Corel VideoStudio Pro X2

With the release of the $99.99 (direct) Corel VideoStudio Pro X2, this consumer-level video-editing program has matured into a highly likeable and usable program. The software offers a good range of editing capabilities and output options. On their own, the newly enlarged effect-configuration windows and the ability to toggle effects on and off (which aids previewing) are worth the price of the upgrade. But beyond these two worthwhile updates, the software is a very solid choice for DV, HDV, or AVCHD editing. It's especially good for users editing HD video on slower computers, where VideoStudio's proxy editing feature really shines.

When you open the program, the VideoStudio Launcher splash screen presents three choices: VideoStudio Editor, Movie Wizard, and DV-to-DVD Wizard. The overall interface is structurally similar to that of the last version, but the background has changed to slate gray, which is more attractive and easier on the eyes. As before, you can choose between four different layouts, and you can modify whichever you settle on by resizing each of its three main areas.

In VideoStudio Editor, you direct workflow via seven tabs arrayed across the top of the interface in an order that reflects the general flow of the editing process: Capture, Edit, Effect, Overlay, Title, Audio, and Share. It's a very intuitive approach that walks you through your project. I'm also happy to see that the preview pane is large.

On the other hand, Corel could do more to help users choose the optimal project preset, the way the new project wizard does in Sony Vegas Movie Studio 9 Platinum Pro Pack. If you venture into the VideoStudio Project Properties dialog (File | Project Properties), you'll see two choices—Microsoft AVI and MPEG—but nothing tells you which is best for an AVCHD project or a QuickTime import from a digital camera. And once you choose a DV project, you then have to choose between type 1 and type 2 DV. It's a distinction I've long since forgotten, and I do this for a living—I'm sure few readers remember, (www.pcmag.com)