Cyberlink PowerDirector 6 Deluxe review

Previous versions of PowerDirector haven't fared well in Shopper reviews, with the software failing to compete for power or ease of use against Adobe Premiere Elements and Sony Vegas Movie Studio.

Version 6 is the most significant update yet, with major improvements to its export options and the capabilities of its effects.

PowerDirector 5 could already import and edit HDV footage, but it can now export back to HDV tape via FireWire, too. It also worked flawlessly with JVC's GZ-HD7, a high-definition camera that uses a new .tod file extension for its 1080i MPEG2 footage. Export options now include MPEG4 as standard rather than as an optional upgrade, with templates for DivX, high-definition AVC, iPod and PSP. Competent DVD authoring is built in and the software can upload directly to YouTube, complete with all the necessary tags.

Previous versions stifled creative users with a single video effect track that ignored any transitions used by the underlying video track, resulting in clumsy-looking effects. In version 6, up to seven effects can be dropped directly on to video clips. The effects library has a tendency towards the weird and wonderful, but the Magic Clean options include a useful set of colour-correction tools. It's a shame it's not possible to apply colour correction after the creative effects have been applied, though, as the order in which effects are applied often has a large impact on the results.

The overlay channel has had an injection of power, with simple but effective chroma keying for blue-screen style effects, a variety of preset cut-out mask shapes and the ability to define curved motion paths. This potentially complex feature has some presets to demonstrate what's possible and manages to be approachable without limiting flexibility. However, the optional fade-ins and fade-outs occur separately from any motion; we would prefer an option for clips to move and fade simultaneously.

Sadly, a number of limitations mean productions sometimes look amateurish. Effects settings are static throughout the length of clips, while most of PowerDirector's competitors allow for evolving effects by defining multiple keyframes, useful for fading effects in and out. Only two tracks are available for video, and effects and transitions can be applied only to the bottom layer. Some problems with the interface remain unresolved, including the pointless switching from previewing the entire timeline to a specific clip after every edit. The video window gave smooth previews on our Core 2 Duo test PC, letting us mix two MPEG2 streams with effects, but there's no way to resize the preview except via a pop-up Media Viewer window that renders all editing tools inaccessible.

PowerDirector still has a way to go before it can compete with the market leaders, but its improved effects capabilities and comprehensive import and export options mean it's much more useful and enjoyable than previous versions.

Author: Ben Pitt