VideoStudio Pro - Wishlist for Version X7

[weaver]

What I am missing from the X6 (besides the mentioned options)

1. A possibilty to save the the projects also in the MF portion. (dwz in the MF6)
2. Size and position of the video layers also in numerical formats - the grid is not accurate enough for easy and exact positioning.
3. Some kind of indicator to the time line when the video or audio signal is corrupt.
4. At least two subtitle tracks on DVD/BR (2 selectable languages)
5. At least 2 different audio tracks (two languages) on the DVD/BR

[immerjan]

First of all I must say that I am pleased with version X6 and the changes from X5. I feel that Corel does look at the comments here.
My wishes:
1. Possibility to "group" clips so that they will keep their relative position to each other. This would be especially helpful with a combination of sound, video & overlay. I know that "ripple" does the job in most cases, but when I want to move a group to a different place in the timeline, it happens often that I accidentally change their relative position.
2. As someone said before, maybe the possibility to enter the absolute position of clips (video or other) in seconds & frames. Maybe I am too mathematical about video editing, but in some cases I just want to be able to set clips in a calculated way, like: Clip 1 starts 02:05, then Clip 2 on the overlay must start at 02:29 ...
3. Please make the 5.1 editing more comfortable. It took me an eternity to find out that to create a setting point, I have to mark the respective audio clip, then jump to "project" and then do the setting, so the setting is somehow semi-fixed in the audio clip and the audio track. I would like to be able to (like in no. 2) enter coordinates instead of moving the symbol with the mouse. AND, can Corel please change the logic of the 5.1 setting points? I would like to be able to separately change volume and position in a clip. Currently, each point contains both volume and position information - and when I am using fade-in/fade-out, the position will be moved to the standard center.

However, I still find it quite easy to work with VideoStudio.

[bang]

I cant say if this has been changed in X6, but its worth noting

The settings arrangements in VS are beyond terrible
Having 2 locations in Preferences and Project Properties for settings makes it very confusing
hell I dont even understand the things myself, or what overrides what
and there isnt a helpfile to assist, I guess people are just left swinging with it

if the idea of VS is an application that is quick and easy to use people need to understand it
I think a new menu menu structure would be mandatory
and a help file of some sort for settings of great value, preferably instruction videos or flash files

also the sliders and things are dinky tiny
design some tools people can actually see, that should help

as it is with PSPX4
its a testament to the overall interface design that people figure it out and make their own videos at all
you can maximise that strength with additional dialogue
that would mean higher acceptance post trial

cheers

[BrianCee]

I get the impression you have missed out on a lot of the help which is available to you bang.

Have you tried pressing F1 when you have VideoStudio open
Have you read the User guide supplied as a .pdf file with your copy of VS.
Have you clicked on the "Learn" tab in the Corel Guide and watched the many video tutorials available to you.
Have you asked specific questions in these forums about things you do not understand - like the difference between Preferences and Project properties.

There is a great deal of help available to you.

[bang]

I get the impression you have missed out on a lot of the help which is available to you bang.

Have you tried pressing F1 when you have VideoStudio open
Have you read the User guide supplied as a .pdf file with your copy of VS.
Have you clicked on the "Learn" tab in the Corel Guide and watched the many video tutorials available to you.
Have you asked specific questions in these forums about things you do not understand - like the difference between Preferences and Project properties.

There is a great deal of help available to you.

1/ my Logitech keyboard doesnt support an F1 function in the same way but I shall look into it
2/ never received a user guide, did get one for PSPX4 so I know what they are
3/ not clear on what you mean, is this the guide i didnt receive?
4/ I have asked on DVXUser, ATT I had no idea this place existed,
although many in DVX use the same camera platform as I, and that turned out to be important
most of them are Apple environment or Sony users,
so not much help but I did work it out enough to satisfy my needs in the end

the interface Im looking at hasnt a single help reference on it, nor even an 'About..' to say what version (its VSProX4/3)
many questions I see asked here go unanswered or inadequately answered or discussed,
although a very welcome cadre of volunteers, I dont see what I could describe as user tech support ie. Corel's responsibility sans adequate help on the interface
actually, kind of the opposite

I think a trial user would be looking for a Help menu in the conventional places
and like me they wouldnt be getting a PDF document to help them either, I know this because Ive done it
Im just basing my responses on my own experiences, on what I would expect to find for the difficulties I experienced
.... ymmv..

I dont want to appear 'hard', most especially to volunteer help, that would be crass
but its not like I didnt look, it not like I never asked, its not like Im without any 'smarts'
Im a professional photographer who wasnt exactly swimming when faced with a business proposition to shoot commercial video
................I remember thinking, ... video editing... how hard can it be .............. !
like most things, i just worked out in the end
but not because of my capability in video editing, just business common sense

cheers

[Ken Berry]

the interface Im looking at hasnt a single help reference on it, nor even an 'About..' to say what version

I acknowledge it's hidden but if you look at the accompanying image you will see some new things, perhaps. Clicking on the point designated 1 will open the Corel Guide, which contains the Corel tutorials Brian mentioned. Clicking 2 will produce a drop down menu which includes 'About VS' and the version. Mind you, the splash screen which appears when you open VS also contains the version number.

As for the User Guide itself i.e. the PDF Brian mentioned, you will find it in the User Guide sub-folder in the Program Files\Corel\Corel VideoStudio Pro X6 folder, along with copies in other languages.

Moreover, once you have clicked on 1 and the Corel Guide opens, down at the bottom below the big preview screen, there is a large button labelled 'Launch Help' which then brings up the User Guide PDF.

[BrianCee]

In over 20 years of using a computer I have never come across a keyboard which does not have function keys - this must make life very difficult for you as they are used extensively not only in VideoStudio but in many other software programmes and indeed in Windows itself. Pressing F1 is a very common way of opening help in a variety of software programmes and indeed is often the first thing I do when learning a new programme.

Your .pdf user guide can be found here :- C:\Program Files (x86)\Corel\Corel VideoStudio Pro X6\UserGuide it is supplied in various languages so that you can choose the one you are most comfortable with.

The Corel guide would have opened automatically the first time you started VideoStudio but you may have chosen the option not to have it pop up every time - but it can be opened at any time by clicking on the large round icon up in the top right corner of the screen (it has dots round the edge and a downward pointing arrow) - when it opens you will see a tab called "Learn" which gives access to a number of tutorial videos - and a tab called "Do More" where you can download a lot more free content for use in VideoStudio. Also in the top right corner of the guide are two little cog wheels - clicking on them gives access to the "About" screen . And at the bottom of the guide Home screen "Launch Help" will replace your missing F1 access.

I cannot explain or even understand Corels stance on providing technical help - it can be obtained free for only 90 days if you have purchased the product by visiting the Corel.com website and selecting support - but that is definitely not available for the trial version which is one of the main reasons we exist and everyone tries to help each other

[bang]

the interface Im looking at hasnt a single help reference on it, nor even an 'About..' to say what version

I acknowledge it's hidden but if you look at the accompanying image you will see some new things, perhaps. Clicking on the point designated 1 will open the Corel Guide, which contains the Corel tutorials Brian mentioned. Clicking 2 will produce a drop down menu which includes 'About VS' and the version. Mind you, the splash screen which appears when you open VS also contains the version number.

VS About.jpg

As for the User Guide itself i.e. the PDF Brian mentioned, you will find it in the User Guide sub-folder in the Program Files\Corel\Corel VideoStudio Pro X6 folder, along with copies in other languages.

Moreover, once you have clicked on 1 and the Corel Guide opens, down at the bottom below the big preview screen, there is a large button labelled 'Launch Help' which then brings up the User Guide PDF.

you might point out to me where it is on mine


I had a look through the directories, and logically they are different, no joy
I did find what looks to be a html user guide, or the makings of at C:\Program Files (x86)\Corel\CorelVideoStudio Pro X4\en-US\VideoStudioHelp
but I cant see what masters it, a front cover or heading page in any other directory

edit: I had another look at your image and can see thats on a popup, which is slightly familiar
so I just rebooted the App and see what you mean, its in the popup at the beginning
that you have to close to use the application
it takes me to http://product.corel.com/help/video/540 ... wwhelp.htm
for further reference this is also where the 'about inf' is located

thanks for that

[bang]

In over 20 years of using a computer I have never come across a keyboard which does not have function keys - this must make life very difficult for you as they are used extensively not only in VideoStudio but in many other software programmes and indeed in Windows itself. Pressing F1 is a very common way of opening help in a variety of software programmes and indeed is often the first thing I do when learning a new programme.

Your .pdf user guide can be found here :- C:\Program Files (x86)\Corel\Corel VideoStudio Pro X6\UserGuide it is supplied in various languages so that you can choose the one you are most comfortable with.

The Corel guide would have opened automatically the first time you started VideoStudio but you may have chosen the option not to have it pop up every time - but it can be opened at any time by clicking on the large round icon up in the top right corner of the screen (it has dots round the edge and a downward pointing arrow) - when it opens you will see a tab called "Learn" which gives access to a number of tutorial videos - and a tab called "Do More" where you can download a lot more free content for use in VideoStudio. Also in the top right corner of the guide are two little cog wheels - clicking on them gives access to the "About" screen . And at the bottom of the guide Home screen "Launch Help" will replace your missing F1 access.

I cannot explain or even understand Corels stance on providing technical help - it can be obtained free for only 90 days if you have purchased the product by visiting the Corel.com website and selecting support - but that is definitely not available for the trial version which is one of the main reasons we exist and everyone tries to help each other

I saw my first computer, which filled a very large room, in 1967 and was fortunate enough to try a punchcard routine on it, which of course didnt work
I was using Mac clones in 86, I still have my first Mac. My first Windows boxes date back to 1994
I would say Im 'somewhat conversant in computers', but not expert

the keyboard I have has the capacity to reasign F keys,
Id need to reprogram F1, which I would have been happy to do if I knew the facility existed,.... which I didnt
Since I have just rebuilt this box after both Apps fell over, Im certain that no user guide appears when the application is loaded
I still have all my emails going back to 2001, and the instructions available to me at point of purchase (Corel)
they dont mention user guides or support facilities

thanks for your time...

[BrianCee]

The Corel Guide which appears when you first started VideoStudio and the User Guide are two very different things and each contains different information.

most people stop the Corel guide from appearing at start up by checking the "Do Not display on start up" box - maybe you did that.

As I said pressing F1 for help is very common in software programmes and is considered a "standard" windows function.

.........

[lata]

Hi

It does appear that you are running a different Video Studio X4 to the one we are using.

The question is why.

We assume you purchased the download version, sometimes the downloads can be in two files, the basic program and an Extra Contents file. The latter completes the installation by populating the libraries and templates with additional clips/data.
The file sizes being approx 800Mb and 500Mb
The full download as a single file will be 1.4Gb.
Which files do you have?

This does not count for the lack of the Corel Guide and icons showing top right of the workstation, View Kens image.
For example…..
The library, your image displays the Photo section, 2Samples” no clips showing, with the Video and Sound being hidden, however the Photo section should contain 28 clips, your library is empty, I would assume the Extra Contents has not been installed. The F1 guide being included in the Extra Contents file.
Even so there should be two maybe three from the program installation, have you removed them?

Is your image a full image of the workstation, clearly some details are missing to the right hand side, including a digital clock to the right of the timeline.

Patches and Updates for X4

http://www.corel.com/corel/pages/index. ... id=1100002

Corel Guide
There are details of some PDF guides in a post at the top of this forum, you can download the guide from there.
Corel Information – Program Manuals
http://forum.corel.com/EN/viewtopic.php?f=88&t=46046


Did you install the program using Admin rights?
When you run the program, right click the Video Studio icon and choose Run As Administrator

Your PC, check windows updates, are they current., also check Optional Updates.

As the problem appears to be graphical, “missing icons” is your Graphics Driver using the latest or recommended driver, view the manufacturers site for details of your Graphics card and main/Mother Board.

One last point, What is the resolution of your monitor, I am thinking too small to display the full workstation. Again a graphics issue?

Certainly something is wrong with your installation.

[lata]

Hi
Upps sorry
I have just downloaded your image directly from Photo Bucket and it clearly shows all icons, the orange Corel Guide being available,
So I guess you can ignore most of my previous post.

Must remember to view the post in full screen, I was viewing in a minimised window that did not display the image fully.

[BrianCee]

As Trevor says if you look at your image on Photobucket you can clearly see the orange button in the top right corner of the screen.

I have also just realised where the confusion regarding the pdf user guide is coming from - you said you were using the trial version - but the latest trial version is X6 - where did you get a trial version of X4 from - not from Corel surely.

I have assumed you were testing the current version and have to admit that the pdf user guide was not supplied in the folder I gave you in X4 - I do not know where you can get a user guide for X4 as Corel no longer support it.

You can download a user guide for the current version which is X6 here :-
http://www.corel.com/static/product_con ... ide_EN.pdf

many of the functions are the same but X6 has more features than X4.

It really would be best if you trialled X6 - you will not get any support from Corel for X4 and will not be able to activate it if you choose to buy it - you can of course continue to get support here - but we are ONLY users.

.......

[lata]

Corel Guide
There are details of some PDF guides in a post at the top of this forum, you can download the guide from there.
Corel Information – Program Manuals
http://forum.corel.com/EN/viewtopic.php?f=88&t=46046

[bang]

As Trevor says if you look at your image on Photobucket you can clearly see the orange button in the top right corner of the screen.

I have also just realised where the confusion regarding the pdf user guide is coming from - you said you were using the trial version - but the latest trial version is X6 - where did you get a trial version of X4 from - not from Corel surely.

I have assumed you were testing the current version and have to admit that the pdf user guide was not supplied in the folder I gave you in X4 - I do not know where you can get a user guide for X4 as Corel no longer support it.

You can download a user guide for the current version which is X6 here :-
http://www.corel.com/static/product_con ... ide_EN.pdf

many of the functions are the same but X6 has more features than X4.

It really would be best if you trialled X6 - you will not get any support from Corel for X4 and will not be able to activate it if you choose to buy it - you can of course continue to get support here - but we are ONLY users.

.......

yes I got the orange button now thanks
the skin set on this box has 3 button windows icons, with the close window button in orange,
I guess I figured their 2 button set and help button was part of that, but I apologise for not knowing of its existence

no matter, eventually it gets you here
http://product.corel.com/help/video/540 ... wwhelp.htm
take a look at what it says about settings and preferences,..
despite that I have a better idea about ripple editing now, so it wasnt all for nought

yes I used a trial, this isnt a trial app, I bought it and downloaded it from the link given to me
the VS part was a single exe 1,359,006kb
they offered me a pdf for PSP (it was a bundle) not for VS
once and for all there is no, there was no pdf
I never heard of this site, support plans, or anything like that

when that window came up at the beginning I guess I put up with it for awhile
you cant use or navigate the interface of the app without getting it off the screen

overall heres my suggestion
put a Help Menu across the top with the other window tabs as is the convention with other applications
then fill it with help that tells me what it all the various settings etc means
there have been a flood of video capable SRLs and mirrorless cameras in the last 3 yrs
this is an accessible userbase familiar with the Corel Brand, but they will know next to nothing about what they are doing

I just want to say, really I came to this with the best intentions
but I leave it feeling a little testy, so I wont make that mistake again anytime soon

oh and,
thanks for the X6 guide