Have Pinnacle finally produced a version of studio that actually does what it is supposed to do? But first a word of caution for anyone buying this pack. The included extra content CD, Hollywood FX vol.1 needs to have a small software patch downloaded from the Pinnacle website before you can install it. I only found this out by accident as I knew there was an upgrade to version 10.7 and discovered the download for the CD at the same time. This is not explained in any of the installation instructions.
Like many existing Pinnacle users I have put up with frequent crashes and other problems with earlier versions but as I like the programme so much I have persevered.
When this new version came out I thought I would give it one more go to see if they have finally got it right. First, I did a complete re-install of Windows XP so I had no possiblity of any previous Studio problems hanging around. I am using a Pentium 4 3.4GHZ processor with 2 gig of RAM with a separate hard drive for video capture.
The software installed fine and after downloading the FX patch the extra content went in, again no problem. On using the programme, I captured around 50 mins of widescreen footage and edited this to include stills, transitions, music and titles and I didn't have one crash. This extended to adding menus and compiling a DVD which rendered and burned again with no problems at all. The extras allow you to add all sorts of effects and transitions and there is even now an option to use keyframes to further enhance your production. If Studio continues to behave in this way, I will be more than pleased and the long wait for a Studio version that works properly would seem to be over. Just remember to download the 10.7 update and I look forward to seeing other comments on this new edition.