What Have I got?

[jhgustaf]

I just installed a Plextor ConvertX 402U digital video converter to digitize a whole bunch of VHS tapes for editing and burning to DVDs. The Plextor came with ULead VideoStudio 8 SE/DVD (2 CDs). Is this basic OEM type software without any frills and only partially functional or a full program package? I hate to start out with something that won't meet my needs. I've got plenty of work ahead and don't need to do it twice. This is my first adventure into the video area and know very little about what I am facing.

Thanks for any assistance/advice possible.

[Ken Berry]

Any version which has SE after it is crippled in some way, normally in not having, for example, all the transitions or other effects. Does yours, for instance, have Crossfade or Fade to Black in the Transitions/FX folder? There are, of course, other possibilities for things to be missing, including, in some versions, the ability to burn DVDs, would you believe (while VCDs and SVCDs are permitted). However, in your case, given that it is SE/DVD, I guess it will include the full burning module. If you want to get a full upgrade to the current version 9.0, it will cost US$49.95 and, IMHO, is well worth it. Version 8, even the full version, appeared to have a number of bugs, including a serious one which often resulted in out of sync audio and video apparently caused by an out of sync policy of releasing patches which did not work with specific versions of earlier patches...

Be aware, though, that in some cases, the software may also have been adapted to work specifically with the hardware with which it comes bundled. I know nothing about the Plextor you have bought, however, and so cannot comment on this.

[Terry Stetler]

While your VE version may not have a full feature set a manual would be handy. This is the link to the VS8 documentation in PDF form;

http://ftp.ulead.com/pub/Manual/videost ... udio8e.zip

As noted by Ken some features will be limited or unavailable, but you'll at least have a jumping off point.

Check the Buy Options page for VideoStudio, MediaStudio, DVD MovieFactory and DVD Workshop here for more info on product discounts available to VideoStudio VE users;

http://www.ulead.com/store/store.htm

[rguthrie]

If you do decide to upgrade I recommend that you check out AcademicSuperStore for a cool upgrade price of $35.95.

http://www.academicsuperstore.com/marke ... tNo=731385

Ron G.