Which tool for good video transitions and special effects?

[zakman]

I would like to know what people think would be the best PC tool for video editing MPEG2 files (DVD quality with AC-3 audio). My primary need is to do things like zoom, pan, crop, video and audio fades and blends, and maybe some blue-screen effects. I am looking for something in the $50-120 range. My input is MPEG2 files from commercial DVDs, and my final output is a DVD, but I can use other tools for authoring. I am thinking Ulead VideoStudio and Pinnacle Studio but am just learning.

[guns1inger]

Have a look at ZS4 for blue screen and effects work. It's cheap (free) and seems to be capable. Mpeg2 is pretty poor for bluescreen unless you are using highend keying software simply because the compression doesn't lend itself to pure blues and cleans keys. That said, DV is also pretty poor.

For editing either of those is probably OK, but again, mpeg2 is a poor choice of source. Where possible you should avoid fades and transitions unless you are sure that your editor will only encode these areas. Mpeg doesn't take multiple encodes too well, and quality degrades quickly.

[zakman]

OK Thanks, I will look into ZS4. Anyone else have any suggestions?

[zoobie]

Sounds like just about any editor would do. I suggest to limit effects to a minimum. A lot of aps are filled with hundreds of effects. If we were to use each and every effect included, all we'd be looking at in the end is the effect rather than the actual video. I can't recall when I last used a cross-fade for example...which is used the most.