Zoom In

Tony Kilcollins
January 2001

Canopus Corporation will soon release what they say is an affordable real-time digital editing system with high-end features. DVStorm should ship in December for a suggested retail price of $1,799.

DVStorm will feature DV and analog in/output and MPEG output for DVD and Web streaming. It will come with a host of digital video production tools including Adobe Premiere 5.1 and Canopus StormEdit software. DVStorm will also include SmartSound audio software and a trial version of SpruceUp DVD authoring.

Canopus rounds out the offering with their SoftMPG Encoder and Web Video Wizard for preparation of edited productions for Web streaming.

DVStorm will support single and dual processor systems running Windows 98, 2000, NT 4.0 and Windows Me.

DV in, Web out. That's how Adobe is promoting Premiere 6.0, scheduled to ship in the first quarter of 2001.

This most recent version of Premiere is compatible with Windows OS or Macintosh and will have a list price of $549. Registered users of Adobe Premiere can upgrade for $149 ($199 for Premiere LE).

New features include built-in support for digital video devices, one-step Web output with multiple web export options and an enhanced movie capture window. There is also a new audio mixer and an "automate to timeline" feature that allows you to simultaneously send a sequence of clips from the storyboard or project window to the timeline.

Premiere 6.0 will ship with over 25 filters from Adobe After Effects including Channel Mixer, Directional Blur, Color Balance and Basic 3D.

Pinnacle Systems and Lego are working together to develop an easy-to-use editing software which will be bundled with the Lego Studios movie making product for children. Studio Action, which is designed for children ages 8 to 18, includes video editing software and a USB video cable. Youngsters first capture their video footage using any analog or digital camcorder and the USB cable. They can then use the kid-friendly editing software to edit their footage and add music and sound effects. A titling feature lets them make easy titles and credits and the Smart Sound Library has sound effects and background music. Smart Sounds automatically adapts sounds to the desired length. They can playback their movies and e-mail them to relatives and friends. Studio Action will retail for $70.

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