Pinnacle Studio MediaSuite

Pinnacle is no stranger to video editing and its latest release, Studio MediaSuite, is a collection of its most popular software. The package consists of five components that cover everything from photo, video and audio editing, right through to CD and DVD authoring, as well as disc copying.

The main selling point of MediaSuite is the impressive Studio Plus 9 video-editing package. While it can't compete with professional, more expensive tools such as Adobe Premiere, Studio Plus 9 is still very capable.

For novices, the one-click Movie Making tool allows you to quickly merge a collection of video clips into a seamless movie complete with impressive transitions. More advanced users will appreciate tools such as Chroma Key, Picture in Picture and Hollywood FX 3D transitions.

The pack also comes complete with a chroma key backdrop. This is a large green backdrop that is used to film people on, then super-impose them onto a different background.

Aside from the video-editing side of things, Corel Photobook serves as a decent digital photo organiser. Once it has imported all your images, you can quickly correct common problems such as red-eye, white balance and contrast issues. For audio editing, Steinberg WaveLab Lite rips CDs and enhances poor quality tracks.

The final two components, InstantCopy and InstantDVD Recorder, both deal with burning data to DVD or CD. InstantCopy gives you the power to duplicate non-copy protected CDs and DVDs, while InstantDVD is a no-nonsense DVD-burning tool.

Everything MediaSuite has to offer can be easily accessed from the intuitive menu screen. All the tasks are grouped together and you'll be able to find your way around in no time. It's a little disappointing that the MediaSuite menu isn't reloaded after you close one of the applications, but this is no huge problem.

Pinnacle Studio MediaSuite impressed us in several ways. Not only is it powerful and loaded with features, but it's incredibly easy to use. Impressive movies can be created in minutes and the DVD-authoring software lets you share your work.

However, it's the price tag that really caught our eye. At just £90, Pinnacle's done a great job in cramming in so many components. If you're after a complete video- and audio-editing package, you won't be disappointed.

Contact:
Pinnacle 01895 442 003
www.pinnaclesys.com

See also:

Pinnacle Studio 9 Plus

A budget video editor that goes well beyond the basics  26 Jan 2005

Ulead VideoStudio 8

Cut to the chase with one of the easiest home movie editors yet.  13 Jul 2004

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