Next Best Program?!

[B-Twien Bytes]

Hello all,

I did a video project the last months using Adobe Premiere Elements 3.0....I enjoyed the simplicity of the program, but there were a few things missing that I would like to have in a editing program.

One of the 'major' things was: adding subtitles. I could add subtitles, but I could not make them clickable via the DVD menu...I also missed things such as: easy multicam editing....

There are a few restrictions though from my side choosing the next best program ;):

• The program should not be too expensive (our video budget here in Mali is limited)

• It should be user friendly (Africans are not as used to using a computer as we are in the West) and in French

• Open Source Programs are more than welcome, if they fit the above describtions ....

Who has some tips / ideas about a good (more upgraded) program?
Thanks in advance!

[guns1inger]

Only the big boys seem to do multi-cam editing to any real degree. This means either Premiere Pro or Vegas Pro. Neither are the cheapest in their class.

Subtitles are best done in a dedicated subtitling program, then added during authoring. Subtitle Workshop and GUIForDVDAuthor can help you here.

[fredfillis]

You might want to head over to jetdv.com The latest version of Vegas has improved multi-cam abilities and also there is a product called Excalibur that might be of interest. Much more info over there!

Good luck.

[B-Twien Bytes]

@ guns1inger, fredfillis

Thanks for your reponses...I will look into the subtitle programs first. Vegas is too expensive for our video work here in West-Africa....Nice program though...it is too bad multi-cam abilities are mostly there for the BIG guys

[B-Twien Bytes]

To continue this discussion a bit....

Any readers out there that LOVE Premiere Pro (and say stop looking for another program...) and would encourage me to do an upgrade (= easiest) to this program from APE 3.0?

If yes, tell me why (what extra do I get?)....

Thanks for the input!

[B-Twien Bytes]

Another, new aspect for my question about the next best program...I still haven't decided

Anybody on this forum using Avid? If yes, what is good about it and what is not? Compaired to Adobe Premiere Pro...

In february, we do hope to shoot a 2nd health video and I would like to have choosen a (better) program by than...

Thanks for any input!