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Formula Jr
12-02-2004, 03:24 AM
I would like to start playing with video editing/production using a PC to burn on to DVDs. What software do any of you use?

Thanks.

ToonaFish
12-02-2004, 08:38 AM
Do you mind if I piggyback on your thread? :wink:

I'm computer shopping for my parents. This means it has to be simple enough for them to use and for me to explain its actions or lack thereof over the phone to them. :banghead:

They are familiar with Win98 and most basic computer functions. We would like their new computer to convert bazillions of videos into DVD's and store a frighteningly large number of negatives and slides and photos. (No, Poodle, the family money doesn't come from pornography.)

What are your opinions about the Windows XP Media Center operating system?

They live on the top of a mountain and are restricted to dialup for the near future, but what type modemish thing should we install to cover the eventual DSL/Broadband/spaceage mumbo jumbo arrival?

Which is truly more important, memory or processor speed?

What about film scanners? Any recommendations?

I keep returning to the HP models, as they seem to have most of what I "think" we need and (I know I'm Pollyana here) they won't face conflicting hardware/software issues. Any suggestions are welcome!

Oh, and to answer your question, Owen, I have Sonic and ATI and Windows Movie Maker; I have yet to use any of them, as I'm waiting to convert the videos first. I'll be very curious what these guys recommend!

txtaz
12-02-2004, 10:15 AM
JR,
Your question is a little vague. Video editing and production are two different things. One is cheap, one is quite expensive. I use editing software for the video camera and the Adaptec VidioOhh analog to digital video converter. You can take any analog video/audio device and convert it to digital using a USB equiped computer. I use Arcsoft video software and Windows Movie Maker. You can do fades and effects with this software, but that's about it. If you are going for production, prepare to spend several thousand on software and equipment.
Toona, Most new computers will come with WinXP these days. I would go with one of the biggies (HP, Dell Etc), they are cheap and no one can compete with a $600 computer with free options. Give me a few weeks for an opinion on XP Media OS, I'm planning on using my BIG BLUE (dual processor, 1024Mg RAM, RAID 5, bahemouth) as a media center, server, and telecoms.
"Which is truly more important, memory or processor speed?"
MEMORY!!!!! Speed never hurts which is why we drive Donzi's.
"What about film scanners? Any recommendations?"
What kind of film? If you already have an analog device for the film, get the Adaptec A/D converter to route to the computer for capture. Your analog device needs to have the usual outputs for audio/video.
Ohhhhhh, and have tons of disk space if you are playing with video. Also a 10,000 RPM drive would help.
Hope this helps,
Wes

Formula Jr
12-02-2004, 10:38 PM
Vague happens to be my middle name...... especially if I have no clue what i'm talking about. :)

Lets see, this is what I would like to be able to do.

To save about 10 hours of raw video on a hard drive from a digital camcorder. And then be able to edit and manipulate scenes for color, contrast, light levels, length and speed. I would also like very strong sound controls, voice over, background music and closely sych this to the frames, etc and be able to make good looking titles and credits. The final format would be DVD only, not interested in VHS - unless someone thinks that is important. Scene to scene transitions would be like you see in the movies. No wipes, or weird blends but maybe double exposure transitions. I know I'm probably going to have to take a class or something. I'm just asking the first and very stupid questions here. I want to start making 30 to 60 second projects and then work up to full length movies (140 minutes.)

Celene, take a look at the HP 1210 all in one printer, scanner, copiers. I 've been scanning all my old photos and the thing works great, prints great and seems like a good value. The HP soft is crap and not very intuitive but I just take all the scans and run them through MGI Photosuite 8. But the best photosoft I've run into was Graphic Convertor in classic Mac (shareware). I'm very disappointed with system X. Leave it to Apple to screw up a perfectly good interface that people knew how to use with out a manual.

RedDog
12-07-2004, 01:57 PM
Formula - sounds like Adobe Premier and a new monster computer are in order.

I like Ahead Nero for burning VCD and DVD disks.

VCD is essentially a lower resolution video that you burn to a CD and will play in most new DVD players. A good way to start (CDs are cheap)

TMPEGnc (http://www.pegasys-inc.com/en/index.html) is good for converting AVI files to MPEG - needed for both VCD and DVD

Refer to http://www.videohelp.com/ for how to info

TuxedoPk
12-07-2004, 11:53 PM
Owen,

It sounds like you are going to be looking for a nice system. I'd suggest you take a look at AVID who produces the top video editing software to get an idea of what features can be had and then decide which features are must haves, nice to haves, etc. The AVID stuff certainly isn't the cheapest but they are leap years ahead of all the other packages out there when you need it.