A method of preparing a video work, comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a plurality of image items; (b) selecting a HD video standard; (c) identifying a plurality of HD video parameters, wherein said plurality of HD video parameters collectively define said HD video standard and wherein said HD video parameters are video resolution, frame aspect ratio and pixel ratio; (d) automatically assigning a parameter value to each of said identified HD video parameters, wherein said assigned parameter values are consistent with said selected HD video standard and wherein at least the values for video resolution and frame aspect ratio are obtained from said attached high definition display device; (e) selecting one of said image items; (f) selecting a video effect for application to said selected image item to therewith generate a video item; (g) determining whether an application of said selected video effect to said selected image item at said assigned parameter values would result in a degradation of image quality; (h) if said application of said selected video effect would result in a degradation of image quality; notifying a user of said degradation of image quality; allowing the user to adjust the selected video effect by reviewing and modifying the parameter values prevent the degradation of image quality; generating a modified video item according to said adjusted video effect; (i) performing steps (e) through (h) at least once; (j) ordering said image items, said video items and said modified video items; (k) automatically conforming said ordered image items, said ordered video items and said modified video items to match said obtained plurality of HD video parameters, thereby preparing said video work. (a) obtaining a plurality of image items; (b) selecting a HD video standard; (c) identifying a plurality of HD video parameters, wherein said plurality of HD video parameters collectively define said HD video standard and wherein said HD video parameters are video resolution, frame aspect ratio and pixel ratio; (d) automatically assigning a parameter value to each of said identified HD video parameters, wherein said assigned parameter values are consistent with said selected HD video standard and wherein at least the values for video resolution and frame aspect ratio are obtained from said attached high definition display device; (e) selecting one of said image items; (f) selecting a video effect for application to said selected image item to therewith generate a video item; (g) determining whether an application of said selected video effect to said selected image item at said assigned parameter values would result in a degradation of image quality; (h) if said application of said selected video effect would result in a degradation of image quality; notifying a user of said degradation of image quality; allowing the user to adjust the selected video effect by reviewing and modifying the parameter values prevent the degradation of image quality; generating a modified video item according to said adjusted video effect; notifying a user of said degradation of image quality; allowing the user to adjust the selected video effect by reviewing and modifying the parameter values prevent the degradation of image quality; generating a modified video item according to said adjusted video effect; (i) performing steps (e) through (h) at least once; (j) ordering said image items, said video items and said modified video items; (k) automatically conforming said ordered image items, said ordered video items and said modified video items to match said obtained plurality of HD video parameters, thereby preparing said video work.