Some people will tell you that other programs have more features, more flexibility, render faster and are even more stable. These people are all CORRECT. However, that doesn't make those other packages better for the amateur. They should tell you that 100% of the features needed for the typical video project ARE included in Pinnacle Studio. They should tell you that Pinnacle Studio is so easy to use that you don't even need a manual, while those other programs have such archaic commands and buried menus they'll take months to figure out. They should tell you that professional video editors who have the more expensive programs often use Pinnacle Studio for all of their basic editing and then switch to the expensive ones only to do complicated special effects and rendering. Why? Because Pinnacle Studio is that much easier to use.

So why do some other packages cost hundreds more? Because they allow you to create your own complicated layered video and audio effects, edit on multiple monitors, and render finished video effects in real time, which can be 10 times faster than Studio. If you are a professional who always has 5 projects going and edits video all day every day, those things are worth the extra price.

A couple of notes:

The 18 minute limit that another reviewer refers to is an old WINDOWS file size limit, applicable to any video program. If you are running Windows XP, this limit no longer exists.

Finally, forget what the Apple commercials tell you. Video editing and rendering is not so simple that a kindergartner can do it. It's the most resource-intensive thing you can ask your PC to do. If you aren't comfortable enough with a PC to be able to close competing applications and monitor how much hard drive space you have available, then you should not try video editing, even with a simple program like Pinnacle Studio. If those things don't intimidate you, then take the plunge with this product. You'll have a blast.