Time Line for New Versions of Video Studio

[welchb]

Hi All,

Does anyone know the approx. timeline Ulead works too, in terms of relasing new versions of Video Studio? Is it one a year, one every two years etc.....

And given the above is there any way where they publish what may be in the new version? I guess some of this remains as competitive advanage but it would be nice to know general themes if this where possible.

My reason for asking is mainly curisoity (I know this killed the cat !!)

Cheers,

Brian

[BrianCee]

Well certainly with version 8 I received no notification or advance information at all even though I am signed up for e-mail notices from Ulead regarding new products and releases. The first most of us knew of version 8 was when it suddenly appeared on the website with no prior notice or indication of what it might contain.

[kebrinton]

I don't know how long VS7 had been out when Ulead produced their upgrade. VS8 became available for download on Thursday, April 29th, 2004, I think; and it was possible to order the boxed version a bit before that--Tuesday, I believe. The Ulead site wasn't working properly for a couple of days (at least here it wasn't) and I was glad I'd "pre-ordered" the boxed version. Jerry Jones' last day was April 30th but the forum was down.

I wouldn't start thinking about a new version of VS till late 2005.

Keith

[shoalhaven]

I'm thinking we will be looking at the next version by the end of April.

Ulead on-line is discounting V8, and local stores here are really cutting the price. Keep in mind that Pinnacle came out with almost a mid year upgrade to V9, and it has a few interesting features that Ulead should incorporate.

Adobe Premiere Elements shows promise, and if we consider it's blood lines, their next upgrade will give the above two programs a strong run for their money.

With all this competition, we, the consumers can only benefit.

When it does come out, I would recommend buying the boxed version. There were just too many problems last time.

[Daz]

About 6-8 weeks ago I received an email from Ulead with a link to a customer survey which seemed to be geared towards developing VS9. They were asking what features I would like to see in the new version. The survey was in the form of a series of tick boxes where in some questions you had the choice of picking multiple items, but in others you could only choose your preferred option of the ones on offer. Some of the features that are being considered for inclusion are:

- Green screen functionality
- Dolby 5:1 surround sound
- Full motion video DVD menus
- Improved automatic music

There were others that I can't remember, but these ones particularly stuck in my mind as features that I would love to see in VS9. And if this is the case I will be buying the full boxed set instead of the upgrade option this time!

Daz

[BrianCee]

And if this is the case I will be buying the full boxed set instead of the upgrade option this time!

You can buy the upgrade as a boxed disc set - you do not have to buy a full version if you want discs - so you can still take advantage of the cheaper upgrade option.

[Daz]

Brian,

I know I can still buy a boxed upgrade edition - that's what I did when I upgraded from VS7 to VS8. But if I buy the upgrade option I can't sell the older versions on Ebay!

Daz

[kebrinton]

I use Sound Forge for audio editing. It has a feature which I would very much like to see in Video Studio 9.

In the present version of VS, when you click the Play button, the blue-arrow cursor starts moving off to the right and the video appears in the Preview window. When the cursor reaches the edge of the window, it disappears and keeps on going. Meanwhile you're left looking at the Timeline where you started.

Sound Forge starts moving the material in the window when the cursor approaches the edge of the window, passing the music under the cursor and actually backing the cursor up slowly until it's right in the middle and the music is passing under it.

I'd like to see the cursor on screen at all times and be able to stop at EXACTLY the point where a cut or other edit is needed, and not have only the Preview window to show me where the cursor is.

Keith

[Daz]

I would also like to have the option of viewing the audio line as a proper audio waveform. In that form it is a lot easier to make cuts in the right place. [Someone is now going to tell me that VS8 already has that option and that I am too lazy to work out how to do it!!]

Daz

[rwindeyer]

I would also like to have the option of viewing the audio line as a proper audio waveform. In that form it is a lot easier to make cuts in the right place. [Someone is now going to tell me that VS8 already has that option and that I am too lazy to work out how to do it!!]

Daz

Umm, no they're not, because it isn't there

What would do VS good, IMHO, is a slideshow module in the burning engine. So many people here have been tearing their hair out trying to get decent results from still images. Other manufacturers do it (and maybe it's in DVD workshop) so it can be done...

[david reece]

What would do VS good, IMHO, is a slideshow module in the burning engine. So many people here have been tearing their hair out trying to get decent results from still images. Other manufacturers do it (and maybe it's in DVD workshop) so it can be done...

Pinnacle seems to cope quite well with stills.

Perhaps someone at ulead better buy a copy and have a look at it!

Blue screen (or green or red or yellow screen what ever you use) has to be a must in the next version!

But looking at Pinnalce 9+ it wasnt that good if you have low quality video ie you get a jagged edge around the person against the blue screen.

But a big must is release a product that works for the majority ie ATI adn Nvdia Cards covered with all eventualities.

1) less people hacking off Ulead
2) less problems being raised here
3) Ulead could save a packet on useless UK support!

Customers who are happy bunnies will always recomend to 10 more people. un happy bunnies tell 20 others not to buy a product!