

Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 11 Review

Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 11
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Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 11 ReviewI have been a studio user since version 9. I have upgraded each time and have continually been searching for one of the programs that will convert my video for use with Flash. Magix I tried (see my review there). When Studio 11 touted it would convert to Flash, I was happy. I promptly ordered.
Initially, I could not even make a video. It would lock up on the rendering process. They recently released an upgrade (if you purchase, ensure you download all the upgrades before trying to use) which finally allowed me to complete a video.
When I went to save my movie as a Flash file, I found, once again, that you have to upload it to a website. Pinnacle offers such a site "free of charge." However, READ THE FINE PRINT before you join.
If you upload videos to their website you are granting them free, unrestricted use of your video without compensation to you. If you don't mind that they may use a family reunion video in something they do, etc, then knock yourself out. However, by law anyone who creates something owns it. If I shoot a video of my pets and then edit it with titles, etc, it is my intellectual property. Nobody is allowed to take my work and claim it as their own or use it for their purposes without my permission. To get that permission, you may need to pay a fee. Pinnacle is offering you a place to post your videos online as compensation I guess. If you sign up for an account, you are granting them use of your property and work with no further contact from you. You don't even get to state if you accept the manner in which they intend to use it.
I opted to decline that even though I am still searching for a way to convert to flash files. Guess I will have to learn how to use flash.
As far as other aspects of editing, it works fantastically. Unfortunately, if you are upgrading from Studio 10 and earlier and have purchased SmartSounds tracks, they won't work in Studio 11. You will lose access to all of those audio enhancements with the upgrade. This was not mentioned in the upgrading either. They do mention an audio track component but DO NOT state that SmartSound no longer is usable.
The three star rating would be higher except they don't state up front that the only way to convert to Flash is by uploading to a website and don't say that SmartSound is no longer used and not compatible. I have purchased over 20 discs from SmartSound and now they are useless and ended up being a waste of money with the upgrade. Scorefitter is the new audio track software integrated with Studio and the selection is pathetically small with no upgrades available.
Also, if you are not familiar with Studio, bear in mind a limited menu and such are available with the program you purchase. Additional menus, etc are available for extra money and can cost several hundred dollars more the get them all if you wish for a variety.Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 11 OverviewThe newest edition of Pinnacle's best-selling video editing software, Pinnacle Studio Version 11, combines automated and powerful editing with ease-of use. This full-featured, Windows Vista compatible application lets video enthusiasts archive their vi

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Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 Suite Review

Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 Suite
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Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 Suite ReviewO.K.
So I wrote a review for the last incarnation of this software package (version 9) and a lot of people found it very helpful.
There was one BIG problem with Version 9 - it had bugs in the video rendering section, which were never fixed with the software updates. It appears that Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 has fixed the obvious encoding/rendering bugs which plagued Version 9.
You can now safely encode video to all major formats used worldwide, creating your own custom templates if you wish.
Version 10 now includes working templates for anyone who uploads HD or SD WIDESCREEN 16:9 Videos to YOUTUBE. The OLD version of Vegas Movie Studio only had a template for "old fashioned" 4:3 aspect ratio, which meant you had to create a custom template to make a 16:9 video.
What does Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 Suite come with?
*Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 - the video editing program.
*DVD Architect Studio 5.0 - the DVD creation software.
*Sound Forge Audio Studio 10 - an audio recording studio.
Highlight Features for the above three programs:
*Vegas Movie Studio has so many features from the Vegas Pro version, it's not funny. That's what I love the most about this software package - it's full of professional grade tools and effects. If you can think it, then Sony Vegas can do it. Many other retail video editors come no where near Sony Vegas, they are like toys in comparison, seriously.
*Vegas can handle all the latest video formats (Input & Output files), especially HD (High Definition) video, which is becoming the standard now, provided your computer has plenty of RAM (2GB at least) and an independent video card driver with its own memory.
*Easy compression of your videos, ready for upload to YouTube in Widescreen format.
*Vegas comes with a large amount of NewBlue Transition effects and Video Effects, which you can tweek to your heart's delight.
*Your ability to edit video on the timeline is amazing - however this will take time to master. I taught myself over the last year and a half using the Help Index, How To Animations and just pure patient experimentation.
*The DVD Architect Studio works seamlessly with your Vegas projects, and is fairly easy to use.
*Sound Forge Studio 10 has heaps of effects you can filter your audio recordings with, to create amazing sounds.
*My favourite feature in Sound Forge is the "Recording your old vinyl or tape collection into Digital Format". This part of the program has been upgraded now and is much easier to use. One BIG tip: Click Options, Preferences, Audio and then change Audio Device to Windows Classic Wave Driver - this will make Vinyl to Digital Recording work without getting a headache.
Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 is not for the novice who gets easily exasperated. If this is you, then stick with Windows Movie Maker.
If you like to experiment, have patience in learning new things, and really enjoy using Professional Tools to create a Professional Look, then go with this software package. I have yet to come across a limitation with this software - "creatively speaking".
I highly recommend existing users of older versions of this software, to make the upgrade due to the additions and fixes.
The price of this package or the upgrade for existing users is unbelievable, compared to the Pro Version.
If you are worried about whether this program will do what it says, then do the smart thing and DOWNLOAD the FREE TRIAL at Sony Creative Software website, where you can try it out for a whole 30 days!
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE:
There is something that people should be aware of. High Definition Video Cameras are advancing technologically faster than the everyday home computer can deal with. HD Video made with the Super High Quality setting selected on your camera, produces a massive file. So if you expect Vegas to edit large High Definition files properly, then you are going to need a fast computer with plenty of memory. Intel i5 and i7 CPU's are a good choice, or any of the AMD Phenom II range CPU's.
If you are on an old computer, Vegas is not going to work. Rendering video, especially High Definition video, can suck every last brain cell out of your computer and ask it to travel beyond light speed, while pondering the creation of the Universe.
So buy a new computer and retire your dinosaur, before attempting to become a Video Enthusiast - this will prevent experiencing a "Meltdown".

FINAL NOTE:
The vast majority of people who are leaving 1 star reviews, are blaming Vegas for problems that they do not understand properly. All of the issues raised, had/have easy solutions. An example is this: If you can't install Vegas at all, log in as The Administrator and change some settings in your Virus Protector program - then it will install no problemo. I guess some people are very impatient and give up too easily. So don't be scared off by the one stars - they just didn't find the right doctor.
All the best with your creations.
Dex :)Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 Suite OverviewVegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 Production Suite takes HD video and audio production to the next level with tools for professional-level sound design and more video effects and transitions. Edit video in nearly any format including high-definition HDV and AVCHD. Use the included Sound Forge Audio Studio software for precise audio editing; then enhance your multimedia projects with 400 exclusive music soundtracks. To share, upload movies to YouTube or author DVDs and Blu-ray Discs using beautifully designed themes or create custom menus and graphics. Use the included tutorial DVD or the exclusive Sony "Show Me How" interactive tutorials to help you get started fast.

Product Highlights
Standard or High Definition Edit video in nearly any format including HDV and Sony AVCHD video. You can even work simultaneously with standard-definition and high-definition video and the same project.

Create Stunning HD Movies Vegas Movie Studio Platinum software has everything you need to produce movies in spectacular high definition. Editing HD is simple; just drop your clips on the timeline and go to work. Its high-performance engine is beyond fast--see your changes happen in real time. When you're done, export your movie in a variety of HD formats for easy sharing.

New--Zplane élastique Timestretching With élastique Pro technology, you can perform dramatic time stretches and pitch-shifts while retaining maximum sound quality.

New--Project and Make Movie Wizards The New Project wizard provides a simple approach to ensuring new projects are created correctly from the start. The new Make Movie wizard eliminates the guesswork for delivery and provides optimized for Web, DVD, e-mail, or for publishing movies to YouTube.

New--Image Stabilization Use image stabilization technology to reduce jitter and shaky video footage. Users with shaky video footage, commonly shot from handheld camcorders and inexpensive portable pocket devices, have the ability to quickly salvage this media using several optimized presets.

New--Slideshow Creator This new feature provides users with the ability to quickly create a dynamic slideshow from a set of images with a few simple clicks. It is designed to be simple, easy to use, and can quickly create pan/zoom effects and transitions across a collection of still images.

New--Device Explorer Use the new Device Explorer window to quickly browse the contents of AVCHD, Hard Disk and Memory Stick devices. Users can quickly view media on the device and import the files natively into the software, maximizing workflow speed by only importing the files they need without conversion.

New--Secondary Color Corrector The Secondary Color Corrector tool provides users with a detailed toolset for adjusting differences in video shot with different camera setups or lighting situations; enhance dull, washed-out footage; or make specific color ranges stand out.

New--White Balance White Balance provides users with the ability to quickly make video look great when originally shot with poor white levels. Users can use the eyedropper tool adjust the white levels within a video clip and the entire clip is automatically color adjusted.

New--Burn DVD From Timeline User can burn a DVD directly from the timeline.This is a fast method to create a single movie DVD and provides an alternate distribution option in addition to Blu-ray Discs and traditional file-based hard disk and streaming media formats.

Burn Blu-ray Disc From Timeline Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 software provides functionality to burn a single-title Blu-ray Disc directly from the timeline. These discs are burned in BDMV format to BD-R, BD-RE, and DVD recordable media. Projects can be encoded as either MPEG-2 or AVC utilizing Dolby or PCM audio in stereo or 5.1 modes. Blu-ray Discs provide an alternative to streaming and file-based distribution for high-definition content. Beyond support for 25GB and 50GB Blu-ray Discs, Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 supports burning BDMV on 4.7GB and 8.5GB standard DVD media, providing a low-cost opportunity for users to distribute high-definition content with traditional DVD burners and media

Upload Movies to YouTube Users can easily upload movies directly to YouTube for online sharing. The Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 publishing feature uses a high-quality encoding process for optimal YouTube quality.

400 Exclusive Music Soundtracks This professionally developed collection of royalty-free production music provides the perfect accent to your project.

Enhanced Sony AVCHD Support New functionality includes importing files directly from Sony AVCHD camcorders and most other brands. In addition, Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 supports editing all types of AVCHD camcorder files, including files from the latest generation of 1920 x1080 AVCHD camcorders. Support for 1920 x 1080 ensures that the footage from the latest 1920 cameras can be edited natively on the timeline.

Improved Native HDV .m2t Playback Improved memory and playback performance allows users to edit HDV footage natively without the time-consuming process of converting to an intermediate file type such as Cineform. Smart rendering provides faster encoding for cuts-only projects or projects with minimal changes while providing less generation loss because video frames pass through the engine unaltered.

Surround Sound Mixing and Encoding Import multichannel (5.1) source files from your camcorder including Sony DVD and AVCHD Handycam models. Use the surround sound mixing and panning tools to create surround DVD soundtracks. Encode AC-3 stereo or 5.1 mixes without leaving the software using the included Dolby Digital AC-3 encoding software.

Enhance Video and Audio Advanced color-correction tools enhance washed-out footage, make specific colors stand out, and balance differences in video due to camera setup or lighting.

Add Professional Effects Enhance your video with hundreds of professional 2D and 3D video effects, titles, and filters--including over 100 effects and transitions from NewBlue, maker of professional video effects plug-ins. Customize your soundtrack with over 20 real-time DirectX audio effects.

Create Hollywood-Style DVDs It's easy to produce your own professional-quality DVDs with multiple motion menus, buttons, and music beds. Includes 56 themes to get you started. Add your own behind-the-scenes features, director's cuts, outtakes, bloopers, and more.

Support for FLAC and LPEC Files The FLAC audio format is perfect for archiving and sharing audio at high quality, without consuming large amounts of storage space. Users with supported portable digital voice recorders can import LPEC files and edit the audio directly on the Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 timeline.

ATRAC .aa3 Format Support Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 software includes ATRAC (.aa3) and ATRAC lossless format editing and encoding, surround encoding and decoding support, and the ability to encode up to 512 Kbps, 48 kHz. This feature allows users of Sony devices including MP3 players, NET-MD players, and HI-MD players can natively edit and export ATRAC formats without needing another conversion tool.

Insert I-frames at Markers The MainConcept MPEG-2 encoder supports I-Frame insertion at timeline markers. (I-Frames are a representation of a complete frame that following frames are derived; more I-frames means a larger file) By providing I-Frames at timeline markers, a rendered file has precise chapter and navigation point placement for DVD Architect Studio software.

Envelope Brush Paint Tool Track envelopes such as audio volume and pan, and video composite levels are customized via points over time. The envelope brush tool provides user with the ability to paint an envelope curve over time by holding down the shift key. This provides a quick way to outline the general shape of the envelope without placing and modifying many distinct points.The auto-thinning feature provides a mathematical approximation of the drawn curve with as few points as possible.The resulting points can be further optimized independently.

Single-Monitor Full-Screen Preview: Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 enhances the preview experience by providing functionality to view the timeline on both the Preview window and an external device (or secondary display) simultaneously. Additional Preview window enhancements included new scaling options and "auto-fit" to maximize the preview experience with available window space. Simultaneous preview provides editors with the ability to setup a large scale viewing environment while preserving the editor's on-screen editing environment. In particular, laptop systems can easily switch between editing and full-screen preview modes.

View Media Marker Names in Events: Media used in the timeline may contain markers.This product can enable the display of these media markers directly on the timeline event. Individual media will have individual markers. By displaying the individual media markers on the explicit media event and editor can quickly focus on key points of interest without cluttering the entire timeline workspace.

Multithreaded Audio Engine The multithreaded audio engine is an optimized system that takes advantage of new multicore and hyperthreading computer systems to fully utilize available hardware resources. By leveraging the full capabilities of the hardware and reducing direct CPU load, users will benefit from a greater number of tracks and audio/video effects for real-time preview, improved performance at lower latencies, and faster audio render times.

Gracenote MusicID: The Gracenote MusicID media recognition service can be used when ripping content from CDs. Users can automatically view information about a CD track including, title, artist, and song name, and can also submit data.

Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 Features
Additional applications and tools for Product Suite
Sound Forge Audio Studio 10 Software Sound Forge Audio Studio software is the easiest way to record, edit, encode, and master audio on your home computer. Customize your creations with built-in effects such as EQ, reverb, delay, and chorus. Restore old vinyl and cassette recordings. To share, simply burn your own CDs or convert audio to formats ideal for Web streaming or portable music players including the PSP, iPod, and iPhone.

Vocal Eraser Plug-in Sound Forge Audio Studio 10 software includes the Vocal Eraser plug-in so you can easily remove vocals from most recordings. You can also use this plug-in to extract vocals from songs for remixing and to create custom karaoke tracks.

Video Tutorial DVD The included video Tutorial DVD provides a quick overview ofVegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.This Tutorial DVD covers the essential workflows needed to quickly edit audio and video projects from start through final delivery. The tutorial topics also include several advanced sections on how to fine tune settings for that added professional touch.

NewBlueFX Audio and Video Effects The Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 Production Suite includes the Cartoonr effects plug-in and a select group of essential audio and video effects by NewBlue, a leading manufacturer of audio and video plug-ins. Once installed, the tools are available directly from the Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 effects windows providing a seamless editing experience without leaving the application. Additional transitions and effects provide more options to enhance both audio and video projects with a professional look and feel.

DVD Architect Studio 5.0 Features
General

New--Microsoft Windows 7 certified
New--Burning to Blu-ray Disc
New--Enhanced window layout management--save, recall, and share custom window Built-in Show Me How interactive tutorials
End actions for menus and media
Project overview window
Customizable user interface
DVD theme export
Project playlists
Smart reprepare

DVD design and authoring

Menu-based and single-movie DVD creation
Picture slideshows and music compilations
Easy to use drag-and drop interface
Unlimited number of undo/redo
Media Explorer
Adjustable project and file optimization settings
Multimonitor support
Multiprocessor support
Fully customizable toolbars
Get Media from the Web
DVD editing and layout
Still and motion menu creation
Support for multiple video titles
Multiple menus with up to 36 buttons per menu
Menu object editing, alignment, and sizing tools
Text editing and shadow effects
Object snapping
Slide image rotation
Add, edit, and move chapter points
Title and Action safe grid area
Customizable themes
Menu looping

Video

Fit-to-disc compression
DVD movie creation
Picture slideshows
NTSC and PAL in standard (4:3) and widescreen (16:9) formats
Imports AVI, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MOV, WMV, and a variety of still image formats

Audio

Music compilations
Attach audio files to menus
Media file previewing
Import WAV, MP3, WMA, PCA, AIF, MPEG audio

Testing and Burning

Dual-layer drive support
Real-time project previewing with virtual DVD remote control or to external monitor
DVD project verification and preparation
Supports a wide variety of DVD burners

Box Contents Application DVD includes Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 software, DVD Architect Studio 5.0 software, Sound Forge Audio Studio 10 software with Vocal Eraser, NewBluFX Audio and Video Effects, 400 Music Soundtracks, Tutorial DVD, 44 DVD themes, 12 additional DVD Themes provided by Eye Scream Factory, Inc., and online help


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Final Cut Express 4 Upgrade from Final Cut Express 1, 2, 3, or 3.5 Review

Final Cut Express 4 Upgrade from Final Cut Express 1, 2, 3, or 3.5
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Final Cut Express 4 Upgrade from Final Cut Express 1, 2, 3, or 3.5 ReviewI also own Final Cut Pro 5.1, but since I had Final Cut Express 3.0, I thought I'd spring for an upgrade.
I'm most pleased with this--so far it's very stable, I love its new filters, and the features it has are almost equal to Final Cut Pro in all the important features that prosumers are most likely to use. For most prosumers, it has everything we need. I am continually amazed with how much you get with Final Cut Express.
Because I had Final Cut Express 3.0, I was able to load up the media from that version of LiveType and make it work with the version of LiveType that shipped with FCE 4. I never used Soundtrack that much, so I can't say I miss it, but if I needed it, I could always use the version that came with version 3.
Like many other Mac users, I was a little surprised when I saw that LiveType shipped with less media, and Soundtrack was no longer included (apparently the audio capabilities are now available in Final Cut Express 4, as well as Garageband). But, in all fairness, I had to consider that the cost was $100 less than the previous version which had Soundtrack and the extra LiveType media. After thinking about it a while, I think I am glad that Apple took this route--a $200 pricetag makes Final Cut Express very tempting for many more Mac users than before, as well as making many Windows users envious! (Where is their $200 prosumer video application with equivalent features and reliability?)
I've done a lot of research, and so far I'm not finding anything on the Windows side that offers as much as Final Cut Express, for a similar price. I'm not knocking the many affordable $100 programs that Windows users have, because for many people that's more than enough and there are many wonderful choices available. But from what I've seen, each one of them lack some capability that I have come to enjoy or rely on in Final Cut Express. (But of course they are less expensive, so this is to be expected.) There seems to be no "middle ground" for video enthusiasts on the Windows side (either it's an affordable $100 program with crippled features, or a pro-level app with a pricetag to match).
A big thumbs up for this upgrade to Final Cut Express! I am happier than ever to have switched to Macintosh!Final Cut Express 4 Upgrade from Final Cut Express 1, 2, 3, or 3.5 Overview

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Sony Creative Software Imagination Studio 3 V.3 Review

Sony Creative Software Imagination Studio 3 V.3
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Sony Creative Software Imagination Studio 3 V.3 ReviewThis is a consumer version of audio editing, audio creation, video editing, dvd creation, and photo organization software. This does not supply a special effects software such as HitFilm or After Effects. The suite also doesn't include the bonus software that comes from individually purchasing individual programs at a greater expense from the Sony web site. The video editing is 32bit, make accurate edits, and is more manual than current professional options available. Decent video editing with this Vegas Movie Studio takes about 8gb. You want 4gb for Windows 7 64-bit, and 4gb more for the 3gb max for Vegas Movie Studio. Audio editing with video is incredibly easy with Sound Forge, with the caveat that Sound Forge will only edit existing audio tracks in the video file. Acid and Vegas Movie Studio will add new sound tracks, with Acid having midi hookups for that old keyboard laying around the house. External midi hookups for laptops can be obtained through a 'usb external audio card' which will be found easily enough through a few internet searches. Photo Go is included for pictures that might also be useful media on a video edit. It is primarily a picture organizer for consumer pictures. The programs don't have a lot of 'send to' options, with the exception of Vegas Movie Studio to a user decided audio editor.
1. The Sony ICD-PX312 Digital Voice Recorder includes software that works directly with the sound editing software within Sony Imagination Studio 3.
2. Quicktime Pro 7.x(.x means version of 7 in this context) provides codecs that this suite will enable use of.
3. When Camtasia is installed, Camtasia specific audio features will be available in Sound Forge
4. The consumer version of Sound Forge does not do Spectrograms.
5. beepa Fraps is has one of the better screen recording codecs, and when this codec is used with Techsmith SnagIt, you can screen capture and then automatically send the finished screen capture to Vegas Movie Studio.
*I've edited this review to remove slang*
**This suite is not to be compared with the professional versions of the programs. Sony Vegas Pro is designed to give best performance on workstation graphics, known by name as ATI Firepro and Nvidia Quadro. The speed of editing and rendering with a workstation graphics card and a 64 bit Windows system on Vegas Pro is not comparable to Vegas Movie Studio, and is perhaps the fastest rendering available on the market today. Sound editing in Sound Forge Pro includes a host of options, including extensive spectrogram options. Acid Pro has a lot more competition in the professional bracket compared to these other two options.
***I did not have any problems registering my softwareSony Creative Software Imagination Studio 3 V.3 Overview

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Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 12 Review

Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 12
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Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 12 ReviewLet me start off by saying that I'm a Mac guy and I do a lot of video. I generally work with Final Cut Pro but often drop into iMovie '08 for projects that need to be done quickly without the need for precision editing. After spending a few hours with Pinnacle Studio Ultimate 12, I'm almost ready to boot my Mac into Windows for those tasks I'd normally edit on iMovie.
PROS:
1. Awesome plugins: It's funny, but what I like best about the Studio Ultimate are the parts of it not made by Pinnacle! Included on a second CD are titling effects from Boris and professional-grade color correction from Magic Bullet. Magic Bullet adds a 'film look' to your video as well as a number of other color related effects. Everything renders quickly and looks great.
Those two features alone usually cost several hundred bucks a piece (on top of the editing software), so their inclusion in the package certainly adds to its value.
2. Instant conversion from AVCHD. One of my complaints on the Mac side is that AVCHD video needs to be converted to an Apple codec prior to being edited. This usually adds a considerable amount of time to the workflow, as the video is 'ingested' at a rate usually double that of the length of the file (i.e. a ten minute clip takes twenty minutes to import). All Studio Ultimate needs is the drive letter for your card reader and the video is ready to be edited. Very cool.
3. Fast performance and mixed formats: Editing performance is very fast and responsive with fast render times too. Studio Ultimate also allows a mix of formats on the timeline. I tested editing a high definition AVCHD clip along with an included DV movie and all mixed together perfectly.
4. Green screen is included: Pinnacle even throws in a free green screen! It's large and can easily fit two people in front of it. A nice and thoughtful addition to the product.
5. Many export options: Outputting the video to something playable beyond the PC is very smartly implemented. Presets for basic exports (like YouTube and DVD) are available as well as fully customizable advanced settings into a variety of formats.
6. Multi-track video editing: Unlike iMovie '08 there are two video tracks that can be used for video overlays, etc.
CONs
1. Slightly complex: The developers tried their best to keep it simple and organized, but there is some complexity involved with doing anything beyond the basics. It's nothing that's not impossible to learn, but there are a few layers of menuing necessary to accomplish some effects tasks (like chroma keying or using a plugin). Additionally, the plugins (like the magic bullet software) all have their own interfaces separate from the studio interface. They also don't install themselves automatically, so you'll need to insert the second disc on your own to get access to them.
2. File management is confusing: Studio Ultimate forgoes the standard Windows file management routines and adds a multi-paged navigation to find items on your hard disk. Not very efficient and sometimes difficult to navigate back to where you started. It would be much easier to find files based on the standard windows file open dialog. When I did import an AVCHD file, it did not show up on the 'my movies' option on the file navigation window. I'm not sure exactly where it ended up!
3. AVCHD import follows a different workflow: The developers spent a lot of time with three simple top level tabs: Capture, edit, and "make movie." Unfortunately bringing AVCHD video in does not follow that same convention. It would be nice to have the AVCHD import options in the same place as the DV/HDV imports.
CONCLUSION:
Video editing is a very complex task and many products have tried and failed to make the process fast and easy. Pinnacle Studio Ultimate is probably the best of breed for consumer video editing apps on any platform. It is a little more complex than iMovie on the Mac, but it also adds considerably more creative options that rival professional-grade applications. It will import footage from cameras as old as Digital 8 (and even VHS with added hardware) and mix that footage with the latest AVCHD offerings very efficiently.
Overall Pinnacle has an impressive offering that I highly recommended to Windows users. This Mac user is just a tad bit jealous.
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 12 OverviewPinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 12 Pinnacle Studio™ Ultimate version 12 lets you take advantage of the latest HD video editing technologies, including Blu-ray and AVCHD. All new Pinnacle Montage theme based editing - designed by professional producers and artists - puts incredible creative power at your fingertips. Simply drag and drop your video clips and still images to preview your movie – and watch your content come alive, complete with Hollywood style multi-layered effects, animated graphics, titles and Hi-Fi audio. Edit and polish to your heart's content with the sleek new video editing interface. When you are finished, archive your video memories, publish them on YouTube™, or enjoy them on DVDs and portable devices.Pinnacle Studio™ Ultimate version 12 includes professional software tools for titling, color correction, lighting and special effects, plus a green screen backdrop. Pro video tools Pinnacle Studio™ Ultimate Version 12 includes

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