by Adam Cochran

June 2006

Video editing used to be something that only audio video enthusiasts could do. The process used to require a monster computer and a lot of extra hardware. Not any more.

While video editing is still one of the most resource hungry projects you can do with your computer, almost all computers with a 2Ghz processor or better and 512MB of RAM can can manage the basics of video editing.

As long as you have a powerful enough computer and a firewire port you can create some fantastic professional quality video.

Ulead's Video Studio 10 is a major upgrade from previous programs available on the market. Video Studio 10 comes in three versions, the upgrade ($60) for previous Video Studio users, a standard edition ($80) and a special Video Studio 10 Plus edition ($99) that allows MPEG4 compression, HD capabilities and 5.1 surround sound editing. I strongly recommend going with the Plus edition even if you don't own an HD camera.

Ulead Video Studio 10 succeeds in providing a simple to use yet extremely powerful video editing options that have never been so easy to use in other programs.

Video Studio 10 breaks the whole process of video editing down into basic steps like importing, editing and saving and then it adds all kinds of fine tuning options for the more advanced user.

Rather than go through the entire list of options and features that Video Studio offers, I will simply say that if you see an effect such as transitions, titles, picture-in-picture or chroma key (green screen) on television, those features are all available on Video Studio 10.

Anyone searching for a great home video editing software should take a good look at Video Studio 10. There are a variety of competing programs available, but Ulead has created a program that offers many, if not all, of the same features and then some in a simple to use editing suite. Best of all, you don't need a college course in the program to figure it out.

If you have planning on making the move into digital home video editing, or you are looking for a better program with support for the latest features, take a hard look at Ulead Video Studio 10. Ulead's website [1] has an excellent breakdown comparison of their features that are offered in each version of Video Studio 10.

Castellini on Computers Rating (1-5 mics)
Recommended Market:	Anyone getting started in video editing or looking for an upgrade to an older video edting program.
Approximate cost:	$80 standard, $99 plus edition
Company and Web Site:	Ulead [2]