A weakness in multimedia production (or at least the perception of) has long been the Achilles’ heel of Linux. Yes, major Hollywood productions use Linux and there are a smattering of graphics and audio programs, but there has never been a comprehensive and cohesive collection of media creation tools for the average user—until now. Ubuntu Studio is an ambitious attempt to bring Linux multimedia creation to the mainstream, and the results are surprisingly good.
First Look
Ubuntu Studio can be downloaded as a DVD image and installed with minimal fuss. Very intuitive screens will guide you along the way. And being based on Ubuntu, most hardware will be detected easily with minimal conflict. A cool and dark unified theme gives Ubuntu Studio a rather 'pro' look, so you're immediately in a juiced-up creative mood once you boot up. There doesn't appear to be a live CD option, so you have to bite the bullet and put the thing onto your harddrive; it's only about 3 or 4 GB so it shouldn't be too much of a space-hog for most systems.
Graphics
GIMP—the Photoshop-like Linux image-editor-- has always had its fans, and the latest version is included in this package. What is exciting is the inclusion of fairly robust video editing programs like PiTiVi, Kino, and Cinepaint. While you probably won't get the fantastic results as Industrial Light and Magic did with Pirates of the Caribbean, you should be able to get decent results if you've experimented with equivalent PC programs before. These are excellent free tools that have incredible functionality even compared with some pro apps.
There are drawing programs and web design software (like the amazing NVU) in the packeage, as well; the Ubuntu Studio site itself is a good sign of what can be done quickly and still show aesthetic brilliance.
Audio
While Linux’s premier digital audio workstation, Ardour, won’t exactly put Logic, Steinberg or Pro Tools out of business, it does hold its own in most areas. Featuring a sharp-looking mixer and an intuitive arrangement layout, it’s immediately useable for most people who have worked with Windows or Mac audio production apps. It would probably take major brainwashing or extortion to convince a professional music producer to switch to Linux, but for a semi-pro setup, Ardour can function nicely. There are even drivers for some of the latest devices (Tascam US-122 for notable one) and some promising attempts at software synthesizers and drum modules. Audacity, the competent wave editor (used even by some pros) is here and can be used as a simple mastering solution.
Odds and Ends
There's a repo where you can grab other bits you might need. Installing the whole package is a good idea, as you can always remove things you're not using. At only only around 4 GB for a full install, you're better off with too much than too little initially. And you'll get the chance to try everything out before whittling down to a core set of favourite tools.
Verdict
While one could conceivably take a current Linux distribution and create a multimedia setup of one’s own, Ubuntu Studio takes some of the pain out of the process by gathering the cream of Linux media production apps into a neat and easily installed package. The interface, too, is very inviting, and installation simple enough that you could do some serious work right away.
The daunting setup and configuration of hardware and the limited range and effectiveness of Linux audio and graphics software for Linux has always prevented full-scale adoption of the OS for serious media production. Ubuntu Studio eases things for the typical computer user, packs some real punch, and is a significant step towards larger acceptance of Linux as a creative person’s platform.
Briefly
Setup: 5/5
Look and Feel: 5/5
Applications: 4.5/5
Ease of Use: 4/5
Documentation: 4/5
Support: 4/5
More info: www.ubuntustudio.org
