Video Capture/Playback:  

There are some significant performance improvements in Roxio Creator 2010. These include faster video conversion rates and smart encoding for AVCHD.

Another new feature is streaming video capture. This allows users to plug in digital camcorders and burn content directly to DVD without having to first save data to the hard drive.

Encoding time has been drastically reduced in Roxio Creator 2010. Also, video conversion is noticeably faster and one-click video conversion is now available.

Video output/playback formats include AVI, DV, HDV, DV-AVI, MPEG-1/2/4, MPEG2-HD, DVD-Video, IFO/VOB, XviD, DVR-MS, TiVo, ASF, MOV, WMV, QuickTime, 3GP, MPEG2 Transport Stream, AVC (H.264), AVCHD. With this many options it shouldn’t be too hard to find one that will work for your particular application.

Editing Tools:  

Roxio VideoWave is the video editor in Roxio Creator 2010. Editing tools in VideoWave are not always easy to find and use, but it doesn’t take too long to figure it out. New to Creator 2010 is an open timeline. This lets you drag-and-drop video, music and effects directly into the timeline. There is also a utility that allows you to adjust the brightness, contrast and saturation in a shot.

Export/Production:  

Roxio Creator 2010 lets you export video in several formats depending on how you plan to use it. You can export video files for TV/VCR playback, DVD playback, general editing, playback on another PC, AVC (H.264) and email among others.

AVC (H.264) is used to export video that can be viewed on iPhone, iPod and Sony PSP devices.

Another new feature in Roxio Creator 2010 allows instant drag-and-drop burn access for CD’s, data, ISO and backup.

Editing Effects/Transitions:  

There are 246 transitions, 99 video effects, 37 overlays and 58 text effects available in this program. With this many options you should be able to accomplish anything.

You can apply these effects by simply using the drag-and-drop feature to place them in the timeline.
 

Disc Creation:  

When you are ready to publish a project to disc you can choose between DVD, VCD/SVCD, Blu-ray and AVCHD. Each of these options offers templates for menu creation or custom options if you want to add your own personal touch.

Burning Blu-ray and AVCHD discs requires additional hardware/software that is not included in this suite. Blu-ray disc creation is available using the High-Def/Blu-ray disc plug-in ($19.99). Also, if you want to be able to play back Blu-ray disc’s in your computer you will need the Blu-ray Playback Plug-in ($29.99).
 

Audio and Photo Editing:  

Roxio Creator 2010 offers several audio capture and editing options using Roxio Sound Editor. This lets you capture audio tracks through your sound card, CD’s, MP3 players and can even be used to convert your old LP’s into digital MP3’s that can be burned on CD.

Help and Support:  

Roxio Creator 2010 is a Microsoft Windows based application that is supported in XP and Vista. It is also Windows 7 compatible.

The Learning Center is new in Roxio Creator 2010. This is where users have access to a broad range of video tutorials, instructional guilds and step by step walkthroughs for many common editing tasks.

If you are already using Roxio Creator 2009 you can upgrade to 2010 for $59.99. If you happen to have an older version than 2009 you can upgrade for $69.99.