14 DAY TRIAL // Video processing software is usually overly complex and requires a lot of training to be able to produce high-quality results. However, there are some developers out there trying to come up with intuitive tools that deliver the same level of quality.
CyberLink released the 13th edition of PowerDirector today, a comprehensive video editor that lets users put together media files to create movies or slideshows, make adjustments to suit their preferences, and generate video clips in a wide range of file types. It is equipped with two different editing modes to accommodate first-time and advanced users alike.
License type, installation, interface
The trial edition can be tested for a maximum period of 30 days. Some features are locked during this period, however. For example, the SmartSound library is not included, the template pack is limited, and the CyberLink WaveEditor tool is not included. Those who want to continue using PowerDirector past the 30 days and lift all these restrictions may purchase the full package for $82.64 / €74.37 (excluding VAT). For a limited period of time, users can get a 10% discount via Softpedia.
The installation procedure is a lengthy task. Apart from the fact that QuickTime is required for PowerDirector to fully function, there are no other noteworthy customization options available.
Once launched, the tool shows a welcome screen and invites users to look into the full-featured editor, easy mode, or slideshow creator, as well as to set the preferred video aspect ratio. Its interface is professional-looking and attractive, adopting a dark and blue theme.
The easy video editing mode and slideshow creator
The easy editing mode consists of a simple wizard that firstly requires users to import photos and videos from file or directory. CyberLink PowerDirector offers support for a wide array of video and image formats, including MPG, AVI, WMV, MOV, VOB, ASF, BMP, JPG, and GIF, along with PowerPoint presentations (PPT and PPTX files). In the next stages it is possible to select the style to apply to the movie/slidehsow (additional templates are available online), select music to add to the video (WAV, MP3, WMA, OGG, or M4A files), and adjust the audio level, as well as to leave the movie's original duration or shorten it.
When cutting the clips, the software application takes into account default criteria that can be adjusted when it comes to scenes with zoom and pan, people, people speaking, and moving objects, together with scene duration. Before producing the new movie or slideshow, CyberLink PowerDirector lets users preview it within the wizard, seek a position in the stream, take snapshots, enable 3D mode, as well as go back to the previous steps to correct any mistakes. The new video can be saved to file with popular formats like AVI, MPEG-2, Windows Media, and QuickTime (HD videos are supported too). It is also possible to burn it to disc and upload it online, create 3D movies, and prepare media for playback on popular devices designed by Apple, Sony, Microsoft, and other manufacturers, as well as for online publishing on websites like Facebook, YouTube, and Vimeo.
The slideshow creator is similar to the easy editing mode. Images can be opened from files or folders, a slideshow style and background music can be applied, the audio track can be trimmed and accompanied by fade effects, and the slideshow can be examined in its full form before producing a video, burning it to disc, or entering advanced editing mode.
The full-featured video editing mode
Users with minimal experience in video editing software are likely to feel overwhelmed by CyberLink PowerDirector's full-featured mode. Unlike the easy mode, which is wrapped in a step-by-step wizard, this one shows a full-screen window with multiple panes and buttons.
Several examples with images and videos are available to help users get a taste of the application's capabilities, while new media files can be imported at any time. Aside from local files, CyberLink can fetch supported media from the CyberLink Cloud, sound clips from DirectorZone, and photos from Flickr. They can be previewed on the right side of the workspace, which shows the same options as in the easy video editing mode. Apart from media content, the utility has preset color boards and backgrounds.
The application offers support for plugins. For example, the multicam designer lets users import, synchronize, and edit footage captured from 4 different camera angles (shot at the same time), select scenes and leave out the unwanted ones, as well as add background music and preview the project before putting together a music video.
The theme designer is similar to the multicam designer. However, it also allows users to edit themes and style templates. It can produce 3D media from personal photos and videos, apply effects, change the background music, add captions, arrange the timeline, and so on.
The bottom part of the frame holds a timeline that can be easily populated with media files by just dragging and dropping them, and their position can be adjusted to fit the movie (can be swapped for storyboard mode). There is a large collection of effects available in regard to image filters, objects, particles, titles, and transitions applicable to the movie. In addition, the audio tracks can be mixed, while voice narration can be recorded. Users may also insert chapters at specific positions in the movie to better organize it, along with subtitles.
The project can be saved to file, uploaded to the CyberLink Cloud to access it from any location, and resumed at a later time. The tool also integrates a feature for producing multiple movies in batch mode. Keyboard shortcuts are supported for most important commands and they can be customized.
As previously mentioned, the software utility is capable of producing movies in various formats. They can be standard 2D (e.g. AVI, MPEG-2, QuickTime, WMA, WAV) or 3D (Windows Media, MPEG-2, QuickTime, H.264 AVC), made compatible with mobile devices and tables (e.g. BlackBerry, Windows Phone), as well as prepared for online publishing (e.g. Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo). What's more, users can burn media content to a 2D and 3D disc, such as DVDs and Blu-rays.
Program preferences
CyberLink PowerDirector features advanced configuration settings that can be customized. For example, it is possible to select the audio channel mode, timeline frame rate, drop frame timecode, sound waveform display in timeline, and HD video processing mode. Users may also disable confirmation dialogs, select the default transition behavior and workspace, durations (e.g. image files, title, effect, subtitle), display grid lines, enable dual preview mode, disable hardware decoding, and so on.
The Good
It features an easy editing mode and simple slideshow creator for novices who don't want to go through the trouble of learning all its options and configuration settings. On the other hand, advanced users can take them for a spin in the full-featured editing mode.
Notable features include the possibility to capture media from discs, download it from online locations, or import it from the local disk, create customized transition effects and themes, put together videos from multiple camera angles, apply background music and mix audio, insert voice narration, chapters, and subtitles, as well as to burn media to disc (including DVD and Blu-ray).
The list of supported output profiles is extensive and includes 3D media, online content, and media devices. Plus, copies can be uploaded from CyberLink Cloud for easy access from any part of the world or sharing with friends.
Help documentation and video tutorials are available.
The Bad
Most inexperienced users are likely to get overwhelmed by the full editor with an intricate layout and options available via buttons and menus.
