by Jan Ozer

Although in the past Pinnacle Studio could claim the cleanest, most logical interface for a consumer-level video editor, instability undercut its bragging rights. That’s not so any longer. Purchase Pinnacle Studio Ultimate 11 ($129.99 direct) and not only will you find a stable, mature program, but you’ll discover a product with several breakout features.

In addition to trying Studio Ultimate 11 on my clean test system, I ran it on three pathetically cluttered real-world computers I use for a multitude of video-related projects. The systems have a number of consumer and prosumer programs for audio production, video editing and authoring, still-image editing, screen capture, and more. When I reviewed Pinnacle Studio Plus 10, it had problems loading and running on such systems. This time, though, in rendering my 12-minute test video at least twice on several computers, the product never crashed.

Though I can’t guarantee that the program will run successfully on your computer, I can say without question that it’s the most stable version I’ve ever seen, and, in that respect, comparable with if not better than other video editors I’ve tested. This is a huge step forward for Pinnacle in terms of stability.

Unfortunately, beyond some interface tweaks, the program feels like it’s been cryogenically frozen in time since about version 9. It retains basically the same interface and workflow paradigm, title templates and design tool, DVD menus, transitions, and other content. The lack of evolution in the interface has somewhat weakened what was once a key strength of the suite.

New Additions
On the other hand, Pinnacle has added several critical third-party programs. StageTools’ MovingPicture pan-and-zoom feature can accept input of up to 8,000 by 8,000 pixels; lets you precisely control motion acceleration, color, brightness, and contrast; and gives you the ability to insert motion blur into moving images. Without question, it’s the most competent pan-and-zoom tool available in any editor, professional or consumer.

Pinnacle also now includes a limited edition of BIAS SoundSoap—a great noise-removal tool. The interface is a bit funky and underdocumented, but if you play with its buttons and dials for a bit, you’ll learn to remove hum and other consistent background noise from your audio files.

The third major addition, Vitascene from Prodad, contributes a range of high-quality, key-frameable effects, such as the sparkle effect you’ll see in the slide show, a binocular mask, a soft white vignette, and highly configurable old-film looks. No other editor offers anything like it. The effects pack retails for close to $400, and the version in Studio Ultimate 11 seems to have most of the cooler elements. I’m not one to overuse special effects, but having just the right one at the perfect time in the production can be totally killer.

The transitions and titles that Pinnacle bundles with the suite are long in the tooth, but the company offers many theme-specific extras for as little as $9.99. I’d rather they were included, but when you need a special menu, title, or transition for that bar mitzvah or ballet recital, you have a low-cost option. Besides, Pinnacle is the only company with such an extensive library of event-specific effects, either bundled with the product or available for extra cost.

Di era perkembangan Teknologi yang dahysat, membawa kita pada kemudahan berkomunikasi, beraktifitas, bahkan memberikan hiburan yang bisa memanjakan kita, beragam informasi global disajikan dengan teknologi yang super cepat, visualisasi yang cangih, penggunaan yang makin user friendly (penggunaan yang mudah),

tapi permasalahannya, sudahkah semua itu dinikmati oleh semua kalangan ?

kenyataanya masih banyak orang – orang disekitar kita belum bisa menggunakan bahkan mengenal teknologi Informasi yang notabene sudah sangat canggihpun belum, sebagai contoh saya pernah mampir di salah satu daerah di kab. Kendal dan Kab. Wonosobo Jawa tengah yang sama sekali warganya belum tau perkembangan teknologi khususnya teknologi informasi. jangankan komputer dengan teknologi core, generrasi pentium III aja masih jarang digunakan. apalagi menggunakan acces internet kecepatan tinggi sekelas HSDPA atau wimax, sinya seluller aja masih tek dung.

yang jadi pertanyaan kapan kecanggihan teknologi informasi bisa dinikamati  semua kalangan, pelaku bisnis aja enggan menyentuh daerah – daerah pinggiran semacam itu….

bahkan pemerintahpun lamban mensosialisasikan program teknologi Informasi untuk pedesaan semacam telecenter atau PePP yang telah di luncurkan beberapa tahun lalu.

melalui tulisan ini mari kita sama-sama membangun sistem pendidikan tekhnologi informasi khususnya bagi masyarakat yang selama ini enggan di jamah pelaku bisnis teknologi informasi, agar masyarakat bangsa ini bisa melek IT, dan punya pondasi yang kokoh untuk memajukan Teknologi informasi negara ini biar sejajar dengan negara – negara lain di dunia.