Avid Technology has announced it is launching the next-generation Pinnacle Studio line of video editing software.

If you're looking to catch up with the YouTube generation, or even fed up of having a mass of family videos - the software is coming in three packets, best explained as basic, intermediate and advanced.

Avid's new editing family is to offer powerful video creation and sharing capabilities including support for new HD media types like AVCHD, the new operating system Microsoft Windows Vista, and web publishing for online video sharing.

First up Pinnacle Studio version 11 is designed to simplify video editing for entry-level users or those wanting to move from free software. The systems provide easy step automated and timesaving features. The company has added new one-click Web publishing feature to publish videos to Yahoo Video for public viewing.

The intermediate function, Pinnacle Studio Plus adds a host of advanced editing, effects and authoring options. The range of features includes a complete HD workflow, with native HDV and AVCHD editing, and HD DVD disc burning. Users can burn discs on a standard DVD burner using standard DVD discs, and depending on the format, can play them on the latest HD DVD players.

New to the Pinnacle Studio range, Pinnacle Studio Ultimate combines Pinnacle Studio Plus with a selection of integrated professional audio and video tools. Designed for serious video enthusiasts, the program includes BIAS SoundSoap audio cleaning tools, dramatic lighting and "film look" effects from ProDAD VitaScene, precision Panning and Zooming with StageTools MovingPicture, and a Chroma Key green screen backdrop.

In addition, the Scorefitter music generation tool will create a soundtrack to match the exact length and mood of a video.

The Pinnacle Studio, Pinnacle Studio Plus and Pinnacle Studio Ultimate will be priced at £39.99, £69.99 and £89.99 and should be available from May 2007.

Upgrades from the Pinnacle Studio version 10 family to version 11 are also available for a free.