avi files and failure, although we can’t verify exactly what was causing the problems, since there were almost certainly complex interactions between Windows DirectX drivers and the Pinnacle software. We also noticed a correlation between type-1 DV. We suspect that this was a codec issue, since Pinnacle Express installed its own DV500 (Studio DV) DV codec. avi files previously captured using other applications (from Adobe, Sonic Foundry and Ulead). Pinnacle Express did not recognize some DV. A seven-minute DV video file took a little over one minute for the scene detection utility to analyze.

Scene detection occasionally ran automatically when importing pre-existing video clips into the application, but we were unable to figure out what caused this. The capture tool’s scene detection was very accurate, and used either optical or time/date stamp information to split files, depending on the user’s choice. These reused features are well implemented and seamlessly integrated into the total package.

Instead of focusing solely on DVD authoring, Pinnacle also took advantage of its existing editing software and includes tools for capturing and simple editing. Pinnacle’s entry in this category is called 'Express,' and despite a few first-generation glitches, the program promises to eventually approach the top of its category. In the sub-$100 range, wizards and templates are the rule and ease of use is the key feature. The first wave of introductory-level DVD authoring software has broken with a plethora of products from many top manufacturers, from Apple to Ulead.

Dvd authoring software