Hello,

two questions:

1) On the PD website, there is a mention of Spicemaster TFX version only, but on the Pixelan's website, I can see also a PRO version. So - will PRO version work with PD12 too?

2) We have small marketing agency here, having a LED screen. I am looking especially for some better work with text. So not so much for the video transitions, but fonts/text, their smooth movement, wipes, etc. Does Pixelan have anything suitable in that regard?

Thanks,
Petr

Hi -pekr-

I can only help with your first question, though the Pixelan plug-ins are effects & transitions.

Both versions of Spice Master work with PD12. I'm running the PRO version - the difference is the number of effects and mixing features.

Comparison here - http://www.pixelan.com/sm25/intro.htm

Cheers - Tony
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Thanks for asking your questions. As Tony noted, both versions of SpiceMaster -- TFX and PRO -- are compatible with CyberLink PowerDirector 12. The $49 SpiceMaster PRO has everything that is in the more basic $29 TFX version, and much more -- so there is no need to have both SpiceMaster versions. Historically, most users get the PRO version, but if your budget is too tight the TFX is a great option.

But that's only part of the PowerDirector news. In fact, ALL of our PowerDirector plug-ins -- SpiceMaster, FilmTouch 2, DissolveMaster, CreativEase, and 3D Six-Pack -- are fully compatible with PowerDirector 12. ALL of them are summarized on our CyberLink PowerDirector plug-ins page at http://www.pixelan.com/cyberlink-plugins.htm ALL of the PowerDirector plug-ins are available for purchase at our web site, and we have several BUNDLES that offer savings that go beyond the introductory single-plugin discounts we are currently offering to CyberLink PowerDirector users.

We currently only have SpiceMaster 2.5 TFX in the CyberLink e-store. More may be added later. But all of our PowerDirector plugins are available now at the above Pixelan page.

Here's a tip: If you happen to have already bought the $29 SpiceMaster 2.5 TFX from the CyberLink e-store, you are thereafter considered a "Pixelan user" by us -- just like anyone who buys direct from us. That means you are entitled to discounts for adding more plugins or upgrading -- anytime. It's one way we reward our users, because we value our relationship and want it to be long-term. Our existing user prices currently offer discounts of up to $40 off of our regular pricing. You can see them at http://www.pixelan.com/buy-upgrade.htm If you are interested in such an upgrade, just email to us at info@pixelan.com your CyberLink e-store purchase confirmation as proof right before or after you do such an existing user purchase, and you'll be good to go with those discounted prices.

Regarding your video text and titles question, we do not offer fonts, which are widely available on the Internet. But for text effects, 3D-Six Pack and SpiceMaster are our most popular plug-ins. 3D Six-Pack specializes in realistic particle reveals/dissolves and distortion transitions (which can be applied to to clips or text). SpiceMaster PRO is great for soft/organic reveals/dissolves on text, among lots of other capabilities. The best way to quickly get a feel for what they can each do is to watch the movie examples we have for each, which show lots of text and title effects. SpiceMaster's movies, for example, are at http://www.pixelan.com/sm25/examples.htm 3D Six-Pack has several examples on its overview page at http://www.pixelan.com/3d/intro.htm

I hope I haven't been too long-winded in my answer here. Thanks for reading! Sincerely,

Michael Feerer
Pixelan Software
http://www.pixelan.com

Funny, I came here to the PowerDirector forum specifically to give the Pixelan website link because on Cyberlink's "Partner Plug-ins" section, only the SpiceMaster 2.5 is shown - even though there are many more to choose from (Which is good to know, because the more the merrier and NewBlue Effects, although nice and good and all, are a bit pricey). Glad to see this thread started.

Also, I wanted to thank Pixelan for pricing their plug-ins at a price point that is more in line with your average PD12 user's budget (we are not, for the most part, professional video editors).

And 'Happy 17th Birthday, Cyberlink!'

Russell System specs: Windows 7 Professional x64; Gigabyte Z77-DS3H motherboard with i5-3579K 3.8Ghz processor with 32GB RAM; Zotac GTX 760 w/4GB; 1xWestern Digital 1TB 10,000RPM HD; 1x Samsung 840 Pro SSD System Drive

Thanks Russell for your feedback about our affordable pricing. We appreciate it. Sincerely,

Michael Feerer
Pixelan Software
http://www.pixelan.com

PS: Hmm... I see CyberLink was founded the same year Pixelan was founded... 1996. So we simultaneously celebrating our 17th year. Didn't realize that until you mentioned CyberLink's above. Thanks.

Sincerely,

Michael Feerer
Pixelan Software
http://www.pixelan.com

Hey, yeah, I guess you're right! So it's fitting that you guys are partners of sorts - Hope to see even more cooperation in the future!

In fact, I have an idea for a plugin that, at least on paper, shouldn't be too difficult to write, but would be really useful for those of us doing homemade sfx kind of stuff but can't afford After Effects, Premiere, etc: A plugin that can simulate the movement of a handheld camera within a scene.

Imagine, I create a split screen (or layered green screen) shot of me interacting with...me... at some high resolution (like 4096x2304 or 1920x1080) and then I use this hypothetical handheld camera plugin to move a same aspect ration box (such as 1920x1080 or 1280x720) within the full-rez scene, so that it looks like it was filmed 'naturally'. This zoomed box would be the output video. Cool, eh? This sort of thing is possible with PD12 right now, except a) the smaller dimension box is just a guess because the dimensions of the 'zoomed' box is not given (and no numerical entry is available) and b) the movements have to be keyframed by hand. Although it looks cool, it doesn't look 'real'.

I have lots more ideas for plugins, simple-but-useful to more complex. I'd make them myself if I had any idea how to do it! LOL

Take care,
Russell System specs: Windows 7 Professional x64; Gigabyte Z77-DS3H motherboard with i5-3579K 3.8Ghz processor with 32GB RAM; Zotac GTX 760 w/4GB; 1xWestern Digital 1TB 10,000RPM HD; 1x Samsung 840 Pro SSD System Drive

Hi Russell -

A plugin that can simulate the movement of a handheld camera within a scene.

I'm in no way trying to divert attention from the "Pixelan Plug-ins" topic, but there already is such a plug-in from NewBlue FX... NewBlue Active Camera, part of the NewBlue Motion Effects.

Cheers - Tony
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D'oh! Guess I need to look into that! I think it's even included with PD12 Ultimate (which I have). I'll give it a whirl. Has anyone used it? Are the results good/realistic?

Still, it would be nice/useful if PD's motion designer displayed the pixel dimensions of the 'zoomed-in' rectangle and/or had numerical entry boxes for the dimensions you want. The output looks better if it doesn't need to be scaled (like a box size the same size as the final output video).

Russell System specs: Windows 7 Professional x64; Gigabyte Z77-DS3H motherboard with i5-3579K 3.8Ghz processor with 32GB RAM; Zotac GTX 760 w/4GB; 1xWestern Digital 1TB 10,000RPM HD; 1x Samsung 840 Pro SSD System Drive

No, I'm wrong. The Active Camera plugin is not included with Ultimate, but it can be purchased for $169 as part of a set of ten motion effects from Cyberlink ( http://www.cyberlink.com/products/partner-plug-ins/partner-newblue_en_US.html ) or $29.99 on its own from their website ( http://www.newbluefx.com/products/creative-effects/motion-effects/active-camera ). The few Youtube demos I saw for Active Camera looked promising.

Russell System specs: Windows 7 Professional x64; Gigabyte Z77-DS3H motherboard with i5-3579K 3.8Ghz processor with 32GB RAM; Zotac GTX 760 w/4GB; 1xWestern Digital 1TB 10,000RPM HD; 1x Samsung 840 Pro SSD System Drive

I just installed the Cyberlink 3D & Spice TFX and now everytime I click on FX, CRASH.
HP Envy Phoenix/4thGen i7-4770(4@3.4GHz~turbo>3.9)
Nvidia GTX 960(4GB)/16GB DDR3/
Canon Vixia HV30/HF-M40/HF-M41/HF-G20/Olympus E-PL5.
Tape capture using 6 VCR, TBC-1000, Elite BVP4+, Sony D8 camcorder with TBC.
https://www.facebook.com/BarryAFTT

Barry,

Sorry to hear of the problem. Please use our tech support request form at http://www.pixelan.com/help-tech-support-form.htm and we will get right on it to solve what's going on on your system. On the form, please also tell us:

-- Do you get the same problem trying to apply either plug-in in your timeline? Or just 3D Six-Pack?
-- What video card (or integrated video) do you have on your computer?

Thanks. We have many CyberLink users who have been using both plugins without problems over the past few weeks they have been available, so I imagine it is something specific to your computer. Some video card hardware does not be fully implement DirectX, for example, as noted on our 3D Six-Pack Tech Support FAQs page at http://www.pixelan.com/3d/help.htm There's a simple download on that page which will indicate that or not. If it's not compatible with your system, then of course we will give you a refund. Sincerely,

Michael Feerer
Pixelan Software
http://www.pixelan.com

Michael,
I tried a system restore, did not work, and now am re-installing PD. This may not be related to Pixelan at all, but the co-incidence caught me off guard. I will post any results and I'd really like this to work, the Creative pack works fine. HP Envy Phoenix/4thGen i7-4770(4@3.4GHz~turbo>3.9)
Nvidia GTX 960(4GB)/16GB DDR3/
Canon Vixia HV30/HF-M40/HF-M41/HF-G20/Olympus E-PL5.
Tape capture using 6 VCR, TBC-1000, Elite BVP4+, Sony D8 camcorder with TBC.
https://www.facebook.com/BarryAFTT

Anyone else experiencing this? Which build of PD12 are you using? I heard one of them was giving some people problems.

Russell System specs: Windows 7 Professional x64; Gigabyte Z77-DS3H motherboard with i5-3579K 3.8Ghz processor with 32GB RAM; Zotac GTX 760 w/4GB; 1xWestern Digital 1TB 10,000RPM HD; 1x Samsung 840 Pro SSD System Drive

I have to say, Pixelan, that I am impressed with how you are addressing these issues in a timely manner. It shows you actually care about your users! This is a quality that should be emulated by all companies.

Thanks again,
Russell System specs: Windows 7 Professional x64; Gigabyte Z77-DS3H motherboard with i5-3579K 3.8Ghz processor with 32GB RAM; Zotac GTX 760 w/4GB; 1xWestern Digital 1TB 10,000RPM HD; 1x Samsung 840 Pro SSD System Drive

Quote: I just installed the Cyberlink 3D & Spice TFX and now everytime I click on FX, CRASH.

Hi BG

I had a similar problem with the NewBlue FX Essential plug in package, every time I clicked on the FX button PD crashed.

My solution was to removed and re-install the NB plug in package.

http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/29992.page#164314 Happing editing

Best Regards

Neil
CubbyHouseFilms
My Youtube Channel
My Vimeo Channel
PD3.5, 5, 6 & 7. Computer: Dell Dimension 5150, Intel Pen. 2.80 GHz, 2GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT 256MB, Windows XP Pro!!
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Thanks Russell for your compliment. We appreciate it very much. We are an intentionally small company, even though we are one of the oldest video effects plugins developers around and have for many years been very popular on several platforms. For each user's situation or problem, we try to respond like we would like to receive such service. We like it when users end up happily with us for many many years -- a lot have been -- that gives us deep satisfaction, more so than any individual sale.

Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now. Thanks again. Sincerely,

Michael Feerer
Pixelan Software
http://www.pixelan.com

Just to update my situation...the cause of the crash was a New Blue plug-in, fixed with an update. The Pixelan install was just an odd coincidence. Long live Pixelan! HP Envy Phoenix/4thGen i7-4770(4@3.4GHz~turbo>3.9)
Nvidia GTX 960(4GB)/16GB DDR3/
Canon Vixia HV30/HF-M40/HF-M41/HF-G20/Olympus E-PL5.
Tape capture using 6 VCR, TBC-1000, Elite BVP4+, Sony D8 camcorder with TBC.
https://www.facebook.com/BarryAFTT

Thanks Barry for clarifying that so other users are not confused or worried about us. Sincerely,

Michael Feerer
Pixelan Software
http://www.pixelan.com

Hey Micheal,

I have been playing with the Pixelan Ultra bundle - really nice, cost effective (especially with the sales going on now.) The products are really very simple and intuitive to use, yet very complex and feature filled the more I dig into it. I find I am using these more than my other plugins and stock PD filters because they offer so much more.

Just a couple requests to pass along to the coding elves:

1.) Ability to re-size the windows by clicking and dragging each side / corner to a different size instead of the set sizes. Of course have the effects scale up to fill in the window when we do this.

2.) Ability to change font sizes in preferences. Those fonts are small on my monitor. (Currently 1920 X 1200, but getting a 4K monitor in the future.)

thanks.

Rob
PD 14 Ultimate Suite / Win10 Pro x64
1. Gigabyte Brix PRO / i7-4770R Intel Iris Pro 5200 / 16 GB / 1 TB SSD
2. Lenovo X230T / 8GB / Intel HD4000 + ViDock 4 Plus & ASUS Nvidia 660 Ti / Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIZw3GPwKMo&feature=youtu.be

Rob,

Thanks very much for your kind words about our ULTRA Bundle for PowerDirector, which includes every PowerDirector plug-in we offer at an attractive discounted price. I am also happy to hear you are making good use of the feature depth of our plug-ins. There is a lot there to explore and try, indeed.

We appreciate your suggestions about window/preview size and font sizes, especially with the increasing use of very hi-res monitors now by nearly everyone. The interface of DissolveMaster and FilmTouch 2 are our latest UI efforts. Make sure the "Use largest preview" Preferences setting of each of those plugins is turned on to take advantage of your large screen. That will help.

Having adjustable plug-in custom window sizes and fonts is actually very tricky code, since we are dependent on what the host program (PowerDirector) will allow us to do successfully within its plug-in architecture. But we'll keep chipping away at the issue where we can.

Let me know if you have other comments or suggestions. Thanks again for posting. Sincerely,

Michael Feerer
Pixelan Software
http://www.pixelan.com