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SingingDrummer
04-10-2007, 08:25 AM
I have a lot of video on my computer from Disneyland and Disney World and I have tried editing and putting on DVD. I bought a new computer just so I could do that but I can't seem to find a reliable program for editing video and creating a decent DVD. I am using Roxio right now and don't really like it much. Any suggestions on what is a decent program to use.

Dr. Monsanto
04-10-2007, 09:46 AM
What are your PC specs?

Processor Speed?
RAM?
Hard Drive/Storage Space?

It depends upon how much money you want to spend.

The 2 front runners are Sony's VEGAS and Adobe's PREMIERE. There are various levels of the software. Similiar in learning curve and and graphic interface. Just make sure you have enough hard drive space because video takes up A LOT!!

Then if you're on a Mac obviously Imovie is fine but ideally Final Cut Pro.

http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/products/vegasfamily.asp

SingingDrummer
04-10-2007, 11:06 AM
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 3800+
1.00 GB RAM
Plenty of HD Space 2 250GB Hard Drives

Dr. Monsanto
04-10-2007, 04:06 PM
You should be okay.
Add more RAM if you can.

Dedicate your 2nd HD to video only. Keep it defragged.

ryguy222
04-10-2007, 04:50 PM
I'd say Sony Vegas is the way to go, its a bit more pricey depending on which version you get, i got Vegas7 Movie Studios + DVD for about $130, Amazon has a good price every once and a while i think the interface is a lot better then Adobe to do Special effects, espicaily with restoration. Im taking videos that are about 18-19 years old and putting them in vegas. Its a lot easier to do color restore and such.. I haven't tried it for myself, but my friend says that Adobe is nothing compared to vegas. When you buy it, it includes the latest version of DVD archetect, which is much better then Nero. Plus, some cameras take 5.1 surround sound audio, idk if yours does or not, but Vegas does do AC-3 encoding a.k.a Surround sound. Adobe is about 100 bucks, but for 30 bucks extra, Vegas is worth it.

GreenLantern13
04-10-2007, 05:18 PM
Are there any decent free editors for windows akin to iMovie?

ryguy222
04-10-2007, 09:23 PM
^The only free editor for windows is Windows Movie maker and i really HATE windows Movie maker! It takes such a long time to render smaller projects GRR!

tony
04-11-2007, 12:47 AM
you also can look into premier pro. in fact avid as free avid as well. let's also pinnacle studio. i would start out slow and then move up as you go. for me i use premier pro, avid and pinnacle studio depending on what i need.

BCC
04-11-2007, 07:26 AM
I use Ulead. It was the best for me until I used iMovie. So Go with Ulead for windows.

Executioner
04-11-2007, 10:04 AM
Unfortunately I use Premiere Pro 2 at work. It's ok but I am a bigger fan of Final Cut Pro. But here again that is only on Mac. But Premiere is not that bad. it does have alot of issues but for basic stuff it is ok. I am not into some of the interface it has. It's more of a glorified hunk of junk LOL. I do have a Mac at home so I use both Premiere and Final Cut.

ghoofie
04-11-2007, 11:41 AM
I use ULEAD because it came free with the capture device I bought. It its an SE version, which means not ALL features are available. But it's done the job for everything I've tried. I can't compare it to anything else..but it works.. and there is a great internet forum where you can get tips and help from expert users.

CaptainChris6
04-11-2007, 05:47 PM
I've got the BIG Sony Vegas and I think that that is definately the best editor for the PC. It is definately going to put a hole in your wallet if you get the full one (524.99!) but the smaller ones work well also. Vegas definately gets my vote!

Dr. Monsanto
04-11-2007, 07:14 PM
I worked with Vegas for about 2 years professionally before making the jump to FCP...I still have it on my PC I just don't use it. But I vote for Vegas too.

ryguy222
04-11-2007, 09:07 PM
Yea, i've tried both Vegas Platinum, and The full version (the 524 dollar one) Whats the difference? I didn't see any at all.

tony
04-12-2007, 02:45 AM
Unfortunately I use Premiere Pro 2 at work. It's ok but I am a bigger fan of Final Cut Pro. But here again that is only on Mac. But Premiere is not that bad. it does have alot of issues but for basic stuff it is ok. I am not into some of the interface it has. It's more of a glorified hunk of junk LOL. I do have a Mac at home so I use both Premiere and Final Cut.

you should see what premier pro cs3 can do. WOW.
--------------------------------------Double post added here.
you could try premier element too

SingingDrummer
04-17-2007, 03:59 PM
Thanks for all the suggestions. I downloaded the trial version of Vegas and it does seem very easy to use and no problems so far. Other than it has limitations in the trial version. I do like it much more than Roxio 8 which is what I have been using.

chen2visions
05-11-2007, 06:33 PM
I use Vegas too. It is very useful for me. :)

levelmaker99
05-14-2007, 04:56 AM
I would suggest Adobe Premiere Elements, and Pinnacle studio plus v.9.4
Adobe for the DVD part and Studio for the editing part..
have any more questions, just email me
L8TR

ryguy222
05-14-2007, 03:56 PM
Oh gosh, Studio Plus... This is my opinion but Studio plus 9 is a good program, but its very time consuming. IMO i'd rather use Windows Movie maker. I don't have v9.4 i have 9, but is 9.4 better i haven't tried it.

uscfan7690
05-15-2007, 03:32 AM
I am a bigger fan of Final Cut Pro.

Final Cut Studio 2 is out!!! :icon_shoc

Final Cut Pro 6 is just obscenely amazing, Soundtrack Pro 2 is likewise excellent, Compressor 3 has received needed formatting updates, and the new Color is great for restoring balance to older video mediums (like someone up there mentioned ^ ). And Motion 3... well, I never really was too good at it myself, but all of my graphic design friends are positively raving about it, so...

DaddyB
05-29-2007, 03:58 PM
hmmm... I've been using Pinnacle Studio 10plus and while it's a lot more stable for me than the other "Studio" versions used to be, maybe I'll take a look at Vegas. The latest "Pirates" red carpet was edited in Pinnacle Studio.

"Sometimes I dream I had a Mac... but then I wake up in a cold sweat, screaming." Steven Spielberg






gotcha!

BCC
05-29-2007, 07:59 PM
Jee, I wish I had Final Cut. All I have is iMovie! LOL!

reillysix
05-30-2007, 12:24 AM
I use Sony Vegas most of the time. If I'm in a rush and need a quick edit I'll use Windows Movie Maker.

ryguy222
05-30-2007, 08:51 AM
The only bad thing about Windows movie maker is that it takes such a long time to render a decent quality video. I did a five minute video once, and saved it as 512 mbps and it took about half an hour. I've done 7-8 minute long things and save them as mpg's and it finishes in 10 minutes.

Where'sYourLaughinPlace?
05-30-2007, 09:50 AM
I cannot wait till I get my copy of Final Cut Studio 2! I have Final Cut Studio, and it is amazing! But, I really want to get my hands on the new software!

DaddyB
06-04-2007, 07:51 PM
The only bad thing about Windows movie maker is that it takes such a long time to render a decent quality video. I did a five minute video once, and saved it as 512 mbps and it took about half an hour. I've done 7-8 minute long things and save them as mpg's and it finishes in 10 minutes.

Are you using Movie Maker 2?

I downloaded the big vegas the other day but haven't had a chance to play with it yet. I hope to get a chance to do a HM Video sometime soon ("soon" being relative... more likely "before summer is over").

Perhaps a video of Pirate's Lair at Tom Sawyer's Island?