CyberLink Power Director Ultra v7.00.1628 + keygen
CyberLink offers two versions of its new PowerDirector 7 software. The basic Deluxe version and the Ultra version on test here. Both versions involve a hefty 646MB download, so you may prefer to wait for retail boxed copies to go on sale.
The difference between the two versions is all about High Definition output. With Deluxe you can edit and author movies to DVD, but if you want to create AVCHD files (see page 65) or author Blu-ray discs you’ll need Ultra. CyberLink holds a number of Blu-ray patents, so its familiarity with the technology makes Ultra the natural choice.
In addition, CyberLink wants to sell you a couple of extras with Creative Menu and 3D Motion Menu packs that total £25 (inc. VAT).
The most obvious visual change to version 7 of the software is the graphite background. It is a trend that is common in photo editing packages as it helps the eye to gauge changes to colours.
Capturing video could be improved as you have to specify the source (HDV, DV, TV, DTV, webcam, microphone, Audio CD or DVD) instead of using an Import Wizard. There’s another option as PowerDirector has a direct link to Flickr and Freesound to allow you to import royalty-free music and video to use in your projects.
The buttons down the left side of the screen are laid out in a number of ‘rooms’ to mimic the workings of a movie studio. They are labelled Media Room, Effects Room, Audio Mixing Room and so on. Once the content is loaded you’ll find the editing has made great strides over earlier versions. You can now employ up to six picture-in-picture tracks and the way video effects work has also been overhauled.
The limit of seven layered effects remains in place, but you can adjust the starting point and duration of any given effect. This provides an increased degree of control and is an indicator of the improvements CyberLink has made to PowerDirector 7. To our mind the price is a little too steep, however.