Why You Can Trust CNET Get CyberLink PowerDirector 14 Ultimate for $47.99
From the Cheapskate: This top-rated video editing suite comes with a bunch of extras. Or save a few bucks and get PowerDirector Ultra for $39.99.
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Today's deal falls into rerun territory, but it's a better bundle with a lower price than last time. Let's see an old "Seinfeld" episode do that!
Video editing is an art. With the right tools, you can turn a mass of eclectic, seemingly disjointed video clips into a cohesive and enthralling movie. You probably already have at least one of those tools, in the form of your smartphone or action camera. Now you just need software to whip all that footage into shape.
A Cheapskate exclusive nets you PowerDirector 14 Ultimate and a huge bundle of extras for just $47.99.
Ah, but what software? And at what exorbitant price? Well, CyberLink PowerDirector is widely regarded as one of the best Windows video editors around, offering oodles of options and effects wrapped in an approachable interface.
It has a list price of $129.99, though you can routinely find it selling in the mid $70s. Through this weekend, however, you can get CyberLink PowerDirector 14 Ultimate for $47.99. That's after applying coupon code CNET20OFF at checkout. (Ignore the 15 percent off pop-up that appears on the landing page; the Cheapskate wrangled 20 percent for you, cheeps!)
Even better, CyberLink is bundling a mess o' extras, including numerous effects packs and an audio-editing utility. All told, this kit would run you a little over $300 if purchased separately. (Don't need all those frills? You can also get PowerDirector 14 Ultra for $39.99 with the same coupon code. I'd say for the extra $8, Ultimate is the no-brainer choice, but the core software is identical.)
If you've tinkered with video editors such as Windows Movie Maker or an app on your smartphone, you've barely scratched the surface of what's possible with professional video editing software. Those rudimentary tools focus primarily on cutting and assembling your clips -- fine for cobbling together something simple, but way too limited for budding J.J. Abramses.
PowerDirector 14 offers a wealth of editing tools -- not just for video, but audio as well. It lets you create titles, apply tons of special effects, create DVD and Blu-ray discs, stabilize shaky video and lots more. It supports both 3D and 4K media and, coolest of all, can automatically sync the footage from multiple cameras.
CNET hasn't reviewed this version of the program (though PowerDirector 13 scored 4.5 stars), so I'll direct you to PC Mag's review. Spoiler alert: It earned an Editors' Choice nod: "PowerDirector continues to outflank the competition, with top rendering speed, a massive set of video editing tools, the latest file-standard support, and a wealth of new features in its latest update."
I'll second that. Although there's a bit of a learning curve with the interface (especially for anyone new to video editing), PowerDirector is now my preferred tool over Pinnacle Studio -- a former favorite that's become a soupy mess. But once you learn the ropes, you'll be able to achieve some amazing results.
Your thoughts?
Bonus deal: Speaking of bundles, here's an interesting one: Totu and Ravpower have teamed up to offer the BT-2 Bluetooth sport headphones and RP-PB41 26,800mAh mobile charger for $61.98 shipped when you add both to your cart and apply coupon code 49T2OPIZ at checkout. Price when purchased separately: $49.99 each. The charger is a beast, with three USB outputs, and the headphones have Liquipel (!) protection so you can sweat all you want.