Archive notice: This article was originally published on June 4, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Pinnacle Systems, the consumer division of Avid Technology, is launching the new Pinnacle Studio 12 video-editing software. Building on the established features of the Pinnacle Studio product family, which has become the number-one consumer video-editing product in Europe and the United States, Studio 12 includes more than 25 new features, some derived from professional editing. This enables amateurs to edit video in a Hollywood style. All three editions of Pinnacle Studio 12 include the new, easy-to-use Pinnacle Montage feature, for example, which creates exciting animation effects with just a few clicks. Despite its many new features, the software retains the ease of use associated with every Pinnacle Studio product. It also adds more titles, DVD menus and templates, together with new professional audio and video controls.
The Right Version for Every Video User
The certified Pinnacle Studio 12 product family is available in three editions designed to meet the needs of all users, from beginners to enthusiastic video fans. Alongside the basic Pinnacle Studio version, Pinnacle offers Studio Plus and Studio Ultimate with expanded audio and video tools, including complete HD editing.
A Customer-Focused Approach to Different Video Markets
“The video-editing market is growing in every direction, not only vertically but horizontally as well,” said Jon Peddie, president of US market-research institute Jon Peddie Research (JPR). “New markets have emerged, shaped by trend-conscious younger users; people who simply want to edit their videos quickly and easily and put them online; women, who often manage a family’s memories and are increasingly doing so with slide shows and video films; and the growing number of people over 50 for whom making videos has become a hobby. These users do not want to struggle with a complicated application; they want to enjoy editing entertaining videos quickly. With its customer-focused approach, Pinnacle Systems has clearly helped create new video-editing opportunities in these emerging markets.”
Video Clips and Photos with Hi-Fi Audio, Transitions and Effects in Every Studio 12 Edition
Pinnacle Studio 12’s new Montage feature for images and video was developed to deliver exceptional results with multiple video layers, animated text and graphics. It includes more than 11 themes with over 80 individual templates. All Pinnacle Studio 12 editions now also include colour controls and timeline marking tools. File-format compatibility has been expanded to support importing images in native Photoshop PSD and GIF formats. New export options allow users to generate MP3, Flash Video, WAV and 3GP files, or upload files directly to YouTube with one click.
Expanded Audio Features
In response to key customer requests, Pinnacle Studio 12 also includes expanded audio functions: a numerical volume display, master-volume control, a timeline VU meter and peak indicators.
Images in the album can be cross-referenced so they can be found and edited quickly. Direct editing control automatically removes black bars from videos or images. Even on less powerful PCs, the new software provides improved effects performance, enhanced 2D editing, the ability to rotate effects, and new content for titles and DVD menus.
Complete HD and Blu-ray Editing—Professional Cutting with Studio 12 Ultimate
After Pinnacle developed one of the first applications with HDV and AVCHD editing software, Studio 12 Plus and Studio 12 Ultimate can also burn Blu-ray discs in BDMV format with animated menus. AVCHD 1920 and various HD camcorders, including JVC Full HD, Canon Vixia and Sanyo Xacti models, are also supported.
Developed especially for highly committed video enthusiasts, Pinnacle Studio 12 Ultimate includes a green screen for chroma-key effects and three professional video tools that are highly regarded in the video industry:
· proDAD VitaScene (worth €399)—a large collection of customizable transitions and lighting effects. Effects include film looks, soft focus, glow, spark and glass effects. Available transitions include film effects, ripples, wipes, speckles and dissolving starbursts, along with many others.
· Magic Bullet Looks from Red Giant Software (worth €300) is a powerful tool for adjusting tone, colour and sharpness. It can imitate famous films or specific production conditions. The software offers more than 100 easy-to-use presets for common looks from television programmes, commercials and feature films.
· Boris Graffiti (worth €175) provides plug-ins for 2D and 3D vector title animation, including text on a path, flicker, random arrangement, vector text, advanced visible writing effects, automatic roll and crawl titles, fades and zooms. It includes hundreds of presets to make editing as easy as possible.
Prices and Availability
The Pinnacle Studio version 12 product family comprises Pinnacle Studio, Pinnacle Studio Plus and Pinnacle Studio Ultimate, with the latter two additionally offering full HD support. Recommended retail prices are €59, €99 and €129. The editions can be pre-ordered at http://www.pinnaclesys.de and will be available from online retailers and shops at the end of June. Upgrades from all previous editions to version 12 are also available at http://www.pinnaclesys.com. Prices range between €89 for an upgrade to Pinnacle Studio Plus and €69 for an upgrade to Pinnacle Studio Ultimate.
