Liquid Edition 6 software
Edition was a good DV editing application even before Pinnacle bought the original developer, Fast, and that, of course, was why Pinnacle bought it. But, since the acquisition, Pinnacle has increased the program’s appeal still further. There have been through repeated price cuts – the software-only version is just £300 – and some useful new features, notably integrated DVD authoring tools.That move sounded the final bell for Pinnacle's own higher-end dedicated DVD program, Impression. This was quite powerful but awkward to use.
Oddly, Liquid Edition 6 still lacks some of the more professional DVD authoring tools that were noticeably absent from V5 - subtitling tools, support for multiple audio tracks, DLT output and copy-protection features - leaving it trailing behind Adobe’s Encore DVD and Ulead's DVD Workshop.
What Pinnacle has done is change the program’s interface to better follow Windows’ standards, so menus are along the top where they should be. Newcomers will also welcome the program’s simplified import/export tools, and there will be cheers among Edition converts and newbies for the addition of a surround-sound mixer.
Also new is support for HDV camcorders, though Sony’s FX1 and Z1 models won’t be fully supported until V6.1 – and we’ll bring you an update on that side of things once we’ve had hands-on with the release version of 6.1.
Liquid Edition 6’s main interface with source/edit monitors, project window and timeline The interface has also lost its subtle button highlights and shading – elements that tended to make it perceived as overly dark – and these are replaced by bolder colours and stronger outlines. But, those old hands who persevere with the new-look interface can easily customise it by adding tool icons - getting the best of both worlds.
There's a series of 11 icons/displays at bottom right of the interface, as before. Among them are an eye icon, for accessing different interface layouts; a render indicator showing the progress of background rendering, and a pop-up for a menu where the output channel for external monitoring can be selected – one of the Pro breakout box's analogue channels, and a PC’s own FireWire output if the software is being used without the Pro box.
An input wizard helps use of Edition's file-acquisition toolsThree books are supplied in pack - an installation guide; a weighty and detailed reference manual; and a shorter, more accessible User Guide that cover basics. Generally, they look good and read well but proofing of the User Guide must have been forgotten in the rush to launch – contents pages point to wrong page numbers, some page references are missing from the main text and the index is inadequate.