Needing and advice about software

[alejandropagnone]

Hi,

In my first movie editting I used Pinnacle Expression, but I got really disappointed with the quality of the recorded VCD (I transfered the film from a DV camcorder to a CD), and I also expected to have some features in the software, like adding subtitles, some special effects, etc. So now I'm thinking on getting another software, but I would like a honest, good advice on what to buy, because I don't want to waste my money again. I need something that keeps the quality of the video, and that allow adding some extra things while editting.


BTW, a quick question...what does "encoder" mean? (sorry about my ignorance)...

[K2]

My "advice" is do not use VCD
At least use SVCD or better.

You are comparing a Hires DV to a Lowres, lowbitrate VCD.
All single program approaches use a poor encoder. Add a step to encode with a seperate program.

[spidey]

Look to the left under TOOLS and you will see some ideas.

As far as capturing your video and editing and adding effects, etc. I'd recommend Sonic Foundry's Vegas Video 4

http://sonicfoundry.com

Also they have an authoring package to author your stuff to DVD - DVD Creator.

Encoding simply is rendering your video and audio so it is compliant and can be played on a stand alone dvd player.

The Vegas 4 suite will do what you'd like every step of the way - capturing (your DV input), eidting, and rendering out to a compliant format - mpeg 1 / 2 / & DD/AC3, etc....