Ulead Systems has released MediaStudio Pro 8, the latest version of the company's high-end video editing software. The new release incorporates a wide range of enhancements, claims Ulead, including a new single track editing interface, Smart Proxy mode for more efficient HDV editing, advanced colour correction, 5.1 audio editing, and Smart Compositor, an all new tool, for quickly creating professional composited sequences for openings or segues.

MediaStudio Pro 8 also sports advances in workflow and usability. The new single-track interface allows for multiple timelines and virtual clips, plus transitions on every track. For controlling effects, the Keyframe Manager now offers large buttons and expandable view for precise positioning. To further streamline workflow, you can drag, resize and distort overlays directly in the full-size preview window.

A significant new feature in MediaStudio Pro 8 is the Smart Compositor, a tool that allows you to speed the creation of complicated opening sequences and segues employing masks, frames and moving paths. You simply select a theme, add your own video or images, modify the text and set the background music. Composited sequences then appear in the MediaStudio Pro 8 timeline as virtual clips that can be opened and further edited to conform to the style of the production.

MediaStudio Pro 8 is also HDV ready. You can capture from the latest HDV camcorders and decks, then edit either in full-resolution lossless native format, or Smart Proxy mode. MediaStudio Pro then lets you mix and match formats such as DV, MPEG, and HDV on the timeline. It also supports formats such as WMV-HD and 24P, and offers output options to SD, HD, or back to DV, analogue or HDV device.

With Smart Proxy enabled, MediaStudio Pro automatically creates lower-resolution, resource-friendly copies of project clips in the background. Final output always links back to the original full-resolution files, making the process transparent and lossless. Smart Proxy offers a solution for producers shooting HDV who want to edit on the go, as well as for collaborative editing. Users can package and share proxies among multiple editors and then combine their work as multiple timelines referring back to original footage.

Other enhancements in the release include a new Audio Editor offering channel steering to create Dolby Digital 5.1 surround audio tracks, even allowing upsampling from standard stereo tracks. The product also boasts an all-new Title Tool with text effects and animation. SmartSound Auto Music Maker enables you to create custom royalty-free soundtracks, which match the duration of the video, and built-in DVD authoring with templates lets you author single- or double-layer discs.

BIOS, Sep 27, 05 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Graphics