PowerDirector 3: Delivering the Best Video Quality

Digital Video formats, such as MPEG-1 (VCD quality) and MPEG-2 (DVD quality), are commonly used throughout today's world of digital home entertainment. However, for those with Digital Camcorders, the question that is often asked is "why does the MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video I produce look noticeably downgraded from the video found on most consumer VCD or DVD movies"?

To answer this question, one must look at the two major elements responsible for determining the quality of your video: Hardware and Software. On the hardware side, video camcorders play an important role as the means of recording video and of transferring that video onto the PC. On the software side, video editing programs, such as CyberLink's PowerDirector, perform the encoding or transcoding (transferring one video format into another) process and are fundamentally important in determining the video quality.

4th Generation MPEG CODEC

CyberLink has been in the business of developing MPEG encoding and decoding (CODEC) software for almost ten years. From the first generation CODEC used in PowerDirector 1.0, to the current CODEC used in PowerDirector 3 (a 4th generation MPEG CODEC), a great deal of change has been made to improve the encoding performance and enhance the overall video quality.

Video frame analysis technology
Brian Lin, Product Manager for PowerDirector stated: "With the 4th generation MPEG CODEC, we are now offering consumers a new technology called "video frame analysis", which compares each video frame in order to ensure that the quality of video is more stable and of the highest quality. Also, the 4th generation of MPEG CODEC greatly reduces video noise and unnatural video color blocks, so that the final video quality closely resembles that of the original video source!"

Faster editing speed
With the latest video engine in PowerDirector 3, anyone can reduce the time it takes to process an edited video by up to 50%. Compared to other video software, this process is noticeably faster, which means users have more time available to spend on creating eye-catching videos with special effects. In addition, it also ensures that the final video production looks closer to those movies seen on consumer VCDs or DVDs.

Video optimization technology
In addition, the 4th generation of MPEG CODEC used in PowerDirector 3 optimizes the video display format, so that both non-interlaced PC monitors and interlaced televisions can display the video with the best results.

PowerDirector 3 is the first product to include CyberLink's 4th generation encoding and decoding engine. So, whether you are planning to make your own DVD movies or simply output your videos in MPEG format, you will be able see for yourself the stunning speed and unbeatable quality that PowerDirector 3 can deliver.