Sound and video editing/production software ideas?

[Wickerman]

I make 3 to 5 minute "videos" that market services to our internal customers (thats the easiest way to say it, not entirely accurate). They'll be dumped onto DVD or VT for individualized viewing or for projection at meetings.

I looked into Adobe Premiere (I used 1.0 briefly, years back) and Sony Vegas. My company decided those products weren't in the budget.

After looking the two products that can come close and still meet the budget are both Sony products - SoundForge Audio Studio 7 and Vegas Movie Studio + DVD.

Am I looking at the best bang for my buck? I've about $200.00 for software and the two products listed fall under that range. Opinions needed!

[Wickerman]

1. umm, anyone with a thought or two on this?

any help, thoughts appreciated.

[democracyindanger]

2. search here

videohelp.com

lots of free/share/cheapware. Good quality. But if you want to go name-brand, also check places like newegg.com, which typically sells premium stuff for cheap.

[salvorhardin]

3. You may want to investigate Cinelerra

http://heroinewarrior.com/cinelerra.php3

It's Linux, so you'll need a Linux box but this is a very comprehensive video production system.

[Wickerman]

4. Sounds very cool

until I get here:

RECOMMENDED FRONT END SYSTEM

Now Cinelerra is by no means a lightweight program. You'll need something slightly less sexy than a handheld organizer to run it most effectively.

Dual 2.4Ghz Opteron
4GB RAM.
200 GB storage for movie files.
Gigabit ethernet



Yikes! Well, still worth considering. Thanks!

[bvar22]

5. I edit my own videos for personal use and fun.

1) I use a Hi-8 Sony videoCam, (recommend minimum Hi8 or Digital)

2) download through Radeon All-in-Wonder graphics card,

3) into a DELL 2ghtz with an added 130Gig HD dedicated to video

4) use Ulead MediaStudio Pro to edit

5) Output to either .avi or .mpg,

6) burn them to CD.

Computer Video Editing is a chain. The quality of the output will only be as good as the weakest link.
I've been very happy with my results. I've never uploaded my video work to a SVHS Video Player or DVD, so I don't know how good the quality would be in a TV video or DVD format. I suspect it would be very good.

Ulead MediaStudio Pro works OK for me. It has an effects plug in for transitions and titles, sound synchro and editing for sound effects and music track. I've never used anything else, so I don't know how it compares.

Media Studio Pro retail is $299.00

This is their site:

http://www.ulead.com/msp/communities.htm


If you are going to be editing video, HORSEPOWER rules. Get the

fastest processor,

all the ram you can stuff under the hood,

the biggest HardDrive you can afford (dedicate either an entire HD, or at least a 75Gig partition for editing video ONLY.



I am the only one I know who uses the Ulead Product.
Everyone else uses Adobe, but they admit my end product is as good as theirs.



Good Luck. Its really frustrating at first because so many different processes must work together for a good end product.

For a good professional quality video, you should use at least two cameras for different angles and external microphones (Pro quality) for improved sound, or dub the sound later.

Again, good luck. Let us know how it is going.

Bob
St Paul

[Wickerman]

6. Thanks Bob

Yeah, horsepower won't be a problem - our tech people built me a helluva machine. I've a gig of RAM and a second 80 gig hard drive.

I'm also using a Hi-8 Sony - I like it but want to upgrade. I use some nice Audio-Technica low impedance mics for ambiance, and have some nice condensers for directional stuff.

I've read of Ulead and considered it but demo'ed a version of Sony Vegas and got sucked in on that - seems like I used something freeware of Ulead some years ago and liked it.

Appreciate your input.

St Paul, huh? I'm essentially in Rochester. :hi:

[bvar22]

7. URWelcome

Rochester....as in Minnesota?

If so, check in at the Minnesota State Forum. We have a very active and very progressive State Group of DUers.
We are having a "get together/Christmas Party" on Tues. 28th at Nye's in Minneapolis.
You are invited.


Good Luck with the Video.
It's lots of fun after everything gets working right.