MS Pro 8 Upgrade

[Gra]

Hi Guys

Sorry to trouble you but I have a quick couple of questions and I need to make quick decisions. I'm using MSP 7 and I'm thinking of moving up to V8.

Can anyone tell me what's the difference between the download version and the box version (apart from one has a disk and goes by snailmail)?

Also does version 8 include updates for Video paint, etc or is it just MSP itself that has been updated [I've just seen that Video Paint's upgrade is sold separately - but where? On the UK site it doesn't figure on the list of products, or am I being particularly dumb?]

And the $64million question; is it worth the upgrade or is it still experiencing any teething problems (if its layout is more user visually friendly that would be great )?

Any advice would be gratefully recieved.

Regards.
Gra

[tv_news_guy]

Yes and yes. Imho it is well worth the money to upgrade to 8.0. You can now use any video layer for overlayes etc. Also I believe the number of possible video layers has increased to 99. I use a number of different programs here and at work... and I really like what ULEAD has done. 8.0 also includes a "compositor". Multi layer editing made easy.. well, maybe not easy but more structured. And with the release of the new compositor designer, (free to 8.0 users) we can make and share these cool additions.
Note however that ULEAD has pulled CG Infinity out of 8.0. You already have it in 7.0... and unless you want to buy the 8.0 CG Infinity.. (not worth it) save the 7.0 on your system and use the CG Infinity you already have. One more note... 8.0 works great with HD. I am editing a lot in 1080i...and it works like a champ. 7.0 always had some quirks in that regard. One more more note.. Moviefactory 4.? is included with 8.0.
Thats all I can think of off the top of my head.
Have Fun

Bill tv_news_guy

[troppo]

Yes, do the upgrade. Smart compositer is wicked, and so is the auto music thingy. The layout is much more up to date and user friendly.
I have both installed on my HDD at the moment, but as yet, i haven't needed to load up v.7 very happy with v.8
I haven't noticed any stability issues yet, in fact the capture app seems much more stable than my old v.7.3 app.
Cheers,

[Helge]

You can see yourself with the full functional but time limited try out version. I think its worth the money. I like especially the the much improved user interface, like:

• tabbed preview / source window, which are automatically selected

• no more windows are standing in the way, when you drag a movie from source to timeline

• the wheel for positioning

One difference between download an boxed version: with box you get a printed manual.

[Gra]

Thank you all for your advice and I'm about to upgrade. It sounds a good (and fun) move forward.

Thanks again.
Gra

[Greg]

Enjoy the upgrade, I don't think you will be dissappointed. A word of advice though, finish your current projects in v7, don't try to continue in v8, start only new ones in 8. Also keep 7, then you still have the functionality of CG and VP.(even if you don't use them much, it's always nice to know you have them).

Regards,
Greg

[Gra]

Thank you all again.

I've followed your advice and upgraded now but before downloading I followed Greg's advice and finished my last project in MSP 7. I've now had a play around with MSP 8 and I'm looking forward to really working with it. I'm pleasantly surprised that it's layout has a more user friendly feel but not so different to MSP 7 in practical reality (no doubt there's going to be a few issues along the way - but so far, so good).

Shame they didn't include CGI and VideoPaint, but it's not so massive a deal under the circs to work with V.7 or upgrade separately (as I've just done).

Regards all and thanks again.
Gra

[Ron P.]

Hi,
I've given in to temptation and d/l the trial version of MSP8, and Video Graphics Lab.
I love the layout, and tracks as far as I can see.... However when I try the Smart Compositor MSP crashes. So I haven't been able to see how that works.

As I only have VS9 DVDMF4 and MSP 7 VE, I don't have CG Infinity and Video Paint. I have had a quick look at VGL, and I think I know what it can do. What I'm interested in, is being able to create animated backgrounds. Is VGL the one for this, or would I be wasting my money?

I'm not a professional, however have been slowly building up software and such, so that I might make some money on the side doing DVD's for local people.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated, especially on the Smart Compositor issue..

Thanks

Ron P.

[Gra]

Hi Ron

I've only had a cursory glance at Smart Compositor (as I've only had the upgrade a couple of hours) and it would probably be useful if you want some opening credits in a hurray (I quite enjoy making up my own).

I've only recently been playing with VideoPaint & CG Infinity (the last versions). I have been able to do some nifty animations quite quickly (once I got the hang of things). Now my effects are getting more complex and realistic. One of the aims of VideoPaint is to create background sets so it should help with what I think you're trying to do. You can acheive quite a lot using the macro tool.

I've just downloaded the new VGL that was on offer with the MSP 8 upgrade so I can't answer for that yet (for a couple of hours anyway) but I feel it should be a good step forward from what I've seen. If you haven't already, you may want to click onto the VGL manual at http://www.ulead.co.uk/vgl/documents.htm.

Another tool that you may want to download the trial version to play with is Cool 3D. I've been playing with an old trial version and I've had some good effects and animations, so I'll be upgrading to that as well soon.

hope this helps.

Regards.
Gra

[Ron P.]

Hi Gra,

Thanks for the reply. I have been reading the manuals for all them. I guess not knowing where to start with Video Paint or CG Infinity to produce an animated background. I'll keep playing and trying to see what happens.

As for Cool 3D, I have been using Cool 3D Production Studio for a couple of years, and really like it. I have used it to create my animated backgrounds, titles, bumpers and wipes.

Thanks again..

Ron P.

[tv_news_guy]

Hiya Vidoman,

While not as astute as many of the wiser heads here.. it may be (based on the amount of posts regarding a similar problem) that your MSP 8 trial is having problems playing nice with the previous versions left in your system. Look around the forum. There has been much discussion and some great hints for working around this problem. Renaming the old file folders seems to be the winner here. Anyways.. I was one of the lucky ones, and so far, havent had any conflicts. So this is just a guess.

Hope it helps

Bill tv_news_guy

Non-linear editing is half art/half brain damage

[Ron P.]

Hi Bill,

Since this is just the TBYB version, I decided to reinstall it. I had it installed to a specific folder (Trial Ulead) instead of allowing it to install to the default Ulead Systems. Upon reinstalling I went with the defaults, and now Smart Compositor seems to work. However the sample mpg, and audio files will not load, (no biggy, I use my own anyway..)

Also a bit off this topic, but thanks for your multiple track explanation http://phpbb.ulead.com.tw/EN/viewtopic.php?t=11481. I have been curious for some time about how and why would one need so many, and now I a realize and know..

Now the tough part comes...convincing my wife & (self) to spend the money for another toy...

[tv_news_guy]

Vidoman,

Thanks for the nice words. Glad to be some small help here. On the same (off topic) topic... I use a lot more than just one or two tracks in my regular editing..by that, I mean, not news stuff.
I like to be able to move stuff around a lot. and if i keep about six layers going.. alternating video between tracks in groups... it allows me to move stuff and see the results without stepping on another section of the project. This way if there is a problem.. it needs only to be fixed in one area.. (proably two layers) and not worry that I have moved something else I didnt notice.

I guess when I am doing "create it myself kinda video" I picture what I am doing in chunks.. and that's the way I lay it out on the timeline.

Just another thought
Best regards
Bill tv_news_guy

Non-linear editing is half art/half brain damage