Best Video Editing software for consumers: Pinnacle Studio 12

The consumer video editing software Pinnacle Studio Version 12 has been chosen by Videomaker Magazine’s prestigious 2008 Product of the Year Award. Videomaker, the industry’s leading publication for videographers and video enthusiasts, will feature Pinnacle Studio as “The Best Introductory Editing Software” in its February 2009 issue.

In addition to Pinnacle Studio, the basic version, the product family includes Pinnacle Studio Plus and Pinnacle Studio Ultimate software with more advanced audio and video tools, including a complete HD workflow.

Videomaker’s managing editor, Jennifer O’Rourke, who was on the team of editors who chose Pinnacle Studio as “The Best Introductory Editing Software,” described her selection approach:

“My ‘process’ was going into it as if I knew nothing about non-linear editing to see how intuitive and easy it really was.”

In a recent review of Pinnacle Studio Ultimate version 12, O’Rourke praised the software for “Marrying Ease and Fun Together,” and added that Pinnacle Studio “has lots of features that give you a big-time editor’s look and feel, using templates and presets that add filters and effects without your having to do the math – good for beginners.”

With Pinnacle Studio, the video editing experience begins with the ability to directly import digital videos, photos, and audio from a wide range of devices including DV, HDV and AVCHD camcorders, and digital still cameras. The recent release of Pinnacle Studio version 12.1 update adds support for QuickTime® .mov import and export.

In addition to including customizable tools that appeal to experienced video enthusiasts, the software offers unique, theme-based editing with Pinnacle Montage for video editing beginners and people who don’t have time to edit. This feature enables users to mix their favorite photos, video clips and music and then enjoy working with up to 18* video tracks to bring them to life. More than 80 templates are included for automatically generating multi-layered effects, animated graphics and great titles.

With the advanced, built-in disc burning capabilities included in Pinnacle Studio Plus and Pinnacle Studio Ultimate, users can archive their videos on DVD, HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs or make AVCHD format discs on standard DVDs that will play on Blu-ray players and many older players. Videos can also be uploaded directly to web-sharing sites like YouTube or loaded into Sony PSP, Apple iPod, DivX-certified players and 3GP cell phones.

Designed for Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista systems, the Pinnacle Studio Version 12 family includes Pinnacle Studio, as well as Pinnacle Studio Plus and Pinnacle Studio Ultimate software with full HD support. Pricing is at $49.99, $99.99 and $129.99, respectively.