Ulead VideoStudio 8

Entry-level video-editing programs face a unique conundrum - they have to 'dumb down' the complex and time-consuming process of editing a movie, while offering all the latest whistles and bells. With VideoStudio 8, Ulead has made the bold decision to separate the software into two completely distinct workspaces - VideoStudio Movie Wizard and VideoStudio Editor.

VideoStudio Editor is the 'main' program. The initial screen is tabbed across the top, effectively segmenting the program's functions into individual working environments for capturing, titling, adding effects and exporting your finished work to tape, DVD/VCD or to file. The area users will probably spend most time in is the editing screen. A library window allows you to choose clips, then trim and arrange them in the Storyboard window, which runs along the bottom of the screen (but can be expanded). If you really want to get hands-on, you can switch the Storyboard to a Timeline, which displays your clips, effects, audio and title boards in separate tracks and offers tighter control. The range of effects, tools and options at your disposal is impressive, but never overwhelming and VideoStudio is, by and large, a lot of fun to tinker with.

If you don't have the time, know-how or inclination to create a movie from the ground up, Movie Wizard provides a simplified interface that offers 'three-click' automatic editing. Ulead's take on the auto-edit function is a cut above some of the others we've encountered and as it's presented as a standalone workspace, it minimises the chances of getting flummoxed.

Using it couldn't be simpler. Select some video and image files from your hard disk (or capture them from your camcorder), choose a theme such as old film or wedding, select which type of finished file you would like (MPEG, DV or DVD, or compressed RealMedia suitable for streaming), and then sit back while your film builds itself. There are some 'advanced' settings options that let you refine some of the automated functions, but the Movie Wizard really does live up to its three-click promise. The process can even ignore poorly lit footage so that it only uses the best clips available - just don't expect this to magically transform your dodgy holiday footage into Citizen Kane. If you don't feed it enough good footage, for example, you can expect to see certain shots repeated several times in the finished movie.

A handful of important improvements have been made to this version of VideoStudio, most notably a much better set of audio-editing and soundtrack tools, support for a wider variety of video formats and the ability to preview your cuts and effects on an external monitor or TV via either FireWire or an analogue output.

This is the best version of VideoStudio to date and probably one of the most balanced and - dare we say it - enjoyable home video-editing programs available.

Contact: Ulead 01327 844880
www.ulead.co.uk