Features

• Turn your PC into a powerful multitrack recording studio
• Record unlimited tracks of audio and MIDI
• Mix with real-time audio and MIDI effects
• Perform with DXi software synthesizers
• Record up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio

Reviews (1)

Great features, but partially unusable, with terrible suppor
I bought Music Creator Pro to create sound tracks for the video projects I've been putting together, and it's a very capable set of tools. The MIDI and recorded sound mixing, effects, and automation would be perfect for my application - if they worked. The description of the product on Cakewalk's web site is accurate, and the user interface is not very difficult to understand.

I installed the software on a fast Windows XP machine, and soon discovered that it would crash when the drum pattern paint tool was used. Cakewalk's tech support has been very slow in their responses, taking at least one day and sometimes more than four to respond. I still haven't received any help other than advice to reinstall the product (I did), make sure I have the latest drivers (I do), and delete a couple of configuration files (I did). The drum pattern tool still crashes the application, and in the course of working through the tutorials (the ones I can use) I have also discovered some features that appear to be globally disabled.

Two weeks after installing the product, I'm simultaneously very impressed with the features and capabilities, and very disappointed with the responsiveness of Cakewalk's tech support. If everything worked the way it was supposed to, I would probably rate Music Creator Pro with five stars.

[update]
It's now a month since purchase, and the software still does not work correctly. Cakewalk will not support this product by telephone. If you call their (non-toll-free) support number, you are told that they only support Music Creator Pro by email. They have failed to respond to either of my last two email messages, the first of which was sent two weeks ago. ... Read more

Features

• CD/DVD authoring application for data management and disc creation
• Create, burn, and copy CDs and DVDs quickly and easily
• Encode MP3 files; compose music; build photo and video slideshows
• Copy and backup important files with drag-and-drop simplicity
• Easy enough for beginners, powerful enough for professionals

Reviews (2)

Program Crashes Very Frequently
I bought this SW to burn VHS source material onto DVDs. Prior to burning, the program performs its rendering of the clips. 9 times out of 10 the program hangs after a few hours of rendering. The one time it did not hang, I killed the program since it was only 10% done with a two hour video after 4 hours of processing. The Product is useless!
I am using Windows XP and have 1 GHz Pentium 4 Processor.

There are better options available
I would not recommend the purchase of this product to anyone. It does not perform all of the functions that the packaging leads you to believe. And, tech support is virtually non-existant, so trying to get any assistance from the company is an effort in futility. If you do choose to purchase this product, I sincerely hope that you have better luck than I did. ... Read more

Features

• Easily create sophisticated titles for all productions
• Nonlinear video editing for precise control over video/audio production
• Real-time editing; multiple, nestable timelines; advanced color correction
• Optimal sound quality with professional Audio Mixer
• Arrange clips in an orderly grid or in a detail-rich list view

Reviews (1)

This is an upgrade from 1.0 to 1.5 keep that in mind
Should you upgrade from premiere Pro 1.0 to 1.5 that can be a tough call, it is $99.One thing to keep in mind, they will be releasing an HD patch for premiere 1.5 for free so if you have version 1 .5.You will get that.

The new upgrade of the project manager is a really great addition.It enables you to collect all your files together in one folder files that were used in a project.It also trims down video that you have used to just the video that's in your project so it can really help in archiving projects that you have made.

Here adodes site on the changes
/www.adobe.com/products/premiere/newfeatures.html

They really help you get started with premiere Pro.

Have some fun and get it done ... Read more

Features

• Plug in and go with your miniDV camcorder and FireWire
• Non-destructive, non-linear editing--the freedom to edit like a pro
• Transitions, filters, and effects with real-time previewing
• Advanced titling, including Boris Calligraphy
• In-canvas compositing with motion key frames

Reviews (1)

Digital Video Editing Becomes My Passion
Storyboard to Final Cut Express

Final Cut Express Storyboard gives me a visual look at my movie. I control-click the Final Cut Express browser and choose large icon new. Then, I drag the clips into the order that I want them to be played. Next, I click on the projectÕs tab in the Browser and save it. Finally, I save the entire project.

Now to add my new storyboard to Final Cut Express sequences. Draw a marquee around the Storyboard clips. Next, I drag the clips from my Final Cut Express Browser to my Timeline and save the project. To protect them, I can lock them to make sure that they cannot be modified. I can lock and unlock them with the F4 key for video tracks and the F5 key for audio tracks.

Working with Final Cut Express

Creating titles and credits with Express is important. The key is the Video Generator. You can create synthesized clips that you superimpose over your existing video clips in the Final Cut Express Timeline.

For good-looking titles, you can use san serif fonts such as Arial, Futura, Gill Sans, Helvetica and Impact. I have found using bold, red or blue 30 point fonts effective for my titles.

You need to watch for the 20 percent factor. The 'Title Save Boundary' is 20 percent smaller than your television screen. To see the boundaries in Final Cut Express, go to View then to Show Title. Best to keep your titles within the safe zone.

Final Cut Express allows you to create rolling credits like the credits at the end of a movie. You can set the duration of your video clips plus set the in and out points for speed of the text and scrolls.

Pro Reaction

Final Cut Express is wonderful for making storyboards, titles, transitions and effects using software digital tools. Final Cut Express 2 supports up to 99 video and audio tracks. Express has various editing tools from Ripple editing, Razor Blade Tool, Pen Tool to Slip and Slide editing.

Express allows you to import iMovie projects. You can also import your Final Cut Express project to iDVD complete with special chapter marker. Express comes with an excellent hardcopy paper manual for learning how to use Final Cut Express 2. The manual is easy to follow without computer jargon.

Con Reaction

You have to work at learning how to use the Final Cut Express application. You have to spend the time to read and work with the Final Cut Express manual.

You cannot capture DV across time-code breaks. You cannot import your Final Cut Express project to iMovie or QuickTime with chapter markers and comments.

Final Remarks

Express is better than iMovie applications and gives you professional storyboard, title and video effects. ... Read more

Features

• This award-winning music training software has over 80 theory and ear training activities, focusing on rhythm tapping, interval recognition, chord spelling and more
• Vocalis voice input technology allowing users to sing or play instrumental input into activities, using any USB microphone
• All-new notation tools allow students to write not only melodies, but also chorales and other polyphonic compositions
• Built-in MIDI capabilities mean no more third-party software to deal with -- just plug in an instrument or keyboard and get started
• Greater control over the range of generated melodies -- users can even define chords with a root that is not actually present

Reviews (1)

Practica Practice
I don't remember ever opening this book, other than to glance at it for this review. However, I did use the computer program that accompanies it for ear training many many times. The program has quite a few glitches, but few that will be a large deterrant for those who want to use it for practice. I thought that the program was an excellent option for those who don't have time for an ear training partner, but need to hear new intervals. ... Read more

Features

• Author and burn professional-quality DVDs, VCDs, or SVCDs
• Add music, transitions, special effects, text credits, and sound
• SmartScan saves time and space; captures selected scenes only
• Advanced Timeline tools support up to 14 tracks and in-place editing
• CineMagic for a polished music video complete with transitions

Reviews (1)

It is sad
Videowave 7 is an extreemly difficult program to use.

The company appears to be deceptive in its marketing by leading a customer to believe that they can be contacted by e-mail with help questions. When a question is sent to the company they send back a form response to look at there website.

The program that is supposed to help you learn is beyond difficult. It makes no sense and tells very little.

They also pretend to have a video training program that comes to assist the customer. This tells almost nothing and just stops.

I was going to contact the company but I am sure they are well aware. How could they not be? Someone that they know must have tried to use the program.

Their success in sales may have more to do with customers thinking that they alone are having such a difficult time.

If you would like an experience in frustration have fun.

David Morris, Ph.D.
Professor of Marketing ... Read more

Features

• Software for writing, playing, printing, and publishing music notation
• Scan in printed music; high-quality sounds for playback
• Saves time; elegant and intuitive; school feature sets
• Publish music world-wide or create personal CDs and MP3s
• Designed for students, educators, and professional composers

Reviews (1)

The best in the world
This software is absolutely the best out there.
It does notation, scanning and web publishing, and includes world class sounds and the ability to burn CDs. ... Read more

Features

• Everything you need to organize, edit, and share digital photos
• For those new to digital photography and for seasoned professionals
• More options for digital photography and creative design
• Produce Web graphics, Web animations, and Web pages
• 45-minute video tutorial and productivity tools for fast results

Reviews (5)

Color Me Stupid--But Impressed
After reading what other reviewers said about this product, I couldn't wait to get it. Well, it didn't take long after installation for me to realize what a total idiot I am. There's a whole lot of great effects that are fun to work with, but the basic editing tools seem unbelievably complex to me. It comes with a nice thick manual which is also as clear as mud to me. A good basic glossary would be helpful. I have been humbled, and will return to my simple Picture It and Adobe Photo Deluxe where I can crop a picture and adjust the tint without feeling helpless. I am sure this is a wonderful program, and will probably use it more when I have several free weeks to devote to clicking and dragging.

Several weeks after writing this review, I feel compelled to edit it to note that in response to my initial review, I was personally called by a Nova Development representative to offer technical assistance. I still haven't mastered the program, but am very impressed with this kind of customer service, enough to upgrade by rating by a star.

Really Great Program
I bought a Canon PowerShot and wasn't thrilled with the software I got free. Very limiting. So I got Photo Impact Pro, and it's just head and shoulders above what I had. I could spend months and still not uncover all the cool features in there ... it's just overwhelming the number of things you can do. But at the same time it's very easy to use. I'm a retired machinist with only 18 months experience even using computers, and it's a cinch for me ... so that says a lot. :-) A friend of mine turned me on to Photo Impact - a guy in our users' group - and he says it's more sophisticated than Photoshop Elements (the other program I was considering). From what I can see, he's right. I use Photo Impact to edit and print the photos I take. And I've added captions and some effects. Haven't made a CD slideshow yet, but I expect to. I hope this review is helpful to you. I don't think you can go wrong with this program.

Can't say enough good things ...
PhotoImpact Pro is simply outstanding software. It's the best thing I've found for organizing and fixing photos. Very powerful stuff. I highly recommend it.

Unexpected Heavyweight
You might call me a collector of photo editing software. I seem to buy just about everything that becomes available; this area is kind of a hobby of mine.

I bought a copy of PhotoImpact Pro, having not heard all that much about it, and I was really surprised. I didn't expect the software to be so incredibly full-featured, but it puts even full-blown Photoshop to shame in many areas.

This program is brilliant when it comes to fixing and enhancing digital photos. But it's power-packed in so many ways. It's a veritable candy jar of special effects. I've been using it for two months and find cool new features hiding below the surface just about every time I run it. And it's every bit as phenomenal when it comes to creating original works from scratch as it is for editing existing photographs.

Slender Fungus (proof that all the good names are taken :-) is absolutely correct in the preceding review: You can't go wrong with this software.

EXCELLENT PROGRAM
This is the best graphics program I have ever used, and I have used most of the programs that are available. The interface is easy to use, the effects are outstanding and included content makes this a great product. For print graphic creation, web graphic creation, web page creation and photo manipulation you can't go wrong.

Although I have other graphics programs loaded on my machine, I am now using PhotoImpact Pro every day, exclusively. The other programs are just taking up space on my drive at this point. Don't let the low price fool you, PhotoImpact Pro could easily sell for more than two-hundred dollars. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The latest upgrade to Adobe Premiere adds useful improvements to this well regarded digital-video editing application, including real-time preview and a title designer. Premiere can take video input directly from digital and analog video cameras, store it on your hard drive, edit it, and output to a variety of video formats, including MPEG-1.

Premiere 6.5's editing screen consists of a number of free-floating windows that contain such tools as a video preview and the all-important timeline and storyboard. The basic operation of Premiere is to load in a series of video clips taken from a camera or a CD, or previously stored on your hard drive, and then drag and drop icons for them onto the timeline. You can then add a soundtrack, transitions, effects, and titles. When all is complete, export the finished video in a format suitable for use on a DVD, Video CD, or for the Internet.

Premiere 6.5 introduces several new features, the most useful of which is probably real-time preview. The ability to see the edits you've made to your video before you render the final version is a huge timesaver. While this feature has previously been available using special hardware, this is the first time it's been available from within the software. You need a fairly powerful PC to take full advantage of the real-time preview. You'll also need a computer with two hard drives, one to hold Premiere and the other for your video files.

Being able to add well-designed titles can make the difference between an amateur and a professional production. Adobe's new Title Designer, included in Premiere 6.5, provides many of the tools users of Illustrator and Photoshop will recognize to add text, rules, and shapes as overlays to videos. Adobe has bundled 90 fonts with Premiere 6.5, selected to produce clear and attractive titles.

Adobe produces a series of effects plug-ins that can be used with Premiere (sold separately as After Effects). Five of these effects (channel blur, blend, lightning, ramp, and twirl) are now included standard with Premiere 6.5, adding to the appeal of this very attractive package. --Simon Williams, Amazon.co.uk ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Mini Final Cut.
Oh man, was I relieved when I found Premier 6.5 (after using Crapinnacle Studio 8). You'll find almost all of Final Cut's and after effects's pros here. The whole package, the great effects, includig Adobe's well known and fabulous color distortion and everything. I reccommend this. Totally.

A great cutting tool
Adobe Premiere 6.5 is far from the most advanced non-linear video editing package you can get however let me make this one comment.

- Editing is all about cutting and not fancy effects. The strength of the project is what is in front of and behind the camera not fancy effects.

I would never recommend using any of the effects on any of the non-linear video editing packages anyway. Get dedicated effects packages if you really want to do your special effects well.

In short Adobe Premiere is the BEST cutting software and the EASIEST to use. The learning curve is slightly steep but you will be cutting your footage within a day or two with this one.

An editors cuts and arranges media. Adobe Premiere does that perfectly. I recommend this like no other but if you are looking for pro packages then go elsewhere and be prepared to pay five figures.

Review by a Newbie
Most people reviewing this product are reviewing it from an expert's viewpoint. I will review this product from someone with a little digital editing experience on lesser featured products, however a "newbie" to Adobe Premiere 6.5

First of all, this program is quite complex, and it is not intuitively obvious how to use this product or how to find a productive workflow. I tried using the supplied 6.0 userguide however I got frustrated pretty quickly.

I also ordered a SAMS Teach Yourself book for 6.5, and again became frustrated. It was obvious to me that the "drag and drop" interface can hardly be described by a book.

Luckily the product came with a video DVD called "Introduction to Adobe Premiere 6.5" by Total Training. I watched this video for an hour or two and shadowed some of the instruction on my own footage. I was able to produce a passable editing job on a five minute production after two hours (excluding time to capture footage), interleaving watching the Total Training video and trying some of the moves shown on the video on my own footage.

I bought the follow-up 16 hours of Total Training instruction for another $131 (including postage). If I get through this video instruction, I will have a pretty good handle on the product, but by no means an expert.

Premiere 6.5 is chock full of features, which means there's still plenty to learn six months or a year down the road. What is a little disconcerting about this product is all the "new features" that came with 6.5, however some of these features have already been available for some time in much cheaper software packages.

For example, I did not buy the bundle including DVDit, and Premiere 6.5 itself can't burn to DVD without having DVDit installed. Instead, I create the MPEG video and audio files using Premiere, then import files into a much cheaper video editing package that came with my DVD burner to complete the DVD burn. Hmmm. And now I'm supposed to fork out $300 for DVDit on top of paying for Premiere - I don't think so.

The bottom line is you can produce fairly professional results with Premiere 6.5. The big question is do you want to invest the 20 hours effort to learn the not so intuitive interface and working methods?

Well, I bought Premiere 6.5 with a firewire card for $200 so I'd say it's well worth it. And if another $130 worth of video training by Total Training and 20 hours effort to get me up to reasonable speed on most of the features I would ever use in Premiere, then $330 for software and training is a pretty good deal.

By the way, Adobe customer service seems to be pretty good. You can call them for up to 30 days after buying the product. After that, you have to pay for support. I never did like this pay for support idea, since basically your paying them because their manuals aren't so good or their software is not easy to use. And sometimes your paying them to report a bug in their software.

Excellent choice for professionals and beginners!
I started editing video several years ago using Ulead Mediastudio Pro, which is pretty good. Then I moved on to Premiere, and it's much better. You can find many more plug-ins and there's lots more support on the web from users. I strongly recommend this for advanced and beginners. It is not difficult to use, and always gets met the output I expect. Just need to put in time to get to know its functions, like any other software. I use it to create MPG2 for DVDs and occassionally realvideo or quicktime. Also, it's the only software that allows me to easily and extremely quickly convert a sound file into 48khz sampling rate. All other software, even sound software, only gives 44khz option, which is not compatible with DVD.

Ernesto
...

A good investment for video fans (rookies also)
I am a complete ignorant in video edition and mastering. I was looking for a program that would help me edit and mix my home videos.

Premiere helped me out a lot with it and it was easy to grab the basics. It is not complicated to start using it and in no time you'll be adding effects or transitions to those videos of yours.

You do not need a super PC with lots of RAM to use it (128 is enough for starting) although it's advisable with these kind of programs to have many Megs of RAM backing you up.

You can import from digital cameras, VHS, and almost every known format (AVI, MOV, MPG, etc) and export your projects to almost every format too. You can add extra images or sounds to enhance your own "pieces of art".

I can never forget that huge big smile on my face after editing a home video and watching it on TV with transitions, still images, and recorded comments on it! It felt so good! ... Read more

Product Description

Adobe Photoshop CS 2, Upgrade ... Read more

Features

• A fast way to turn your PC into a digital production studio
• Record from CD, microphone, LP, cassette, or musical instrument
• Edit recordings with a wide range of tools and effects
• Liven up presentations, recordings, and music
• 30+ digital audio effects and processes; over 1001 sound effects

Amazon Product Description

The Pinnacle PCTV USB2 TV tuner and video capture device lets you watch, control, and record live TV (cable or antenna) on your PC. You can also use it to import video footage from other sources likea VCR, camcorder, or DVD player. Video can be recorded using MPEG or DV real-timecompression. An interactive setup assistant makes installation fast andeasy.

Features

• Turn your PC into a personal video recorder (PVR); burn recording to disc
• Plugs into the USB 2.0 port of your computer
• Video can be recorded using MPEG or DV real-time compression
• Watch, record and pause live TV; import video footage from other sources like a VCR, camcorder or DVD-player
• Small and compact, and draws power from the USB port

Features

• Photo management with easy-to-use editing tools
• Capture, organize, and manage photos
• Make creative slideshows with soundtracks and special effects
• Bring photos to life with editing tools, captions, and clip art
• Share photos and musical slideshows online or burn to CD/VCD

Reviews (4)

Real easy photo software
This is one of the easiest softwares I've ever used for my digital photos. It allows me to edit my photos, add clip art and captions, and make slideshows. The best thing is I can email my slideshows to my family living throughout the U.S. So many features are available and anyone can use it, even my 7 year old daughter.

Great Product!!!
I just bought Nero PhotoShow Elite and I think it's an excellent program for editing and creating slideshows from my digital pictures.

product support
I tried to burn a CD for use in my TV DVD player and the order of the images was changed from the order in the slide show I had created. I have tried to use the online info and contact the tech support for this product without much luck. No responce from them in 10 days. Perhaps since this is a new product (version 1.0) they aren't up to speed in the tech support department yet, but I would have appreceated an some answer. I will update this if I get the problem solved.

Wow, it's so easy to use!
I went to their website and downloaded a trial and it really is very easy to use. The making of the slideshow with music is very cool because they have preset themes, which I haven't seen from anybody else. Very cool product! ... Read more

Features

• 2 XLR-fed phantom-powered mic inputs with inserts
• 2 line level inputs(switchable to guitar level)
• 16 channels of MIDI I/O
• Adjustable zero-latency direct monitoring
• Two line outputs and headphone output with level control

Features

• Individual tracks are recognized and selected
• Timer-controlled Recording (ideal for internet radio)
• Recording function for microphones & instrument inputs
• Phono preamp simulation with RIAA EQ -Direct recording from vinyl records
• Resampling presets for correcting playback speed on old vinyl 45s or 78s

Features

• Expands and improves use of iPod with Windows
• Quickly and easily transfer music to and from the iPod
• Improved support for international characters
• Displays album art; supports play counts; drag-and-drop interface
• Compatible with Audible files, AAC files, and auto WMA-to-MP3 conversion

Product Description

3-Port FireWire Host PCI AdapterPinnacle Studio MediaSuite is the best choice for video editors and multimedia enthusiasts. It features Studio Plus, the most advanced version of Pinnacle’s award-winning video editing application, Studio. The rest of the integrated suite includes software for recording and editing audio for your movies soundtrack. You can also retouch photos before integrating them into a film or turning them into a slideshow, complete with professional-looking menus. Once the movie is made, you can burn it to CD/DVD and make multiple copies quickly and reliably using the included burning and disc duplication software. ... Read more

Features

• InstantCinema; Burning and disc-duplication software
• Video-editing software suite for video editors and multimedia enthusiasts
• Advanced consumer video-editing and disc-authoring application, Studio Plus
• Photo editing with Corel Photobook; audio editing with WaveLab Lite
• Sophisticated media-management application; Instant Backup

Reviews (3)

Do not spend your money for this Software
This software has serious memory problems. It can not run smoothly and froze my computer on a regular basis. If you buy, you have to spend time for rebooting your computer.

Possible the worst software I even bought!
Do not, under any circumstances, buy this software! It has been a source of frustration from day one! First, this software has serious memory problems. It cannot run smoothly and froze my computer on a regular basis. The fact that I have a new Sony VIAO with all the bells and whistles, and the fact that subsequent video editing software run perfectly, has to point to an inefficient memory use by this software. Also, the videos that I tried to edit were your plain vanilla family trip clips, nothing extraordinary. Still this software couldn't handle them.

To add insult to injury, this software is full of locked features, yes even at that price! For example, if you want MPEG-4 computability, you need to purchase additional drivers ($10). If you want to use MP3 files, you need to purchase additional drivers. MP3? Isn't that an industry standard? Anyway the list of "premium" locked features goes on and on, even downloading the latest patch (9.4 at the time of this writing) doesn't help.

There are other serious flaws with this software, primarily around burning the DVD's. I can't fully report on these since unfortunately I only got to briefly sample these issues. Why you might ask? Because my computer kept on freezing before I ever got to finish editing the movie...

Nice video editing but beware of the audio
I have used Pinnacle Video editing software professionally for several years.My experience with Pinnacle has been positive and I have produced a lot of work with their software.I think Pinnacle has really pioneered video editing for home use as well.Indeed I'm quite familiar with their versions of Studio 7, 8, 9 and 9 plus.I recently purchased their STUDIO MediaSuite for home use.It seemed like a nice package to have video, audio and photo editing all in one.Actually, I didn't need the photo editing because I use Adobe's Photoshop Elements (a really solid piece of software).

The short answer is that the video component works quite well.The interface is easy to understand and use.I'm sure most folks would be up and running in no time.Don't forget to check their web site for product updates.

The sound editing capability is another story.Pinnacle has (apparently) licensed Steinberg WaveLab Lite as the audio editor.WaveLab Lite is a home version of its more robust professional software.The first big problem I ran into using WaveLab is that it has no ability to rip CDs.None.This is quite surprising since that is one of the claims Pinnacle makes for this software on the outside of the box.So if you purchase MediaSuite you will have to purchase a separate software for ripping CDs.The second problem is that neither Pinnacle nor Steinberg will support WaveLab Lite.This makes a certain kind of business logic sense Steinberg doesn't sell it and Pinnacle doesn't own it.Yet it's an orphaned software that no one will claim as their own and will not support. So be forewarned that if you purchase MediaSuite then you are on your own if you have any problems with it.

Other than that, this seems to be a fairly good product all in all. ... Read more

Features

• Features internal 32 bit floating point mixing, up to 96kHz stereo
• High-precision mastering and special effects filters -reverb, compressor, procedural equalizer, distortion, phaser, flanger, bass boost and more
• Full-featured sequencer lets you create songs in pieces and weld those song pieces together into a full composition
• Work with a wide range of effects for your added instruments -reverb, phaser, flanger and more
• Route the mixer tracks in new ways to create complex mixing chains

Features

• Children learn to read, play the piano or keyboard, and compose
• One full year of animated, narrated interactive lessons
• Library of over 100 songs to listen to and learn to play
• 10 great interactive music games
• Composer helps children create their own music