CyberLink PowerDirector 3

Once upon a time, PowerDirector was a bit of an also-ran in the video-editing software race, overshadowed by big-name products like Pinnacle Studio and Ulead VideoStudio. Its latest incarnation, however, is a serious contender that can capably cover the whole process from capture to output.

It comes with plenty of help for beginners, yet keeps many options open for those who like to make finer adjustments. For example, you can either edit in a simplified storyboard mode or get down to the nitty gritty with a more detailed timeline view.

PowerDirector can even do a few things that many of its rivals can't. It supports a multitude of different capture sources, including DV camcorders, Sony's MicroMV format cameras, webcams, TV tuner cards and a wide variety of other video capture devices and file formats. Additional audio material can be sourced from CDs or recorded via a microphone directly into a project. If you're making a DVD, you can capture directly in MPEG format to save on disk space. There is also an expansive array of output options supported, including RealVideo, QuickTime, DivX and back to DV tape.

Unfortunately, the application is by no means perfect. Unlike many of its competitors, PowerDirector doesn't take much advantage of the processing power of newer PCs and there are few real-time capabilities built into the application. This means you'll be waiting around for complex edits to complete. Another major niggle is that the limited number of audio and video tracks available in the workspace will quickly cramp a more ambitious editor's style.

Contact: Koch Media 01256 707888
www.gocyberlink.co.uk