editor choice: a balance act

[Sulpicio]

Hi there

I am new to video editing: it all started a few weeks ago, when I bought a DVR: now I need to make basic edit (cut commercial from tv recordings) and transfer VHS materials to DVD.

Since I'd rather avoid the footage to be reincoded, I opted for trying all the MPEG editors:
Videoredo, TMPGenc Mpeg Editor, Womble Video Wizard etc.

I couldn't really get a grip on Mpeg Editor, maybe because I tried Videoredo first: it really makes things a piece of cake. So, I feel like I am going to get Videoredo to begin with.

Questions:

for effects and titles:

I wanted to like Womble Video Wizard, as it has the right mix of ease and basic power for my needs, but.....It freezes whenever I try to load files bigger then 3 Gb (which are outputted by DVD Decrypter joining of the VS files, works without probs in Videoredo). Any idea for fixes? I contacted Womble who asked me to send them the footage. I mean, great thing to know that they care, but upping 3 gb? Not really an option.

I kinda liked Magix Video Deluxe 2006, it looks like it has loads of power for a small amount of money (I mean, being an occasional amateur, I cannot really justify spending more then 100$). Is it intuitive? Maybe I should read the manual, but it kinda intimidated me.

I disliked Ulead Videostudio, it also froze on me several times.

And how about the light Premiere and Vegas versions? I happened to d/l Vegas, but it was the full version, quite daunting impact.

For DVD Authoring: I see that TDA is cool, but isn't Nerovision Express 3 good enough? You can't change the size of caption on the menus but else it looks like it allows to customize templates.

My plan is to start by getting Videoredo and then get some good advice for the other tools I may need.

thanks in advance!

[lordsmurf]

What DVD recorder?
Are these VR or VIDEO mode recordings?

VR is a problem. Panasonic is a problem.
Let's see what you have.

[Sulpicio]

hi Lordsmurf, thanks!

it's a Philips DVDR3360H. I actually don't know if it's in VR or Video Mode, actually I don't even know what the difference between the two, I'll check it out.

[lordsmurf]

Philips should be DVD+VR mode, which is actually a DVD-Video subset. I take it you're recording onto DVD+R or DVD+RW discs, right?

[Sulpicio]

yes, I use DVD+RW to move things to pc. DVD-R burned directly in the box are working with other players.

Actually Video Wizard was working with files of up to 3 Gb, the last one though was 3,68 Gb and VW choked. On the other hand Videoredo opens everything without blinking and quite fast: amazing application, once you get used to the uglish UI.

[Sulpicio]

I see you are right: the dvd+rw disc is labeled DVD_VR.

Now, even if it was possible to burn data in VIDEO format, ain't sure I would, isn't it like it takes much more time to complete the burning in VIDEO format? Until now it has taken about 20 min. to burn a disc, and I do this operation (DVR>DVD+RW>PC) three or four times a week. Suggestions?

I am also open for suggestion about an editor: on a second thought, maybe Edit Studio is the right compromise for me, I didn't care much for it when I installed the demo first, but I know better know, for sure I know what doesn't work for me: Vegas, overkill, Ulead VS, instable like hell, Magix, yeah, maybe.
As I wrote adding simple transitions and titles is what I am thinking of.

[Sulpicio]

My plan is to start by getting Videoredo and then get some good advice for the other tools I may need.

thanks in advance!

excuse me if I quote myself, but I still need that advice: I am going to convert old VHS footage (tv-tapes and home movies) with my DVD recorder: I'll need a tool to make titles and standard transitions.
I can't make up my mind:

I am considering to get Vegas Movie Studio, but that would mean reincoding, I guess I'd rather not have to?
Womble Video Wizard is cute, but I experienced sync-probs with large files.
Does the editor in TDA have any kind of titling/transitions? (asking this since I know I'll eventually buy TDA for authoring.

I've already bought Videoredo for cutting the ads out of tv-recording, and I'd rather not have to buy more than one or two apps.

thank you!

[mattso]

VideoReDo is a fantastic piece of software. There is much mention over on their forum about the impending introduction of simple transitions - fades, dissolves, etc. I can't wait!

Until then, MVW is your best bet. Can you not use the trial version?

[Sulpicio]

VideoReDo is a fantastic piece of software. There is much mention over on their forum about the impending introduction of simple transitions - fades, dissolves, etc.

Great news, as I just have purchased Videoredo. I hope it won't take a long time.

Until then, MVW is your best bet. Can you not use the trial version?

good suggestion, you mean that....err....it will keep working after the trial 30 period.

Or how about this solution, can it be done? :

I make the credit titles as a new mpeg files in say Vegas, then append it to the other material using the Joiner in Videoredo?

[mattso]

To be honest I'm not sure about the MVW trial version. It might put a watermark or something on your output?

Yes, VideoReDo will join mpeg segments seamlessly & losslessly, while keeping audio perfectly in sync.

You simply add your mpeg files to the joiner, and you can rearrange the order etc, then simply save out to mpg, m2v, vob, whatever you like.

Have fun!