85
VIDEO EDITING SOFTWARE
CYBERLINK POWERDIRECTOR
$129.99 EDITORS’ CHOICE
PowerDirector is often the first enthusiast-level video editing program to support
new video specifications—4K, 360-degree VR, and HEVC, to name a few. The
same can be said for techniques such as motion tracking, multicam, and AI style
transfers. Recent versions add impressive new color editing, sky replacement,
audio and soundtrack tools, and a shape designer. For creative inspiration, a
steady flow of templates and effects is available to PowerDirector 365 users. If
you don’t have your own content, you can choose from a huge selection of
royalty-free stock footage from both Getty and Shutterstock.
86
AUDIO EDITING SOFTWARE
APPLE LOGIC PRO
$199.99
At just $199 and with free major updates for eight years running, Logic Pro
delivers world-beating value. Version 10.7 integrates Dolby Atmos and Spatial
Audio production, and you still get Logic’s built-in pitch correction, loop
composition tools, score editor, and a vast array of virtual instruments and effects
plug-ins that rival third-party packages in their complexity and sonics. Dedicated
fans of other audio-editing tools shouldn’t necessarily jump ship, but if you’re
coming in cold and are looking to record, mix, and master audio on a
professional level, Logic Pro is the best and most obvious choice.
87
VIDEO STREAMING SERVICE (ON DEMAND)
NETFLIX
STARTS AT $8.99 PER MONTH EDITORS’ CHOICE
What did we all do before we could Netflix and chill? The ubiquitous streaming
service is part of the culture now, and its influence has changed the way we
watch movies and television. Despite its long reign at the top of the growing pile
of streaming services, Netflix remains an excellent value: It features a reliable
core catalog of original programming, licensed features, and series with global
appeal. Netflix also integrates excellent features across interfaces, allows offline
downloads on mobile platforms, and offers 4K content.
88
VIDEO STREAMING SERVICE (LIVE TV)
HULU + LIVE TV
STARTS AT $6.99 PER MONTH EDITORS’ CHOICE
Tons of streaming services fight for your money and your views while offering
different exclusives and perks. Hulu continues to separate itself from the rest by
giving subscribers both a strong on-demand streaming library and a robust live
TV option. It’s the best service for watching popular shows, although Hulu’s
original content is hit-or-miss. On the live TV front, Hulu’s channel coverage is top-
notch, and its DVR features compare well with the competition’s. We appreciate
Hulu’s broad platform support as well.
EDITORS’ CHOICE
