Hi All:

IThis forum rocks...thanks for all the help to newbies!

Here is a question that I am not sure been addressed before - it involves some comparison of speed of available software (if it is discussed before, then my apologies). I am a newbie and want to buy a DVD capture and burn software around $50 that can help me get my home videos from camcorder to DVD. I have Pioneer dvr 105 (4x) model and firewire card. I am looking for speed of burn, clarity of video, and ease of use as important criteria in my decision.

I have really old models of DVD burning software that came bundled with the SONY TVR 310 digital camcorder I bought 3 yrs back. The reason I provide this info is that it is possible that I can get away with buying just an upgrade of any of these softwares and do not have to shell out full price for the latest full version. Here are the details:

I tried to use one of them (Pinnacle Express 1.10.17) but it was so slow, I had to give up. The other softwares I have are Ulead VideoStudion (version 4) and Nero Express and Nero Vision Express (no idea version #, but of circa 1999). With versions this old, I am not even sure I can upgrade them. If that is the case, then I will just buy a brand new software according to your advice based on 3 criteria put in paragraph one.

Thanks again for your time and help!

PS: I am NOT into VCDs. I do NOTwant to edit videos, just transfer them from camcorder to DVD (though I know almost all software come with editing capability). I am also not loking for freeware - all I need is a bundled "one-in-all" consumer solution for a newbie with kids who has no time to do anything but just transfer video . I have browsed through Newbie guides on capture/authoring here, but not sure my specific concerns discussed there. Please help out an overworked dad here - Thanks again!