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One of the big selling points, among several, for the iMac has been the ability to make videos that can be burned to a DVD or CD-ROM. While this ability is great for Mac enthusiasts, now Windows users have the same ease of use courtesy of Pinnacle Systems. If Pinnacle Systems Studio 8 offers too many options for you, Expression simplifies the process even further.
Clearly Pinnacle is aiming Expression at the end user who has neither the time, or interest, in heavy duty video editing. Although Studio version 8 is pretty clear cut, Expression takes the whole ease of use concept just one step further. For Windows XP users who may feel that the enclosed movie maker is ether too basic, or not intuitive enough, Pinnacle offers a solution that could very well give Windows users that edge over the Mac camp when it comes to easy video editing.
Having installed the program and used it myself, I do feel that Pinnacle has once again gained the edge over the competition when it comes to simple video editing. The interface, the options and so forth offer a surprising amount of power in a package that is pretty comprehensive. If anything, Pinnacle has made high end video editing software that is both affordable and configurable enough to fit price points often ignored by the major makes of video editing software.
The big advantage that Pinnacle Systems has over the competition in basic consumer software is feature and editing power. With manual chapter creation, automatic bitrate settings, and the ability to split video clips with photos for slide show presentations, Pinnacle offers some surprising power in a back-to-basics approach to editing. An added plus is the ability to change output format from VCD to SVCD to DVD at any time is such an added bonus that makes this well worth the price of admission.
When it comes to editing and features, Pinnacle clearly has the competition in this arena beaten to death! Plus Pinnacle has created a software solution that is simple, but not so underpowered that you feel like you are working with a toy. For those that are new to editing software, and just want to get their feet wet, Pinnacle creates high end applications as well. One of the added pluses of purchasing software from a major player in the field is that you are given access to high end features that cost well over the admission price being asked.
Now if documentation and updates are a concern, Pinnacle has you covered. They have enclosed links to their site which offers timely updates to their software. So I do suggest checking out their site immediately after purchase to take advantage of the online support options. Also, Pinnacle includes a button for one step updates to their software. So if you are concerned about problems with ease of use or issues coming after release, Pinnacle offers excellent support for their software.
  
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The Expression package has a specific goal, and that is to offer the ability to edit video created with DV Camcorders or Digital 8 video cameras for those with basic needs. If your computer has a Firewire connection, or you have video in the AVI or MPEG video formats, Expression has a solution customized for you. All you need to do is shoot, and connect your camcorder to the PC for the fun to start.
Broken down into three areas, the interface makes the process of taking footage from your camera to the television, DVD, CD-ROM or computer a three step process. The first window is the capture mode. There you are given a basic screen that includes a mock up of a camera and remote control that allows you control over your capture device. Simply set up your camcorder to the Firewire port and you are set to go. The second mode is the edit mode. There you have the ability to alter your footage, add menus, as well as sound and still pictures. Once you have all the parts of the video together, the burn section, the third and final step, allows you to burn your creation to DVD or CD-ROM. Once created, your video can be viewed on your DVD for home viewing.
What makes Expression such an exceptional value is that it offers the fundamentals of video editing without the confusion and price points of high end professional applications. At the same time, Expression offers enough control that a user that wants a little more than just the basics has that option.
Included with the applications is a hard copy manual, CD with the application and supporting information and a copy of a CD label maker. So basically you can create your own CD or DVD, label it and bam, there you are.
For those that want a basic CD or DVD application and own a digital camcorder, this is the application to own. Offering a wealth of features that most back to basics applications lack, Pinnacle has created a solution for those that wish to create their own DVD or CD’s from their Digital camcoders that is literally as simple as one two three.
Ships with, when you purchase the application:
Estimated street price: $49
Product Includes: Expression software; Manual; DVD Case; Label Applicator (“stamper”);
DVD/CD labels; DVD Case inserts; “Jewel” case inserts
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