VideoWave 4.0

VideoWave 4 works with a variety of video formats, offering output options for VHS, DV, CD, and streaming over the Web. The interface is smart, and the workflow beautifully simple. Each task (such as editing, effects, capture, text, transitions, and output) is completed in a separate mode window readily accessed via the Mode Selector, a strip to the left of the working frame. Captured clips, stills, and sounds are stored in the library and are then selected and adjusted in the appropriate Mode window, where attributes and commands are invoked via drop-down menus. The modified clip is then dragged and dropped onto the StoryLine, a filmstrip at the top of the window, where your video project is assembled. Transitions such as wipes and fades can then be added between clips.

VideoWave 4 is about as easy as digital video can get--but it's not painless. You should make sure your PC is up to the task: a compatible capture card, a quick processor, and a large-capacity second hard drive. It's also essential that it's a fast drive, either UltraDMA 100 or SCSI-2, as anything less will drop frames during capture or playback. VideoWave 4 comes with a short manual that will get you working, but doesn't go into much depth. Consequently, an Internet connection is recommended, not only to take advantage of the Web output options, but also for the inevitable troubleshooting, which can be easily done through the MGI Web site. VideoWave 4 is a powerful and elegant home video-editing solution. --John Cranmer

VideoWave version 4.0 is MGI Software's latest contribution to the growing selection of desktop video-editing tools. It features an uncluttered user interface for increased functionality and easy workflow. Access just about any kind of video or audio to edit and use in your production. Capture video from an analog or digital camcorder, TV, VCR, laserdisc, WebCam, or the Internet. If the source of your capture is not digital, VideoWave 4.0 will convert your analog audio or video (television, VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C, 8mm, Hi-8) to digital format. You can capture audio and video separately or simultaneously; even capture a single image or a sequence of frames for use in your production. VideoWave 4.0 also lets you view live video before and during your capture. After your footage is on your hard drive, you can drag elements from the library and drop them right into place. Edit any way that you like with VideoWave 4.0's almost unlimited range of audio- and video-editing tools. Eliminate the play, stop, rewind, and fast-forward process. If you have several scenes to edit, Scene Detection will find and separate your clips, and display them as thumbnail images; based on different scenes that you recorded. Extract images, video, and audio, and save them as bit map, TIFF, JPEG, or WAV files that you can use in other applications. Rearrange clips, add sound and a number of special effects, or playback your edits on the view screen. VideoWave 4.0 comes with tons of special effects to enhance your scenes and add to your story line. Just choose from the list of effects that appear in the Library to blend images, apply shadows, remove colors, and add fades, graphics, and more to your video. Time Warp is a new feature in VideoWave 4.0 that lets you add fast or slow motion to your video clips. You can create clips that play up to 10 times faster or 20 times slower than normal. VideoWave 4.0 lets you experiment and learn more about digital video production. You never have to worry about making mistakes or ruining your video--VideoWave 4.0's nondestructive edit feature always keeps your original video intact, while producing a final copy of your production that contains all of your edits, effects, and other changes.