Gadgets: Easy video editing for PC

To the rescue comes Muvee Reveal 8 video editing software, which is a great solution for any home video enthusiast wanting to put together an edited project.

To sum it up: the PC-based Reveal 8 is easy to use regardless of your level of experience to produce professional-looking home movies.

In a simple manner any beginner can create a video by importing the video (along with still photos), decide what type of movie theme you want (10 different styles to choose from) and you're done.

A simple edit can arrange the order of clips in a timeline and still images can be shown for any amount of time you want.

The whole project can be exported in HD format (720 or 1080p) resolutions or in formats for social networking sites, a DVD or formatted for an iPod.

Most every format of digital or still images is supported. A full list is available at the company's site.

There are lots of features for creating different effects, transitions, backgrounds and even adding voiceovers and music. Credit lines and captions can also be added at any point.

Users beware; while the software is simple to use, it does so much you'll find yourself glued to the tube perfecting most any project you set out to do.

One thing photographers don't realize before beginning a video project is that video files are much larger than still photos and in turn will fill up your computer's hard drive.

To help, Reveal 8 has partnered with Seagate to offer a bundled package that is a no brainer to purchase.

Users who purchase a Seagate FreeAgent Go portable hard drive will get a software package loaded on the drive that includes an abbreviated copy of the movie program along with backup software.

The movie program on the drive includes everything except HD support. If you want the full version with the HD, that will cost you $79.95 at the Muvee site.

The Seagate drives have a street price of $65 for a 250GB unit or about $90 for a 500GB model.

Details: muvee.com
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The new iHome iA5 is a nightstand alarm clock that does a whole lot more than dock and charge an iPhone or iPod.

I've reviewed many iHome products since they entered the world in 2005 and each time they give you the consistent product they are known for, plus a few additions.

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Before even docking an iPod, the unit is pretty simple with a small selection of buttons to control the time, alarm, volume and the all-important power control.

Once the iPod is docked and the iHome app is downloaded and installed the fun begins.

Users control everything with the touch screen at this point. This includes alarm settings, the sound of your music and weather alerts.

For the social media addicts, you can now awaken to your Facebook alerts or Twitter tweets.

My choice was to wake up to a favorite playlist for a period of time and then have an alarm kick in to ensure I got out of bed.

Like all the other iHome units, while docked your iPhone/iPod will be charged up and ready for a full day of use. The player also acts as a full-screen clock display and supplies weather info with widgets,

I'm not sure why you would need this kind of information, but it will also keep statistics of your sleep habits, including how many times the snooze bar was hit.

Owners of older iPods, (non-app running models) should pass on this unit since the app is what communicates between the devices to run the features.

Details: ihomeaudio.com, $99
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Many people love the $10 pair of earbuds they use on their pricey iPods. But very often you get what you pay for.

Saying you get what you pay for with the high priced Monster Turbine PRO Gold In-Ear Speakers is an understatement.

Once you listen you'll see the cost -- just a hair under $300 -- is justified by the clear and crisp sound.

Being one who likes the bass turned up, these delivered just that in a way that caused me to keep turning it up and feeling like I had a surround-sound system attached to my head.

While they are not noise canceling, the great sound produced with the higher volume settings will allow any user to tune out the outside world.

The Turbine Pro ear tips are made with a special material and design, which form to each user's ear shape. This ensures a perfect seal to keep outside noise out.

These top-of-the line earbuds not only sound great, but are built with an eye-catching design.

Each speaker is designed with a 24K gold metal finish along rubber tips, which can be changed to get the perfect fit.

The construction is well-designed to withstand heavy use and has Monster's patented Magnetic FlexTube, which is the same as in the company's speaker cables.

A carrying case along with a cable management system is included to ensure your investment stays undamaged while not in use.

As Monster says, these are designed by audio fanatics for audio fanatics. While I don't consider myself an audio fanatic, I do like great sound and these deliver just that.

Details: monstercable.com, $299.95

More information: (c) 2010, Gregg Ellman.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.