Ulead has announced a free beta preview of MediaStudio Pro v8. The final version is to be released Q3 2005.

Some interesting features:

*A single-track interface that allows for multiple timelines and virtual clips, plus transitions on every track.
*Capture from the latest HDV camcorders and decks, then edit either in full-resolution lossless native format, or Smart Proxy mode. With Smart Proxy, MediaStudio Pro automatically creates lower-resolution, resource-friendly copies of project clips in the background. Final output always links back to the original full-resolution files, making the process completely transparent and lossless.
*The software lets producers mix and match formats such as DV, MPEG, and HDV on the timeline with confidence. MediaStudio Pro 8 furthermore supports formats such as WMV-HD and 24P, and offers output options to SD, HD, or back to DV, analog or HDV device.
*A new Audio Editor offering channel steering to create Dolby(R) Digital 5.1 Surround audio tracks, even allowing upsampling from standard stereo tracks.
*SmartSound Auto Music Maker enables users to create custom royalty-free soundtracks which precisely match the duration of the video.

The beta preview is a free trial download, and offers no technical support, DVD authoring capabilities, and is available only in the English language version.

[Ulead press release]
[Download Beta Preview of MSP8]