Pinnacle Studio - as it should be

I had in the last 10 years been a number of Pinnacle Studio versions in use; starting with V8 V9, V10, V12 to V15. And I sat each on the largest available output as Ultimate, Ultimate Collection, etc.

Version 15 was with me perfect and stable up to and including Windows XP. Since the move to Windows 7, especially on Windows 8.1 but there was an increasing number of problems in various functions and many transitions were no longer working. Since the versions had 16 and 17 apparently quite quirks, I had in the meantime already tested other editing programs like Magix Video Deluxe 2014 Plus. But really could convince me no other software and I waited anxiously for a new Pinnacle Studio version 18, which appeared recently. After the first postitive reviews I dared to order the Ultimate version.

A few words about my PC features:
Processor: Intel i5-4590S (4x 3:00 GHz)
Graphics: Geforce GTX 550Ti 1GB
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97-D3H
Hard Drives: Samsung SSD 840 EVO 120GB, more SATA HDDs (in sum 3TB)
Software: Windows 8.1 Pro 64bit

I mainly editing PAL video in 16: 9 format of a Sony DCR-SR77 HDD camera, no HD material.

Installation and patch to version 18.0.1 ran smoothly. After one week in the meantime practical use and about 25 edited video below the pros and cons of the first but a bit deeper impression:

Positives:
- Not a single crash, extremely stable
- Significantly more efficient than Version 15 Ultimate (32Bit)
- Unlimited number of AV tracks
- Limitless number of transitions and effects
- Significantly more mature than version 15
- Picture and sound always in sync
- Good screen layout (the shared mode with separate areas for source and timeline is great)
- In spite of many functions (still) quite simple operation
- Much work still as in Studio 15, ...

Disadvantages:
- ... A lot but totally different in Studio 15
- No english manual available
- Tutorial for entry / transition urgently needed, but only available in English (via Youtube)
- Just Timeline view, the old scene view is missing me!
- Grobpixelige preview (despite setting 'best quality')
- The 'automatic naming' of files when exporting produces strange name (* .movie.avi)
- Sorry, no trial version available - the purchase decision would have greatly facilitated

Despite the listed drawbacks I'm thrilled fully from Studio 18 Ultimate. Finally a Pinnacle Studio, this is fun! Even in the still early version 18.0.1 software already makes a very good and stable impression. Pinnacle and Corel seem to have learned from the mistakes of the past here.

From my side a strong buy recommendation!