Barry,
I was unclear. I will try to be more clear. As for the non-pro version I meant using the built in features already in pte. For instance, I used the addition of a rectangle and manipulated the animation features such as opacity and zoom for backgound. This yielded, somewhat acceptable background. I was thinking someone with your skills and knowledge might be able to expand on that and other alternatives using only items within PTE AV Studio Standard version.
As for the external programs, I do have an older version of Photoshop and when I had the non pro pte version I did resort to using photoshop to create blurred backgrounds. Then it dawned on me why stop with blurred backgrounds when there are other filters available in photoshop. Then I decided to un-retire some other programs like dynamic auto paint which changes photos into 'artistic' photos. (eg pencil drawings, watercolor, acrylic etc.) and DP Animation which, for example, can take photos of things like waterfalls and bodies of water and create movement such as waves, ripples, movement of water down the falls. (DP Animation does more than that). I then substitute these short animations for the original photo. Your videos inspired me to look at external programs to enhance backgrounds. I guess just about any photo manipulation program can be used!
Meanwhile, thanks for the link to the video and the extras. Having looked at the link I don't believe I have seen these particular videos yet. I can see already there is a plethora to learn and use just from the above link.
Thanks,
Barry