The future, as they say, is here - and it is definitely High-Definition. Users, both prosumer and consumer, are set to embrace HDV in the coming year, and software and hardware companies are lining up to provide HD solutions for them. Sony's release of the new consumer HDV camcorder, the Sony HDR-HC1, is one very successful first step to put HDV in the hands of consumers. On the editing side, Ulead, as a pioneer and leader in HD technology, was one of the first out of the gate with an HDV editing solution in 2004. Now, as the shift to the HD world is gathering momentum, Ulead is well-prepared to provide HD solutions for the new era.

Ulead HD Technology

Ulead HD solutions allow you to work with HDV1080i video just as you would with DV: batch capture, edit, apply filters and transitions, then output to disc or tape. In fact, Ulead was the first solution to provide batch capture for HDV devices. After editing, you can output to various formats such as SD, HD, or WMV-HD for Web sharing, or write back to camcorder or deck.

HDV users are by definition concerned with picture quality. Ulead HD captures directly to HDV without converting to any intermediate codec. It is all done in native MPEG-2 HDV, with the only conversion being changing the captured “transport stream” to “program stream” for editing. This is completely lossless and the quality of the video is not altered at all.

Ulead HD also takes advantage of Ulead’s SmartRender technology, which ensures that only modified segments of your footage will be rendered. This not only preserves the video quality, but also saves time.

Another Ulead strength is format support. You can mix and match HDV, standard DV or even MPEG files on the same timeline, and encode it to any one of the variety of formats - including WMV-HD. Write back to the HDV tape device via IEEE 1394 Firewire, or view on a High-Definition TV monitor.

Why is native editing so important?

There are several intermediate codecs out there, for example, the codec from CineForm® (adopted by Adobe® Premiere® Pro and Sony® Vegas®) or DVCPro HD (adopted by Apple® Final Cut Pro® HD). Intermediate solutions require video encoding to be performed twice; after capture, and then after editing. Although most intermediary codecs do a good job of preserving quality, any extra steps add to the production time.

Future Ulead HD development

Beyond the leading HDV solutions we already have, Ulead is also very active in the development of other HD-related standards and formats, such as HD-DVD, Blu-ray Disc, and H.264. Ulead HD DVD technology has already been licensed for use in producing Hollywood HD content.

One barrier to acceptance of consumer HD production has been the perceived complexity of the technology. Ulead, however, has a long history of taking the complicated and making it simple for consumers. We will continue this tradition by providing consumers with smart and intuitive tools for creating and sharing HD content. HD is no longer just for professionals, but can be enjoyed by anyone.

Ulead HD solutions

	Ulead® MediaStudio Pro 8 Ulead® MediaStudio Pro 8 is powerful, versatile and intuitive video editing software, for professionals and enthusiasts in independent production, event videography, business, and education. Integrated, quick-to-master tools take you to the forefront of professional real-time HDV, DV or MPEG editing.
	Ulead® DVD MovieFactory® 5 DVD MovieFactory® 5 is easy-to-use disc authoring and burning software for today's digital lifestyle. Turn your standard or HD video and photos into DVDs with studio-quality personalized menus. Quickly trim and enhance video, and remove commercials from recorded TV programs. Share and preserve your precious memories on CD, DVD, HD DVD Disc.
	Ulead® VideoStudio®10 Plus Ulead® VideoStudio®10 Plus is video editing and DVD authoring software that lets anyone do more with video. Unique and powerful features include full MPEG-4 support, Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound and the category's only complete solution for high-definition video. Make the most of your HD camcorder, widescreen TV and surround sound system. Easily capture, edit, author, output and playback high-definition videos with the best quality picture and sound.

Ulead HD Workflow
Learn how MediaStudio Pro 8 seamlessly captures, edits and outputs HDV from Sony or JVC devices.
Learn how VideoStudio 9 seamlessly captures, edits and outputs HDV from Sony HDR-HC1.

Using WMV-HD
Learn how to create high-definition slideshows and video in this popular new format.

HDV FAQ
Get answers to your HDV related questions.