by Alan Sheckter, Videomaker news editor
Set for a July 15 release date, Pinnacle Systems new Express software offers video producers and hobbyists new versatility by allowing them to create DVD player-compatible discs, using inexpensive CD-R drives and media. Not only can users record DVD discs with DVD-R and DVD-RW drives, but Express incorporates technology that allows existing CD-R owners to create up to 20 minutes of DVD-quality video that can be played on 90 percent of DVD players. It can also record up to 30 minutes in S-VCD format (VHS or slightly better quality), viewable on approximately 60 percent of DVD players.
While the world inevitably moves from CD-R to DVD-R technology, Express offers consumers who’ve yet to switch over the ability to use their existing CD-R drives to save their DV or Digital8 videotapes in a DVD-friendly format. It can also create slideshows. Another feature is disc customizing, as Express automatically creates chapter menus so users can quickly go to specific scenes with their DVD player’s remote control. Express also offers several organization, background and title-authoring options. Users can re-organize and title each scene, and re-order the scenes themselves.
Express has a $149 suggested retail price, and is expected to be included in Compaq Windows XP machines this autumn.
