Ulead MediaStudio Pro 8

Although the filter selection hasn't changed radically since MSP7, there are some important minor upgrades, particularly for colour correction. Full histogram-based adjustment of highlights, mid- tones and shadows is available, with a particularly effective automatic mode. Alternatively, the new Enhance Lighting filter is specifically aimed at under- or overexposed footage. The titler receives the same radical facelift as the entire program, and is again much easier to use. Alternatively, you can import PhotoImpact UFO files or Cool3D C3D files for even more elaborate titles.

The embedded DVD authoring is now based upon MovieFactory 4.2. However, this works as a two-stage process, where you export the timeline to MPEG2 first, then export this to the DVD authoring tool. So it isn't as seamless as Pinnacle Liquid Edition 6's fully integrated menu creation. However, you can encode a 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack at the file export stage. Surround-sound mixing is built into the audio mixer, allowing you to pan each audio track around the five surround-sound channels. Ulead has also added the SmartSound Quicktracks AutoMusic system, which may be rather cheesy but is popular with corporate and event video makers.

In terms of pricing, MSP8 occupies a tough position in the video-editing software market. It's only around £30 cheaper than Pinnacle Liquid Edition 6, but is significantly more expensive than Adobe Premiere Elements 2. If you're spending this much on a video-editing app, we recommend the more rounded Liquid Edition. However, if you're already using a previous version of MSP or VideoStudio, it's well worth the upgrade, especially as files from the latter can be imported directly. PC Pro readers who have taken advantage of version 6.5 of MSP on issue 124's cover disc can get the £111 upgrade from www.ulead.com, which is particularly good value. If you've been put off by previous versions, download the demo and give it a try - a lot has changed for the better.

Author: James Morris