James Cameron's "Avatar" may have set the new standard in 3D visuals, but that doesn't mean it is relegated to the big screen. Since the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), electronics manufacturers have been making big pushes to get 3D into homes via televisions, monitors, and even a software update to the PlayStation 3.

Roxio entered the mix Tuesday with Creator Studio 2011, a multimedia suite that can convert 2D stills and video into 3D. I gave the new software a test drive.

Roxio Creator 2011 comes with everything you need to view your content in 3D - the $99.99 software suite and a pair of cardboard 3D glasses with red-and-blue anaglyph lenses. The software is compatible with 3D captures from stereoscopic cameras such as the Fuji W, and can import 3D files taken in standard 3D formats such as side-by-side, over-under, anaglyph, and dual stream stereoscopic. However, it was Roxio Creator 2011's ability to do real-time 3D conversion with 2D images that proved most intriguing.

After an overly lengthy 18-minute installation time, I arrived at a home screen with large icons that highlighted several of Roxio's multimedia disc authoring and conversion capabilities (features to be touched upon in our full review). Clicking File>New Project>Create 3D Photos launched a window that featured easily digested step-by-step instructions (available in video and PDF form). It's a very nice inclusion, even though Roxio Creator 2011's menu's and creation process are quite simple.

Next, I was taken to the image import screen, where I had the options to click "Open a 2D Image," which automatically converts the image into 3D with just one image, or to "Choose an image for both the left and right eye" which let me pick two images to create the illusion of depth. I selected the first option, imported a photo of myself, and clicked the conversion button. Seconds later, the image was given the red-and-blue treatment, and I donned the 3D glasses.

I couldn't see the 3D effect initially, but Roxio includes an on-screen controller that let me adjust the 3D levels. A few clicks later, my photo was given a very cool extra layer of depth. Not so much that it looked artificial, but just enough to give it extra visual punch. The 3D was a rather nice effect, though the red-and-blue lenses washed out the colors—my once-vibrant picture was now lackluster.

The process for creating 3D video was quite similar. Clicking "Create DVD" on the home screen let me select one of a handful of project types: DVD, VCD, and SVCD (Blu-ray authoring is reserved for the $129 Roxio Creator 2011 Pro). After choosing DVD, 3D, and then the Red/Cyan glasses options, I imported a video clip I shot of myself using a laptop's webcam. Within seconds, I was watching a subtle 3D take on my video. The video also suffered from washed out colors; it's hard to say how many consumers will be willing to trade off vibrancy for 3D.

Overall, Roxio Creator 2011 looks like a very solid multimedia suite, which also includes Sonicfire Pro custom soundtrack creator and SoundSoap SE noise reduction. My biggest gripe with Roxio Creator 2011 doesn't have to do with its 3D software—it performed its job admirably, even taking into account the hit on color. The effect the 3D visuals themselves had on me, however, is another matter. After just 10 minutes of wearing the glasses, I felt dizzy and had to remove them, but this is a drawback I've personally experienced with 3D effects across the board—your mileage may vary.

The suite is available for download at roxio.com, and will be in stores in early September. Keep an eye out for our full, in-depth review of this package on PCMag.com.