Improving things in Videostudio 10...

[Reactor]

I have no idea if Ulead drop by the forums, but I thought I'd post a few things I'd like to see improved in Videostudio 10 Plus. Why? Well, so hopefully someone will take notice and make some changes That said, I've really enjoyed using the program, even though I'm used to pro video editors. It's fast, and for the most part, works solidly.

And, in case I've missed how to do something, by all means please let me know how! So, here's the list so far...

-The ability use more than one Smartsound track per video (and mix them). I realise this may not be possible, but I'd like to see it anyway.

-Better audio keyframe control
> A Larger view
> Snapping to 0db when dragging keyframes
> The ability to delete a keyframe! (It's hard to believe this option doesn't exist)
> I also don't know why I can sometimes add keyframes from the surround controls (by adjusting the volume slider) and other times not.

-The ability to disable the waveform preview... yet have a button to turn it on (on a per-clip basis- not for the whole project) if necessary. I'm editing half an hour long clips, and the waveform preview seems to take 90% of my memory. Nasty.

-Libraries which exist on a per-project basis (and are loaded in with the project). I think this is a must, because lacking it is what keeps everything Ulead produces from having great management capabilities.

-The ability to set default transitions to things other than a plain integer (frames as well please, considering you can do this in the program itself).

-A button to fill all transition places with one type of transition (so I don't have to keep double clicking to fill a whole project of clips from the multitrim)

-Being able to add names to clips in the storyboard. It's not exactly bad how it is, but when you have a lot of files to arrange, it needs to be easier to identify clips.

-As someone else already mentioned, the anti-shake filter doesn't work in most cases. It's pretty much useless.

-Keyframing of all video filters.

-Much better title controls are needed. They're workable, but compared to the video transitions, they're quite poor in comparison. You have keyframing in the video filters, why not some more control, like in Mediastudio? (especially when it comes to path movement).

-Multitrim rocks. I live the amazing control it gives, and I wish more programs had something like it. But, it needs a few more things-
> The ability to send clip edits to a selected library, and not to the timeline.
> To multitrim without having to have the clip on the timeline.
> Zooming in where the jogbar is (so I can see edits on very large video clips). This isn't a major thing, it'd just be nice.
> Putting the jog wheel in the center of the window so I don't keep running out of space when I hit the right side of the screen.
> Give us the jog slider for the main program!

-An option to paste a clip either to the next available spot on the timeline, or to a specific library. An example of this would be copying a title, which copies it to the open library, and not to the timeline.

-A different view in the library which shows clip details, such as the full name given to it (right now it only shows a small amount.


I'm sure I'll have something else later. But, I've only written these things because I like the program, and would love to see it remain as simple as it is, but even more capable in future updates or versions.

Anyone else have something to add?

[Reactor]

I now know that to adjust and add keyframes using the 5.1 volume slider, all you have to do is select the cue slider, and it'll allow you to adjust keyframes (and it will add one in if one isn't there).

Another request with that in mind...

-A button to move the cue slider to the next keyframe. (perhaps holding shift while clicking the 'next frame' button)

[Black Lab]

And all that for just $99!!! Order in the next 5 minutes and get a Ulead keychain absolutely free!!!

[Ken Berry]

Yes -- all of them are desirable, and yes, all of them exist in more expensive, more sophisticated programs. But as Black Lab has said, all of them for $99 is expecting a bit much... Why not buy Media Studio Pro instead, or Adobe Premier Pro 2.0... though I admit the latter is not an easy interface to master...

As for individual bits, you asked about "-A button to fill all transition places with one type of transition (so I don't have to keep double clicking to fill a whole project of clips from the multitrim)" -- have you looked at File > Preferences > General > Use default transition effect -- and the next line, where you can designate the default transition. Or do you mean an actual button on the interface? If so, why clutter it up?

[Reactor]

Um, it's a bit silly having the mentality that someone shouldn't expect any new features in a future version. Isn't Videostudio 10 more feature packed than version 9? Or, did Ulead add nothing to it because people had already gotten as much as they could have for $99? Of course not, that'd just be dumb. Anyway, what I asked for are improvements in the existing features of VS10, not additional features.

...have you looked at File > Preferences > General > Use default transition effect...

Yes, I use that, but that doesn't work for multi-trimmed video. And, if I shift clips around, or add in a multi-trimmed clip next to a video it erases the transition.

Or do you mean an actual button on the interface? If so, why clutter it up?

I agree, a button on the interface is a bit much, but since the shift key is used so much (snapping to edits, etc), having the ability to hold shift and double click a transition would work well enough.

Getting back to asking for features- Ulead want the best program they can have, right? Then let's all avoid the old "Whoa! No program should be that good, and yet so cheap!" rubbish. Cars cost a lot of money because the parts cost money to buy... and the process of how they receive their pricing is long and detailed. Software is pretty simple, and the long and short of it is- as long as Ulead don't go crazy, they can still pack a lot more into Videostudio, and still keep the product balanced against its competitors.

When I someone starts asking for real pro video features (like automatic project wide colour correction) get worried. When someone asks for the ability to snap to audio keyframes, relax

[Black Lab]

Um, it's a bit silly having the mentality that someone shouldn't expect any new features in a future version.

Neither Ken nor I said a new version shouldn't have any new features. Don't put words in my (our) mouth(s). Of course we expect new features, that is why we upgrade. But if I really want to upgrade I'll go to MediaStudio.

Anyway, what I asked for are improvements in the existing features of VS10, not additional features.

Whether it's improvements or new features, it's still code that has to be written, which costs time and money.

Cars cost a lot of money because the parts cost money to buy... and the process of how they receive their pricing is long and detailed. Software is pretty simple, and the long and short of it is- as long as Ulead don't go crazy, they can still pack a lot more into Videostudio, and still keep the product balanced against its competitors.

Comparing cars to software is truly like comparing apples to oranges. Well not really. At least apples and oranges are both fruit and both round. If video editing software is so simple than why hasn't anyone perfected it yet (at least at the consumer level)? And, IMHO, VideoStudio is packed with tons of features for a consumer level piece of software. As for keeping it balanced with its competitors see here http://phpbb.ulead.com.tw/EN/viewtopic.php?t=15550

If you don't like what you have in VideoStudio then by all means go find one that has all your wants and needs for $100. Oh, that's right, that piece of software doesn't exist. Must be a reason for that, huh?

[jchunter]

Reactor,
Good summary of problems. That's the only way to get Ulead to improve the product.

I am surprised that you didn't mention that the Multi-Trim operation throws out any transitions that border the video clip. I find this timewasting and a source of error bcause it un-does edits that have already been completed.

I agree that the library display should be on a per-project basis rather than global because this makes it difficult to concurrently work on distinctly different types (e.g., DV, HDV) of projects or even different subject matter. Preferences should also be per-project - if you forget to set the prefs to new values (e.g., default Field Order, working folder, etc.) you can make a lot of editing errors before you discover the mistake.

Also annoying are certain "features" that we could certainly do without, such as setting the Library display category every time you mouse on an object in the timeline. e.g., if you are currently displaying audio clips and mouse on a video clip, the library will change its display to "Video". This forces me to continually reset the library display during active editing. If there are a lot of clips in the library, the user has to also scroll the display back to its former position. Software developers often refer to "features" such as this to "self-inflicted side effects."

I have repeatedly asked Ulead to change these (and other) features ever since version 7, so don't hold your breath waiting for change. However, send your comments to Tech support. Who knows? Maybe the new owners will be more receptive.

[Bignosetw]

Thank you very much all - your comments are all useful and timely. I'm passing it on to the relevant Program Manager.

Keep the feedback coming!

Regards

Tobie Openshaw
Ulead

[sjj1805]

Ah well if Tobie is reading this then I would like to repeat my previous suggestion of a common folder for items that can be shared between Ulead products such as menus, transitions, filters, sound FX etc.

As soon as a new version comes out one of the first questions raised amongst forum members is
"How do I get my old stuff into the new."

A common folder will avoid the need for posts such as
MF5/ VS9 /VS10: Share Menus, Transitions between products

[Reactor]

I've canned my previous post (a long reply to the guy above)... because it's a waste of reply. Thanks to those who understand.

I am surprised that you didn't mention that the Multi-Trim operation throws out any transitions that border the video clip.

I think I mentioned this indirectly... thanks for bringing it up.

Preferences should also be per-project - if you forget to set the prefs to new values (e.g., default Field Order, working folder, etc.) you can make a lot of editing errors before you discover the mistake.

I agree with this, but per project settings can cause as many issues. Perhaps people could save out all of their settings, and then load them through a settings manager...?

A few other things that'd be nice,

-Sound scrubbing in the multi-trimmer. I was quite amazed to see it in VS10 (and version 6, which I had before) but it'd be even more excellent to see it in the trimmer... or even everywhere!

-Snapping to the grid when deforming an overlay.

-Clip/Project in/out duration. This would be awesome. There's already the in/out values, but how long that in/out value is would be very helpful. (and there's room in the UI for this also)
> Along with the above, the ability to enter the values into that dialogue would also be helpful (if you wanted to select a certain amount of footage after a certain time).

It's hard to think of too many more, because VS is just so well thought out in so many areas

[NoM.O]

> Putting the jog wheel in the center of the window so I don't keep running out of space when I hit the right side of the screen.

This is a must, it'd be so simple to do and would increase productivity dramatically.

Anyone else have something to add?

My 2 cents...

First, fix the crackling audio problem that crept into 10+. There are ways around it, but they shouldn't be necessary (and yes, I do notice the problem when the discs are burned, not just in VS and media players).

I'd like to see an option to expand tracks on the timeline vertically like you can with Vegas and most audio editors. I rarely use the title and microphone tracks so they're just taking up screen space, but if I could increase the width of the video track and overlay(s) they'd be a bit easier to navigate.

I'm sure I'll think of others, but you guys seem to have it pretty well covered. Good to know Ulead are actually listening.':)'


peace.

[Amalthia]

I'd like to be able to lock clips into place during editing. This is rather useful if you plan on timing your video to music. Right now I think you can do this with MSPro8...but MSPro8 doesn't have the storyboard view on the timeline....

edit: I'd also like a bigger waveform view? zooming only makes the waves flatten out...but it's still not easier to see.

[CycleWriter]

Um, it's a bit silly having the mentality that someone shouldn't expect any new features in a future version.

All I would expect is for the program to actually work without having to resort to workarounds or be subjected to a multitude of bugs. Each version adds more features and gets more complex, but many of the problems being seen by users continue without remedy. That's inexcusable. All the bells and whistles are meaningless when you can't reliably capture video or edit without crashing.

As for a feature I'd like to see, how about FINALLY adding support for dual monitors? This has been a component of the OS since Windows 95 and a feature that many users implement and other programs support, yet Ulead has chosen to ignore that reality for the last 4 major upgrades.

[Ron P.]

Ok Tobie..
I mentioned these 2 things during beta..

The ability to add transitions to the overlay tracks,
The ability to cut clips in the overlay tracks..

[blplhp]

Amalthia,

You wrote

I'd like to be able to lock clips into place during editing.

This can be done in VS10+ by enabling the Ripple Editing on the timeline. Refer to the buttons on the left side of the timeline. Once you select which tracks you want to Ripple edit, all clips on these tracks will lock in place in reference to the clips on the main video track.