System Requirements
CyberLink PowerDirector is definitely a Windows-compatible program–even its companion mobile app is available for both Android and Windows handheld devices. Bad news for Mac and iOS users: there’s no PowerDirector products that can work with Apple machines. Here’s a list of minimum requirements for the program’s lowest tier, Deluxe:
- Windows VISTA (SP2), 7, 8, 8.1 or 10
- AMD Athlon 64 X2 or Intel Pentium 4 3.0 GHz processor
- 2GB of RAM
- 7GB of HDD available space
- 64MB of VRAM
- 1024 x 768 screen resolution, 16-bit color or above
Note that an Internet connection is required for software and video codec activation, and that running on more than the minimum required RAM is recommended–at least 3GB for a 32-bit OS, and 6GB for a 64-bit OS. Higher PowerDirector 15 tiers will also understandably merit upgrades to your system; specifically your processor and your VRAM.
Tools and Features
PowerDirector 15 is available in five tiers: Deluxe, Ultra, Ultimate, Ultimate Suite and Director Suite. Each bundle is more expensive than the last, but also packed with more features. We’ll touch on all tiers, but will focus on Deluxe, as it’s the basic and least expensive one. It’s also worth mentioning that the two most expensive options have video editing capabilities that are practically the same as what’s offered by mid tier Ultimate; the big difference is that they have other CyberLink programs bundled in. Both suites include Color Director 5 and AudioDirector 7; the Director Suite throws in PhotoDirector 8, too.
Regarding sound editing: the higher tiers do have AudioDirector 7, and the lower tiers have built-in audio mixers that aren’t special, but do get the job done. Overall, it does not seem to be a facet that CyberLink puts a lot of focus on when developing and even marketing their video editing software.
The Power of Deluxe
PowerDirector 15 Deluxe may be basic, but it is still a powerful program. It’s easy to use, with many built-in features that teach you how to use the tools available in an intuitive and effortless way. A no-nonsense Editor mode will even automatically create a video for you in no time at all–just choose which video clips it should use. For something a little bit more engaging, you can check out the range of templates in Express Project and follow the instructions to both complete your movie and learn how to fully unlock the potential of PowerDirector 15’s Full Feature Editor–which you can view in either timeline or storyboard format.
On top of several design tools you can customize, and a new mask designer, there are over 500 templates and effects for you to work with and choose from–picture-in-picture options, titles, style tweaks and more. The program also has many unique functionalities that you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else. There’s unparalleled support for vertical video editing, so you’ll never have to worry about properly and efficiently using portrait orientation clips from your smartphone ever again. PowerDirector 15’s TrueTheater Color is another revolutionary offering for the program’s price point, as it is capable of analyzing your video clips to automatically optimize its vibrancy and hues to make it look as real and natural as possible.
If you’re worried about a relatively lightweight program possibly slowing down due to more complex projects, CyberLink has you covered with what it claims is currently the world’s fastest video engine: TrueVelocity 6. There’s also hardware acceleration that makes it possible for you to work with 4K video.
Ultra and Ultimate
There’s a huge jump in terms of video editing capability from Deluxe to Ultra, because offers end-to-end support for 360° video editing. This means that you can trim 360° video clips, as well as add effects, titles and transitions that you can be sure will work well with the unique viewing perspective. You can even use 360° video to create conventional looking videos–and there’s no learning curve to doing this at all. Whenever you want, you can also switch between viewing modes so you can not only visualize but actually see with your own eyes how the project will appear when it’s done. Ultra also has the Extreme Toolkit which is great for working with GoPro footage, sports videos and other action-packed clips.
Ultimate offers the same, plus over 5 premium effects packs not available in Ultra–some of which are well-known plug-ins from providers NewBlue and proDAD.
PowerDirector for Android and Windows Phone
PowerDirector’s companion mobile app shares its name with the program itself, and in many ways feels like a good port for handheld devices; as opposed to just an app with very limited features that barely compare to the main video editing software. It has the most useful companion mobile app feature, though: you can start a project on your Android or Windows Phone and then upload it to CyberLink’s Cloud Service, where you can access and finish it using whichever PowerDirector 15 version you have on your desktop.
You can choose to just start and finish your projects on your handheld device, though. The app is certainly versatile enough, with the ability to work with both still images and video clips, a collection of audio and video tools and effects, and a range of transitions–with new free ones added from time to time and premium ones available as in-app purchases. You can even export finished videos in full HD–but you’ll need to pay for that option.
Pricing
Here’s a rundown of the different tiers and their respective price points:
- PowerDirector 15 Deluxe: $69.99
- PowerDirector 15 Ultra: $99.99
- PowerDirector 15 Ultimate: $129.99
- PowerDirector 15 Ultimate Suite: $249.99
- PowerDirector 15 Director Suite: $299.99
A CyberLink Cloud Service subscription is a separate product that you can avail of through separate payments, unless you luck out and happen to buy a PowerDirector bundle that includes it during a sale.
They also offer PowerDirector X PhotoDirector, which is a bundle of their video and photo editing software for a discounted price of $79.99, giving you 80% in savings.
Check out the official CyberLink website for more details.
Customer Support
There are all the usual offerings: a robust FAQ and Knowledge Base, an active community and a well-maintained learning center with tutorials for users of all skill levels. CyberLink also employs a support ticket system, and telephone support as a last option.
What's the Verdict on CyberLink PowerDirector?
CyberLink PowerDirector 15 Review 2020 – Conclusion
CyberLink PowerDirector 15 is a powerful program with many tiers that gate access to certain premium functions and effects, which is understandable and useful if you want to be wise about spending your money. However, it’s worth noting that similar products from other companies fill in the gaps between PowerDirector 15 tiers quite well. For example: If you want to work with 360° video, you would naturally check out PowerDirector 15 Ultra at $99.99–but Corel VideoStudio Pro X10 can offer the similar capabilities for only $79.99. This is where free trials come in handy. In the end, it’s all about what fits your work flow and what feels right to you. What’s an extra $20 or $30 dollars for something that feels more intuitive and comfortable? The bottom line: CyberLink’s offerings are amazing, but be very discerning and think about the value you are getting, considering your own skill level and your preferred editing style, tools and features.
No Comments... Yet!