Corel VideoStudio Pro X2

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Corel VideoStudio Pro X2

Manufacturer: Corel
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Corel VideoStudio Pro X2 is an all-in-one video-editing and disc-authoring application that makes it easy to create professional-looking videos, slide shows, and DVDs. Integrating all the latest video production technologies, VideoStudio includes time-saving wizards, easy-to-use editing tools, unique special effects, surround-sound audio, and full support for high-definition (HD) video. Users can easily share movies with family and friends on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, or mobile devices. They can even share movies worldwide by uploading directly to the YouTube Web site.

Create sophisticated Blu-ray Disc menus. Click to enlarge.

Choose from several output formats.

Take control with a full set of editing tools. Click to enlarge.

With transitions in overlay tracks, create sophisticated picture-in-picture effects. Click to enlarge.

The Most Complete HD Solution

Corel VideoStudio Pro X2 is the most complete HD solution available today. Whether the source is tape, disc, camcorder, or memory card, users can capture and edit video in all the leading HD formats, including HDV, AVCHD, Blu-ray Disc, and TOD.

Fast, Smooth Video Capture and Editing

With an updated user interface, the ability to import from multiple camcorders and storage devices, and the unique Smart Proxy editing feature, VideoStudio helps users edit video quickly and smoothly.

Enhanced! Smart Proxy editing:
With Smart Proxy editing, users can edit HD content as easily as they edit SD (standard definition)--even on midrange PCs. By using lower-resolution files for editing and previewing an HD project, VideoStudio Pro X2 requires fewer system resources, which results in faster, smoother editing of HD video. The final output retains the full resolution of the original HD content.

New! BDMV import:
Users can now import BDMV files directly from Blu-ray camcorders, making it easier to transfer files and get started with video-editing projects.

AVCHD import:
VideoStudio lets users import AVCHD files directly from AVCHD hard drives, memory card camcorders, or any storage medium.

Fast Encoding

Though easy-to-use, VideoStudio Pro X2 is a powerful video-editing application. The unrivaled MPEG Optimizer, the MainConcept H.264 codec, and support for both dual-core and quad-core CPUs mean users spend less time waiting to view their discs and DVDs.

H.264 High Definition (HD) encoding:
VideoStudio Pro X2 uses the new MainConcept H.264 codec, which provides rapid encoding with superior quality. Both 1440 x 1080 and 1920 x 1080 output frame sizes are supported.

TOD format support:
Users can import and edit video from the latest JVC HD-7 camcorders without having to convert formats. VideoStudio fully supports all frame sizes offered by these camcorders, including Full HD 1920 x 1080i. Users can expect efficient performance with the MPEG Optimizer and the SmartRender feature, both of which support TOD video.

Choice of Output

VideoStudio Pro X2 lets users create Blu-ray Discs, burn HD video on standard DVDs in AVCHD format, create DVDs with stylish, professional-looking menus, and output video projects to mobile devices or online sharing Web sites--such as YouTube.

Blu-ray Disc output:
Users can author HD video with motion menus and burn the video to Blu-ray Disc (single- or dual-layer). Compliant video is not re-rendered, ensuring shorter encoding times and excellent picture quality. VideoStudio Pro X2 also supports Dolby stereo (two-channel) and 5.1 audio.

AVCHD output:
With AVCHD support, VideoStudio Pro X2 users can author HD video with menus and burn to a standard DVD. AVCHD discs are playable on a PC (with AVCHD playback software), Blu-ray player, Sony PlayStation3 (PS3), or disc-based AVCHD camcorder.

Create WMV-HD and MPEG-2 HD files:
Users can create WMV-HD and MPEG-2 HD files for playback on Media Center PCs or other HD playback devices.

Write back to HDV camcorder:
With VideoStudio, users can record finished video projects back to tape. This is convenient for viewing directly from a camcorder or for long-term archiving.

Switch between HD and SD output:
Users can choose to output an HD project in standard definition (SD), and vice versa. On the Timeline, users can seamlessly mix HD and SD formats.

Easily trim single clips.

Easily adjust volume levels in the Audio View. Click to enlarge.

Corel VideoStudio Pro X2 automatically corrects video color and tone. Click to enlarge.

Easily add title animations. Click to enlarge.

Professional, Easy-To-Use Editing Tools

VideoStudio includes a wealth of professional-quality, yet easy-to-use editing tools that help users polish their video productions. Users can choose from three easy ways to make a movie:

VideoStudio Editor--for complete control and power
Movie Wizard--for users who are new to video editing
DV-to-DVD Wizard--for the shortest way from camcorder tape to disc

New! Transitions in overlay tracks:
Superimposed over a video, overlay tracks can be additional video, still images, or color clips. Users can easily apply transitions in overlay tracks to create sophisticated picture-in-picture and montage effects.

New! Auto-video/audio crossfade:
Users can now simply drag video clips so that the clips overlap on the timeline, automatically creating a video transition and audio crossfade for the duration of the overlap.

New! Resizable interface:
VideoStudio now lets users resize any of the panels within the interface according to their preference.

New! Enlarged filter and effects controls:
For VideoStudio Pro X2, dialog boxes and controls have been enlarged, so that users can apply effects and keyframes more quickly, easily, and accurately.

New! Toggle Filter View:
With a single click, users can now preview the effects of filters on their videos. A toggle icon appears next to each filter, so users can instantly turn the effect on or off.

New! Autoplay of transitions and filters:
Users can simply click any transition, filter, or title animation to display a preview of the effect before applying it to a video.

New! Show all tracks:
It has never been easier to get a quick glimpse of all tracks in a video. With a single click, users can switch the Timeline View to show only the portion being worked on or a comprehensive display of all elements in a movie project.

Enhanced! Storyboard View:
With VideoStudio Pro X2, users can simply drag to adjust the size of the Storyboard to suit their preference. The Storyboard View also lets users drag to add clips to a movie. In addition, users can apply filters directly to the clips in the Storyboard.

New! Instant timecode tip:
When users drag clips into the timeline, VideoStudio now provides an instant timecode tip. This tip displays the change in video duration in real time, making it easier for users to trim clips accurately.

New! Auto Pan & Zoom in VideoStudio Editor:
Auto Pan & Zoom is now available in both the Movie Wizard and VideoStudio Editor. When making photo slide shows, it automatically detects the faces of subjects in the photo and homes in on them. This eliminates the tedious manual work of applying Pan & Zoom effects.

New! Single Clip Trim:
The new Single Clip Trim dialog box makes it easy to frame and accurately trim single clips. Users can access the dialog box by double-clicking any clip in the Library.

New! Updated icons:
Many features, such as Smart Proxy and Ripple Editing, are now easier to find, thanks to updated, intuitive icons.

Instant preview:
By double-clicking the preview window, users can access an instant, full-screen preview of their video project.

Audio View:
In the Audio View, users can visually adjust volume levels of the individual video, voice, and music clips that make up a project's soundtrack. For example, by using the wave form in Audio View, users can easily cue a title on a particular beat. In addition, Audio View provides access to the Surround Sound Mixer, Overlay Track, and the Music Track.

Multi-trim Video:
With the Multi-trim feature, users can easily extract multiple segments from video clips. The AccuCut timeline makes it fast and simple to zoom in precisely on the exact frame that needs to be trimmed. In addition, Ad-Zapper automatically detects commercials in videos captured from TV, allowing for easy removal. What's more, the Jog Wheel lets users quickly scroll through a clip, and the Shuttle Slider makes it easy to find an exact frame.

Automatic color and tone correction:
VideoStudio Pro X2 automatically corrects the color and tone of videos that have been taken under less than ideal lighting conditions.

DeBlock filter:
The DeBlock filter reduces blocky digital-compression artifacts often found in highly compressed videos. This filter is particularly useful for videos copied from Video CDs (VCD) or other low-resolution formats.

DeSnow filter:
The DeSnow filter removes visible noise patterns (colored spots or snow) that occur in videos taken under low lighting conditions, taken with high ISO values, or captured from older sources--for example, videos copied from VHS tapes.

New! Two title tracks:
With an additional title track available, users can include a title that runs through the entire video and easily add more titles.

New! Title animations:
VideoStudio includes ten new animation presets to use with titles, including a traditional favorite--Perspective Scroll. Animated titles give viewers additional information about a video, or introduce or differentiate a particular portion of the video.

Enhanced! Color backgrounds for titles:
To add more personal flair to their videos, users can choose from a variety of colored background shapes and styles that make their movie titles stand out.

Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound:
With comprehensive support for Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, users can produce videos that take full advantage of today's home theater systems. VideoStudio provides one-click conversion that automatically turns conventional stereo audio into Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. For a more hands-on approach, the Surround Sound Mixer offers complete control over stereo and panning for audio tracks. In addition, users can simply blend camcorder audio and background music to produce a compelling surround-sound effect.

SmartSound Auto Music Maker:
This advanced music engine lets users create an infinite variety of unique royalty-free tunes that perfectly fit the style and duration of their video project.

Audio filters:
VideoStudio includes a collection of audio filters to help users fix common audio problems and enhance the sound of their video projects. Users can choose from Amplify, Hiss Reduction, Long Echo, Normalize, Pitch Shift, Remove Noise, Reverb, Stadium, Vocal Reduction, and Volume Leveling.

Library organization:
The Library makes it easy for users to sort media clips by date, time, or filename. Media clips can include video clips, video filters, audio clips, still images, transition effects, music files, titles, and color clips--everything needed to create a movie.

Easily add colored backgrounds to titles. Click to enlarge.

The Surround Mixer lets you create stunning audio effects. Click to enlarge.

The Movie Wizard helps you produce exciting, Hollywood-style movies. Click to enlarge.

Users can draw the route of a family vacation on a map. Click to enlarge.

Choose from several encoding settings. Click to enlarge.

New! Import/Export library file:
With VideoStudio Pro X2, users can now save their presets and settings before reinstalling or upgrading their application. This feature eases the transition to the latest version.

New! Add Projects library:
With the new option to add a Projects library, VideoStudio makes it easier to reuse and modify files from existing projects. Users can add projects (VSP files) directly into the Timeline as a virtual clip, saving time by eliminating the need to re-encode or re-render previously used project files. These project files can then be organized into their own folder.

New! Specify capture library:
VideoStudio Pro X2 users can eliminate clutter by setting up a dedicated target library for each project, making it easier to organize and find specific files.

New! Integration with Windows Vista Media library:
Users can now load media directly from the Windows Vista Media library. This features makes it easier to access other media files to use in video projects.

New! Adjustable thumbnails:
By dragging a convenient slider, users can now adjust the size of thumbnails in the Library. By enlarging thumbnails, users can zoom in to identify a particular clip. By reducing the size of thumbnails, users can zoom out for an overall view of all available clips.

New! Categorized filter effects:
For VideoStudio Pro X2, the filter effects have been reorganized into categories that make them easier to identify and navigate. The new categories are 2D Mapping, 3D Texture Mapping, Adjust, Camera Lens, Darkroom, Focus, Nature Painting, and Special.

Enhanced! Movie Wizard templates:
The Movie Wizard is the perfect starting place for first-time video editors to quickly produce exciting, Hollywood-style movies. Each template provides a different theme, which comes with preset start and ending video clips, transitions, titles, and background music.

Enhanced! Fit slides to music tempo and duration:
With VideoStudio Pro X2, it's easier than ever for users to adjust the slide duration to match the tempo of background music. Users can also adjust the music duration to match the duration of slides in a project.

Enhanced! Smart Pan & Zoom in Movie Wizard:
The enhanced Smart Pan & Zoom feature automatically detects the faces of subjects in a photo and homes in on them. Users can create dynamic, motion-rich slide shows without the tedious manual work of applying panning and zooming effects.

Create DVDs faster than ever:
The DV-to-DVD Wizard lets users transfer an entire DV tape to DVD (with a menu) in one step. In addition, the "blank" template option lets users back up DV tapes or archive footage for the fastest, most straightforward way to transfer from tape to disc.

DV Quick Scan:
For archiving DV tapes, VideoStudio scans the tape and generates a thumbnail list of clips. Users can select and capture the clips they want, and then print out scene digests as a record of the content.

Unique Special Effects

VideoStudio Pro X2 lets users explore their creativity with unique special effects, tools, and easy-to-use templates.

New! Painting Creator:
This unique new tool gives users another way to personalize their video projects. With the Painting Creator, users can record painting, drawing, or writing strokes as an animation to use as an overlay effect. For example, users can enhance a family vacation video by drawing their route on a map and overlaying it on the video. The Painting Creator lets users choose to create still paintings or animations.

New! NewBlue Film Effects:
Users can now make videos look like they are from the silent-movie era. This dynamic collection of five filters provides 81 presets that recreate the inexact mechanics of hand-cranked cameras, dirty projectors, and decades of sitting in film vaults.

Chroma Key:
Commonly referred to as Bluescreen, the Chroma Key special effect lets users create video magic just like the pros. By making a particular color transparent, the underlying clips, objects, or layers can be superimposed onto any background. For example, users can film a subject against a solid background and later add any background image, which makes the subject appear to be in a particular location.

Adjustable playback speed:
Users can create slow and fast motion effects, without altering the pitch of the audio.

New! HD-style templates:
With VideoStudio Pro X2, a new set of professionally designed templates are included. These HD-style templates are designed to match the quality of any HD video.

New! Creative content:
VideoStudio Pro X2 includes a wealth of content to enhance any production. Users can choose from many overlay objects, frames, Flash animations, and menu templates.

Easy-to-use menu templates:
Users can polish their productions with more than 100 motion menus in a range of styles for any occasion.

Menu transitions:
Users can easily add transitions just like those in Hollywood DVDs. VideoStudio includes a collection of menu-in and menu-out transitions that smoothly flow from one menu into the next title or menu.

Any Output, Anywhere

VideoStudio Pro X2 gives users a multitude of options for sharing their videos with the world.

Direct YouTube upload:
Users can easily upload their videos directly to YouTube--the most popular online video-sharing Web site. VideoStudio offers several settings, such as the WMV, H.264, and FLV formats, to ensure the best possible encoding quality.

Quality movies for mobile devices:
VideoStudio Pro X2 includes MPEG-4, H.264, and WMV templates that let users produce movies for mobile devices, such as Apple iPod, Touch, and iPhone, as well as Sony PSP, Zune, and Nokia mobile phones. In addition, VideoStudio lets users import video from supported cell phones, smartphones, PDAs, and other portable devices.

DivX support:
Users can easily import and export DivX-encoded video with the appropriate codec and convert the video to DVD or other formats.

Output to any disc:
By providing many disc output options, VideoStudio ensures that users can easily share their video productions. Users can burn their videos to CDs and DVDs as well as to AVCHD and Blu-ray formats.

New! Intel quad-core support:
VideoStudio Pro X2 supports Intel quadcore technology, enhanced for both dual-core and quad-core CPUs to provide faster response times and less time waiting for encoding--especially useful when working with HD video.

New! Faster rendering:
While rendering a video production, users can now disable the preview window to maximize rendering resources and render the video more quickly.

New! Faster MPEG-2 encoding:
VideoStudio Pro X2 provides enhanced encoding performance for MPEG-2 files.

MPEG Optimizer:
VideoStudio ensures the fastest encoding at the highest possible quality. The MPEG Optimizer analyzes the bit rates of all clips on the Timeline and suggests MPEG encoding settings that ensure the least re-rendering and re-encoding while maintaining the highest quality for a video project.

New! Size setting in MPEG Optimizer:
The new size setting in the MPEG Optimizer lets users select a target size before encoding MPEGs. This feature is especially helpful to users who share their videos on Web sites that set limits on file size. In addition, when burning MPEGs to DVD, users can easily adjust the size setting to ensure that their files will fit on the DVD.

Complete video solution--Capture, edit, author, burn and view the latest high-definition video; Share on DVD, AVCHD, Blu-ray Disc, and mobile devices, or upload directly to YouTube
Create sophisticated montages and picture-in-picture effects with multiple video, audio and title tracks including transitions on overlay tracks and auto crossfades; plus turn stereo audio into immersive Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound with one click
Next-generation HD--capture from HDV, AVCHD, Blu-ray Disc and JVC HD camcorders; edit HD video quickly and smoothly with enhanced Smart Proxy editing; render faster with support for Intel quad-core technology and improved MPEG encoding performance
Easier & more powerful editing--scale the interface to fill your whole screen, create video/audio crossfades by simply dragging clips over each other, larger dialog boxes and controls for applying effects quickly, plus trim clips directly in the library
Uploading to YouTube is easier, faster and more powerful, allowing you to sign in to your YouTube account directly and encode your movies in WMV or H.264 for even better quality; plus take your videos on the go with support for apple iPhone

While not Final Cut it IS a powerful video editing suite.

Review Date: October 25, 2008

Reviewer: J. J. Marino, Rochester, New York

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1SYV9LMI4Q520 This entire video was made in Video Studio Pro X2. I purposely did it as fast as I could to show the power of the product (matter of fact this writeup took longer). Besides the obvious time line oriented video editing, there are a ton of video outputs that can be utilized whatever your ability. You can export directly to You Tube, or record it in HD for watching in 1080. Direct to DVD authoring is another really nice addition.
I have used Final Cut Pro Studio costing $1300. While this is NOT as powerful at all, it does allow for a good deal of professional editing. It has a very low learning curve and if you just need to make excellent quality videos and not spend a very long time learning then this is the product for you.

You can import your own clips very easily, just drag and drop. It will even import your entire audio library. I tried to do a voice over for this video but my mic is really poor quality so it sounded very digitized. It allows you to add a voice over with 1 click though and I may redo this review if I can get a better mic. It is very refreshing the amount of video outputs this program has. If your a novice and want to make a video that is high quality for You Tube it is just a few clicks and you are done. The menus are easy to navigate and very intuitive.

About this video: Because I did not want to wait 3 hours to upload it. I rendered it at 30fps mpg. I am not sure how Amazon codec will re-render so I hope it looks nice when it is finally converted.

Thank you for watching!

Finally, Ease of Use, Advanced Editing, and Stability Combined

Review Date: October 28, 2008

Reviewer: J. Harley, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania United States

I like making home videos, however, like most users, I want to dive right in without first being required to read a 2-inch thick manual to simply get started. On the other hand, I don't want a wimpy underpowered editing app that focuses so hard on being easy that it leaves out essential creative features. I tried several different applications on both PC and Mac platforms. I kept finding that the apps were either feature-rich yet complicated to use or easy to use but lacking in features. I was just about to give up hope when I got the chance to try Corel VideoStudio Pro x2. I think I finally found the perfect balance. This is a great program for the typical home user. From capture to burned DVD disc, it was really easy, straightforward, and offered plenty of options to really enhance the movie. Installation was simple with no complications. After install, it fired right up with no significant impact on system performance. I installed it on a dual-core Centrino laptop with 2GB of RAM and running Windows XP. I never experienced any lockups or crashes. The interface is clean, free from unnecessary clutter, and the controls are logically placed and easy to locate. I connected my camera to my laptop via 4 pin firewire. It immediately detected my Panasonic mini-DV camera and offered several capture options. I opted to capture in MPG2 format. You can capture in uncompressed formats as well, such as AVI. The program menu controls were logically placed and easy to access. There are tabs along the top labeled Capture, Edit, Effect, Overlay, Title, Audio, and Share. Clicking these tabs brings up the applicable options panel. I was trimming video, stretching audio, and combining clips with ease. I also tinkered with the many transitions, titles, and special effects. I never had to refer to the owners manual while creating my first DVD. Even using the chroma key to replace a transparent background, (blue screen and green screen effects), is relatively simple for a newcomer. I experienced no dropped frames and the resulting DVD was pretty nice with animated menus featuring clips of the video. The video quality was very good and played with no problems in a set-top DVD player. There are plenty of nice DVD menus available and everything, from capture to burn, is completed within the one application. The entire rendering and burn time for a 15-minute DVD was under 20 minutes. However, that was for a MPG2 capture, so rendering an AVI file or a file or a clip with heavy effects will obviously take a bit longer. If you are really in a rush and just want to quickly capture from camera to disk, there is a feature to do this. There is also a quick DVD feature that will quickly capture, create, and burn a themed DVD disk of your footage if you're not interested in editing. Other output options include HD and Blu-ray, however I don't have a Blu-ray player or HD camera yet, so I couldn't test those features. It also has a direct upload to Youtube and an option to export as an flv file.

Overall, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better combination of professional features while retaining ease of use. This program is so much fun to use because you can jump right in and do some really creative and advanced editing right away. It shouldn't be a chore to put together a nice home movie. If you need professional editing power with numerous audio and video tracks, and dozens of ways to tweak the raw footage, look elsewhere. However, If you're a home user and wish to dive right into the process and have a ton of fun while making a pretty good looking home movie in the process, you can't go wrong here.

Easy to Use!

Review Date: October 28, 2008

Reviewer: Seanna,

Corel VideoStudio Pro X2 is quality video editing software so the first thing I would recommend is that you have a computer with a dual-core CPU and a good graphics card. It will also support High Definition (HD), so a good AVCHD or HDV camcorder would also be preferable for the best results. I must emphasize that this is a not must though; this software is very flexible so it will work with almost any type of video standard.

I installed and used this software on Windows Vista 64 bit and Windows XP SP3 computers without any problems; both have a dual-core CPU's and good graphics cards. I also have a HDV camcorder.

This is my first time at using Corel VideoStudio, I have used Pinnacle Studio up until now which is also a great video editor. I admit I am very impressed with VideoStudio, whilst it has similarities to Pinnacle it is different enough to make it stand out on it's own as an excellent video editing tool.

My first impressions were how simple VideoStudio is to use. Once you start the program you have three choices: VideoStudio Editor, Movie Wizard, and DV-to-DVD Wizard. The Videostudio Editor is if you want to edit your video manually. The Movie Wizard semi-automates the process. The DV-to-DVD Wizard is straight from your camcorder to DVD.

I prefer to do things manually so I use the Editor. It is still simple - when you start it, you have 7 tabs which you can select: Capture, Edit, Effect, Overlay, Title, Audio, and Share. These encourage you to take everything step by step which is a good approach along with using the timeline. The timeline is basically a way of keeping track of what you are laying down in your video. To add to the timeline you right click on the part of the project you are doing and select 'Insert to'. You insert it to the area of the video you are laying down such as `Video Track', 'Music Track' etc.... Of course this is the simple explanation, there is a lot more to this program.

Some of the great features I have noticed so far are the Picture-in-Picture and Montage Effects, the Animated Titles, the support of Dolby Digital 5.1 Sound, the Painting Creator which lets you draw freehand or paint freehand on your video and the host of Filters including some which can make your videos look vintage in style. There are also a load of export options. I am not a 'YouTuber' but that is one of the export options. You can also save to almost any type of format including HD discs.

The bonus program included with VideoStudio is WinDVD 8 Silver. This is not the latest version of WinDVD but it is still a great player.

As with any good video editing software, you decide how far you want to take the program - this one has a ton of features, too many to describe in one review but I highly recommend getting it if you need a cool video editor which supports all kinds of formats, will help make you custom movies and then copy it all to the type of media you need.

My final word is that Video editors are a lot of fun, there is nothing better than adding your own special touch to your videos and there is no excuse now because it is so easy with software like this.

So far, the winner!

Review Date: November 15, 2008

Reviewer: Great White Chihuahua, PA United States

I bought a Sanyo HD1010 to take on my vacation, which by the way is a wonderful camcorder...After I took about 30 gigs worth of video, I needed a decent software to make movies. I have downloaded trial versions of Corel Video Studio Pro X2, Sony Vegas, Cyberlink Power Director, and Nero..all in their most recent versions.

I have done a small not very scientific test with a couple of clips.
I took a couple of short clips and simply place them in timeline and make a final video using the highest best quality available of the software.
I compared all of them by viewing in Windows Media Player and Nero viewer.

Corel Video in HD format gives almost 'you're there!' feel. The sound, the details that I don't even remember seeing while I was there, were all captured. I keep looking at the finished video and amazed.

Same clips from Sony and Cyberlink were great but compared to the output Corel produced, they were 'good enough' but not awesome.
Since I'm not an expert in video editing technologies, I have no idea why this is so and this could be subjective. However, I showed the same clips to my husband and my daughter and they both agreed about Corel's final file to be almost life-like.

I think this is the winner for me so far and will buy the full-version soon.

Excellent for the money

Review Date: June 30, 2009

Reviewer: Larry Gwaltney, Florida

My video experience prior to this purchase was with Final Cut Pro (I'm the VP of Production in a video production studio) and, price point aside, there is no comparison between FCP and VSP x2 - FCP is astonishingly powerful and is the suite "of choice" for those wanting the ultimate. But believe me, you pay for all that power.

But if you're like me, most of us don't have anything nearly that ambitious in mind for our home productions. We just want to download from our camcorders, do some basic editing, add titles, music, voiceovers, and then share our stuff via Facebook and YouTube...or perhaps burn DVD's. So if THAT'S what you want, Corel VideoStudio Pro X2 will fit your bill nicely.

Now - if you want to work in High Definition, there's something you need to know. Even with 4 gigs of RAM and a fast processor, my computer choked on the AVI files I downloaded from my Vado camcorder. I not only didn't get preview headers for my library, but my clips wouldn't play back properly in the Timeline, and I kept getting "insufficient memory" messages whenever I tried to make a video file. None of these problems came up in Standard Definition, though. VSP x2 worked perfectly.

So, what to do? Fortunately I found a solution. I downloaded (for free) a file conversion program called "Oxelon," along with the suggested plug-ins. Then, I loaded my AVI files into Oxelon and converted them to MPEG-4 files, at a sampling rate of around 4000. The result was a HD MPEG-4 file that was about 95% the same quality as the original AVI - but about 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the AVI. THEN, I imported the new MPEG-4 files into the VSP x2 library, and guess what? Preview headers! And when I dragged those new files into the timeline, everything worked just like it was supposed to!

I'm still fiddling with the best possible specs for MPEG-4 conversion, but if you're having problems with HD in Corel VSP x2, this is the way to resolve those issues. And the rest is a great package for non-professionals to make fun videos at home. You can watch a 3 and a half minute sample that I put together in a few minutes here on YouTube. Be sure to click on the "HD" button! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sMeYxXsD6g

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