Pinnacle Systems launch expanded effects range for Studio 9

Pinnacle Systems has announced the availability of more than 1,000 premium audio and video effects, scene transitions and DVD menus for its Pinnacle Studio 9 home movie-making software.
Widely known as plug-ins, these tools add to the hundreds of standard transitions, filters and DVD menus already included with Studio 9. Available online, the new premium plug-ins can be purchased in theme packs of up to 16 plug-ins each, and some as part of larger packages such as Hollywood FX Plus and Hollywood FX Mega. Existing Studio 9 users will gain access to the premium content through a free downloadable update, which will be available in mid June.
On top of Studio 9's robust set of features, such as one-touch colour correction and integrated DVD authoring, newly available Hollywood-style video effects include ‘Cops’-style facial blurring, atmospheric rain and digital artefact removal. With new audio tools, Studio users can alter existing voice tracks with a telephone or ‘robotiser’ filter or add fun background sounds such as wailing sirens. Users may preview the new content in Studio, then simply connect to the Internet to purchase virtual keys that instantly unlock those effects, transitions, sound effects or menus that interest them.
"Premium Hollywood-quality audio and video effects are now accessible to all Studio 9 users, giving them more creative power than ever," said Bill Loesch, vice president of engineering and product management of Pinnacle's Business & Consumer division. "Pinnacle and its partners have collaborated to offer Studio 9 users unprecedented flexibility with the added bonus of instant gratification."
The Studio 9 application was created with an open architecture that supports both VST (audio) and RTFx (video) plug-ins, allowing virtually any software developer to create custom effects and expand the creative options available to users. Developed by Steinberg, the audio group of Pinnacle Systems, VST (Virtual Studio Technology) is a universally recognized standard for audio effect plug-ins. Algorythmix GmbH and NewBlue are two software developers offering VST plug-ins for Studio 9. Developers offering RTFX plug-ins include BWPLUGINS, eZedia, StageTools and Virtix.
Premium content for Studio 9, including video effects, audio effects and menus, are sold in packs, meaning users can purchase a collection, usually by type of file and/or effect. Each of the plug-in effects and menus can be previewed in the Studio 9 edit screen by clicking on the transitions icon, menu icon or by opening the toolbox and selecting the plug-in icon via pull-down menus. Pinnacle's own Hollywood FX Plus and Hollywood FX Mega video effects are available for £29.99inc and £69.99inc, respectively. Smaller theme packs tailored to weddings, babies or sports, among others, may be purchased for as little as £3.98 each when bought in bulk.
(GB)