VideoPad Master's Edition covers all the basics you need with video editing software. With 3D and green-screen capabilities, you can create a stylish movie without paying a professional to help you. It is easy use the features available in this video software. You don't have to watch tutorial after tutorial to get started; even if you do run across a tricky operation, the manufacturer provides comprehensive support through user forums, manuals and an email address to contact the support team.
As with all video editors, this application puts a strain on your computer's resources. This particular application doesn't require a dual-core processor; it may run a little slower if you don't have a powerful computer, however. Part of the reason you don't need a dual-core processor with this application is that it doesn't have all of the features that other products have. However, this application covers all of the basics, and you can use it to create great videos.
This video editing software has good capture and playback. Some of the files types that you can import include WMV, AVI, ASF, Xvid, MPEG, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MP4, DivX, MOV, OGM, 3GP, VOB, H.264 and RM. We were also pleased that it is simple to import a file attached to an email message. This removes a step from the process because you don't have to save the file to your computer before importing it to the application. Not only can you import files from your computer that you have already saved to your hard drive, but you can also capture movies directly from a device. These devices include webcams, TV cards, VCRs or digital camcorders. You can use this software to keep your memories safe in a digital format.
Using VideoPad requires little effort. Before even looking at the manual we were able to create a video. The simplicity of the application is enhanced with drag-and-drop functionality. From moving clips to the video and audio tracks or rearranging split clips, all you have to do is drag and drop them where you want them. Other processes not using this functionality are simple too.
Ease of use is perhaps VideoPad’s top selling point. To start a new product, just add the files you want to the media list by either clicking the Add Media button or selecting File then Capture Video. All of the added files are listed in the media list and can be dragged and dropped directly to any track. Once you select a clip it appears in the large clip preview area. The large size makes it simple to move through the clip to find the moment you are looking for.
The editing capabilities of VideoPad are not as grand as other applications, but they are more than adequate for most situations. Some of the features that are included are video stabilization and split clip. The video stabilization feature is one of the most important features when looking at video editing software. This feature evens out the shaky camera effect. Use the split clip feature to edit the length of individual clips to suit your particular needs. Select the desired clip from the media list to show it in the preview window. Then simply use your mouse to designate exactly where the clip is to begin and end. You can also do chroma key, also known as green screen editing. This gives you the option to merge two clips or images together in a seamless fashion.
One of the biggest reasons to use video editing software is to share your projects with friends and family. VideoPad offers export options in a variety of formats. Not only can you save the file to a disc or your hard drive, but you can also choose to export your movie directly to portable devices including PSP, iPhones and iPods, or other cell phones. You can also upload your video directly to YouTube by clicking that icon. However, since this application is quite simplified, some of the features we expect in video editing software aren't available.
The latest version of VideoPad includes an option for 3D rendering. These two additional features are quite useful in giving your video an extra pizzazz. The application uses stereoscopic conversion to make your 2D video into 3D during the export process. This is a simple process that doesn't require any extra effort on your part. The option for green screen video editing is also a great addition.
The latest version of VideoPad has made some vast improvements in the transitions. Not only do they still have the fade, cross-fade and fade through white. But you can also have wipe, reveal, split, fan, radial, checkerboard and more. The older version of this software didn't have these basic transitions, so we were excited to see they had been added to this latest update.
Not only can you add effects, but you can also crop, rotate, add text or include watermarks to the clips. If you don't want to apply the effect to the entire clip it is a little more difficult. You have to split the clip and then apply a cross-fade to achieve a seamless transition between the clips. If you plan on having multiple segments with various effects this quickly becomes a headache project.
The variable playback speed effect gives you the option of adding slow motion or speeding things up for a time-lapse effect. There is also the option of playing the clip backwards, which can make for some fun movies. The speed which clips play is adjusted by right clicking the clip then adjusting a slide control. If you set it at higher than 100 percent it will speed up the clip, and if you set it lower than 100 that will slow it down. For example, selecting 200 will result in a finished product that plays at double speed while choosing 50 will play at half the original speed.
With VideoPad, you can choose to burn your completed project to a DVD or Blu-ray Disc. The capability to create a CD or HD-DVD also is available. Video export formats include AVI, WMV, ASF, MPG, 3GP, MP4, MOV and more. We are pleased with the HD options available. You also have a lot of control over the settings of the resolution and frame rate of the video.
When you add a video clip to the sequence, the application adds the corresponding video track. You can use the panel to the left of the track sequences to adjust the volume and to add effects. If you want to edit the audio by itself, you can unlink the audio from your video and make changes to the audio track using the audio enhancement tool. You can even set audio in and out points just like you can with video clips.
Sound effects can be added to the audio sequence from the VideoPad audio library. Whether background music or sound effects, they can greatly enhance the professional nature of your movie. Using this feature within the video editing software you can also record a narration for your project.
VideoPad provides customer support via email for those who purchase the video editing software. Since there’s also a free version of the application, they only provide email support for it if you’ve purchased a support package. We believe that purchasing the program is the best alternative since it offers not only support but some additional program features. The manufacturer’s website also contains a FAQs section and a user forum. The user manual is included as part of the program download. It’s available in printed form, along with a backup CD for those who wish to purchase the option.
Overall, VideoPad Master's Edition has some excellent features. Not only can you import files directly from many types of devices, but it also has 3D and green-screen capabilities. We were pleased with how easy it is to use; there are plenty of effects and editing tools available. While it does cost extra to get the complete support package for the application, it is well worth the money if you think you will run into some difficulties. This video editing software has a lot going for it and is well worth looking into.
