I Need A New Video Editing Program. Please Help

[duderdude2]

I hope this is the right forum for this question (I couldn't think of a better place for such a topic).

Anyways, I’ve been using Pinnacle 8 for some time now and I don’t think I can tolerate it much longer. It has great features, but it’s the most unstable program I’ve ever used. It’ll crash randomly (sometimes opening a file, saving a file, rendering a DVD, etc), and it runs really slowly with larger files (or even complex smaller ones).

So I’m hoping some of you who might be able to help me out. I’m looking for a new program that’s similar to Studio 8. Here are the features I absolutely need (some of them may be standard features in most programs; I’m fairly naïve in this area ;) :

Stability (this is top priority)
Multiple Sound Effect Tracks (at least 2, like Studio 8)
A Title Track (so I can have images that “float” on the video)
Fast Forward

Preferably, the program could also render DVD programs, though the best solution might be to produce the DVDs with another program. I really don’t know. Also, if it matters, the video files I deal with are quite heavy with transitions, scene changes, music track usage and fast forward (my typical file is anywhere from 30-60 minutes long).

If anyone could give me some suggestions, I’d be highly appreciative. Thanks!


Side note: My computer is a Sony Vaio 1.6ghz, 512 RAM, 80gig HD, Sony DVD Burner

[BJ_M]

stability -- you can not possably beat sony vegas ..

the rest of the features are pretty common ...

[duderdude2]

Sorry, I forgot to mention I'm looking for a program $150 or less. $600 is a bit out of my price range.


Are there any other, good, cheaper programs?

[MachineMan]

Ulead VideoStudio7 for $99. It captures/edits/converts/Burns.
You can probably download a trail version from Ulead.com

[Royor]

Sony Screenblast Movie Studio, the "little" brother of Vegas, for $99.
Fantastic program, very stable, same engine as Vegas.
3 tracks for sound, 3 tracks for video
Has it's own module to burn DVD, but you can also work with any other program.
You can download a 30 day trial (although it won't let you burn, just play with it) :
http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/download/step1.asp?catid=1

[Beavis]

YES- Screenblast. It's fast, stable, and will do the things you mentioned. Just check Sony's site to verify the max number of audio tracks you can have if that's an issue. Plus, once you learn it you already know how to use Vegas- something you might want to upgrade to down the road.

[duderdude2]

Ok, thanks for the suggestions. I'm strongly considering the Screenblast (and maybe even Vegas, I'm to the point where I'm now willing to spend hundreds of dollars).

What's the difference between the two? What does Screenblast lack that Vegas has? Also, how good is screenblast's module for making DVDs? Can I make my own menus with motion buttons? Also, can I have a video clip that precedes the menu (so when you plop it in the DVD player, the clip plays, then the menu appears?) Thanks!

[BJ_M]

Here is the comparisson chart for ScreenBlast vs Vegas 4:

http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/Products/showproduct.asp?PID=856&FeatureID=7369&FeatureTL=7231

[duderdude2]

Excellent, thanks for the link.

Now one more question, does anyone know how Ulead MediaStudio Pro 7 compares to Vegas? Is one more stable than the other? And how do the features compare? Many thanks!

[BJ_M]

both have many features and ulead has always been good value .. vegas i would say is better stability and a little more advanced, but ulead is often easier for begineers to use i have heard ..

but best to download demos of each try yourself ...

[duderdude2]

Yeah, I'm toying around with some of the demos right now.

One more question, does either Vegas or Ulead support analog capture? Thanks!

Edit: It seems Vegas can, but does Ulead?

[qlizard]

Yes.

[duderdude2]

Okay guys, it's between Sony Vegas, Ulead MediaStudio Pro 7 and Adobe Premiere Pro.

From what I've read, Vegas runs slowly when dealing with large files (I'll be dealing with 30-60 minute ones), and Adobe requires vast amounts of computing power (I just bought a new Vaio, a 3ghz, 512 RAM, 180gig HD).

If anyone who's used a few of these programs could offer me their opinions on them, that'd be very helpful. Also, please mention the learning curve assoicated with the program (fyi, I found Pinnacle 8 very easy to use).

Thanks!

Edit: I tried the Vegas demo, though I couldn't test it extensively as it was throwing me a codec error. As for the Ulead demo, the download from their site isn't working currently, which is why I'm asking these questions

[BodaZoffa]

Sorry, I forgot to mention I'm looking for a program $150 or less. $600 is a bit out of my price range.


Are there any other, good, cheaper programs?

The price on Vegas Video 4 should be dropping steeply here soon, as Sony is comming out wih a newer version. Wait a few months to see what happens. Also, you can sometimes find this for around $150.00 on eBay.

Boda

[qlizard]

I've used Premiere Pro and MSP both during a trial period, but not Vegas. I have used ulead VS7 in the past and am looking for an upgrade, so I'm still deciding also. I found both programs fairly easy to learn. I haven't done a lot of complex work yet, but I've found it easy to learn as you play with them.
A couple of my observations. The jargon in Premiere is a little quirky. They have odd names for things and sometimes the way of doing tasks is not always intuitive. But if you have experience in other Adobe programs you will be right at home. The interface is elegant and frankly looks better than MSP, for what that's worth. I think its a little easier to manage the timeline, effects and transitions in Premiere, but its not hard in MSP either.

One thing I really like about MSP that is lacking in Premiere is the ability to edit mpeg and have it not rerender (smart render). Your Pinnacle studio also has this. I don't know if you currently use it or would use it, but for me it is a factor. I think Vegas also can edit mpeg, but to my understanding it rerenders (taking forever and sacrificing quality). Maybe version 5 will be different.

I'm probably leaning to Premiere, because my VS7 also has this mpeg editing ability and I can use it if I need it.

Well my limited experience is not what you should base your opinion on. you really need to try them yourself because each has its own style and one will feel more "right" to you.

[lacywest]

Intervideo WinDVD Creator 2 works for me.

Analog and DV capture. AC-3 audio output.

Check this link ... its related to WMV to Mpeg but it shows some Intervideo WinDVD Creator 2 screen captures.

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=877689

[Renegade6]

I have used Ulead VS 7, Adobe Prem. 6.5 and Sony Movie Blaster. You can order a trial version from Ulead that contains most of Uleads product. I think the easiest one to use would be Ulead. Adobe is good but quite hard to learn.

[duderdude2]

Ok, well I have a couple more questions (this should be the end of it, I swear, haha). I tried looking around but couldn't find the answer.

Anways, does anyone know when Sony Vegas 5.0 is being released? Also, how much might it cost to upgrade from 4.0 to said 5.0? Thanks!

[BJ_M]

in a few days -- should be able to get it by end of april ..

price for upgrade was on sony site -- but dammed if i can find it now ..

i think it was 150$ -- but i can't swear to it .. more for vegas5+dvda2

[alstatr]

duderdude2,

I have edited huge projects in Vegas Video 4.0 + DVD Architect 1.0. A couple of them had over 15 hours of footage, all captured, edited, and authored with Vegas + DVD. Vegas does in very few cases hang when you first import a 60-90min DV capture (I found this was a problem when I used older VHS camcorder footage) although I did have this problem on a 84 min MiniDV tape in LP mode. The learning curve for Vegas is pretty steep but after buying a $39.95 guide and reading through that and doing the sample projects the process became very easy and the flow of work is amazing once you get the hang of it. The best feature is that the filters and effects are all displayed in real-time. And the format output options are pretty much endless. I could keep going on and on about how I love this program. The price is a huge barrier but I paid 499.99 + the book and I would say that it is worth every penny.

I also had Pinnacle Studio 7 and 8, so I feel your pain...

alstatr

[duderdude2]

Thanks for all the info everyone.

Alstatr, do you have an AIM name (or something akin to) that I could use to contact you at? I just want to ask a few more questions about Vegas (if you don't mind), and since you have experience with Pinnacle, you kind of have an idea of what my knowledge base is.

[alstatr]

Duderdude2,

my aol screenname is alstatr. I also sent you a private message.

Look forward to helping.

[pawloe]

In btw: I know how it feels like buying a bad software
I have 9 software tries, used and cannot be return to bestbuy or circuit city. Its their policy. Spent tons of software $.

my suggestion : get full version without buying. Let me know whether u want 2 do that.currently just dl pinnacle V9.. not too bad. I have not done any major projects yet. Will do so in about 1 week. Let u know whether it is stable or not.

Txs

[proxyx99]

There are more options when it comes to NLE's beside the ones that were mentioned:

Magix Video Edit - seen sample clips encoded with very good quality, as easy to use as Pinnacle

Pinnacle 9 - the ultimate in ease of usage

WinDVD Creator 2 - seen samples and encoding quality seems quite low even compared to Pinnacle

MainActor 5 - very capable entry level NLE, check Mainconcept website

Video Studio 7 (Ulead) - easy to use, inexpensive

Canopus Let's Edit - I've read very good things about it

Sony Screenblast - very intuitive, excellent concept by Sonic Foundry (Vegas for beginners) very good

plus of course big boys (Vegas 4, Edition by Pinnacle, Premiere Pro, MSP7 by Ulead, Avid Express).

My preference: Vegas like workflow (Pinnacle, Magix, MainActor).
Least user friendly: Adobe Premiere Pro, Pinnacle Edition. Avid Express
I agree with qlizard that smart render is a great feature and it gets very annoying when you edit MPEG2 in Vegas.

For most projects Sony Screenblast - Pinnacle Studio 9 duo will cover most home editing projects quite well.

[Safesurfer]

Have a look at Puremotion Editstudio as well, I've found it to be a very capable midlevel program. Tech support is second to none, and very active forum. MPEG plugin (uses Mainconcept) for creating MPEG2. Doesn't author DVDs, but that's what DVD-Lab is for

[lacywest]

duderdude2,

I have edited huge projects in Vegas Video 4.0 + DVD Architect 1.0. A couple of them had over 15 hours of footage, all captured, edited, and authored with Vegas + DVD. Vegas does in very few cases hang when you first import a 60-90min DV capture (I found this was a problem when I used older VHS camcorder footage) although I did have this problem on a 84 min MiniDV tape in LP mode. The learning curve for Vegas is pretty steep but after buying a $39.95 guide and reading through that and doing the sample projects the process became very easy and the flow of work is amazing once you get the hang of it. The best feature is that the filters and effects are all displayed in real-time. And the format output options are pretty much endless. I could keep going on and on about how I love this program. The price is a huge barrier but I paid 499.99 + the book and I would say that it is worth every penny.

I also had Pinnacle Studio 7 and 8, so I feel your pain...

alstatr

The feature I like in Vegas Video is ... joining two mpg videos and overlapping them .... as one reaches the end ... the first video is fading out and the second video is fading in.

I've also used Vegas 4 ... to make ending credits for a custom video.

Plus added comments ... as the video played ... kind of like subtitles in the video ... but permanent. And placed them where I wanted them to be conveniently located.

[duderdude2]

The feature I like in Vegas Video is ... joining two mpg videos and overlapping them .... as one reaches the end ... the first video is fading out and the second video is fading in.

Isn’t that a standard feature in most video editors? Isn’t that a simple “fade” transition? Unless I miss understood you...

[lacywest]

The feature I like in Vegas Video is ... joining two mpg videos and overlapping them .... as one reaches the end ... the first video is fading out and the second video is fading in.

Isn’t that a standard feature in most video editors? Isn’t that a simple “fade” transition? Unless I miss understood you...

I don't consider it a simple fade transition feature.

I pull the up coming following video over the first video ... as one video is still playing ... another video begins in the background.

The fading effect depends on how far into the first video I drag the second video in to the first video. Could be several seconds if I choose.

[BJ_M]

that is a simple fade, right click on the fade and chose one of the many other profiles for a fade -- now its a little more complex ..

add a 3d effect to the fade , thats a complex effect . add keyframable effects on top of that and portion blur ... getting really more complex for a fade ...

but often times a quick cut is just as effective .. to much "fancy stuff" is distracting at times.

[Beavis]

I believe there is currently a rebate on Vegas 4 with free upgrade to 5 when it's released. Check Sony's site.