Just got version 8 bundled with hardware, and...

Chris Harvey · Post by **Chris Harvey** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 1:17 pm

... I'm enjoying putting it through its paces. I normally use Pinnacle Studio 9, but thought I'd install an give VS8 a try as I got it free bundled with hardware.

Particularly like some of the effects filters that can be achieved; a feature that IS lacking in PS9, but is it at all possible to customise and save your own settings/effects at all? Same with overlays and frames, etc. I have tried copying but it doesn't seem to work. Also, do Ulead to any packs of extra filters/frames etc for purchase.

The only thing so far I miss is TWO-track video that I do have in PS9. This isn't a problem at all for my animation projects, but is a godsend for live action (I don't know if VS10 has the two track feature) where it makes inserts a lot easier.

Overall though, a nice product, with some great features and effects! I shall enjoy playing around with it some more!!

Chris

P.S. I'm new here, so "hello" to you all!

Post by **Ron P.** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 1:59 pm

Hi Chris, welcome to the forums..

First there have been several people that have migrated from Pinnacle Studio to Ulead VS. VS8 is known as being real buggy, but several people use it successfully. I'm not sure of what you are not able to do with your SE version. I still have VS8 just for reference purposes installed. VS8 does have 2 video tracks, 1-Main, and 1-Overlay. You can place video and images in either track.

Ulead's video editing software uses a proprietary image format (UFO) for the DVD menus, however you can create masks with any image editor, that can save to the popular formats such as PNG, TGA, GIF, JPEG, BMP. VS does not allow saving your customized effects (transitions). You can however use most all Photoshop compatible plug-ins with VS.

Now as for VS10, it does have 2 video tracks, much like the predecessors. However VS10 Plus provides 6 overlay tracks for a total of 7 video/image tracks. With your VS8SE version you should qualify for the upgrade pricing to VS10 +.

There are some filter packages that can be purchased via Ulead's website
http://www.ulead.com/products/partner.htm

Then be sure to check out the rest of this Web Board. There is a tremendous amount of information, resources, and help. For example Steve Jones (sjj1805) has created and written numerous tutorials found in the Ulead Products Tutorial Sections
Ulead Products General Information, includes free stuff to use with Ulead products.
Video Products Tutorials, self explanatory...

There are forums for DVD authoring, and Image products, and combinations.

Hope that helps and gets you rolling with VS...

Chris Harvey · Post by **Chris Harvey** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 5:34 pm

Thanks Ron!

There seems quite a wealth of stuff on those pages! To get started, I've already downloaded the Creativity Fun Packs, and since posting, I've already learned quite a bit more about VS (the principles of non-linear editing are more or less the same whatever software you use, but it takes a while to get familiar with the quirks of each different piece of software, of course, because the layout and tools can be quite different).

So you reckon it's well worth the upgrade to VS10 then?

No doubt I'll have one or two more questions if I get "stuck", but thanks again and glad to be on board!!

(Just been having a play, and I think the LIGHTNING filter effect is awesome, epecially when fine-tuned with key framing! Any similar effects available that you know of, either free or for purchase? (I'm currently working on a SciFi type animated movie and access to such effects would be absolutely fantastic!!)

Thanks again,

Chris