It is not doing the complete job (Pinnacle Studio Plus 9)

Member Name: kamal

Product:	Pinnacle Studio Plus 9
Date:	28/07/08 (95 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Nice, easy user interface.

Disadvantages: Can't burn DVD. Also DVD menus might not work

I bought my first camcorder 5 years ago, along with new powerfull laptop with DVD bunring capability and all the accessory to go with that. i.e. FireWire cable, blank DVDs etc.

Once I finished my first Mini DV, I copied the full content on my laptop HardDisk using firewire cable, and the file was around 15 GB !! I then realised that I need some DVD making software to burn it to DVD. I tried Microsoft MovieMaker to create the DVD, but hit the dead-end when it can not burn DVD which can be played in standard DVD player. It only creates WMV files which are useless outside MS Media Player, that is 5 years ago.

My friend then gave me Pinnacle Studio 9 to play around. I instantly liked the interface, which was easy to use. It came with all the useful features and effects to create transition effects, subtitles etc.

I managed to burn VCD successfully from the original file after rendering it for around 4 hours. But I never managed to create DVD as application just hangs. Also I created DVD menus which never worked.

As a workaround to DVD burn not working, I create mpg file and then burn DVD using Sonic software.

Also, the work area in Studio 9 is very limited and maximize windows does not work there.

I never used voice over, but I used music overlay and midi files and picture slideshow, which works like a treat while creating mpg file.

I wouldn't spend money to buy this as it works only partially. But hopefully this is all fixed in later version.

Summary: Nice application if you can make it work.

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