New Software Makes Video Blogging Easy

Vlog It, from Serious Magic, makes creating a video blog easy but handles a limited array of editing chores.

Serious Magic Vlog It

Vlog It is a powerful but easy-to-use application for creating video blogs, but it can't replace a full-fledged video editing program. Podcasts are old news--the latest trend is video blogs. In the past, though, creating online videos has required knowledge of codecs, compression settings, and other technical stuff. Serious Magic's $50 aims to strip away the complexity in a manner that more-advanced video editing packages can't, and in my tests of a beta version the application did exactly that.

Vlog It lets you create newscast-like blog entries via a simple, drag-and-drop interface. You insert elements (such as music or video clips) into a vertically scrolling timeline, and then use a camcorder or Webcam to record your video and a microphone to add your voiceover. The timeline has an integrated teleprompter for displaying your narration.

If you have a green background, you can use composites to add a video or animated backdrop of your choice. However, though you can add video clips, Vlog It's editing tools are rudimentary at best.

Once you've created your video blog, the software automatically adjusts the compression and codec settings based on your output choice, and it can even upload the file to your video-hosting service.

The software's teleprompter and compositing features make creating a good-looking video easy. If you want a full-featured video editor, however, you'll be better served by turning to a product such as Adobe Premiere Elements.

Preproduction product, not rated

Simplifies video blog creation, but you'll need a dedicated editing program for complex projects.Price when reviewed: $50Current prices (if available)