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June 18, 2007
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 11 from Pinnacle
 Back in the day I installed an early version of Pinnacle Studio that came with a bus card and a big clunky external unit that allowed you to plug in a variety of video and audio devices. That was a great and solid combination of hardware and software that I used for some time. When I upgraded to a new computer I tried several new versions of Pinnacle Studio but found them to be unstable. Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 11 from Pinnacle has restored my warm and fuzzy feelings with this latest version. Pinnacle Studio Ultimate 11 is a comprehensive video capture, editing and burning combo.
This version comes with HD file capabilities and AVCHD as well. The Scorefitter audio option seems to be a great feature but I was often disappointed when I thought I had followed the procedure to make the audio file fit the entire hour video only to find it did not when I played the DVD. Some patience and research helped me get this to to work for me.
Package Content
Pinnacle Studio Plus version 11 install DVD
- Pinnacle Studio Plus
- Pinnacle InstantDVD Recorder
- SureThing® Express Labeler
- Pinnacle RTFX volume 1
Pinnacle Studio Bonus DVD
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate install DVD
- ProDAD VitaScene
- StageTool™ MovingPicture
- Bias SoundSoap™ Pinnacle Edition
Green screen backdrop
Pinnacle Studio/Studio Plus User Guide
Basic Requirements:
I suggest lots of memory, a fast computer, and good Video card. This version will work with XP Service Pack 2 and Vista. The Lenovo ThinkPad used in this review is running XP. For more details see the tech specs on the Pinnacle site
The installation went smoothly with no difficulties. The program froze several times when I first opened it. After restarting the Lenovo ThinkPad test notebook and then opening Pinnacle Studio 11 again I had no further issues. I did find that each time I restarted the ThinkPad Pinnacle Studio was slow to load. If I closed Pinnacle Studio to work on something else and then accessed it again it loaded faster.
I decided to capture 2 DV video tapes that were copies of old home movies from my parents. These tapes had no sound so I could test the background sound and music features.
At first glance I found the layout and accessibility of the features to be confusing. The idea of a Capture, Edit, and Make Movie tab is easy to understand. It was the many choices on several levels in each of the three main work areas that made me a little dizzy. The 300 page manual, although comprehensive, did not make it easy to find answers to my questions so I just dove in.
Using CAPTURE was easy but now I wish I had read the manual. You can set the “divide into scenes and the minimum scene length” choices before capturing but I had skipped that step. I was unable to figure out how to do it in EDIT. I checked the included Help files and the online FAQ. I then made contact with a very helpful support person who walked me through the process. As is often the case the steps are easy when you have someone to explain them. I then created the scenes in the EDIT area.
Once captured, I saved the files. Using SAVE AS allows you to change from the generic MyMove 1, 2, 3, etc. auto naming to something more relevant to your subject. I then moved to the EDIT portion of the product.
EDIT gives you many options so I suggest you spend time getting familiar with the layout and available choices. I found plenty of options for Transitions, Titles, Text, Menus and Audio. Still frame capture was flawless. I added a full screen title page, and some music from the ScoreFitter audio option. Having fixed my Scene mistake I placed transitions between them as needed. I also worked with the SmartMovie options on a short clip and it worked fine. After working with the editing I have become more comfortable with the various tabs and options available.
MAKE MOVIE
This option allows for output to disk for VCD, SVCD, or DVD use. You may also create a file, a video tape, or send the video to the web using the included upload to Yahoo! Video option. I was able to upload a video taken with a Samsung NV10 Digital Camera to show my test results on line. A My Yahoo! account is required.
An add-on I really appreciate is the Instant DVD Recorder that allowed me to record directly from the Lenovo built-in Webcam or my Sony camcorder and burn a DVD. No muss no fuss.
There is a good video tutorial at the Pinnacle site for Studio 10 that will walk you through many functions in Pinnacle Studio 11 Ultimate as the two basic versions are very similar. There is also a tutorial on Studio Ultimate 11 on their web site.
Overall I have come to like Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 11 and appreciate the way it is laid out. As with any software user comfort is created by continued use over time.
The Bonus and Ultimate discs in the Ultimate 11 package include many upgrades that make you look like a professional video editor. When you put it all together and learn to incorporate all the extras you will be one. That will be the point in time when the included Green Screen will come in handy. I have yet to reach that level.
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 11 lists at $129.99.
I will soon be reviewing Ulead Video Studio 11 and will see how they compare.
To see more details on this and other Pinnacle products Click Here
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