Just editing the slideshow portion of a video today? Then clear the “Show Video” button, and only photos will be visible. A handy feature when importing your media files into Pinnacle is a pair of buttons labeled “Show Video” and “Show Photos.” These will make only the media you’re currently working with visible. On all of the versions, the Pinnacle Studio user interface, which supports both dual and widescreen monitors, is handsome and well laid-out. But to me, the choice seems awfully clear, after checking out the surprisingly high-end features included in the Ultimate Edition we tested.

From a marketing point of view, it’s always good to move prospective buyers from “should I buy?” to “which one should I buy,” which explains the three different versions. The program sells in three versions: the core model (called simply Pinnacle Studio), which retails for $50 Pinnacle Studio Plus for $100 and Pinnacle Studio Ultimate, which lists for $130. Case in point: Avid’s Pinnacle Studio Version 11. It never ceases to amaze us how powerful and full-featured video editing programs at the $100 price level have become.

Pinnacle studio 16 music