When it comes to creating a stunning video, audio is something that should not be neglected. SoundTrack Pro 2 is just the tool to get the job done. It's equipped with a great range of music tracks and sound effects to start you off. The audio editing features are great. These include common filter effects which will surely come in handy and are incredibly easy to fine-tune, using the advanced settings window. Another especially useful feature is the Spectrum view in the audio editing window. Making changes in this view was extremely easy and, of course, the results are displayed in a way that makes sense visually. Along those lines, SoundTrack Pro 2 has an easy-to-use multitrack interface. Editors familiar with working in video timelines will feel right at home. The timecode HUD (heads-up display) is a nice touch here, allowing editors to keep precise track of the runtime. The real kicker in SoundTrack Pro 2, however, is that each track has a surround sound panner. We haven't seen an audio editing and mixing interface that packs in this much flexibility and still remains un-intimidating for most users. SoundTrack Pro 2 is a great experience and a load of fun.

The last version of Compressor was too utilitarian. Naturally, it got the job done. Final Cut Studio 2 has updated Compressor 3 with new features and it has received a new interface that both beginners and pros can appreciate. With this latest update, you can drag and drop files in the queue for encoding and multiple encoding presets upon the clips. It's a more user-friendly way of doing things, and thus, we think it's a good thing.

Compressor 3 also added a much-needed timecode burn-in feature for dailies and that sort of thing. We also like the ability to add text overlays and animated watermarks, using video with alpha channels. This feature will also take bugs you create in Motion 3. This will undoubtedly increase render times, but, for many professionals, it's critical that the recipients of your video stay informed, no matter what the purpose. Compressor 3 seems to have come a long way, when in fact a few interface improvements have given it new life. We think that's worth a "Hallelujah!"

Burning a DVD adds to the many hats a user of Final Cut Studio 2 will be required to wear. DVD Studio Pro 4 has received some notable improvements that help DVD authors create complicated discs much more easily. Evidence of such improvements is the Track View, which adds a timeline-style window that shows you exactly where your assets lie. If you're creating multiple-track audio or video (e.g., multiple language audio tracks, or multiple-camera angles), this is an accurate way to view your work. Also, we really enjoyed the Connection View that allows users to connect assets more precisely for navigational purposes. Even relatively simple disc authoring can require a great deal of viewer navigation. The Connection View will give DVD Studio Pro 2 users much more confidence in their work. Perhaps it's time to start thinking about creating the special edition disc set from your last production. With new menu templates, such a task would be reasonable for beginners. Furthermore, DVD Studio Pro 2 can burn HD DVD discs, assuming you have an HD DVD burning drive. Overall, DVD Studio Pro 2 is a great DVD authoring application for today's more common uses and has the flexibility to create more complex, dynamic discs.