Best way to share files for editing?

[Migolein]

I’m managing a video project for a surprise party – collecting, splicing and editing video contributions to make a 10-15 minute video to be shown at the party. I’m a complete newbie, so this presents quite a challenge, and I have a lot of questions. But I’ll limit myself to the top 3:

1. Several contributors live far away. What’s the best way for them to transfer their video files to me without sacrificing too much quality? Should I set up an account to share files on something like Google or Vimeo? Should they send them to me directly with a large file transfer program like binfer? Should they burn a disk and post it overnight express?

2. I won’t have control over the format the contributions are delivered in. What’s the best way to convert them to a compatible format, again without losing too much quality?

3. I was planning to use Windows Movie Maker (on Windows XP) for the final product, because I have it already. But I’ve read here and elsewhere that it’s not great. What free editing software would you recommend?

I have time and the inclination to learn how to do this, but my contributors have less time and widely varying degrees of computer skills. The best options would be whatever's easiest for them.

I appreciate any advice you can give me.

[aedipuss]

1-if they are small enough use a file hosting site and they can post and you download. if they are too large set up a ftp server on your computer and they can upload directly to you.

2-a decent editing program can handle most formats.

3-there are no good free ones. look for something like vegas studio hd. it can be found fairly cheap.

[Cauptain]

1 - Try using MSN Skydrive, because no restricition size file. Go to your skydrive and set full edit to anyone contribuitor with link.

2 - No convert, using direct file, but if you need use a lossless codec to convert to AVI 9better suport on editors)

3 - No knowledge? Power Director 10. Some knowledge Vegas Studio Hd/11.



Claudio

[Migolein]

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. looks like msn skydrive and vegas will serve me well.

[TreeTops]

Skydive has a 2GB limit on file uploads. Total files allowed 7GB. More will cost money.

[Cornucopia]

IIWY, I'd set up an FTP site. Direct 1 trip (them to you), virtually no size limit. There are free FTP servers/services/daemons, so no real cost. Most difficult part is the IP/DNS setup, which isn't that hard.

Of course, if your size limits are quite low, SkyDrive will probably work for you.

Scott

[Cauptain]

Skydive has a 2GB limit on file uploads. Total files allowed 7GB. More will cost money.

Strange...My all accounts MSN is 25Gb free






Claudio

[budwzr]

Any cloud solution takes twice as long. FTP or HTTP is the way to go.

[Cauptain]

IIWY, I'd set up an FTP site. Direct 1 trip (them to you), virtually no size limit. There are free FTP servers/services/daemons, so no real cost. Most difficult part is the IP/DNS setup, which isn't that hard.

Of course, if your size limits are quite low, SkyDrive will probably work for you.

Scott

Yes, I agree.

Other solution is HFS software.

Its create a upload folder on your PC direct to your friend or people. No server.

Its freeware and VERY NICE app.





Claudio

[TreeTops]

Cauptain, I saw this:

[Cornucopia]

It's also not well suited for editing. Iiwy, I'd use Vegas along with AVISynth/ffmpeg to assist in converting to a common (both in the sense of popular and of unified) , lossless, editing format.

Scott