video editing

I have used Pinnacle Studio 7 and 8 on two different custom built computers and I am very pleased with both versions. I have read many reviews from other users that state that their audio and video are out of sync. I have edited several home movies and have compressed to both MPEG 1 (VCD) and MPEG 2 (SVCD) and (DVD). With all three formats, I have had perfect audio/video syncronization. I do not know what combination of factors would lead to these syncronization problems, but from my experience, assuming the uniformity of the Pinnacle Studio software from user to user, the problem is not inherently with this product.

In addition, I have not made any particular note that this software contributes to the crashing of my computer any more than any other program or operation.

The only reason I did not give this product a 5 star review is because of its transitions. The majority of its transitions display the Pinnacle icon, which I find to be a shameless plug, and I refuse to juxtapose it with images of my family for all posterity to see. I would also like to be able to superimpose images.

I have used 4 different brands of video editing software around this price point. Pinnacle Studio 9 is the winner in most regards. I'd give Microsoft's movie maker a highly defeatured second place for being very easy to use but far less functional.

Pros of Studio:
- Very flexible
- High quality output
- Version 9 has been completely stable (hardware incompatibilities can cause problems though, as other reviews show, so check if you're compatible -- if you're not, the crashes are a royal pain as I've seen with other video software)
- Burn straight to DVD
- Create DVD scenes in your movie very easily
- Merges in photos effectively
- fades, wipes, effects are outstanding

Cons
- Limited number of tracks for audio/video -- (as with all sw at this pricepoint)
- No pans and fades for photos, only transitions
- No support for WMV format, which is much more compressed but lower quality

Overall, you can VERY easily go from your DV tape into Pinnacle, and then edit/cut/fade add music, etc, then burn to DVD with very professional results. The UI is intuitive and the results are great.

If you're interested in slightly simpler work and don't need great flexibility, the Microsoft movie maker (free with XP) is actually quite good too. As of my last use you can't burn to DVD though so need added software for that.

Pinnacle has a winner here!!!!!! A full feature set of tools for the novice to the pro at your disposal. Starting with SMARTMOVIE: 3 step movie making, to the ability to color correct old distorted footage. This is a must have for anyone who is thinking about turning their Home Video's into memories they can cherish forever. Thanks Pinnacle!!!!