The folks at Photodex keep finding new ways to improve on ProShow, which for a long time has been the best slideshow package on the market. For anyone who wants to do pro-quality presentations or videos starting with images and other media, ProShow is the best tool you can buy. The desktop version is Windows-only, but there is a Web version with less features that can be used from any machine. Now, Photodex has released ProShow 8, with a number of new features and other improvements. I’ve been using it since its release, including to create our traditional participant slideshows during our Alaska Bear & Puffin safaris, and the new version has made it easier than ever…

Major new features in ProShow 8

• Enhanced Wizard
  ProShow 8’s re-designed wizard gives you one-stop access for easily mixing your content, music, and FX to produce a professional slideshow. The wizard you know and love is now more powerful and better than ever. It automatically picks effects and timing based on the theme selected, music, and desired energy level.
• New Text and Caption Features
  Get more creative with new text bounding boxes that offer improved control over caption layouts. Utilize the built-in font and symbol browsers that let you visually preview fonts in a separate window for easier selection. Plus, the enhanced alignment tools allow you to create more captivating text based effects.
• Advanced Output Options
  New AVCHD output allows you to publish HD quality to a DVD disc. Improved Blu-ray and video output profiles now provide a higher quality output than previous versions. Plus, you can easily play shows on your smart TV with the new built-in USB drive output for ProShow 8.
• Audio Volume Leveling
  To ensure consistent volume for music in your slideshows, ProShow 8 now automatically analyzes your sound tracks with audio volume leveling. The best part is still being able to go in and manually adjust your tracks even after it’s been leveled, giving you more control across-the-board.
• Slide Style Timing & Automatic Timing Controls
  The new slide style timing filters help you find effects best suited for short or long slides. Improved slide time editing gives you the ability to add or remove specific timing from selected slides. A handy tool for making quick timing edits.
• Combine Shows
  Let ProShow handle the heavy lifting. Use the all new combine shows feature and select any number of shows to combine into one to create a single video.

Videos for what’s new in ProShow 8

• What’s new in ProShow Producer 8
• What’s new in ProShow Gold 8

Which version is right for you?

Most people will have plenty of features in ProShow Gold, but if you are planning on producing videos or DVDs for sale, and want the ultimate in professional control, then ProShow Producer is worth the money.