Friday, October 2, 2009

Video to DVD Transfer - Pinnacle Studio 14 Ultimate Collection

Pinnacle Studio 14 Ultimate Collection

Pinnacle Studio 14 was just released, and we've been using it (we have the Ultimate Collection version). The install process is much easier than previous Pinnacle Studio editions--in fact, almost every plugin and add-on that we had purchased and installed in Studio 12 was automatically unlocked in Studio 14 after the update. We're still having trouble with the Adorage video plugin and the Adorage transitions (Studio 14 accepts the keys and installs them, yet there is still a watermark on both of them). We're working with customer service to get it worked out.

For video to dvd transfer, there are a multitude of options for importing and working with video. You can import from DV, HDV, Digital8, and VCR using a firewire cable. You can also import from 8mm, Hi8, VHS, SVHS, VHS-C, or VCR using analog capture hardware. This analog footage will be converted to a digital file. You can also import from AVCHD, camcorders, digital cameras, mobile devices and webcams using the USB cable.

Also for video to dvd transfer, you can output your files into the following before burning to DVD: DV, HDV, Digital8 tape, analog videotape and you can also choose from the following export formats: AVCHD, BD, Blu-ray. HD-DVD, DVD (DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD dual layer), S-VCD, VCD, iPod, PSP, PS3, Wii, Xbox, DV, HDV, AVI, DivX, RealVideo, WMV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, Adobe Flash, 3GP, WAV, MP3, and Quicktime.

This new version allows adding motion to titles, new DVD templates (both static and motion menus), and 80 Montage theme templates. It allows for stop motion capture to make your video into an animation. Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound is included. You can also share you video straight to Youtube from within the program.

One big disappointment is that there are no new transitions included. One would think after so many new versions that past few years that new transitions would be a priority.

In Studio 14 you can still work in both the timeline mode and storyboard mode. Working in storyboard mode makes it easy to add all of your transitions and video effects, and then you can switch to timeline mode to add your titles, music, voiceovers, etc.

Overall Studio 14 has been very stable in video to dvd projects we have completed. We recommend turning off the background rendering if you are going to be making many changes in your project--sometimes when background rendering is on, when making an output file not all changes carry over to the output file. We also recommend, after completing your project, to restart your computer before making your output file.

Studio 14 does allow the use of previously purchased plugins such as Adorage, Heroglyph, Vitascene, borisFX, magic bullet, etc. but it does not allow for the use of soundsoap or smartsound (disappointing).

Some Studio 14 users have reported that when running Studio 14 and checking the task manager, they find that their stays at 100%. We have not found this at all--in fact, we have found that with a dual core processor Studio 14 is much less of a memory hog.

The online manual for this version of Pinnacle Studio 14 is very well done. We suggest opening Studio 14 and following along in the manual by actually trying each thing listed while reading the manual. This will get you very familiar with the program quickly.

The appearance of the program is much more professional looking--nice grays and blacks. Makes it much easier on the eyes when doing lots of video editing.

Overall, we like the upgrade. If you're worried about taking the plunge it may be prudent to wait until the first service pack is added (this usually happens 2-3 months after a new version is released).

One last note: it always seems that people that have the most problems with Pinnacle Studio are the ones which barely meet the CPU/hardware requirements. Note that the minimum requirements Pinnacle suggests are not really the requirements that will help you work easily in Studio 14. If you do not have a dedicated video card (256) or higher, you will have problems. If you have an integrated video card, don't waste your time.

11 comments:

Evert said...

I have asked Pinnacle support how to install Adorage Effects vol. 7 into Studio 14 and they told me this is not possible because Studio 14 does not support third parties plug ins.
I wished they told me that before I purchased the Sudio 14 upgrade

Chuck McNevich said...

We were able to install Adorage transitions and the Adorage video plugin from our original install discs from Studio 10. You might try putting whichever DVD includes Adorage Effects vol. 7 into your drive, select "explore" from the drive menu, then look on the disc for an Adorage installer. We found the Adorage installer in the third party folder of our Studio 10 bonus disc. Hope this helps.

Evert said...

Dear CJM.Indeed it helps!!!! Thanks to your information I succeeded in installing the Adorage effects from the Studio 10 bonus dvd. After that I installed the Adorage Effects volume 7, and it all works great now.
So the answer from Pinnacle Support is wrong !!!!!!!!!
Many, many thanks. You maked me very happy

Chuck McNevich said...

If you have further questions, try the pinnacle forums (go to the pinnacle website, click on support, then choose forums). Most of us on there are personal users and we have found lots of workarounds through trial and error.

Glad your problem is solved. Happy editing.

Anonymous said...

"the minimum requirements Pinnacle suggests are not really the requirements that will help you work easily in Studio 14"
please explain what is really necessary...

Chuck McNevich said...

For Studio 14 I would recommend:

--at LEAST a core duo chip
--at LEAST 3GB RAM
--128MB (minimum) or 256MB (much better) dedicated video card
--500GB (or more) external hard drive for storing completed projects and getting them off of your computer's hard drive

If you read through the forums at Pinnacle, you will see that a majority of the people that are having problems with the program meet the minimum requirements recommended by Pinnacle. If you follow the requirements above, you will have a much better experience.

Anonymous said...

ola amigos estou precisando de ajuda com o studio 14.te nho instalado os adorage do vol 1 ao 9 e funcionam perfeitamente,mais quando eu instalo o vol 10 continua com a interface antiga.E pra piorar quando eu tento visualizar os efeitos deste vol a tela preview mostra somente uma tela verde.SerĂ¡ que tenho que instalar algum service pack ou plugin para resolver este problema?por favor me ajudem....
windows 7-64 bits,4 Gb,GMA4500 hd

scubadiver said...

Has anyone tried to burn dual layer discs with Studio 14? I have tried everything both Pinnacle technical help and I can think of to no avail. Studio 11 burns with no problem, so it is not my kit. It has cost 30 discs up till now. If anyone has cracked this, I would appreciate some advice.

Chuck McNevich said...

We haven't had luck either. Our advice is to use "make movie" to make your movie file, then try a separate dvd burning program to burn to a dual layer disc. We have yet to get a good dvd dual layer disc from inside Studio's burning software.

Anonymous said...

I've been having real trouble getting answers for this:

1. Does Studio 14 support multithreading?

2. Will studio 14 allow me to use my 8GB of RAM?

Chuck McNevich said...

Not to my knowledge, although there's talk of a new version coming out soon and I would anticipate that it may do both.