Click to Enlarge

Videomaker's 2009 Best Home Video Editing Software: Magix Video Pro X Video Editing Program Review

View all of the best consumer video production products of 2009, selected by the editors of Videomaker

Woah-oh-ohh, it's MAGIX!

We all want to edit like professionals; however, it's a lot harder for some of us than for others. It's not easy to pick up an editing program and start cutting up footage. After listening to its consumer base, Magix has decided to make good on user suggestions to develop an easy, affordable pro-level editing program. They call it Video Pro X.

Make It Easy

Video Pro X aims to grab a new level of consumer for Magix, those who are looking to move into the more professional realm but who are not quite there yet. With a $299 price tag, it's sure to stir up the market. For many editors out there, the only software options are extremely basic or extremely advanced. With a new interface that sets both preview and timeline monitors side by side on the top left portion of the screen, the Video Pro X makes real the hope that pro level editing can be simple. The timeline sits directly underneath, with the effects tabs on top and neighboring the import bin. Visually, this creates an easier base for quicker cutting, since the tabs are directly overhead. This means that timeline editing is made easy, since you don't have to work from a pulldown menu that can make navigation a bit troublesome. Editors can customize the interface however they choose and save their favorite settings to suit their individual needs.

We found Video Pro X quite universal in terms of formats and files. Everything from QuickTime to TGA is supported and can be edited freely on up to 99 video tracks. The program can also natively edit AVCHD and accepts XDCAM for those who are looking for better video quality. Exporting was a breeze with MPEG-4/H.264/3GPP with AMP and AAC audio form…