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Manifest Technology Making Sense of Digital Media Technology By Douglas Dixon |
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Articles: | PC Video | Web Media | DVD & CD | Portable Media | Digital Imaging | Wireless Media | Home Media | Tech & Society | PC Video: | PC Video Articles | Video Software Gallery | Video Editing Resources | Walkthrough: Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 (4/2010)by Douglas Dixon
SummaryCorel VideoStudio Pro X3, released in early 2010 for $99, is intended as a complete video editing program, to import, edit, burn and share standard or HD video. However, since even consumer video editing tools like VideoStudio have added a wide range of features and options for more experienced enthusiasts, Corel has actually split the product into four separate applications, for easy vs. more advanced editing, and for video and DVD:
(Yes, the product names are somewhat inconsistent, with two DVD "Factory" products, and using "Pro" for the entry-level DVD tool. In addition, DVD MovieFactory was a late addition to the product after it shipped, so it's a separate download, and not as well integrated with the other tools.) The product also includes SmartSound Quicktracks for creating customizable, royalty-free audio tracks. Key FeaturesThe key features of the new VideoStudio Pro include new templates and filters, broader support for high-definition file and disc formats, and faster editing and rendering with support for multi-core processors and graphics acceleration.
General DesignThe entry-level tools included in the product, VideoStudio Express and DVD Factory Pro, share a common design built around a Media Organizer hub. You can import, view, and organize clips directly in the Organizer, and assemble a list of clips to be edited further.
But somewhat confusingly, much of the Media Organizer interface is not designed for actually doing the kind of video editing or disc authoring project that you might expect from the name of the application -- Instead VideoStudio Express and DVD Factory Pro are two-in-one tools that allow you to directly edit and share individual clips within the Organizer, or to move to separate interface to actually step though an editing or authoring process. For individual clips, you can import, edit, and share clips directly in the Media Organizer, including trimming and enhancing the video in a built-in Express Edit mode. Then share individual clips by exporting in a variety of video file formats, sending as an E-mail attachment, or uploading to online sharing sites including YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, and Flickr. And for full projects, you can use the Create tab in the Media Organizer to launch into a sub-process for editing a movie or authoring a disc. This changes the interface to step through choosing your project format, assembling media, video or menu editing, and then outputting or burning the final project. In comparison, VideoStudio Pro has a more traditional video editing interface built around operations on a timeline. And DVD MovieFactory uses a three-step process to assemble your media, edit and preview the menu design and navigation, and then burn the resulting disc The three newer tools (but not DVD MovieFactory) also the Corel Guide component instead of a Help menu for access to updated information and content for the applications. You can access the online Help and other tips and tricks, download new styles and content for your projects, and find the latest updates. Interestingly, you can only run one of these applications at a time. They still retain a consumer look with bright colors and fun icons (albeit on a dark background), and default to running full-screen (and VideoStudio Pro only runs full-screen). Free Trial DownloadsCorel offers free trial versions of its products as downloads from its website. These are full versions, so you can fully explore the software, to get a feel for how it works, and benchmark how it runs on your particular system and with your specific kinds of video clips.
More information:
Corel Products and Pricing
What's NewSummary of new and enhanced features in Corel VideoStudio Pro X3.
Requirements / FormatsSystem requirements, device support, and supported media file formats in Corel VideoStudio Pro X3. Minimum system requirements
Input/Output device support
Input format support
Output format support
Quick Launcher - Start ProjectInstalling VideoStudio Pro places only one entry in the start menu, and not separate links for the individual tools. Instead, starting VideoStudio Pro displays the Quick Launcher interface, which explains your options for the different tools. (One exception -- since DVD MovieFactory was added to the suite after the product was released, it is not listed in the Quick Launcher, and instead can be run directly from the Start menu.)
Launcher options:
Corel Digital Studio Gadget Launcher -- Corel Digital Studio ApplicationsThe product also includes the Corel Digital Studio Gadget Launcher for quick access to the full suite of Corel Digital Studio applications for photo, video, disc-authoring projects and to play movies and discs:
VideoStudio Express 2010 -- Easy Video Editing and SharingVideoStudio Express is the "easy editing" option for users who just want to do some quick editing, without the more advanced features for enthusiasts in VideoStudio Pro. And VideoStudio Express itself is actually two editors in one: You can make quick edits to individual clips in a few steps, or combine multiple video clips, photos, music, and voiceover to quickly create a video project. To work with individual clips, use the Media Organizer to organize and view your clips. Use the Import tab in the top Action Bar to import additional clips, and double-click on a clip to display the Express Edit mode to edit that individual clip. Then use the Share tab to export individual clips, and the Print tab to print photos and disc labels. To edit a movie, use the Create tab in the Action Bar to step through the movie creation process, to assemble, customize, and output your project. VideoStudio Express / Media OrganizerThe Media Organizer is the hub for working in VideoStudio Express. You can import, view, and organize your media files, including photos, videos, and music. Also edit, create, print, and share your media files. (The Organizer is also used as part of the Create process, and shared as part of the separate DVD Factory Pro application.) You can organize / merge folders, apply tags, and organize in albums. Also set clips as the desktop background, or as a screen saver. View the clips as thumbnails. Click the Quick Show button (play icon) in the main work area or in the Media Tray to play the clip thumbnails in place. Double-click a clip in the Media Organizer to display the Express Edit window and edit individual clips. Then drag clips into the bottom Media Tray to assemble the clips that you would like to edit. Media Organizer Interface
VideoStudio Express / Import - Video clips and imagesUse the Import tab in the Action Bar of the Media Organizer to import additional clips into the Media Organizer. Double-click a clip in the Media Organizer to display the Express Edit window and edit individual clips. Then drag into the Media Tray to assemble the clips that you would like to edit.
Import options:
VideoStudio Express / Express Edit: Double-click video clipTo edit individual clips (videos or photos), just double-click a clip in the Media Organizer to display the Express Edit window. You can trim frames, add captions, and enhance and clean up the video. The modified video clip is than saved within the Media Organizer (*.vsx). Express Edit Interface
Tools:
More Tools (side panel):
Photo editing:
VideoStudio Express / Share - Individual ClipsUse the Share tab in the Action Bar of the Media Organizer to export individual clips while viewing files in the Media Organizer. (The Create process for actually editing a movie has its own separate Output step with similar options.)
Share options:
VideoStudio Express / Print - Photos, Disc LabelsUse the Print tab in the Action bar of the Media Organizer to print individual photos or disc labels.
Print options:
Create - Apply style, Modify clipsUse the Create tab in the Action Bar of the Media Organizer to move beyond working with individual clips and actually create, edit, and share a full movie project.
Create Movie moves you step by step though the movie creation sub-process by clicking on the tabs on the bottom right of the screen: First choose the project style and output format, then select the clips to use in the movie (back to the Media Organizer if you have not already selected your clips), and then output the result. Create Movie steps:
Create / Create Movie StepBegin creating your movie project. Chose the video style and output format. Click Select photos and videos to move on to the Media Organizer.
Create options:
Create / Select Photos and Videos StepVideoStudio Express then steps you back to the Media Organizer to import clips and drag the elements for your movie into the Media Tray, if you have not yet organized all the clips for your movie. Click Go to movie to move on to the main Movie editing window. Create / Edit Movie StepEdit and customize your movie. Use the tabs at bottom to arrange clips, apply styles, and add text titles, audio soundtracks, and voice-overs. Click Add more media to step back to the Organizer for additional clips. When done, choose Output to export and share
Edit tabs:
Settings (right side):
Create / Output Movie StepOutput the final movie project: export video file, burn disk, transfer to portable device, post online, or send to Corel VideoStudio Pro for more advanced editing.
Output options:
VideoStudio Pro X3 - Advanced Video EditingVideoStudio Pro is designed for more advanced video editing and movie creation beyond VideoStudio Express. It provides end-to-end video production in one complete package, including advanced editing, professional templates, filters, powerful real-time effects, and online sharing. VideoStudio Pro InterfaceThe VideoStudio Pro interface is built around a traditional storyboard / timeline editing interface, with associated editing tools and options. It open full-screen and cannot be resized. The Step Panel at the top center steps through the three editing steps: Capture, Edit, and Share.
VideoStudio Pro / Capture Step - Import ClipsClick back to the Capture step when needed during editing to capture or import video, photo, and audio clips. Capture options:
VideoStudio Pro / Edit Step - Edit on TimelineUse the main Edit step to arrange, edit, trim, and add effects on the Timeline.
Features:
Views
Library tabs:
Toolbar - Frequently used features:
VideoStudio Pro / Share Step - Export MovieFinally, use the Export step to save and share the finished movie to files, tape, disc, or online. Share
DV-to-DVD Wizard - Direct Transfer from Camcorder to DVDUse the DV-to-DVD Wizard to quickly transfer video from a DV camcorder to a DVD. You can capture video from DV camcorder, customize with a theme template, and then burn directly to DVD. Transfer options:
DVD Factory Pro 2010 - Easy Disc Authoring and BurningDVD Factory Pro is the simple DVD and Blu-ray authoring tool included in the VideoStudio product, similar to VideoStudio Express for video editing. In addition, since the product includes the more advanced VideoStudio Pro for more experienced users, Corel has updated the product to also include DVD MovieFactory for more advanced disc authoring. Use DVD Factory Pro to author or burn DVD or Blu-ray discs, with standard-definition or high-definition video -- or to convert and export or upload clips. Like VideoStudio Express, DVD Factory Pro is actually two tools in one. You can make quick edits to individual clips and then transcode them to different file formats or upload online, or you can combine multiple clips into a disc project with navigation menus. To work with individual clips, use the Media Organizer (as in VideoStudio Express) to organize and view your clips. Use the Import tab in the Action Bar to import additional clips, and double-click on a clip to display the Express Edit mode to edit that individual clip. Then use the Share tab to export individual clips, and the Print tab to print photos and disc labels. You also can use the Copy tab to transfer individual clips to portable devices, or to perform a direct disc to disc copy. To author a disc project, use the Create tab in the Action Bar to step through the disc creation process, to assemble, customize menus, and burn your project. DVD Factory / Media OrganizerAs in VideoStudio Express, the Media Organizer is the hub for working in DVD Factory Pro. You can import, view, and organize your media files. Also edit, create, print, copy, and share your media files. (The Organizer is also used as part of the Create process.) Organizer Interface:
DVD Factory / Import - Video clips and imagesUse the Import tab in the Action Bar of the Media Organizer to import additional clips into the Media Organizer. Double-click a clip in the Media Organizer to display the Express Edit window and edit individual clips. Then drag into the Media Tray to assemble the clips that you would like to include on the disc.
Import options:
DVD Factory / Print - Photos and Disc LabelsUse the Print tab in the Action bar of the Media Organizer to print individual photos or disc labels.
Print options:
DVD Factory / Copy - To Portable Device, Disc to DiscUse the Copy tab in the Action Bar of the Media Organizer to copy video and audio files from the Media Organizer to a portable player or external data storage device, or to duplicate an existing disc directly for backup or sharing. To allow playback on DVD players, the copy can transcode DVD-VR as DVD-Video.
Copy options:
DVD Factory / Share - Individual ClipsUse the Share tab in the Action Bar of the Media Organizer to export individual clips while viewing files in the Media Organizer. Upload online, send as e-mail attachment, or save as a video file.
Share options:
DVD Factory / Create - Video, Audio, Backup DiscsUse the Create tab in the Action Bar of the Media Organizer to actually create a Video, Backup, or Audio disc.
Create options:
Create / Backup Disc - Data filesUse the Create > Backup Disc option to burn files to data discs. Switch the view from the Media Organizer to the File Explorer to see all file types.
Backup disc formats:
Create / Audio Disc - Audio CDs or MP3 DiscsUse the Create > Audio Disc option to burn music files to audio discs, in standard Audio CD or MP3 disc formats. Audio CD - Standard Compact Disc-Digital Audio (CD-DA) format:
MP3 Disc - Play on computer, CD player that supports MP3 playback:
Create / Video Disc - with MenuFInally, use the Create > Video Disc option to actually author and burn DVD and Blu-ray video discs. This moves you step by step though the disc creation sub-process by clicking on the tabs on the bottom right of the screen: First choose the disc type and format, then edit the menu, and finally burn your disc. (Unlike VIdeoStudio Express, there's no intermediate step to select the clips to use on the disc back in the Media Organizer). Create Video Disc steps:
Create Video Disc StepBegin creating your video disc by selecting the disc type (DVD, Blu-ray) and format for that type. Select Go to menu editing to edit the menu style and design.
Create options:
Menu Edit StepEdit and customize your disc menu design. Use the Preview button to preview the playback of your disc, including the look and menu interaction. Click Add more media to step back to the Organizer for additional clips. When done, select Burn to burn the final disc.
View options (top right)
Tool buttons (top center)
Tabs (bottom)
Settings (slide-out, right side)
Burn Video Disc StepBurn your authored project to disc, using your DVD or Blu-ray writer hardware. DVD Factory does not provide the option to write a disc image to hard disk to check out your project before having to burn it to a physical disc. DVD MovieFactory 7 SE - Advanced Burning and Disc AuthoringCorel DVD MovieFactory 7 SE was a late addition to the Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 product, and so is downloaded separately and not as tightly integrated with the other applications. It offers a three-step authoring interface: Add Media, Menu & Preview, and Output. Compared to the simpler DVD Factory, the Add Media Step in DVD MovieFactory has options to import from existing discs, create slideshows, join and separate and multi-trim video clips, and edit subtitles. The Menu & Preview step has options for editing main and chapter menus, menu backgrounds, layout, transitions, text, and graphics. The Output step has options for burning multiple copies to disc, and for writing the DVD/Blu-ray folders to hard disk and creating a disc image. (Unfortunately, it appears that licensing issues prevent DVD player software like WinDVD from playing Blu-ray folders from hard disk, so you can experiment instead by burning to re-recordable BD-RE discs.) However, DVD Factory actually offers more sophisticated BD-J menus for Blu-ray discs than the SE version of DVD MovieFactory, with pop-up menus appearing over live video, instead of stopping video playback and jumping to a separate menu screen as with DVD. Corel ApplicationsEnthusiast / Advanced Editing
Consumer Editing and Media
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Corel VideoStudio Pro X3
Import options
Share options
Print options
Create options
Import options
Print options
Copy options
Share options
Create options
