5 comments about Apple Aperture 2.0 Upgrade.

1. I've been using the free trial of Aperture 2.0 for a couple of weeks now. Within a couple of hours of working with the trial, I ordered the full product.
   
   I was given version 1.5 of Aperture for Christmas, so I was a little disappointed to find that Apple released a new version so soon after I got it. Apple also dropped the price by $100, which now makes it an incredibly good deal for anyone who hasn't bought this type of software before.
   
   However, after getting over the shock of having to spend another $89 to upgrade software that was only 1 month old, I downloaded the free trial to see if it was worth upgrading. In the month I'd owned Aperture 1.5 I had spent quite a bit of time working out what it could do and how to make it use it. I could quickly see that 1.5 was a power piece of software, but it would definitely take some time to get the best out of it.
   
   After upgrading to the trial of 2.0, and watching a couple of the Apple tutorial videos that are online, I was able to get impressive results very quickly. As I already had Aperture 1.5, I had already began shooting all my photos in RAW format on my Canon Rebel XT. I also tried editing some JPEG photos I had previously organized in iPhoto.
   
   Results with RAW format photos are amazing. Aperture makes working with RAW so easy. I am able to correct exposure problems, which is just not possible with JPEG. I had a image that had lots of white in waves crashing over a rock. By adjusting the exposure in Aperture, and by using the highlight and shadow adjustments, I was able to bring out an amazing amount of detail, turn an average shot into a great one. The automatic correction of exposure levels makes a big difference to many of my shots.
   
   With JPEG images, the results are less impressive. This is not a limitation of Aperture, but a limitation of shooting images in JPEG which loses a lot of the information that was actually captured with the camera's sensor. You are still able to make adjustments, but making big adjustments quickly introduces noise into the image. The tools available in iPhoto 08 produce good results with JPEG, and I wouldn't pay for Aperture if I only shot JPEG images. The automatic exposure correction that worked so well on many of my RAW images is not available on JPEG images.
   
   If you have a camera that can shoot RAW images, such as almost all digital SLRs, and a few compact point-and-shoots such as the new Canon PowerShot G9 12.1MP Digital Camera with 6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom, I would definitely recommend shooting in RAW and getting a trial of Aperture to see if it works for you.
   
   You should be aware that shooting in RAW creates much bigger files, so consider this when making your decision. Getting the most out of Aperture means you have to shoot in RAW, and the biggest cost in moving from JPEG to RAW will be larger memory cards and hard drives.
   
   Aperture is so easy to use that I'd recommend it to anyone with a basic knowledge of photography that wants to learn more. Download the free trial, shoot some RAW images with your camera, and only order the full version if it works for you.



2. I'm not going to go into all the bells and whistles and let other reviewers do that. All I can say is, that this is a MAJOR improvement over Aperture 1.5 with a much more intuitive user interface. I might go so far as to say that v2 is more like beefed up iPhoto than v1.5 which I found frustratingly difficult to wrap my brain around. I bought the upgrade after seeing a demo at the Apple Store in town.



3. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R12L93DK5GJFRY Aperture 2.0 was much expected and very much needed. The improvements to this program demonstrates that Apple indeed listens to its customers. Aperture 2.0 includes a better and expanded interface, with the kind of speed that makes it a work horse program for professional photographers who need to process hundreds of photos at a time. It's almost intuitive workflow makes a great program for almost any serious photographer.
   
   I especially like the new additional adjustment tools and the simplifier less crowded interface. The ability to interface with other Apple programs like iWork, iWeb, and Keynote is also a plus.
   
   Above all, for me anyone, is the image preview settings. Clicking this means that you can scan image files without them fulling loading into the program. This is the perfect setting for scanning, rating, keywording, and re-organizing image files. And the best is that you can get into image mode simply by clicking the keyboard shortcut key, P.
   
   Finally, Apple's upgrade of Aperture indicates that they indeed are not going to abandon this program. On the Apple website, you can view over two dozen short and to the point tutorials to learn about every major aspect of Aperture 2.0.



4. A tremendous jump from previous 1.5 version. Was avoiding even using Aperture cause it seemed like it had a lot of features that allowed variations in the looks of the program but did not have a lot of picture adjustment and editing tools. Not so with 2.0, like I said a tremendous jump in useful features. Aperture 2.0 is more than just a photo editor in the makes of Photoshop. More so it is a picture file management software. I beleive with forethought a medium to high level amatuer can move to the next level with this software. I downloaded the Users Manual from Apple.com/aperture under Resources tab. It is a 702 page PDF. You can check it out. It will give you detailed info about this softwares capability.
   
   I especially like the Publishing aspect of this software. You can create pages and publish directly to web, or create and publish Hardcover, softcove, or spiral bound books with relative ease. Using pre-loaded templates for both web publishing or book creation, getting your product exposure in a very short amount of time.
   
   For those of you who were overwhelmed and confused about the real direction 1.5 was trying to take you the 2.0 upgrade is worth pursuing.
   
   I congratulate Apple for taking this product seriously and remolding it to better suit a photographers creative thought and distribution processes, and not just a software that software designers could appreciate.



5. Apple Aperture 2.0 Upgrade This is a much improved version of a good product. It contains a section called "Image Adjustments" that is worth a print out. Using the example pictures will aid in understanding the adjustments. You will need to spend several months to become an expert. A printed manual would be nice to have. New books on the upgraded program would also be great.

5 comments about Roxio Easy Media Creator Suite 9 [OLD VERSION].

1. I purchased this product because I was informed that it is the best on the market. If this is the best on the market I am very disappointed. I have everything the program needs to run correctly and efficiently and yet it doesn't. In the last 2-3 weeks I have upgraded everything in my computer to more memory, faster and bigger video card, etc. Still have very frustrating issues with this product. In reading the Roxio Community Support web page I can see I am not the only person that has numerous problems with this program. This program in fact has convinced me to buy a MAC computer who I know has a program that is way more user friendly, efficient and works properly. As a lot of people have stated Roxio's technical support is horrible. All they do is refer you to their website help or the Video Wave Help Center which hardly has the answers to any of the problems I encountered. I would not reccommend this product to anyone. I am so glad I found it on Amazon for $30, so it was a waste but not a huge waste of my money.



2. Hard to install, enormous drain on system resources, key features never unlocked, hard to uninstall. Avoid this app.



3. The worst software I ever buy! Don't spend your money for something, that don't work. You will spend a lot more money for upgrades and spyware after you buy it!
   Zev



4. This purchase solved my problem with a much older version of CD creator which offered no support for my latest hardware purchases. But now an even more current version is also available at reasonable cost.
   
   I'm happy.



5. After buying this, it installed a lot of programs that I didn't want. When I tried to selectively install what I did want, none of the programs would work. So I had to do a full install. Video editing would lock up every 10 or 20 minutes, which was usable I just saved often. Then it started locking up every minute which wasn't enough time to get anything done. On their customer forums, every problems seems to be answered with "uninstall and do a clean reinstall." I had done that twice already so I gave up and uninstalled it to move on to something new. Now it has broken my codecs and won't play any video without asking for a file that I can't find. This software is nothing but a huge hassle and waste of money. Instead of making patches they just start selling suite 10 which is probably just as bad.

5 comments about Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 11.

1. From a video afficionado's point of view I can say I have tried many applications out there that are made for the PC, none have really satisfied my needs. When it comes to ease of use while permitting you to do very complex effects and cuts, Pinnacle is the product you want.
   
   It may take a little getting used to when you do not have editing experience. But this tool really works quite like the professional ones do. I have even edited professionally on Pinnacle studio before and sold the dvds in a conference we had at church, everybody was amazed at how a few cameras at the event could have turned out in such a well cut DVD.
   
   In Ultimate edition you also get a very nifty green cloth so you can do the Green screen like the professionals. This is really good when doing promos for events where you want to be able to have someone actually on the screen with a cool background. News flash: Not just your cheesy old party table converted into a news anchor desk, with a wall in the background, now you can make it look cool by using the cloth in the background and green screening in a cool background.
   
   So strap into your seat and ride the Pinnacle Studio fever. I still have a temperature from day I started using it, believe me it wont go down.



2. I work in television and have for over 20 years. I wanted a solid software to video edit at home for a new web network featuring broadcast programs. I read a number of reviews at several well-respected sites and they all gave Pinnacle high marks. All I can guess is someone is being paid off for these good reviews.
   The software crashes constantly and the english-challenged support, when you can get them without paying extra after your first visit, simply reads from guide books and gives you standard answers with no technical knowledge whatsoever. They will ALWAYS blame your video card, audio card, lack of memory, you name it. They insisted a recent issue was all of the above, and when I read off the values on my system, the kid had no idea where to turn. He indicated rebooting the computer would help and told me there was nothing more he could do. Reboot, still crashes.
   I absolutely implore you to not purchase one single product from Pinnacle. Also, when they say certain items are included with a purchase, they are flat out lying. They give you an access code to get TO the features, but then it's an additional charge and it's not just a few dollars.
   Let me repeat myself. PLEASE do not purchase anything from Pinnacle no matter how many positive reviews you read from consumer sites. You will regret the purchase, you won't see your money again, you will receive horrible support, and you will be stuck. I cannot wait to purchase a MAC with Final Cut Pro or IMovie, neither of which ever crashes. Even Power Director is better than this piece of flotsam.



3. A few years back I reviewed Pinnacle Studio 9, which I was very satisfied with...however, in my review I noted that although the computer I was using was not a very well thought out purchase (Celeron Processor), Pinnacle Studio 9 ran very well.
   
   I finally upgraded to an Intel Quad Core processor (Q9300), with 3GB of RAM. I stuck with Pinnacle, because I was already familiar with the interface, and was reluctant to learn a new program, especially since Pinnacle has been so good in the past.
   
   All the great tools are still there and easy to use - I haven't even cracked the manual, as the new functions are very intuitive. Using this new Quad Core processor with the software is like slicing butter with a hot knife. The new SmartMovie and Scorefitter tools are fantastic - right out of the box I created a slide show incorporating over 80 slides, complete with effects, transitions and music in less that 15 minutes. I've done some minor video editing, and was amazed at how quickly the video came together - I was used to waiting several minutes each time I added a transition or video effect...that's not the case now. I've been using the new program for a week now, and I have yet to experience a program hang or crash.
   
   I can say that I'm fairly satisfied with this latest release. I initially had some trouble capturing video using Pinnacle; however, I came up with a satisfactory work around. This was the only problem I've come across, and considering that most video editing software seem to have its own glitches and idiosyncrasies, it's not a deal breaker for me.



4. Beware! Beware! Beware! Beware! Beware! Beware! Beware! Beware! Beware! I can't say it enough.
   
   This is the first review I have ever posted, because I need to warn everyone not to buy this.
   
   Only buy this product if you want crashes, frustration, to reinstall your entire system, poor customer support, and to waste a lot of time, lose a lot of work.
   
   I have spent over a week of work time trying to get this to work, as a solo business owner this has cost me a lot, in both time and money, trying to produce a DVD for students.
   
   Pinnacle should not be allowed to sell this product, and they should be embarressed to do so.
   
   It won't even uninstall properly, after running all the uninstall programs, (inculding one you have to download) it leaves 43.5MB of files and data on your pc. Hah! try and delete those if you can!



5. Pinnacle Studio 11 Ultimate
   
   The software is not bad, once you get past the registration and activation process.
   
   Be very careful about the spelling of the url to register and activate.
   
   There is a web site with a url only one letter different in spelling that your browser may grab instead of the real Pinnacle site.
   
   You will want http://www.pinnaclesys.com/hfxbonus/ not http://www.pinnacalesys.com/hfxbonus/.
   
   Note the extra "a" before the "l" in Pinnacle in the bad site URL. Both sites are apparently real Pinnacle sites so why are they so close in URL name with one being the wrong spelling of Pinnacle?
   
   I do not understand why they do not shut the second site down so it does not interfere with the registration and activation process. Perhaps they really want customers to become extremely frustrated.
   
   Communication with Pinnacle is also frustrating. Once you are a registered user of the software, you must register several different passwords to access different parts of the customer service web site.
   
   You will want to be prepared to read a great deal if you want to get help with a problem and be willing to simply read more if they send you a reply to a request for help. They will refer you back to the web site for the answer to your question so you will have to read a lot of stuff that does not help until YOU figure out what the REAL answer to you question is.
   
   Directions in some of the email responses from Pinnacle will be incorrect. For example, you will be told that your "passport" number to re-access your activation keys will be in the Help menu under "About". It is in fact not under "About" but in the drop down menu just above "About" so if you are frustrated and in a hurry you may miss it.
   
   If you start to order software from the Pinnacle site but decide you do not want it, even if you cancel the process before paying for it, it will still be ordered. You can then access information about the order and see the order on the screen but you cannot access any process to alter or cancel the order. You must us a different website entry to access this feature or call the sales line.
   
   The greatest frustration is that there are a lot of transitions and effects in the software that will not be activated even upon registration and activation of the Ultimate version. It is not clear which features are parts of the Ultimate version and some are extras that you must pay for in addition to the software cost. There is no indication in the interface which features cost extra or how to activate them.
   
   The manual omits some key words in the index so you have to use the help search in the interface.
   
   Be aware that in addition to the hard drive space needed for the software and "extras" that the software uses a huge amount of hard drive for auxiliary files of rendered effects and transitions.
   
   So, have at least one 500 GB+ hard drive available for video files and the auxiliary files. Put the software on one drive and your video files on another to speed up rendering time.

1 comments about Studio Ultimate Version 12.

1. It is not often that I give such a harsh review.
   
   To set the platform, I am a professional photographer and semi-pro videographer. I typically work in an HD/HDV format. My primary editing system is CS3 Creative Suite featuring Premiere Pro, After Effects, etc. My hardware is a 2.2GHz PC running 4GB of RAM with an 8600GTS (Nvidia 256MB) video card. I run Photoshop CS3, Premiere Pro CS3, After Effects CS3 and CS3 Bridge simultaneously without a hiccup. Sometimes, I am running Fireworks 8, in addition to these programs.
   
   I purchased Pinnacle 12 Ultimate as an upgrade to Pinnacle 9. It was purchased as a work around to Premiere Pro's lack of HD MPEG4 .mov export capabilities. (I'm an i [...] contributor and this is the requisite codec.)
   
   Pinnacle was raving about its new features, including HD/MPEG4 file export capabilities. Thinking this was probably a big fat lie, I contacted and inquired of Pinnacle. Here is my conversation with online "chat" support:
   
   Hi, my name is Donna Jumao-As. How may I help you? [12:52:43 PM]
   Tony Zinnanti: Hi - I have a quick question re exporting HDV files [12:39:38 PM]
   Tony Zinnanti: Specifically, I need to export HDV format in MPEG4. Can Pinnacle Ultimate 12 do that? [12:40:03 PM]
   Donna Jumao-As: okay, [12:53:34 PM]
   Donna Jumao-As: yes [12:53:46 PM]
   Tony Zinnanti: Is it possible to download a trial version of 12? I have v. 9. Also, is there an upgrade discount? [12:40:49 PM]
   Donna Jumao-As: Answer Link: [LINK]
   [12:54:45 PM]
   Donna Jumao-As: there is no trial version for Studio 12. [12:55:06 PM]
   Tony Zinnanti: ok - give me a sec to check out the link [12:41:52 PM]
   Donna Jumao-As: But we offer upgrade version purchased for Studio 12 from older version. [12:55:33 PM]
   Tony Zinnanti: Ok - how do I go about doing that? [12:43:09 PM]
   Tony Zinnanti: U there? [12:43:36 PM]
   Donna Jumao-As: yes [12:57:11 PM]
   Tony Zinnanti: Hello? [12:44:09 PM]
   Tony Zinnanti: Hi- how do I go about doing an upgrade purchase? [12:44:22 PM]
   Donna Jumao-As: one moment please. [12:58:08 PM]
   Donna Jumao-As: Since you have Studio 9 version you can avail the $69.99 for Studio 12 upgrade. [12:59:16 PM]
   Tony Zinnanti: Ok - do you have a purchase link, or will it just ask at the time of purchasing? [12:46:18 PM]
   Donna Jumao-As: Hold on please. [01:00:14 PM]
   Tony Zinnanti: Ok [12:47:57 PM]
   Donna Jumao-As: [LINK] [01:01:39 PM]
   Tony Zinnanti: Ok thanks. I'll figure it out from here.Take care. [12:49:24 PM]
   'Tony Zinnanti' disconnected ('Concluded by End-user'). [12:49:37 PM]
   
   Part of the unrecorded conversation was my express inquiry of whether Pinnacle could read an .m2t (HDV) file and export is as HD .mpeg4. She stated "yes."
   
   After spending a full eight hours installing, tweaking, hunting, pecking, uninstalling and reinstalling this program, not only does this program NOT have an "export" function, but it will not play HD/HDV clips. Pinnacle doesn't even recognize .m2t files in the file dialogue. Further, after trying MANY times, it will not render an HD/HDV video. After putting clips in the timeline and rendering "High Definition" "MPEG4", both in Quicktime and and Windows Media Player, you get a black screen with no data. Adobe Bridge CS3 doesn't even see the data. The rendered video just plays black and there is no compatibility/file reading error issued.
   
   What was stated to me by the Pinnacle representative was total misinformation - pure and simple.
   
   Any HD/HDV clip loaded into the file area does not play. You can "scrub" over it, but you can not play it. It will play intermittently if you play it as full screen, then reduce.
   
   Additionally, when trying to create a "new project," the software has a bug which keeps loading the previous project.
   
   After much hunting and pecking, I also found no .mov export capability.
   
   About this time, I had to cut my losses and move on. I contacted Pinnacle/Avid for a refund and was ignored. I have neither time nor money to waste. This was a waste of both. Now I an left putting in a claim with my credit card company due to the false representations of the product.
   
   Lastly, I am aghast that a company would so blatantly misrepresent a product. It's mind boggling that a company would put out a product that is so seriously deficient.
   
   If there is anyone who takes issue with this review, send me a video made with Pinnacle 12 Ultimate that is an HD/HDV export. Explain your workflow and I will amend this review accordingly.

5 comments about VHS To DVD 3.0 Deluxe.

1. This goofy software installed as a "trial version" only and constantly prompted me with nag screens to register after I'd already done so. After several attempts at installing, it only gave the "repair" option. Finally, after launching the "trial version" and getting a window to open, it didn't recognize the USB device and prompted me to install what it would not install.
   fuggeddaboutit....



2. VHS to DVD Deluxe was easy to setup and start using immediately. I have been very pleased with the capture feature and editing feature.



3. VHS To DVD is properly the worst of the capture edit software I have used.
   There is much freeware that is better. I really wasted my money on this one.
   
   Ronald Lankford.............



4. Overall, I found the quality from the VHS to HDD poor. The process of copying the HDD file to a DVD did not work. Support never replied to my email asking for help. I am asking Amazon for a refund.



5. I find this to be a wonderful product. I concur with observations from other positive reviewers here. I think this product is worthwhile to buy, install, and use, even given apparently dropping prices in stand-alone machines that do VHS to DVD converting. For one thing, those machines are still quite expensive (compared to this) from what I've seen so far. For another, I like the flexibility that the software gives me. Further, it doesn't take up any space.
   
   This software is relatively cheap and arrived cheaply and quickly. It updated its own drivers for me. It has taken some fumbling to learn how to use and it still can be tricky -- moving around USB ports, for instance, seems to trip it up and I often need to reboot and start again. But it's otherwise fairly straightforward to use.
   
   A couple things to give in mind:
   
   The review "It's Mainly about the Hardware" has some valid points. I had to upgrade my CPU to get over 2.5 GHz. I'm not sure how it would have performed if it went slower (the software has different resolution settings for slower CPUs). But I know I would not try it without a least 2.5 GHz, and at least DDR RAM.
   
   Online registration. You need to be connected to the Internet for the software to load and install. That means you have to have a working and functioning Internet connection. It also means it goes through registration to that particular PC. So you cannot, presumably, go and load the software on another machine. Which is only fair because the software is not that expensive.
   
   So I'm glad I got this instead of a standalone machine and I look forward to many hours of rediscovering old home movies!

No comments about Nikon Capture NX 2 Full Version.

2 comments about Final Cut Express 4 Upgrade from Final Cut Express 1, 2, 3, or 3.5.

1. Well this pgrade is really great if you have upgraded to FCE 3.5 already. However if you are upgrading from an older version watch out. FCE 4 comes with only 500mb of live type content. FCE 3.5 came with 10GB. If livetype isn't a priority for your video production then go for it. But if you are looking for an upgrade for your FCE from 3 or lower and your live type 1 and want all the latest live type content this upgrade is not for you. Buy the livetype 3.5 or buy both 4 & 3.5 while you can.



2. I also own Final Cut Pro 5.1, but since I had Final Cut Express 3.0, I thought I'd spring for an upgrade.
   
   I'm most pleased with this--so far it's very stable, I love its new filters, and the features it has are almost equal to Final Cut Pro in all the important features that prosumers are most likely to use. For most prosumers, it has everything we need. I am continually amazed with how much you get with Final Cut Express.
   
   Because I had Final Cut Express 3.0, I was able to load up the media from that version of LiveType and make it work with the version of LiveType that shipped with FCE 4. I never used Soundtrack that much, so I can't say I miss it, but if I needed it, I could always use the version that came with version 3.
   
   Like many other Mac users, I was a little surprised when I saw that LiveType shipped with less media, and Soundtrack was no longer included (apparently the audio capabilities are now available in Final Cut Express 4, as well as Garageband). But, in all fairness, I had to consider that the cost was $100 less than the previous version which had Soundtrack and the extra LiveType media. After thinking about it a while, I think I am glad that Apple took this route--a $200 pricetag makes Final Cut Express very tempting for many more Mac users than before, as well as making many Windows users envious! (Where is their $200 prosumer video application with equivalent features and reliability?)
   
   I've done a lot of research, and so far I'm not finding anything on the Windows side that offers as much as Final Cut Express, for a similar price. I'm not knocking the many affordable $100 programs that Windows users have, because for many people that's more than enough and there are many wonderful choices available. But from what I've seen, each one of them lack some capability that I have come to enjoy or rely on in Final Cut Express. (But of course they are less expensive, so this is to be expected.) There seems to be no "middle ground" for video enthusiasts on the Windows side (either it's an affordable $100 program with crippled features, or a pro-level app with a pricetag to match).
   
   A big thumbs up for this upgrade to Final Cut Express! I am happier than ever to have switched to Macintosh!

5 comments about Roxio Easy Media Creator Deluxe Suite 10.

1. When hardware and software are created by different companies and sold separately the results are not always harmonious. Once I plugged in the converter the pc loaded the driver. I was able to use Roxio's software and it had a line item for the Dazzle device. I was antsy about loading such a big program especially since they are not video related. However this program deals with playing devices and resizes and converts the video files automatically for my ipod. I've also converted some home video and added music. I'm glad I went with the big program and didn't rely on just a video program, otherwise I'd still be looking for programs.



2. I can say that I have nothing but the best luck with this software. I'm using Windows Vista. Maybe I'm one of the few who prefers Vista to XP, but I like the visual aspect of the OS and how Easy Media blends right in. Vista itself though doesn't seem to have a huge leap from the folder tree. Easy Media also uses this tree to see the media files but there is the option of switching to media type. With this mode I can see all the video, photo, audio files at once. If only the default was set this way but I think most people seem to like the tradtional Windows folder view.
   
   Features are packed. If you are like me and have older media it doesn't take much to make it into modern formats. The Pinnacle video converter will work with this suite and transfer video footage into digital. There's no getting around playing in real time though. Good thing the conversion only takes a little longer than the playing time. Of course I want to edit and tag the video. I've used cinemagic so that it will separate the credits and ads. It seems to read pauses and makes the cuts. I can add titles too. Programs to complete the project include a label maker, a disk menu maker and even ipod conversion. I've only covered video but there's a lot more for photos and audio. I've become a long time user and I haven't seen anything as complete as the roxio suite.



3. Roxio's suite has helped me salvage old media and just for that I give it the highest rating. I don't think that old media could be saved very easily when new formats came along. Remember beta and 8mm tapes, laser disc movies? Many people don't know and don't care but for those of us who invested in the systems and music/movies it is a loss unless we could transfer them. The best thing about digital media is the storage hardware may change but software converting is not that difficult, at least when I use this program. My only complaint is that the install can get messed up if you don't remove any old roxio media programs. I couldn't rely on the windows uninstall and had to check to make sure that an old burner version was removed before it worked. After that small problem I am pleased with the performance.
   Using the video converter in the package, the Deluxe version, same software I salvaged my beta and 8mm tapes. Good thing I didn't dump them. The video appears on the computer as it is being converted. I would have been content with stopping there but then I found that the video programs are easy enough to make edits. I can clean up and cut the videos exactly the way I want. I've also been able to save the videos in different formats. Since video is large I prefer to compress them. The program is user friendly and chose the video format when I backed them on disks. It tracks the disk contents too even when they are not in the drive. Since I'm not up to date on the latest terminology overall this is a good program for people like me. The steps were easy to follow.



4. I can't say enough of how easy this program is. I learned a lot about photo editing from using verison 9. It gave me the confidence to try more. I bought an hd camcorder and the deluxe version for the tape converter. I don't need the converter for the camcorder but I figured I could now deal with the backlog of tapes. Anyway it only takes hooking up the camcorder to my pc and version 10 does a lot of steps. I've stuck with Cinemagic so It will make smaller clips automatically. It makes it easy to delete what I don't want and sort the clips. It makes HD dvds so I can keep the high quality visuals. My old tapes are s-video and the converter has this connection. It's not hd but it's better than regular vhs video. The video snapshot tool takes photos from the video clips. I can enhance them and not only use them for photo projects but they can be inserted into dvd menus. I did notice that the there are more menu, album, and slideshow templates in 10 than in 9. I'll be changing my phone soon so I will get a video player one since 10 can transfer video onto it. There are many other programs but I use it mostly for photos and videos and like the programs.



5. This is a product deserves a class action suite. Lousy install followed by bugs and crashes then not starting. Downloaded the 719 MB 'update' and exactly the same problems - after spending over an hour cleaning the old one off the system. I think I am a pretty advanced computer user, network adminsitrator etc. Support is just as bad - you spend $1.80/min to hear silly time-consuming things you can do that will not solve anything.
   
   Never again Roxio products, no way.

5 comments about Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition.

1. Deus Ex has very often been called the greatest Role Playing Games ever created, and with good reason. Though the graphics are incredibly dated if you can see passed this there is fantastic gameplay, and intriguing plot and, suprisingly, interesting questions raised about human nature and political ideology.
   
   The last may sound quite pompous but do not let this put you off. The game is a First Person Shooter and is filled with action. The detail in the game is astonishing. Many times I've decided to simply wander around and talk to other characters and investigate areas and found computers whose owners are having conversations about security, affairs or even mundane repairs. There is always something new to find each time you play.
   
   And you will play this many times. While the game can take about 40-45 hours to complete (if you take your time) there are numerous choices to make which will affect how missions go, or how certain characters react to you. This level of detail allows you to complete goals in several different ways. You can choose to shoot it out, use stealth or simply buy your way in. And, in the odd occasion, you don't have to do a thing. You can just walk away.
   
   You play as J.C. Denton, a UNATCO (United Nations Anti-Terrorist Coalition) agent. This group was formed after a terrorist attack in New York in which the Twin Towers fell and the Statue of Liberty was destroyed. Considering this game was made in the late 90s it is strange that the Towers are no longer in the skyline of 2054 New York.
   
   The plot is full of twists which you really do not see coming. The critically acclaimed soundtrack, which comes with this edition on a separate CD, fits perfectly with the mood of each moment of the game. The only problem? The second CD which contains the level editor and soundtrack can be a pain to get working. Other than that, this is a great game; still better than most games on the market today and only a fraction of the price. Every PC gamer should have this.



2. Deus Ex is a wonderful game. It was one of the first FPS-RPGs (First-Person Shooter / Role-Playing Game), allowing the user to add skill points in various attribute areas, such as weapons, first aid, the use of numerous protective equipment. Each open-style mission allows the user to find multiple entrance points to the target site, based on skill and play-style. The Choose-Your-Own-Adventure dialog also allows for a new set of choices for every replay.
   The graphics are now dated, but it is a classic game.
   
   If you like the style and gameplay of Deus Ex, you should also try Mass Effect.



3. So what is the fuss all about? Deus Ex was ahead of its time. It merged RPG elements into a First Person Shooter and allowed multple ways to finish every mission, which raised the reply value. I am actually upset because there aren't more games like this one. We see the same generic FPS formula redone over and over again. Companies can still learn from Deus Ex and they should. Deus Ex offers some very satisfying gameplay. Even though Deus Ex seems to be a FPS, it allows you to do things that you don't normally find in an FPS. You can hack computers, use lock picks on doors, and blow up doors. That is an example of how Deus Ex gives you multiples ways to accomplish an objective. The way you kill is also a factor. You can use melee weapons, pistols, heavy guns, and sniper weapons. You can actually increase you effectiveness with using these weapons by raising your experience level in them. This little tidbit makes the game quite addictive. The graphics have not aged well, but nonetheless, the superb gameplay should make you forget about that, even for the most shallow gamers today. So is it worth getting? YEAH!



4. Easily one of the greatest games ever made. A fluent and compelling storyline, amazing weapons and features still impressive 7 years later, great action, and an overwhelming feeling that you can solve a problem in this game in any way that you want to. There's more than one way to do just about everything. 5 stars out of 5



5. Favorites. Great game play & story.
   They don't makem like this any more except for maybe half life 2.

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