Why should I upgrade from v.9

[tomstout]

What are the changes between version 9 and 10?
If I do no HD or surround sound work is it worth the upgrade?
If I get a boxed upgrade and my computer "goes belly" up can I re-install video studio from scratch using the "boxed upgrade"?

[TDK1044]

There really is little point in upgrading from VS9 to VS10. Upgrading from VS9 to VS10 plus would be worthwhile, but if you're not going to use the features offerd by VS10 plus then in your case, stay with VS9.

[michaeltee]

There really is little point in upgrading from VS9 to VS10. Upgrading from VS9 to VS10 plus would be worthwhile, but if you're not going to use the features offerd by VS10 plus then in your case, stay with VS9.

Hi tomstout,

I'd tend to agree with TDK1044 if you would be using only the basic editing functions but in my opinion VS10+ offers some worthwhile improvements and new features beyond 5.1 and HD. If nothing else I would recommend you visit these links before making a decision...

VS9 versus VS10 / VS10+ Comparison Link:
http://www.ulead.com/vs/compare2.htm

VS10+ Full Features List (PDF) Link:
http://www.ulead.com/vs/UVS10_Plus_FB_03_30_06.pdf

With regard to re-installing VS10+ upgrade from scratch, I wouldn't anticipate any problems. The upgrade does not require that you have a previous version such as VS9 currently installed. Instead it asks you to enter the serial number from your PREVIOUS qualified version and then the NEW serial number from your VS10+ upgrade. As long as you have both serial numbers you should be able to re-install the VS10+upgrade whenever necessary.

That said, the VS10+ "readme" does state that certain settings from VS9 (some codecs and fonts) may be automatically carried over to your VS10+ installation if VS9 remains on your computer until the VS10+ installation is complete.

Another reason to keep VS9 temporarily installed is to extract whatever content (menu templates, thumbnail frames, audio and video clips, etc.) Ulead didn't include with VS10+. All of this can be fully integrated with VS10+.

There are a number of postings and (if I'm not mistaken) a tutorial on how to do this here in the VideoStudio discussion board. Once done, you can copy and save your revised content directories to be used with a future re-installation of VS10+.

[PhilW]

Jumping in here (might help you decide whether to upgrade) I'm considering the upgrade for a few reasons.

There are some good new features beyond the basic ones that I think I'll use (Ulead team smile) and since installing Ulead 9 it has kept freezing on me (Ulead team frown). Here's one example - simple production of about 20 digital photos with a narration or audio track on top and it keeps freezing while working on it. In the end I used Microsoft's Photo Story 3 to produce the slideshow! No bugs, glitches or freezing.

Found VS8 to be very reliable (switched from Pinnacle Studio) but VS9 has proven unreliable. To be fair I've been too busy to try many things with it but given it fails on a simple task I've shied away from it. So I'm about to try VS10 to see if it delivers what it promises and some much hoped for stability... I'll let you know.

Phil

p.s.

What does the boxed version offer above the download? A physical disk of course, I'm guessing a manual too but can anyone confirm this?

[ashmont]

I upgraded from version 8 and I'm definitely pleased that I did. One of the best things I noticed is that smart-render now works without causing video/audio sync problems or those annoying "shudders" on the video where transitions are patched in.
If VideoStudio is your primary DVD Authoring tool you get a lot of new functionality with VS 10. I think its pretty much all that you get with Movie Factory 5 ie smart scene menus, menu transitions, movable/resizable links etc. Finally you get six overlay tracks which means you can do some really powerful things.
The interface is an improvement on VS8 especially the multi-trim but it might be the same as VS9.
The best thing is to download the free trial and give it a whirl.

[Ron P.]

For the average user that does not and does not intend on spending $$$$ on HD TVs, HD/DVD Players, selling DVD's or in business then the reasons to upgrade are:

1. Multi Video Overlay Tracks. With VS10 + you get 6 overlay, a total of 7 video tracks counting the main video track. VS 10 just the usual 1 overlay.
2. Dolby Digital 2.0 & Surround 5.1 audio
3. MPEG4, for the Ipods, PDA, Playstations, Pocket PC's etc...
4. MCE, and 64 bit OS support.
5. Greater Flexibilty with the DVD Menus, ie; Smartscene and Text only.
6. Subtitles

In my opinion those are what most consumers, not prosumers will be attracted to. I started with VS5, however skipped 6 & 7, (done a pinnacle thing ) then jumped back in with VS8. I think Ulead got back into the market with this version.

Ron P.