ONSUMERS WHO WANT A VIDEO EDITOR THAT HAS an extensive, highly usable feature set, is an outstanding performer, and can speedily input and output all relevant formats should look to CyberLink PowerDirector 7 Ultra. This latest version gives you six independent picture-in-picture (PiP) tracks in addition to the original video, title, and music and narration tracks. And thanks to its directorZone site (directorzone.cyberlink.com), where you can upload and share design elements, it's also the first truly open editor.

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You can configure the work area as a storyboard or timeline and can trim content dragged to the time line using several tools, including a Multi-Trim window that lets you quickly identify and grab scenes. Other conveniences abound: One, for example, speeds DV capture by letting you can scan the tape at 6X speed. Another significant addition to Cyber Link lets you control effects via key frames so that you can transition them in and out or change values over the duration of a clip. In general, the effects offerings have advanced. You'll find a wide array of artistic effects features, especially in the powerful picture-in-picture designer.

The product edits and renders high-def content quickly, makes good use of multiple CPU cores, proves speedy at burning Blu-ray media, and supports new disc-burning formats, including BDMV and BDAV BIu-ray. Its speed, unique range of functionality, and ease of use makes CyberLink PowerDirector 7 our Editors' Choice for consumer video-editing programs.