This is the latest professional video editing package created by Pinnacle Systems.
 | What's New (Added 9/8/04) |
| Review (Updated 12/26/04) |
| Main Screen (Updated 9/8/04) |
| DVD Authoring (Updated 9/8/04) |
| Special Features (Updated 9/8/04) |
| Liquid Edition Tools (Updated 9/8/04) |
| Troubleshooting Liquid Edition (Added 7/30/05) |
| Getting the most from Liquid Edition (Added 8/3/05) |
| Latest Version of Liquid Edition (Updated 3/8/05) |
| Liquid Edition Links (Updated 12/15/04) |
| Pinnacle Features Allen on their Site (Updated 9/8/04) |
| Comprehensive HD Support Fully integrated FireWire (IEEE1394) based HDV capture with native real-time HDV editing, effects and compositing powered by Liquid SmartRT. |
| Multi-format Support Mix and match native DV25; MPEG-2 I-frame; MPEG-2 IBP (SD & HD); and uncompressed in a single timeline with Liquid SmartEDIT. |
| Extreme Makeover New Windows’ friendly user interface options to complement the classic Liquid look and feel. |
| Simple Setup Import and Export wizards to eliminate set-up hurdles. |
| Step Up From Studio Seamless Pinnacle Studio project import and plug-in support. |
| Plug and Play FireWire I/O access to DV and HDV cameras and devices. Liquid Edition PRO adds an expanded set of professional analog and digital I/O options conveniently centralized in an all new plug and play USB-2 based breakout box. |
| All New Audio Engine Advanced audio mixer; full surround sound; VST plug-in support; send busses, audio TimeWarp and much more. |
| Advanced Effects Added functionality and control with parameter-based Bezier keyframe compositing and new powerful real-time Track Matte and Mosaic effects. |
| Multicam Powerful editing tool for demanding multi-camera projects. |
| One Step Backup Simplified backup and restoration. |
| This was posted by Joe Figura on September 17, 2004: So that no one feels left out, we thought it best to open up the informational faucet and provide a list of the new additions and changes we have made in the product. Some of the new features blow me away. Having started on this product when it was Silver 1.2, I am amazed at what has been accomplished. But first, let's talk about two very important terms: SmartRT and SmartEDIT SmartRT is our industry leading format-independant core software based real-time effects engine. Unlike other products, Liquid's SmartRT harnesses the full power of your computer's on-board CPU's and Graphics Card (GPU). This means that Liquid Edition can perform 1,000's of format and resolution independant, broadcast quality multi-stream 2D and true 3D real-time effects. SmartEDIT provides the freedom to edit in most any SD and HD formats independantly or more incredibly, IN THE SAME TIMELINE! Uncompressed and HD together? Yep. NTSC Clips in a PAL Project? ABSOLUTELY! SmartEDIT's unique support for native MPEG-2IBP material means you can actually edit in the format of your choice for HDV, DVD and many others. This functionality eliminates the need for costly plug-ins and time consuming quality damaging format conversions when outputting your finished HD or DVD projects. Of course, SmartRT works seemlessly with SmartEDIT so that you can always maximize your real-time power in any timeline with any format. Pretty cool eh? Now, that I am done writing the marketing info, let's translate what that means in the real world! At IBC we demonstrated a Liquid Cine' system running 10 streams of Uncompressed HD, with 10 layers of GRFX. Each one of those layers, both video and GRFX, had a 3D DVE on it. All done in Real-Time. User Interface Design The user interface has a more modern and brighter appearance. The tool buttons stand out more clearly from the background. Red borders around the Master Viewer or Source Viewer Inlay indicate the area that is currently active. In the redesigned Project Browser, you can choose between the Library (effect) tab and the available Racks and Rack Folders. Menu Bar Pinnacle Liquid 6 has a Windows-standard menu bar with the usual menu options, including File, Edit, View, etc. The selection sequences in the manuals are based on this menu bar: File > New > Project. Many functions and modules can be accessed in two different ways: Via a shortcut menu (as before) and via a menu bar. When you select a function from the menu bar, an information line is displayed on the taskbar that briefly describes the particular function. For Beginners: Input and Output Wizards The Input and Output Wizards were specially developed for novice Pinnacle Liquid users who want to get right down to work. The Wizards guides you directly to the correct modules (for example, to the Logging Tool when you want to capture a video). Menu bar > File > Input Wizard/Output Wizard Multiformat in a Project and on the Timeline Pinnacle Liquid can handle clips in all existing formats in a Project and on the Timeline (PAL, NTSC, HD). On the Timeline, HD clips (MPEG2) can be mixed with SD clips and edited as usual. You can import and edit HD formats that cannot (yet) be captured directly. Codecs/Media Formats When using analog inputs, users of Liquid Edition can now also choose from among a large number of capture formats (codecs): In addition to DV(DIF) and DV(AVI), these also include DVCPro25, MPEG2 IPB and uncompressed.(MPPEG2, DVCPRO 50 and MXF are available with the Broadcast Option. Codec presets can be configured to match individual presets. New Functions in the Logging Tool Multicam Capture - Captures sources with identical TCs RapidCapture - Starts the capture procedure as soon as the video input signal is stable. Auto 3pt - Captures a clip and inserts it directly on the Timeline with exactly the right length (mark-in/out). Video Tool: VCR - Option for capturing poor audio signals (such as old VHS). Media tab - Choice of Quality Ranks (for more on this topic, see the chapter on High Definition) Audio Playback display - Up to four level bars((+++scales?)) for up to four incoming audio signals. Importing Data from Pinnacle Studio You can import Timelines from Pinnacle Studio 9.3 to Pinnacle Liquid. It si important to note that you will not be importing any of the FX placed on the timeline in Studio. You will be importing video, audio and titles. New Import Formats The existing formats are joined by: MPEG formats - *.mpg, *.mpeg, *.ts and *.vob Windows media; *.wmv (video) Project and Version Compatibility As soon as you upgrade to Version 6, the following applies: Projects from Version 5.6x (or earlier) are converted to Version 6. A dialog box is displayed asking whether you want to retain a backup copy of the Project to be opened. The backup copy retains the old version. If in doubt, click Yes. Projects in Version 6 cannot be opened or edited in Version 5.6x (or earlier). Backing Up and Restoring Projects This function lets you back up or restore entire Projects, including media files and render files. You can back them up directly on CD or DVD and can select the individual components to be backed up (for example, Project data only). Finding and Importing Media Files This function combines a powerful search tool with the possibility of importing the media files found directly into a Project. It sorts the clips by the categories Video, Audio and Image and stores them in Racks of the same name. Editing Multiple Clips Simultaneously Specific clip Properties, such as the clip Name or video/audio Source Tracks, can be modified for multiple clips in a single step. This applies to clips in Racks as well as to Timeline clips. Marking Clips Used on the Current Timeline in the Project In the Picon View, a checkmark appears above the image; in the Detail View, the value Yes appears in the Used column. Codec Settings Users now have a great deal of freedom when creating video data. Codecs (such as DV and MPEG2) can be combined with certain file formats (*.avi, *.mxf, etc.). Frame rates can be set for I-frame MPEG, (such as 25Mbit/s). The presets can be saved individually and retrieved in the Logging Tool. Naturally, native transfer (DV-DIF, DVAVI) continues to be possible. Copying Media files to other media including Local Media files that appear on the Media tab in the Project window can be copied to a local medium or another network medium (optionally with clip generation). The destination medium is defined in the Media Management Settings. Import Path In addition to the Primary Media Directory (for storing capture data), Pinnacle Liquid’s Media Management Settings now also manage an import directory to which external files (e.g. files accessible via the network) are copied or moved. File/Reel Names The reel path and file names assigned by Media Management in Version 6 differ from those assigned in Version 5.6x and earlier. Matte Tracks and Subtracks Subtracks are configured as subunits of Timeline Tracks. Subtracks can be displayed or hidden as desired by clicking the plus or minus sign and they help to achieve clarity when setting up complex Timelines. Matte tracks are a special type of subtrack with an integral sensitivity to an alpha level in the clip. They eliminate the need for an additional Track Matte effect or key. The key and fill areas of the image are assigned automatically. The resulting matte effects can also be animated. Multicamera Editing Using the MulticamSync command or in the Logging Tool, up to 16 video clips or video tapes can be synchronized (ganged) and played simultaneously in the Source Viewer. The “multicam clip” produced by this synchronization can in turn be ganged with video on the Timeline. This allows you to cut synchronously from one video source to another (Cameras 1 to 16) at any time, including directly on the Timeline. The tapes do not necessarily have to have identical timecodes for multicam editing Creating a New Sequence: Options As a result of the HD capabilities of Pinnacle Liquid 6, the New Sequence function is now a dialog box with all sorts of options. However, PAL and NTSC editors can continue simply selecting PAL or NTSC, while HDV enthusiasts can select one of the preset Timeline formats that goes with the prevalent clip material in the Project. Specialists can create an individual format using various parameters, such as Frame rate and Resolution. This dialog box (also accessible from the Timeline Properties) is the switching center for the available render and Fuse formats. Timeline Layouts can also be accessed here. 4-Point Editing (Auto-Timewarp) If the distance between the mark-in and mark-out in the Source Viewer differs from the distance between the mark-in and mark-out on the Timeline, an inserted clip is immediately and automatically edited with a Linear Timewarp, meaning that it is either shortened or lengthened. The same applies to the clip’s audio component. Additional Functions and Changes Zoom Control (timeline zoom) - The existing slider was replaced by a more finely adjustable version (more levels). Additional options in the Timeline Properties - For example, Show Dupes during Trim; extended Sync Break display; with Match Frame, a mark-in can also be set at the Playline position. Deactivate/Activate All - Simultaneously toggles all Timeline Tracks between active and inactive (click column header) Source Viewer/Master Viewer: Sorting lists - Expanded options for sorting the loaded clips or Sequences (right-click on list box). High/Low Quality function - The button was eliminated from the user interface and the function taken from the Q menu. Trim Editor: New option - New option in the Properties relating to the display of edits with effects. Goto next/previous edit - Applies only to edits on active tracks. New Effect Editors for CPU/GPU Realtime Effects[b] The most important innovation here is the parameter curves. Each parameter (such as Size) can be edited independently of the other parameters using separate Key Frames. The Key Frames are linked either by a Bezier curve or by a line. You can selectively show or hide parameter curves as well as edit them using a variety of options, including moving and reshaping them directly by means of the mouse. Applying Clip Effects to Entire Tracks Simply drag the effect to the name of a Track. The purple effect line appears. Right-click this line to open the effect editor. The effect is applied to all the clips on this Track (including subtracks). Audio effects can be applied in the same way. Additional Effect-Related Innovations The Classic 2D and Classic 3D Editors were ported along with all their parameters (except Trailing)based on realtime CPU (2D and 3D CPU). The quality of 3D realtime effects has been improved. Processing separated by channels (channel processing: R,G,B, Alpha) for effects that support it (such as Blur and 2D CPU). Blur CPU and Mosaic CPU now have a cropping parameter that can be used to render image areas unidentifiable (“privacy FX”). Advanced quality settings for CPU effect editors (Options tab). ASIO 2.0 Pinnacle Liquid 6 supports ASIO, the professional audio driver standard. For multichannel output (more than two audio channels, 5.1/7.1 surround), you must have a sound card that is compatible with the ASIO 2.0 standard(or a suitable breakout box). Naturally, you can continue to use your existing sound card but you will be limited to two channels. Mixer The central module of the Audio Editor now offers: The assignment of Fader Units by means of Audio Playback On/Off (loudspeaker icon in the Track Header). Each Track activated for Audio Playback is assigned a separate fader. Any number of faders (= mixer channels) possible. Track-specific faders possible for audio levels and panorama/balance (i.e. for all the clips on a Timeline Track). (It is also still possible to adjust clips individually.) A peak meter for each Fader Unit; faders can be toggled between sliders and knobs. Mixer configuration can be customized (for example, switchable audio faders before/after SendFX/InsertFX section. Each individual Fader (channel) can be routed to a Logical Output Bus. Multiple Logical Output Busses are possible. Insert and send effects are possible (see below). Different fader types are identified by color. Send Effects/Insert Effects Up to 16 audio effects can be inserted (therefore “insert effects”) directly into the signal path of each Fader Unit (channel). Signals from different channels can be fully or partially diverted in the fader and routed to send busses where they are processed with identical effects. SendFX Busses (multiple possible) can be routed to different Logical Output Busses. Insert effects are VST-compatible effect plugins (see below). All audio effects can also be applied directly to a Track (drag and drop on a Track name). Output Mapping and Classic Routing The redesigned Output Mapping serves to assign audio signals to actual system outputs (physical outputs on the connection box, sound card/chip, IEEE 1394/SDI-embedded, and virtual, such as Fuse audio files). All existing outputs in the system can be linked to Logical Output Busses. To maintain compatibility with older versions, the earlier Audio Routing continues to be available in its previous form as Classic (A1 to A4) Routing but must be activated on a case-to-case basis. Audio Timewarp Audio clips, which were previously excluded from Timewarp, can now also be accelerated or decelerated in real time while the pitch remains the same. Computation can be optimized for voice or music. Compatibility with VST Plugins Audio effect plugins based on the popular VST standard are compatible with Pinnacle Liquid 6 and, if desired, can be integrated in the program. Version 6 comes already equipped with about a dozen VST plugins. These plugins can, as usual, be used as audio clip effects, but they can also be used as Insert effects in the Audio Mixer. Surround Sound 5.1 / Matrix Surround Pinnacle Liquid Version 6 lets you produce genuine 5.1 surround sound mixes and output these mixes - provided you have an ASIO-2.0-capable multichannel sound card or a connection box with enough outputs in the system. If not, you can use the integrated Matrix Surround Encoder to create an impression of spatial sound in a two-channel stereo downmix that can be played by virtually any state-of-the-art surround system. Assignment of surround channels (Left, Right, Center, Left Surround, Right Surround) in the Audio Mixer’s Surround Panner. LFE (Low Frequency Subwoofer) adjustable for each individual channel. Display of room position on the Timeline using special Surround Pan Lines. Creation of DVDs with AC3 (Dolby Digital) and Matrix Surround Sound is possible. Export of Matrix Surround (stereo downmix) by means of Export Sequence... DVD Authoring Transparent menu background - The background of a DVD menu can be rendered fully transparent with the click of a button. DVD Editor’s function library, Editor tab (button with checkerboard pattern) Set return marker with AutoLink - Added to the AutoLink options; a return marker to the menu is also set for each link. Export to DVD, (S)VCD, Etc. Improved and faster MPEG encoder, I-frame-only export selectable in the IPB Settings by means of a single click, Standard file format for DVD images: *.iso (instead of *.img), achieving greater compatibility with software DVD players, *.psd for (S)VCD, Audio files can now be generated as AC3 (Dolby Digital), Up to 99 titles per disk, up to 99 chapters per title, Extended audio bit rates (64 to 448 kbps), Editable volume name, HD support for advanced profile/level and bit rate settings (422P@HL, MP@HL, 422P@ML, MP@ML; 422 optional), Burn Directory Path to a CD or DVD Used, for example, to save media data directly to a disk medium. This function is also used by Project Backup. Burn Mini-DVD's Provided you have a compatible burner, you can also use Version 6 to burn mini-DVDs (1.46 Gbytes or 2.92 Gbytes with double-sided medium). Burn Dual Layer DVD's Provided you have the correct hardware, you can also burn double-sided DVDs and CDs (including 8.5-Gbyte media). Pinnacle Liquid 6 detects and uses the available capacity. 5.1 Matrix Surround and Dolby Digital AC3 You can burn a 5.1 surround mix (see audio innovations above) to a DVD in the form of a two-channel stereo downmix. However, the material used can also be a standard (non-5.1) mix; in this case, the resulting surround effect is somewhat less impressive. Fuse Sequence This function also involves Output Mapping (see Audio Editor). The number of audio files generated depends on the settings in Output Mapping; up to eight files are possible. Fuse to MPEG2 IPB (Elementary Stream) - This is achieved by means of the Post Processing Module in the Fuse Sequence dialog box and the IPB Settings, which are also accessible from this dialog box. Settings For descriptions of the system- and user-specific software settings, refer to the individual product manual that came with your version of Pinnacle Liquid 6. The following is an overview of the changes and additions in this area: The Inputs/Outputs tab has been moved from System Settings to Player Settings. The Connections tab for the Player Settings now offers drop-down lists of the system’s AV outputs, except in the case of the Live player (you control this player by means of the Monitor icon on the taskbar). The settings for aspect ratio and TV format (NTSC, PAL, etc.) have been eliminated because they have been rendered unnecessary by the multiformat capabilities of Pinnacle Liquid 6. |
by Allen Pilgrim
INTRO (from Pinnacle's Site)
Introducing Pinnacle Liquid Edition™ version 6, the most powerful and comprehensive editing solution available today. Liquid Edition is more powerful and accessible than ever with familiar new interface options and transparent interoperability with Pinnacle’s Studio. In addition to all of the strong editing features that professionals demand and require, Liquid Edition will deliver native real-time HDV editing, SmartRT real-time power, SmartEDIT multi-format native editing, advanced audio tools and DVD authoring, all within a single highly intuitive interface.
FEATURES
Liquid Edition 6.0 has many great features. So far I have really enjoyed using it. A couple of the new features that really stand out for me: MPEG import, VST plug-ins, 5.1 Matrix Surround Sound and Dolby Digital AC3 among others. One that's been requested for some time now is audio timewarp. With this you can actually change the speed of audio in the same way you could with video.
There are a number of new audio tools along with more video effects. For Studio 9 users you can import your data directly into 6.0.
CAPTURE/LOGGING
The capture feature is how you get your video footage from your camcorder to your computer. The method I use is to connect my Sony DCR-TRV720 directly via a FireWire cable to the FireWire card. This is much different than the methods used for capturing in Studio or other NLEs.
LE 6.0 adds a new feature called RapidCapture. This really simplifies capturing compared to previous versions. With RapidCapture enabled all you need to do is to click the Play button and it immediately begins digitizing. At any time you may simply move the slider or click Stop and it will stop digitizing.
EDITING
Many have noticed that there is a fairly sharp learning curve to edit with LE. However, once you understand some of the basics it is a pleasure to work with. There are so many features that it is overwhelming at first. My suggestion is to work through the tutorials. Read something in the manual every day until you start to get a grasp on how this all works. Also create test projects and experiment with different settings. I did this with 5.5 and ended up completely removing everything and starting fresh; it was a good experience.
FEATURE REQUESTS
Probably one of the most common requests is to include SmartSound music. SmartSound is very popular and is included with most other video editing packages. Why Pinnacle has chosen not to include it with LE is puzzling. Many people are scratching their heads and asking the same question. If Pinnacle wants to remain competitive they should consider this feature request.
BOTTOM LINE
LE is a robust editing environment that offers an almost infinite number of possibilities. The learning curve is pretty steep but it is well worth the extra effort.
Standard Editing View
Another Editing View
DVD Templates
DVD Edit
Picture-in-Picture (PIP)
3D Picture-in-Picture (PIP)
Chromakey
CX Color Correction
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Cylinder Output
Explosion
Gradient Wipe
Water Drop
Magnify
Page Peel
Pleasantville Effect
Hollywood FX Interface
TitleDeko
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Liquid Edition -
6.1 SP2 This is the latest service pack for Liquid Edition 6.1. |
| Liquid Edition - Latest Official Release 6.1 |
This is a free upgrade for owners of 6.0. There are many bug fixes in this release along with some new features. One of my favorite new features is the full screen preview. This release is very stable and I'm sure that you will be excited with this one. Highly recommended.
| Liquid Edition - Release 6.0 |
| Interactive Support (Added 12/2/04) |
This is a new feature for Pinnacle. You can submit your bugs and feature requests here. Now they will each be tracked.
| Trial Version (Added 12/15/04) |
For those of you who want to try out Liquid Edition 6 first.
| Watch Liquid Live |
Check here for information on the latest LIVE Webcasts. Learn more about the Liquid Edition features and techniques to make great videos. These LIVE workshops will help you to expand your creative abilities.
Allen was a guest speaker for a LIVE Webcast at Pinnacle on March 16, 2004 at 8:30 a.m. PST. The topic was about the differences between Studio 8 and Liquid Edition. Here are some of the concepts covered on the Webcast:
1) Some of the differences between Studio 8 and Liquid Edition
2) The basic concepts of using Liquid Edition
3) Advanced editing such as Pans and Zooms (aka Ken Burns), Picture-in-Picture, Keying and a couple others if time permits
4) Answers to questions submittedAlso on March 23, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. PST Allen and Jim did a pre-recorded Webcast about "Weddings and Events." Basically I shared about the decisions made in creating a special event video as well as business aspects.
Both Webcasts are currently available for download.
| Liquid Edition Tutorials |
Here you will find some great tutorials for both High Band as well as Low Band.
| Liquid Edition Webboard |
Check this out for up-to-date information on Liquid Edition from fellow video enthusiasts. Here you will find several experts who started out just like you and are more than willing to offer help. The webboard is a rich source of solutions and also a place where you can exchange ideas.
| Liquid Edition Tips & Tricks |
This is probably the most comprehensive site for Liquid Edition on the web.
| Mike Shaw's Liquid Edition Pages |
Mike Shaw has one of the most comprehensive sites on Pinnacle products on the entire Internet. Here you will find some helpful tips on Liquid Edition
| Liquid Edition Training Materials |
If you want to learn how to do some cool stuff with Liquid Edition then check out some of the training materials available.
| Liquid Edition Product Updates |
Check here for updates that may correct bugs or add new functionality.
| Pinnacle's Ask a Question Tool |
If you have a question related to a Pinnacle product you might want to check here first. The database contains around 1,500 answers to various questions.
| Liquid Edition Support at Creative Cow |
This is a user's forum for Liquid Edition issues
