CyberLink PowerDirector 18 Essential

Overview

CyberLink PowerDirector 13 is a nice improvement from previous entries. With new features and a sharper looking UI, PowerDirector strives to continue to improve on their video editing software. With impressive performance improvements and plenty useful new features make PowerDirector a worthwhile entry to the Video Editing arena . With new themes, a multicam feature, and improvements on speed there’s plenty to go over with PowerDirector.

There are plenty of improvements and features with PowerDirector, so let’s dig into what makes this a good video editing application. First off, it’s worth noting that PowerDirector has a clean and easy to use layout, with similarities to the old Windows Movie Maker it makes it easy for newcomers to get in and start editing videos. Especially with the easy creator, anyone with an interest in editing and creating videos should feel comfortable with using PowerDirector. One of the most exciting features is the Multicam Designer. Considering most any device with a screen can capture HD video these days it makes sense to add a feature like this to a home video editing application. This feature allows you to watch two different camera angles and allows you to quickly switch between views to create a better and more professional feel to your video.

Even with just your basic video editing options PowerDirector makes it easy to add effects to a clip or even fix color and lighting. You’ll even find an option to help stabilize your video by cropping out some shaky outlines of a clip, which is something that can come in very handy when using devices like tablets or phones to record. Another feature that really adds to the line-up is the ability to edit 3D video, even attempt to convert 2D videos into 3D. I wouldn’t put too much expectation into the 2D/3D conversion as you’re still much better off working with 3D shot content.

The audio tracks are also made more creatively as you work with waveform audio tracks that you’re not able to click and drag pieces of the audio to increase or reduce volume. You do have some basic options like voice-over recording, but if you’re looking to do more in-depth audio editing CyberLink’s WaveEditor is a separate application that can help you dive deeper into editing your audio.

PowerDirector works with a good amount of output options allowing you to convert your video to most formats. You’ll be able to create videos for most portable devices such as iOS, Android, Blackberry, Microsoft phones, tablets, as well as even gaming consoles like the PSP and Xbox. You’re even able to directly upload videos to YouTube and Facebook helping you more quickly update your online friends and community.

These are just some of the highlights in CyberLink’s PowerDirector . The bottom line is that PowerDirector 13 improves on itself by offering more professional features and offers an easy to learn interface for newcomers as well as loads of high-quality features for video enthusiasts.

Installation

CyberLink PowerDirector uses its own downloader application to download the application, ensuring that you get the most up-to date version. Once the download completes you’ll be prompted to start the installation. The installation includes Google Chrome as optional, but is checked by default. You’re also looking at a possible QuickTime installation as well. PowerDirector is available for Windows XP SP3, Vista, Windows 7, & 8.

Interface

You’ll first be greeted with a nice looking splash screen when launching PowerDirector. It gives you three options to use the Easy Editor, Create a Slideshow, or enter the full editor. Most everything in PowerDirector looks really good, with sharp images, and current looking animations. You have plenty of options from using the Magic Movie Wizard to the Full Editor for more options. Each of the menus and options are laid out nicely. The Full editor is nice and spaced out with options to drag and drop making the interface very friendly to even newcomers.

Pros

• 3D editing capability.
• Blu-Ray authoring.
• Makes additional use of graphic card accelerators.
• Multicam editing with up to 4-Angles.
• Free 30 day trial.
• Lots of movie themes to download from CyberLinks website.

Cons

• Unable to search within effects and transitions.
• Storyboard could use some work to be more useful.

Alternatives

The video editing market is defiantly not lacking in options. If you’re looking for a professional video design studio, Sony Movie Studio Platinum is a decent choice. It offers many of the same features as PowerDirector and delivers a professional feel to the editor. Adobe Premiere Elements also offers a powerful video editing experience, though it is somewhat lacking in features like multicam and other features its competitors already offer. A 3^rd option would be to check out Corel VideoStudio Pro as it offers a very professional appeal to video editing.

Conclusion

CyberLink PowerDirector offers new features and loads of improvements making it a worthwhile upgrade. I’ve used several different video editing applications over the years and PowerDirector does well at most everything I've found useful from other editors. It’s clean and easy layout makes for quick editing and its full line-up of features and editing options makes it a great tool for editing professional looking videos. It does well to compete with its competitors and at the current price of $80 you're defiantly getting a high-quality product for a fair price.