compositing and effects

When Power Director works, it's neat. Unfortunately, there are major problems. For example, large jpegs are scrambled in the preview library. Likewise, the burning software does not support newer dvd burners and many camcorders.
At other times, it is impossible to import mp3's; last week they'd import, this week they don't.

Compounding matters, on-line tech support is too slow (at least 6 days) and is usually incorrect. Live technical support is available only by calling Taiwan.

Lastly, there's only one buggy version (3.00.1208). As of yet, Cyberlink does not offer improved versions.

In comparison with similarly priced software producers such as LumaPix (FotoFusion)or PG Music (Band in a Box), Cyberlinks Power Director Pro fails miserably.

Good Luck.

I downloaded the trail version before I bought the full version. I accidentally found that you can manipulate the trial version to be able to use more than 30 photes/videos. Simply add a color board to the end of the story board (then delete if you don't need) and you will get another 10 images available. Keep doing this to add more and more. This actually made me decide to buy this, since I could really get a feel for the program and make the DVD I needed to for a special event. As for the program itself, I found it very simple to use. I have had some problems with it locking up or simply closing on me for no apparent reason. But that seems to come and go, so maybe its just me.

I have been using the progam to make DVD's of my kids plays, concerts and other events. It is very easy to add titles and even credits at the end. Although there may be a limit on the number of characters you can use on the color boards/titles. That seemed to be one area I was having problems. I just took my time, saved frequently and I ended up with some great DVD's to share.

All in all I would recommend this program. It is not at all overwehlming like some progams can be, but also can do more than others. With just the trial version and without reading the on-line manual, I was able to create a DVD including pictures, videos, transitions and titles with very little effort. I even learned to trim and split without the manual. This is really the only video creation software I have used, except for those that came with my computer or video camera and it far exceeds those in terms of ease and functions.

In October 2003 we purchased the highly recommended Sony DVD Handycam. The movies are recorded directly to DVD in digital format. The DVDs can be played immediately in most DVD players. I have been using the free software that came with the camcorder to edit and manipulate my home movies but the free software didn't offer enough options so I researched which software to purchase. I found several reviews that suggested Power Direct 3 and that's what I decided to buy. I installed the software and then determined that it is incompatible with my Sony camcorder and I am unable to "capture" my digital movies. The software will not allow capture directly from a DVD or from the harddrive. It is NOT an option...which seems like a basic option to me. I contacted the company to find out if they planned an upgrade to add the Sony camcorders into their compatibility system and they suggested that I buy a new camcorder. Give me a break! Then they suggested that before I buy the new camcorder I check its compatibility with Power Director 3 first. As if I would base my $1000 camcorder purchase on the compatibility of a $100 editing software. It never dawned on my that the number one recommended editing software would not work with the number one selling DVD camcorder. This has turned out to be an expensive lesson since I can no longer return the software (I threw away the box).

Definitely check to make sure that your camcorder is compatible before purchasing this software. And, do not think that you can rely on Customer Support or Technical Service for anything.