how many video programs do I need

[scuubaadoo]

Recently got a free copy of ULead VideoStudio8 with a purchase. When I went to the web site it had a program for authoring a program converting your video to dvd format. I just got a Sony HC7, Amphibico housing and Salvo lights. How many programs do I really need to convert output from the mini tape in the camera to a dvd I can give some one to play on their computer/ dvd player.

TIA

 

[njd3rph]

I am not familiar with the program you recieved for free; however, I use Pinnicle Studio 10 which is available for a reasonable price and does an excellent job for authoring video from camera to dvd and does not require any additional software.

 

[robint]

ditto, Pinnacle Studio is what I use for all my video work. I have been told that Premier is also very good... I would choose one of those to use for everything. Very user friendly formats and can do all functions you need.

robint

 

[PerroneFord]

I generally go from capture to DVD with 2 programs. Sony Vegas and Sony DVD Architect. Sometimes I use Adobe Premiere for certain things. In certain cases, I use some other programs (like VirtualDub) to do cleanup or de-interlacing on the video, but only for stuff I have not shot myself.

You should be able to go from camera to DVD with one or two programs though.

 

[HenrikBP]

If you're on Mac (not likely, I know) you'd be good to go with iMovie and iDVD, which, I believe, comes free with the computer.

Henrik

 

[scuubaadoo]

but if i am just trying to do videos formyself then the authoring (is that just a fancy word for editing?) will do. If I am trying to maybe make a few bucks by selling a polished video to the folks on the boat then I will need to go for a authoring and dvd program?

 

[PerroneFord]

No,

Some editing programs include the ability to make DVDs, and some do not include it. It's as simple as that. Creating the Mpeg2 files means that code as to be licensed to write those kinds of files. That adds expense. Unless you are writing Mpeg2 files, you don't need it in the program. So it's cheaper NOT to include it in the editing program. For those people who want to make DVDs, they can purchase a package that includes the ability to write Mpeg2 files and which bears the licensing costs.

 

[scuubaadoo]

I got that. Perrone from other post I have seen you write I take it you do quite a bit of this. Which programs do you recommend and you mentioned that you some times use 2 programs, is that just because each program is dedicated and does a better job at what it does?

 

[ronscuba]

If you are just doing this for yourself, skip making a DVD. Record your edited video back to your camcorder tape and watch it on an HDTV. Way better than burning to a standard resolution DVD.

 

[drbill]

One program SHOULD do the trick for simple capture, editing and production. However, I tend to have a number of programs in my "tool kit" since I have yet to find one single program that does everything I want it to the way I want it to.