CyberLink have just released version 8 of their very successful PowerDirector line of video editing software aimed at the consumer market.
I haven’t had a chance to play with it yet but from what I have seen so far I think I am going to like it a lot.
Ok I have had a chance to play with it since posting this and you can see my CyberLink PowerDirector 8 review here.
My top choice for consumer video editing software has been drifting between PowerDirector 7 and Magix Movie Edit Pro 15 over the past nine months or so but this latest one from Cyberlink looks very tasty indeed.
Let’s take a look at what’s new and improved.
Upscaling Video Quality
PowerDirector 8 comes armed with CyberLink’s TrueTheater Technologies™ which is the technology they have been developing for HD playback of SD video. They have integrated this into PowerDirector 8 offering upscaling of SD videos to HD-like content, sharpening images and removing video noise.
Another part of this same technology allows for greater control over backlighting correction, brightness and color enhancement, and helps compensate for poor lighting.
Probably a key usage of this is also the ability to smooth slow motion sequences within your projects which has been a problem for all consumer level video editors for years.
Slide Shows
They have added 8 animation styles to customize photo slideshows and beat detection technology to synchronize music with your photos.
Auto Shutdown
An auto-shutdown feature has been added which in these days of long rendering times ofr HDV and AVCHD, is a handy idea.
Particle Effects
PowerDirector 8 adds a particle effects generator to achieve everything from simple animations to dramatic special effects.
Enhanced Disc Creation Tools
They have extended the features of the disc menu creation module with more menus, titles and animated objects.
More Tracks on the Timeline
The software now incorporates 16 tracks in the timeline which is plenty of space for PIP effects, transitions, audio tracks, narration and the whole shebang.
They have increased the flexibility of the workspace with dual monitor support and a whole range of customizations for how you want the interface to look and function.
More Precise Editing Control
The new Zoom-in Cut™ allows edits right down to a single frame and there is a new new cropping videos feature. Other power tools include PowerDirector’s reverse video, slow motion and rotation effects.
Improved Proxy Editing
PowerDirector creates lower resolution proxy files, allowing for faster previewing and more responsive editing by reducing CPU loading. PowerDirector then uses your original files to output your final production. You can choose to manually or automatically delete the lower resolution files after production.
Better CPU/GPU Optimization
It looks like PowerDirector 8 has been reworked significantly to take full advantage of multi-processing CPU and GPU computing technologies to deliver faster rendering times. The stats on the site look pretty impressive and even if they are being a little “optimistic” they would still be out performing the rest of the pack.
Pricing:
Online versions of PowerDirector 8 include:
CyberLink PowerDirector 8 Ultra $99.95
CyberLink PowerDirector 8 Deluxe $69.95
CyberLink PowerDirector 8 (upgrades) starting at $49.95
As with PowerDirector 7 the only difference between the versions is that if you need the high definition stuff then you will need the Ultra version.
Click here to take a look at the new Cyberlink PowerDirector 8
