Editing software recommendations

[richard67]

I'm looking for some recommendations for reliable editing software as my current software (Magix Movie Edit Pro 10) is letting me down time and time again. The main problems I'm experiencing with the Magix software is unreliability in DVD burning and also the fact that it keeps crashing on a regular basis resulting in me losing work If there is any software out there that won't give me any hassle in the area of DVD burning in particular then I will be a very happy lad!

Therefore I would welcome any thoughts on any other editing software that won't let me down in these areas. I'm looking for software that includes features such as - Picture in picture, blue/green screen, good DVD authoring options/layouts and the usual various visual/audio effects etc.

The Magix software only cost me £25 (you get what you pay for I suppose ). I don't want to spend a fortune, if possible, but would be willing to spend more if it meant getting reliable software. Any thoughts/recommendations would be most welcome

Cheers.

[Moonstomp]

Hi,

When it comes to all in one (affordable) software to edit and author a DVD - it's gotta be Ulead. www.ulead.com They have a range of products for video to DVD processing.

DVD Moviefactory - Very good/reliable and with many features.

DVD Workshop - As above but with many more features, and of course more expensive.


The products will burn your final DVD to disc also or if you have NERO you can use that if you prefer.

Good luck,

Moonstomp.

[richard67]

Cheers, I'll investigate each 8)

[terjeber]

When it comes to all in one (affordable) software to edit and author a DVD - it's gotta be Ulead. www.ulead.com They have a range of products for video to DVD processing.

Not to start a flame-war or anything, but I will have to disagree. As a long-time Ulead customer (Video Studio, Movie Studio Pro, DVD Workshop 2, 3D Studio) I would no longer recommend them. The Sony Vegas products are better, higher quality, better work flow. In addition to this it seems the Vegas product line is maintained better than the Ulead product line. More releases, more up-to-date software.

The one thing that finally got me was the fact that Ulead has yet to update DVD Workshop to enable 16:9 menus, and DVD Workshop is now several years old, and has had no updates whatsoever for a year. Software that hasn't been updated at all for a year is either perfect or it has been abandoned by its creator. DVD Workshop isn't perfect.

These days though, the best thing is to try before you buy. Download Vegas and Ulead both and try them out.

[Moonstomp]

I'm sure Vegas is better than Moviefactory, but as richard67 said "I don't want to spend a fortune", I thought I should bear this in mind in my reply.

After all Moviefactory is about $40 and Vegas is $450.

I've used Moviefactory for a number of years and find ith versatile enough for my requirements. I'm sure many others do too.

Thanks,

Moonstomp.

[harley2ride]

Actually you could look at adobe premiere elements or vegas movie studio, both of which are available for $70. 00 or less.

[Cunhambebe]

May I suggest Sony Vegas and Sony DVD Architect?
The Full version of Vegas (and not movie studio) is very, very poweful. Some people still resist and prefer Premiere, but Vegas definitely rocks. It comes with a certified Dolby Surround encoder, and lets you make your own dolby panning. Editing with Vegas is a very easy task: fast and reliable. It comes also with a series of useful plug-ins, transitions and effects.

Sony DVD Architect is my favorite authoring application for DVD. Although it still has some issues such as the correct configuration for the NEXT button on DVD's Remote Control, the learning curve is very easy if compared with other softwares such as DVD LAB PRO. You can make motion menus with Vegas and use them in DVDA. Other features:
playlists; compatible with menus made in Photoshop; jacket pictures; it has a series of tools to resize and correct images for menus; end actions; subtitles, etc.

[Jeremiah58]

May I suggest Sony Vegas and Sony DVD Architect?

You may.

[Cunhambebe]

Jeremiah where's topic number 2 on the W.Cup? Is that SuperSupreme's fault? Shall we blame it on SuperManolito?

[A_51]

Hi Magix video edit 10 is not the best but its pretty good when it comes to balance features and $$$. I have the US version 10. I had a little problem at first but after I uninstall and re-installed it was ok. If your problem is on the authoring phase or burning keep in mind that these are extras on the program and are provided to supplement the edited result. Meaning that they are not the best and only do a minimal of functions and templates. As a video editor is pretty good, make sure you update your version from their web site and not from the auto update on the program, that part of the program is broken as it says on their forum. When you have it working bring up task manager to make sure that no other program has problems with it, you might have a conflict.

Remember that there are at least 5 steps to make a DVD, wile some programs might do a couple of them, the all in one approach turns up either weak or very costly. Have programs do what they are meant to do.
Capture - capture card application, vdub, MMC, video edit pro, nero vision, others.
Edit - adobe premiere, vegas, video edit pro, ulead, others.
Encode - Video edit pro, premiere plug in, vegas, ulead, CCE, Tmpeg, others.
Author - TDA, ulead workshop, GUI for dvdauthor, others.
Burn - Nero, Prasy ones, imgburn, others.

Most of the best programs are playwear but a lot of the good ones are free. Anyone can build a really descent suit of programs for DVD for less than $70.

[terjeber]

I'm sure Vegas is better than Moviefactory, but as richard67 said "I don't want to spend a fortune", I thought I should bear this in mind in my reply.

After all Moviefactory is about $40 and Vegas is $450.

Sorry, I should have been a little bit more specific in my reply. For about the same price as Moviefactory, you can get Vegas Movie Studio + DVD, a package that is, in my opinion, superior to Moviefactory. It is also maintained by a company that is unlikely to go out of business soon. The latest moves at Ulead are not a sign of good health.