CyberLink PowerDirector 10 Deluxe (build 1424c)

CyberLink PowerDirector 10 is the latest edition of this popular, versatile consumer video editor.

Top of the new features list this time around is PowerDirector 10's excellent 3D editing support. The program can import many 3D video and photo formats, or convert 2D clips and images to 3D; new Magic Style templates help you create 3D movies in a flash; quality 3D effects, titles and menu templates ensure a fully immersive 3D experience; and once you're done, the program can export your project to major 3D formats, including MVC, anaglyph, half and full-size side-by-side video.

If you prefer 2D movies then you'll appreciate PowerDirector 10's new ability to add cinematic time-lapse effects to your creations. Another addition means you can now overlay hand-drawn "paint animations" over a scene: signing your name at the end of the movie, perhaps. And best of all is the new support for third-party effect plug-ins. You get 10 NewBlue "art effects" bundled with the program ("air brush", "colorize", "hand drawn", "pastel" and so on), and in future will be able to extend PowerDirector's abilities by adding more (though this option isn't available as we write).

PowerDirector 10 also includes smarter audio tools. The Beat Marker examines your movie soundtrack, for instance, and highlights notable beat points, so when you add transitions and effects you can be sure they'll be properly synchronised with the music. And if your audio clips have been recorded with very different levels, then that no longer matters: you can normalise all the audio files on a single timeline track with a click.

PowerDirector has always been fast, and the good news is that this release is faster still. New OpenCL support uses compatible GPUs to deliver up to a 380% speed boost on video effects rendering; Intelligent SVRT analyzes your project, then recommends an output profile which will deliver the best quality and speed; and a range of other enhancements (including a smarter TrueVelocity rendering engine and improved H.264 video encoder) mean your movie should be rendered in less than half the time taken by previous editions.

And when it's all done, you can share your movies more easily than ever before, with options to upload your video to YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo and DailyMotion.

Please note, as previously, PowerDirector 10 comes in two editions.

PowerDirector 10 Ultra includes everything we've described here, and is yours for an MSRP of $99.95.

And PowerDirector 10 Deluxe costs only $69.95, but doesn't include all the high-end features: in particular, you won't get the 3D features, native 64-bit support, direct import from AVCHD camcorders or full HD preview.

Plug-in support; 3D editing; time-lapse; the Beat Marker; one-click normalisation: PowerDirector 10 is packed with useful new features, but OpenCL support helps to ensure there's no "bloat". The program is actually faster than ever, and remains one of the best video editors around