Entered CNET Catalog: 05/07/2004
SKU: A28-480-111
Manufacturer: Ulead Systems Inc.
CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 06/07/2004
Installation from the CD's splash screen is a snap, and the box even includes a second CD full of extra background images and video clips for you to use. Just keep in mind that you'll need a PC running Windows 98 or later.
 Ulead VideoStudio 8.0's new Movie Wizard makes moviemaking as easy as 1, 2, 3. |
When you launch the program, VideoStudio prompts you to choose either the wizard interface or the standard editing interface. The wizard, similar to the one in Roxio's excellent VideoWave Movie Creator program, is new to this edition. Although the tool won't thrill seasoned moviemakers, it's handy for beginners. All you need to do is select a video, and the wizard leads you through adding text, selecting music, and burning a disc (or simply saving the file).
The standard interface hasn't changed much from that of the previous version, and it's still one of the better-laid-out editing tools available. VideoStudio 8.0 includes some welcome additions, such as the ability to edit and encode MPEG-4 Simple Profile video--provided you have your own MPEG-4 codec or have bought Ulead's Plug-in for $29.95. Ulead has also buffed up the audio options; VideoStudio has some new audio filters and the ability to make the audio pan across the left and right speakers. Plus, the program now has a "rubber band" time line for the audio track, like the one in Apple iMovie, which lets you raise and lower audio for different sections simply by clicking and dragging the volume time line. The most interesting new audio tool, however, is the Auto Music Generator, which tailors music to fit the length of a scene. You can incorporate the included audio clips to create an instant soundtrack. But trust us: don't use it with long scenes, or the music gets way too repetitive.
 With the new "rubber band" audio editing, you can click and drag the audio level, here shown in the audio time line on the bottom of the screen. |
In this version, you can also dress up your still photos by using the new pan-and-zoom effect. Plus, Ulead includes more DVD templates than before (30, though we'd still like to see more), so you have more options when you burn your creation to disc.
In our testing, importing, editing, and burning went smoothly, although there was an all-over sluggishness to the program that made it feel less responsive than it should have. But for ease of use and fun features, VideoStudio is an excellent choice.
User opinions
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User Rating: 
1/10
I think abysmal sums it up
Pros: Can't even get to the pros
Cons: When it's not crashing it's shutting down
User Rating: 
8/10
Easy to Understand and Use
Pros: Very Intuitive Interface, can create slide shows
Cons: Limited DVD menus and options
User Rating: 
2/10
Could not use demo program. Crash-crash-crash
Pros: Can't think of any
Cons: It crashes alot
User Rating: 8/10
It works well, and is fairly simple and intuitive
Pros: Easy interface and DVD burning
Cons: Features and menus a bit limited
User Rating: 1/10
Ulead sucks
Pros: not too expensive
Cons: does not work
Help and FAQ's are non existent. CNET's good summary must have been paid by Ulead.
User Rating: 1/10
This product sucks
Pros: The model on the box cover is kinda cute
Cons: App crashes, doesn't recognized MicroMV files, pathetic tech support
This product is just junk. And the tech support doesn't appear to be much more than broiler plate crap sent from some out-sourced call-center.
If you want to make a career out of being a product tester for pre-beta software then go ahead and buy this. Otherwise shop for something else.
