Software reviews

By CHRISTOPHER AVE and DAVE GUSSOW
© St. Petersburg Times
published January 6, 2003

Screenblast MovieStudio

• System: Windows
• Company: Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment
• Price: $69

Here's an interesting new option in video editing. Screenblast MovieStudio has a powerful interface featuring two tracks of video and three tracks of sound. Another standout feature: Special video effects are clearly displayed and easily used. Although some of the stock graphics and transitions are cheesy, the package offers lots of functionality, and the multiple sound tracks make it easy to add music and narration as well as ambient noise.

- CHRISTOPHER AVE, Times staff writer

Photolightning

• System: Windows 98 and later
• Company: Photolightning Corp.
• Price: $39.95

Here's another way for newcomers to digital photography to get their photos from the camera to the computer, then to handle them in the PC. When you plug your camera into your PC, Photolightning automatically opens. It lets you preview the photos, add captions, change the file name and do some basic touchups, such as removing red eye and cropping. Then it gives you one-click choices such as printing, e-mailing or setting up an album. I still like Jasc's After Shot, but this one is worthy of consideration. It also has a free 30-day trial available from its Web site (www.photolightning.com).

- DAVE GUSSOW, Times personal technology editor

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