Windows: 2GHz or faster processor with SSE2 support; dual-core processor required for HDV or AVCHD editing and Blu-ray or AVCHD export, MicrosoftWindows XP with Service Pack 3, Windows Media Center, Windows Vista (all applications run native on 32-bit operating systems and in 32-bit compatibility mode on 64-bit operating systems), or Windows 7 (Adobe Premiere Elements Editor runs native on 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems; all other applications run native on 32-bit operating systems and in 32-bit compatibility mode on 64-bit operating systems), 7GB of available hard-disk space to install applications; additional 5GB to install content, graphics card with latest updated drivers, color monitor with 16-bit color video card, Microsoft DirectX 9 or 10 compatible sound and display driver, Windows Media Player (required if importing/exportingWindows Media formats).

Mac OS: Multicore Intel processor, Mac OS X v10.5.8 through v10.7 (all applications run native on 32-bit operating systems and in 32-bit compatibility mode on 64-bit operating systems), 7GB of available hard-disk space to install applications; additional 5GB to install content, graphics card with latest updated drivers. For both Windows and Mac OS: 2GB of RAM, 1024x768 display resolution, DVD-ROM drive (compatible DVD burner required to burn DVDs; compatible Blu-ray burner required to burn Blu-ray discs), DV/i.LINK/FireWire/IEEE 1394 interface to connect a digital 8 DV or HDV camcorder, or a USB2 interface to connect a DV-via-USB compatible DV camcorder, QuickTime 7 software, Internet connection required for Internet-based services.